Ludlow surgery aims to tackle appointment backlogs
A doctors’ surgery has launched a campaign to tackle its backlog of procedures caused by the pandemic.
Portcullis Surgery in Ludlow want to help tackle the build-up of cancelled NHS surgeries and procedures generated by Covid-19.
‘Tacking the Backlog Campaign’ aims to identify patients who need prioritising to ensure their referral waiting times are minimised.
Now winter pressures are easing and the vaccination programme is well under way, the surgery wants to find out the extent of the backlog for patients and help to expedite their treatment.
Staff say they are worried patients have avoided going to the surgery with medical problems because they do not want to be a burden or cause additional work for the practice or the hospitals, as well as being worried about catching the virus from others at the practice, or feeling anxious about being admitted to hospital.
A surgery spokesman said: “None of these concerns need to be worried about.
“Our clinical staff do not view patients as a burden and now the winter pressures have lessened we have more capacity for appointments so encourage you to come forward to seek help.
"We also want to assure it is absolutely safe to come to the practice as it is regularly sterilised with UV light technology, the number of patients attending is kept low and the waiting room is socially distanced. In addition, all patients with any Covid symptoms are seen in our Hot Room – a room with a separate entrance from the rest of the building which was installed at the start of the pandemic.
“We are trying to make it easier for you to tell us if your condition has worsened over the past year, or if you have any new, unreported symptoms.
"Ideally, we would like you to fill in the form on our website but if not possible either call the surgery to book an appointment or pop in to one of our clinics at Ludlow Mascall Centre.”
