Culcheth Medical Centre

Have you got a hospital appointment? 🏥

Then catch the 16/16A to the hospital from Warrington Interchange - now running up to every 12 mins (Mon-Sat daytime).

It’s Carers Week 2025 and this year’s theme is "Caring About Equality" — because unpaid carers deserve better. 💜

Far too many carers of all ages face inequality every day. From financial hardship and poor health to lost opportunities in education, work, and social life — their contributions often go unrecognised and unsupported.

Let’s change that. Let’s raise our voices, share their stories, and call for fair treatment for all carers. 💪

Find out how to support or get involved: https://www.carersuk.org/

🩸🌍 It’s World Blood Donor Day! 🌍🩸

Did you know just one donation can save up to three lives? Giving blood is one of the simplest and most powerful acts of kindness you can do.

Whether you're a regular donor or it's your first time, today’s the perfect day to book an appointment and make a life-saving difference.

Be a hero. Give blood. 💪❤️
Find out how to donate: https://www.blood.co.uk/

Men's mental health matters 🧠 Many men face mental health challenges but hesitate to seek help. Remember, you're not alone. Shout 85258 offers free, confidential, 24/7 text support. Just text 'SHOUT' to 85258 to connect with a trained volunteer.

It's okay to talk. Support is just a text away.

👉 Learn more: https://giveusashout.org/get-help/resources/mens-mental-health/

PATIENT SURVEY - FEEDBACK JUNE 2025

Spring/Summer 2025 – Your voice matters
Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete our recent patient survey. Your feedback is vital in helping us review, reflect, and improve the services we provide to the community.
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What You Told Us
We’re pleased to see so many of you shared positive experiences. Your appreciation means a great deal to our hardworking team.
What you liked most:
• “Wonderful staff – caring”
• “Excellent care from all staff”
• “Very good surgery”
• “Receptionists and clinicians are excellent”
• “Much better than previous practice”
You also shared constructive suggestions and concerns, especially around appointments, phone queues, and parking — and we’ve taken them seriously.
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Appointments
We know access to appointments can be frustrating — particularly for patients with work, school, or carer commitments.
You told us:
• Appointments are difficult to book, especially by phone
• Booking ahead would be helpful
• Early and late appointments would support working patients
• The online system can be confusing
What we’re doing:
• Continually reviewing how and when appointments are released
• Offering SystmConnect appointment request forms for non-urgent issues
• Maintaining a call-back system to reduce time spent waiting on hold

🔹 We also offer Enhanced Extended Access appointments on evenings and weekends through our PCN Hub, making it easier for patients who cannot attend during regular hours.

🔹 In addition, we are open late until 9:00 PM every Tuesday, and early from 7:00 AM every Friday to provide more flexibility.
Warrington Innovation Network :: Warrington PCNs & GPs
Please remember: many services, including prescription requests, admin queries, and appointment booking for non-urgent issues, can be accessed through our website or NHS App.
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Phone Queues & Patient Behaviour
Phone wait times, especially around 8:30 AM, are a common complaint. Please know this is not due to staff inefficiency but the reality of high demand — as we are the only GP surgery in Culcheth.
We’ve also had questions about our telephone system and message length.
🔹 We are required by NHS guidance to include certain information in our welcome message, such as call recording notices, emergency advice, and data protection details.
🔹 We are reviewing the message content to make it as concise as possible while staying compliant.
We urge patients to use the call-back system and online request forms wherever possible — these are in place to support you, but many patients still don’t use them.

Parking & Access
Parking was another frequent topic in your feedback. We want to be clear and transparent about the situation:
• There is a free public car park directly across the road from the surgery for patients and staff alike.
• Disabled parking spaces are available on site.
• Some patients leave vehicles parked at the surgery or pharmacy and go shopping in the village, which reduces availability.
• Patients frequently park in the designated ambulance bay, which is a serious safety concern and must be avoided at all times.
• Many staff commute from outside the village and need access to on-site parking to carry out their work.
• There is no current policy preventing staff from parking on-site, and we have no alternative provision available. Staff utilise the public car park as much as possible.
We appreciate your patience and encourage considerate parking to help ensure space is available for those who need it most.
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Online Services & Test Results
Some patients reported difficulty accessing test results and navigating our website.
What we’re doing:
• Reviewing our website design to improve ease of use
• Working to ensure test results and follow-up plans are communicated more clearly
• Encouraging use of the NHS App for real-time access to medical records, results, and appointment tools
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Reception & Communication
We received a mix of comments about reception – with many positive mentions, and some concerns.
What we’re doing:
• Ongoing training for reception staff in customer service and triage
• Reinforcing that triage decisions follow clinical protocols, not personal judgment
• Investigating specific concerns where needed
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Doctors & Nurses
We’re incredibly proud of our clinical team, and grateful to see how many of you recognise their dedication.
What you said:
• “Dr Sinha is very caring”
• “Dr Macbeth is wonderful”
• “Nurses are always helpful and friendly”
• “Excellent care from reception to clinician”
Thank you for continuing to value the people who care for you.
________________________________________
Survey Design
We heard that some patients found the survey difficult to read or complete.
What we’ll improve next time:
• A clearer layout and larger font size
• Availability of support for those who need help filling it in
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In Summary
We’re proud of the care we deliver – and always looking to do better. Your comments have helped shape our plans for the coming year.
✅ Improving appointment access and flexibility
✅ Promoting use of online and call-back systems
✅ Supporting and protecting our staff
✅ Addressing safety and access around parking
✅ Enhancing communication and transparency
✅ Encouraging respect and kindness across all interactions
Thank you again for your time, support, and honesty.
Culcheth Medical Centre- Management Team

🌼 Struggling with hay fever? You’re not alone! As pollen levels rise, many of us are battling sneezing fits, itchy eyes, and constant sniffles. 🤧

The NHS has clear, trusted advice on how to manage symptoms and feel more comfortable this season. From treatment tips to when to see a doctor - it's all covered.

Breathe easier and get the facts: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hay-fever/

Fraud Warning

🧡 Carers Week 2025 – Warrington Events Schedule 🧡

Whether you need time to relax, connect, or recharge – there's something for every carer across Warrington this Carers Week (Monday 9th – Friday 13th June)!

☕ Enjoy pampering coffee & chat sessions with therapists
🧘‍♀️ Try out Yoga, Pilates, and Virtual Balance sessions (booking required)
🚤 Take a peaceful barge trip through local countryside
📚 Unwind with Read to Relax sessions at local libraries
🎨 Drop into a Mindfulness Colouring Coffee Morning
🧠 Experience Virtual Reality Mindfulness
🚴‍♀️ And much more!

📍 Living Well Bus will also be outside the Living Well Hub on Monday offering health screening and advice for carers.

🎟️ Some sessions require pre-booking via Warrington Carers Hub.

Let’s celebrate and support the amazing carers in our community 💙

The practice will close on Thursday 5th of June and Thursday 26th of June at 1pm for PLT.

Protected Learning Time (PLT) is an opportunity for practice staff to address their own learning and professional development needs.

Should you require assistance after this time please call NHS 111 or attend a walk in centre.
In a life threatening emergency - ring 999 or go straight to A+E