Partnership with GPs is key to the 24 Hour Surgery
Twenty eight years since it opened, the purpose of the 24 Hour Surgery remains the same - to support General Practitioners to deliver after hours care to their patients or provide support when they are at capacity in their own practices.
“General Practitioners care for their patients 24/7 through their practices and the 24 Hour Surgery supports them to do that,” 24 Hour Surgery Operations Manager Claire McQuilken says.
Research done by the 24 Hour Surgery has found that people associate the 24 Hour Surgery with their own GP. They’re advised to go there by their GP, if they are unwell after hours, and are also directed there if they call their general practice outside business hours. People also recognise and trust the Pegasus Health 24 Hour Surgery brand. Their relationship is often generational. “I used to come here as a kid and now I bring my children here.”
In the last year, the 24 Hour Surgery has employed 14 to 17 Medical Officers and 40 to 45 nurses, depending on the time of the year. A number of Healthcare Assistants are also on the staff and everyone is supported by a strong administration team.
Clinical Director Dr Simon Brokenshire says the 24 Hour Surgery is able to cover 95 per cent of weekday/evening shifts, 50 to 60 per cent of weekend shifts and 70 to 73 per cent of public holidays, so that during the week, GPs belonging to Pegasus Health or the Pegasus PHO, can focus on their own practices. “During the weekend GPs come and work shifts here, supported by Medical Officers and the nursing team – that’s the partnership,” he says.
“We really value the expertise GPs bring and we’re also pleased to provide them with Medical Officer and nurse support in areas they may be less familiar with, such as orthopaedics.”
Patient notes are sent overnight from the 24 Hour Surgery to GPs to ensure patients have seamless care between the Surgery and their own general practice.
The number of people visiting the 24 Hour Surgery has risen in the last year. “An average weekday used to be 150 to 180 visits and now it is 180 to 250. The weekends used to be 280 to 300 and now they are 280 to 350,” Simon says.
“It is especially busy during the winter flu season but it is also busier across the board – a phenomenon that I know most General Practices are experiencing as well.”