Our new system to reduce the number of annual review appointments you need to attend
As of Summer 2020, Ireland Wood and Horsforth Medical Practice implemented a new review system to reduce the number of annual appointments that patients with long term conditions (LTCs) need to attend.
We understand that your time is precious, and that you may not want to attend several appointments throughout the year to manage your long term condition(s) so starting this year, we will be changing the way we schedule these health reviews. You will be recalled during the month of your birth, and we will book the appointments in such a way that you only need to attend once or twice a year. There are circumstances when patients will need to attend more than this, but for the vast majority we will be reducing the number of repeat appointments for managing long term conditions. Not only will this save you time, and reduce the need for repeat visits; but it will also increase overall capacity at the practice meaning that it will be easier for our patients to access routine appointments.
Which conditions require an annual health review?
If you have one of the following conditions then you will be invited for an annual health check. You will receive a letter inviting you to make an appointment. Your appointment will be for the management of one or more of the following conditions:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Kidney disease
- Heart disease
- Asthma
- Chronic bronchitis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Learning disabilities
- Dementia
- Severe mental health problems
You may need a blood test before the appointment, in which case the invite will state this.
If you have received a letter asking you to book an appointment, please contact the practice by phone, and quote the code on your letter. The receptionist will then be able to book you into an appropriate appointment.
Appointment codes
You will receive a letter from the practice when your long term condition review is due.
The letter will contain a booking code; this code tells the receptionist which kind of appointment you need dependent on the long term condition(s) you have. Please remember to have your letter handy when calling to book your appointment.