Blood Tests at Watford General Hospital, Hemel Hempstead & St Albans City Hospital
From December 14th all blood tests at WGH, HH or SACH are by appointment only. You can access details via this link
Blood tests: Pathology: West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (westhertshospitals.nhs.uk)
March 2024
Dr Aurora retires on 31st March 2024.
December 2023
We are really excited to announce that from 1st April 2024, Baldwins Lane Surgery and New Road Surgery will be merging together subject to approval by Herts and West Essex Integrated Care Board (HWEICB) and NHS England (NHSE). Please use following link for more information. Announcement to patients
FAQs for patients
Building repairs
We hope to have details of repair schedule by mid December to share with you, keep watching.
Old News
July 17th 2023 : Abbot Freesytle Libre Link - attention Diabetic patients.
We have become aware of an issue with the Abbott FreeStyle LibreLink app, which monitors glucose levels in diabetic patients after an increase in calls to the 111 service from patients who use the LibreLink app, reporting that it is not working.
Patients who have been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes can use a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) to monitor their blood glucose levels on a constant basis, so they don't have to take blood samples frequently throughout the day and night by pricking their fingers for readings.
The problem appears to have started after an update to the LibreLink app, which is specific to some Apple iphones in the UK and has subsequently been withdrawn from the App Store whilst further work is undertaken by the company.
The company have advised that iPhone users in the UK who are experiencing problems with the app should contact its customer service line and "Customers experiencing issues with the iOS app should uninstall and reinstall the app”
The Android version is not affected.
Further advice is provided on the Abbott website (link below), with a video clip showing how to delete and reinstall the app. If customers are still experiencing problems, they can contact the Customer Services team on 0800 170 1177.
https://www.freestyle.abbott/uk-en/iphone.html
Patients should also be advised that if they are still having problems with the app or if the readings do not seem appropriate, they should revert to the finger prick test for checking blood sugar levels.
Please do not call the surgery about this issue as we will be unable to assist you.
Please be aware that the premises is now monitored by CCTV for the safety of the patients and staff alike.
Coronavirus (COVID 19)
It will no longer be possible to order medication/prescriptions over the phone. Please order via NHS app, Patient access or in writing. Written requests may be brought to the surgery and left in box at reception. Please note 2 working days notice is required.
Telephone, Face to face and e-consults appointments are available.
UPDATED STATEMENT OF PURPOSE!
Please find our latest Statement of Purpose here SOP
Baldwins Lane Surgery is now part of the
Grand Union Primary Care Network (GUPCN).
The GUPCN is a group of surgeries that work together, to share resources and skill sets to deliver healthcare to their patients at scale. The GUPCN also employs healthcare professionals to work across the GUPCN.
The surgeries in the GUPCN are Baldwins Lane Surgery,
New Road Surgery, Garston Medical Centre and Bridgewater Surgeries.
Projects we have done so far include:
Coronavirus vaccination clinics, Falls Clinic and education sessions, Cardiac Prehab education event and employed a Clinical Pharmacist!
In this years national GP patient survey we scored at or above national average on every aspect that was looked at. https://gp-patient.co.uk/practices/E82049
Now every patient in our surgery has a NAMED ACCOUNTABLE GP
What is the named GP requirement?
This is a contractual requirement and builds on the 2014-2015 agreement to provide a named and accountable GP for over 75s. The named GP requirement has now been extended to all patients. By 31 March 2016 all practices will need to include on their website reference to the fact that all patients, including children have been allocated a named, accountable GP.
Will practices have to write to patients to tell them their named GP?
There is no requirement to write to any patients regarding their named GP. Practices are required to inform patients of their named GP at the next appropriate interaction and it is for practices to decide what is appropriate.
If you don't know who is your named GP, please ask from reception. If you want to change your named GP, please ask reception staff. Please be aware that this does not affect your ability to make an appointment with any of the GPs in the Practice of your choosing.
New health data has been added to the surgery website, take a look at "Self Help"
We are part of Electronic Prescription System (EPS),
This makes life easier. You can order your prescription online, it will be electronically signed by a doctor and again, electronically will be sent to the pharmacy you have nominated. Basically you order your repeat or requests online, in 48 hours you can collect it from your pharmacy.
We are proud to be a member of Watford Extended Access.
As part of a group of GP Practices working together as a GP Federation, Baldwins Lane Surgery provides access to weekday evening and weekend appointments in the Watford Extended Access (WEA) service, which is managed by Direct Local Health Ltd. Our patients can now make an appointment to see a GP on weekday evenings, Saturdays 9am - 1pm and 3pm - 7pm, and Sundays 9am - 1pm; to see a Nurse on Saturdays 9am - 1pm and to have blood tests with a Phlebotomist on Saturdays and Sundays. Please ask the receptionist for further details on how to book an appointment. During these appointments your health record may be accessed and viewed by clinical staff other than your GP or a GP at your practice. Please be assured that your confidentially will be maintained; for the service's full Privacy Statement please see 'Patient Information' at www.dlhealth.co.uk."
This year's patient survey results have been uploaded
Our latest CQC review in 2015 was reported as GOOD
please see full report: