Woodsend PPG Newsletter 

Welcome to the first 2025 edition of the Woodsend Patient Participation Group newsletter. 

In each issue, we aim to provide you with useful insights into the practice activities and initiatives. Our focus is on ensuring you have access to the right help and support when you need it, without necessarily requiring a doctor's visit. The reception team are trained to help direct you to the best support on the day you call. To understand more about their work, in this edition, we highlight the role of Chloe Crosby, the Reception Team Leader.

Practice Updates

January 2025

Here's a snapshot of our recent activity:

• Advanced Nurse Practitioner appointments: 316
• Practice Nurse appointments: 782.
• Missed appointments: 67.

We understand that you may need to cancel appointments. To help with this, we've introduced a dedicated cancellation line which is one of the options on the main practice number. If you're unable to attend, please let us know, as soon as you can, so we can offer your slot to another patient in need.

Simply press option 2 on the main menu when calling 01536 212412. We are currently doing some work to understand the barriers to cancelling appointments. 

Campaign Highlight: Eating Disorder Awareness 

In the UK, at least 1.25 million people are living with an eating disorder That’s at least 1 in 50 people.  And yet many people wouldn’t know how to spot the signs that someone has an eating disorder. This is important because the sooner someone  

is treated for an eating disorder the better their chance of making a full recovery.

If you or anyone you know are suffering from an eating disorder, call BEAT Eating Disorder’s on 0808 801 0677. Visit their website here.

Staff Spotlight

A Day in the Life of Chloe Crosby, Reception Team Leader

Ever wondered about the role of a Reception Team Leader involves? Chloe gives us an insight on the day-to-day activities.

What is your role at Woodsend Medical centre? 

I assist our Reception Manager in the day to day running of the reception area and Team. I have assigned responsibilities, for example being practice support for PPG, I oversee the fire procedures in Woodsend.

In addition, I am the practice wellbeing lead. At times, I will assist our reception team with their duties. 

What does a typical working day look like for you? 

I start at 7:30am, I will typically help my Reception Manager with any clinic changes due to staff sickness. Otherwise, I will answer calls at 8am. During this time, I will keep my eye on the clinics, ensuring patients have been booked with the best clinician. I have multiple ad hoc tasks that I complete as and when. For example, any PPG related queries or requests, this will be mainly after our meetings.

Weekly I will conduct a fire alarm test, along with the other fire safety equipment. Bi-annually we will do a fire evacuation drill, I will resolve any issues that arise during this to maintain good practice.  I am also the wellbeing lead for Woodsend and will arrange fun activities for the team to engage with each other. Good Teamwork is vital in the smooth running of our team.

What are the main challenges you face in your role?  

Patients can sometimes have preconceptions about who we are. Sometimes we are referred to as the ‘bouncers’ of the GP’s, but we are not. We’re doing the best we can, and this can get difficult. We want patients to be seen and get the treatment they require. We are here to help YOU; patients tend to have an idea of how the interaction is going to end before it has even started. Let us fully understand your need, giving us as much detail as possible. This will allow us to direct you to the correct clinician, as you do not always need to see a GP.

What are the three most important things that patients need to know about how a receptionist can help them? 

Be open minded, we are trained to think outside the box. You don’t always have to see a GP, or even anyone in the GP practice. Pharmacy First has been a great asset to our patients.  We are always trying to make sure you have the best care.
If we are not able to help on that day, we always have advice on what to do next.  

It’s difficult for the team not to be able to give everyone an appointment straight away, but sometimes we just don’t have the capacity. I do understand patients’ frustrations but can sometimes be powerless to help. 

A request from the practice staff 

At our practice, we are committed to providing exceptional care in a respectful and supportive environment. We understand that interacting with the healthcare system can be stressful, but we kindly ask that all patients treat our staff with courtesy and consideration.

Verbal abuse, threats, aggressive language, or physical violence towards our employees will never be tolerated. This includes any instance of swearing, foul language, or attending the practice under the influence of alcohol or drugs. All such incidents will be reported to the proper authorities, as the safety and well-being of our staff is our top priority.

By working together with mutual respect and understanding, we can ensure a positive experience for all. Thank you for your cooperation and for entrusting us with your care.

Patient Resources

Woodsend Medical Centre is part of Aspiro Healthcare and is CQC inspected and rated as "Good." 

• Address: School Place, Corby, Northants, NN18 0QP 
• Telephone appointment line: 01536 212412
• Cancellation line: Option 2 on the main practice number above

Thank you for being part of the Woodsend Patient Participation Group community. If you have any feedback or suggestions for future newsletters, we'd love to hear from you!

Please use the contact us function to give us your opinion.

Warm regards,  

Woodsend Patient Participation Group 

Published: Feb 4, 2025