We run checks throughout the year for all our patients who have specific Chronic Disease or Health Conditions which require yearly monitoring. This is called your Long Term Condition Review and we will generally invite you around the month of your birthday.
Depending on which health conditions you have you will likely (but not always) be asked to come in for some blood tests and, when necessary, also be invited for review with one of our nurse specialists or your GP.
Attending your yearly review is important, even if you are feeling well. This is so we can monitor your progress and review your medications etc to ensure your condition is still being managed appropriately. Yearly Long Term condition reviews are also beneficial in reducing acute illness and therefore reduce the number of GP and A&E visits throughout the year.
We are changing the way we invite our patients for their Long Term condition reviews, choosing, when we can, to invite via text messaging as well as by letter. If you have a mobile phone no registered with us and you have not dissented to text messaging, we will send some of your invites to your mobile phone. This may include a link to book in with the phlebotomist for blood tests, which remains active for 7 days. Self book appointments or appointments booked via the reception team are available up to 4 weeks in advance with some evening and weekend slots on offer. Using booking links reduces the volume of calls and means patients can book their appointment when convenient to do so, without waiting on the phone.
We may also send you a link asking you to fill out a questionnaire about your health prior to your appointment which can provide the nurse or GP with up-to-date information about your health to aid your face-to-face appointment. It is also a good way to gather information for patients who may find it difficult to attend for their review, to assess or determine if it is essential that you visit the surgery.
In addition, we have a Health Pod opposite the reception desk in Ilfracombe health centre where you can check your own blood pressure and weight and answer questionnaires while you are waiting for your appointment. A member of the team will be happy to assist you if you are not familiar with this process.
Long Term Health Conditions
The following is a broad, but not exclusive, list of Long Term Conditions that we monitor:
- Diabetes or Pre-Diabetes
- Heart Disease (CHD)
- Previous stroke or Mini Strokes/TIAs
- Vascular Disease (PAD)
- Kidney Disease (CKD)
- Thyroid Disease
- Hypertension
- Asthma
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Mental Health
- Dementia
If you have been sent a Long Term Condition monitoring invite and are unsure why you have received it, the nurse will be happy to discuss it with you at your appointment.
Thank you and we look forward to seeing you soon!
Date published: 11th September, 2024
Date last updated: 6th November, 2024