The Hall Practice Patient Newsletter August 2025
Posted on:
Non-urgent advice: Celebrating Our Success: NHS Patient Survey Results
We are delighted to share the latest results from the NHS patient survey, which show that our surgery continues to improve and provide excellent care for our patients.
We are very proud of the progress we have made, especially in areas where we have seen big improvements.
Here are some of the key highlights from the survey.
These results demonstrate the positive impact of the hard work and dedication of our entire team — both clinical and non-clinical staff. It is thanks to their commitment and professionalism that we can deliver this high standard of care.
We would also like to sincerely thank our patients for their continued support, valuable feedback, and trust in our surgery. Your input is vital in helping us continually improve the services we offer.
We look forward to building on these achievements in the coming year and continuing to provide excellent care for everyone in our community.
Dr Turner, Dr Yeomans and Ruth Franklin
We are very proud of the progress we have made, especially in areas where we have seen big improvements.
Here are some of the key highlights from the survey.
These results demonstrate the positive impact of the hard work and dedication of our entire team — both clinical and non-clinical staff. It is thanks to their commitment and professionalism that we can deliver this high standard of care.
We would also like to sincerely thank our patients for their continued support, valuable feedback, and trust in our surgery. Your input is vital in helping us continually improve the services we offer.
We look forward to building on these achievements in the coming year and continuing to provide excellent care for everyone in our community.
Dr Turner, Dr Yeomans and Ruth Franklin
Non-urgent advice: Appoitment Booking Flexibility
83% of patients felt they were offered a convenient time or day when booking an appointment, a big increase from 52% last year.
This improvement reflects the changes we have introduced in how appointments are booked, based on patient feedback.
We are also promoting the use of online booking links, which many patients find helpful.
This improvement reflects the changes we have introduced in how appointments are booked, based on patient feedback.
We are also promoting the use of online booking links, which many patients find helpful.
Non-urgent advice: Ease of Contacting the Practice:
79% of patients find it easy to contact us, up from 75% last year.
This is well above the national average of 53%.
This is well above the national average of 53%.
Non-urgent advice: Website Usability:
84% of patients said it was very easy to use and contact us via our website.
This is a huge improvement from 69% last year, reflecting the recent updates we have made to make our website user-friendly and easy to navigate.
This is a huge improvement from 69% last year, reflecting the recent updates we have made to make our website user-friendly and easy to navigate.
Non-urgent advice: Overall Experience Contacting the Practice:
83% of patients described their experience as
good, up from 79% last year.
good, up from 79% last year.
Non-urgent advice: Overall Experience With Our Practice
83% of patients rated their overall experience as good, which is above the national average of 75%.
Non-urgent advice: Staff Updates
We are pleased to welcome two new members to our team this month.
Starting on 12 August, Dr Zeeshan Ghani will be joining us as a salaried GP. Dr Ghani will be working at the surgery on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. We are excited to have him on board and look forward to the expertise and care he will bring to our patients.
We also welcome Dr Wafa Leelo, as a GP Trainee at ST3 level. An ST3 doctor is in their third year of specialist training in general practice, having already completed medical school and initial training. This important stage allows Dr Leelo to gain more experience and skills to become an independent GP. She will be working under the supervision of Dr Turner, our experienced GP trainer, who will provide excellent guidance and support throughout her training.
Sadly, our Social Prescriber Chris McFadden will be leaving us on 22 August. It has been a pleasure working with Chris, who has taught us so much during her time here. We wish her all the best and hope she enjoys a happy and fulfilling retirement.
Starting on 12 August, Dr Zeeshan Ghani will be joining us as a salaried GP. Dr Ghani will be working at the surgery on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. We are excited to have him on board and look forward to the expertise and care he will bring to our patients.
We also welcome Dr Wafa Leelo, as a GP Trainee at ST3 level. An ST3 doctor is in their third year of specialist training in general practice, having already completed medical school and initial training. This important stage allows Dr Leelo to gain more experience and skills to become an independent GP. She will be working under the supervision of Dr Turner, our experienced GP trainer, who will provide excellent guidance and support throughout her training.
Sadly, our Social Prescriber Chris McFadden will be leaving us on 22 August. It has been a pleasure working with Chris, who has taught us so much during her time here. We wish her all the best and hope she enjoys a happy and fulfilling retirement.
Non-urgent advice: Flu and COVID-19 Vaccinations: What you need to know
The flu and COVID-19 vaccination season are just around the corner, and we want to make sure you have all the important information.
Flu Vaccine Eligibility:
The following cohorts are announced and authorised to be eligible to receive a flu vaccination at the practice from 1 September 2025.
– Pregnant women
– All children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2025
– Primary school aged children (from Reception to Year 6)
– Secondary school aged children (from Year 7 to Year 11)
– All children in clinical risk groups aged from 6 months to less than 18 years
Please note: All primary school and secondary school children will be given at the school not at the practice.
From 1 October 2025
– Those aged 65 years and over
– Those aged 18 years to under 65 years in clinical risk groups
– Those in long-stay residential care homes carers in receipt of carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person
– Close contacts of immunocompromised individuals
– Frontline workers in a social care setting without an employer led occupational health scheme including those working for a registered residential care or nursing home, registered domiciliary care providers, voluntary managed hospice providers and those that are employed by those who receive direct payments (personal budgets) or Personal Health budgets, such as Personal Assistants
COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility
Please note that eligibility has changed from last year Autumn/Winter COVID -19 Vaccine Campaign.
From 1 October 2025, the following cohorts are announced and authorised to be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine:
– People aged 75 and older
– Residents in care homes for older people
– Aged 6 months and over with a weakened immune system
Booking your appointment
As usual, patients who are eligible will be contacted directly by the surgery to book their vaccination appointment. Please wait for this invitation before contacting us.
Getting vaccinated helps protect you and those around you from serious illness. If you have any questions or want to check your eligibility, please visit the NHS website or GOV.UK for the latest information.
Flu Vaccine Eligibility:
The following cohorts are announced and authorised to be eligible to receive a flu vaccination at the practice from 1 September 2025.
– Pregnant women
– All children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2025
– Primary school aged children (from Reception to Year 6)
– Secondary school aged children (from Year 7 to Year 11)
– All children in clinical risk groups aged from 6 months to less than 18 years
Please note: All primary school and secondary school children will be given at the school not at the practice.
From 1 October 2025
– Those aged 65 years and over
– Those aged 18 years to under 65 years in clinical risk groups
– Those in long-stay residential care homes carers in receipt of carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person
– Close contacts of immunocompromised individuals
– Frontline workers in a social care setting without an employer led occupational health scheme including those working for a registered residential care or nursing home, registered domiciliary care providers, voluntary managed hospice providers and those that are employed by those who receive direct payments (personal budgets) or Personal Health budgets, such as Personal Assistants
COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility
Please note that eligibility has changed from last year Autumn/Winter COVID -19 Vaccine Campaign.
From 1 October 2025, the following cohorts are announced and authorised to be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine:
– People aged 75 and older
– Residents in care homes for older people
– Aged 6 months and over with a weakened immune system
Booking your appointment
As usual, patients who are eligible will be contacted directly by the surgery to book their vaccination appointment. Please wait for this invitation before contacting us.
Getting vaccinated helps protect you and those around you from serious illness. If you have any questions or want to check your eligibility, please visit the NHS website or GOV.UK for the latest information.
Non-urgent advice: Get to Know the NHS App
We’d like to encourage our patients to download and use the NHS App, a simple and secure way to access a range of NHS services online.
Here are a couple of helpful features of the NHS App:
– You can view your health records, including medication details and allergies.
– You can receive important messages and updates directly from our surgery, making it easier to stay informed.
– It is easy and convenient to order and track your prescriptions using the app, saving you time and effort.
Recently, we’ve improved how patients can request appointments online through our website. Our new booking provider links with the NHS App, which means it’s easier than ever to contact us and stay connected digitally.
It is important to ensure that notifications are turned on when setting up the NHS App. This means you will receive alerts as soon as new messages arrive from the surgery. Notifications can be switched on within the NHS App settings or your device settings and may take up to 24 hours to take effect. This helps you stay up to date without needing to open the app regularly.
Please note that, for security reasons, the NHS App may automatically disable or lock your account if it has not been used recently. This helps protect your personal information and ensures that only active users have access. If this happens, you can easily reactivate the app by following the on-screen instructions.
If you haven’t already, we recommend downloading the NHS App to make the most of these convenient features and receive messages from us securely.
For more information or help with the NHS App, please ask a member of our team.
Here are a couple of helpful features of the NHS App:
– You can view your health records, including medication details and allergies.
– You can receive important messages and updates directly from our surgery, making it easier to stay informed.
– It is easy and convenient to order and track your prescriptions using the app, saving you time and effort.
Recently, we’ve improved how patients can request appointments online through our website. Our new booking provider links with the NHS App, which means it’s easier than ever to contact us and stay connected digitally.
It is important to ensure that notifications are turned on when setting up the NHS App. This means you will receive alerts as soon as new messages arrive from the surgery. Notifications can be switched on within the NHS App settings or your device settings and may take up to 24 hours to take effect. This helps you stay up to date without needing to open the app regularly.
Please note that, for security reasons, the NHS App may automatically disable or lock your account if it has not been used recently. This helps protect your personal information and ensures that only active users have access. If this happens, you can easily reactivate the app by following the on-screen instructions.
If you haven’t already, we recommend downloading the NHS App to make the most of these convenient features and receive messages from us securely.
For more information or help with the NHS App, please ask a member of our team.
Non-urgent advice: Travel Vaccinations: Plan ahead for your trip
The vaccines you need depend on where you are travelling, your health, and what activities you plan to do. Different vaccines need to be given at different times before you go.
It’s very important not to leave vaccinations until the last minute. Your body needs time to build protection, and getting vaccinated too late may mean you are not fully protected when you travel. Also, any side effects could occur while you are away.
We recommend booking a travel consultation at least 6 to 8 weeks before your trip. Some vaccines require several weeks or months, and multiple doses, to work properly. Booking early also gives us enough time to assess any risks for you and any family members travelling with you.
If you want to check your travel vaccine status or have any questions, please contact us online or call our Patient Services Team.
Please note that some travel vaccines may incur a charge.
It’s very important not to leave vaccinations until the last minute. Your body needs time to build protection, and getting vaccinated too late may mean you are not fully protected when you travel. Also, any side effects could occur while you are away.
We recommend booking a travel consultation at least 6 to 8 weeks before your trip. Some vaccines require several weeks or months, and multiple doses, to work properly. Booking early also gives us enough time to assess any risks for you and any family members travelling with you.
If you want to check your travel vaccine status or have any questions, please contact us online or call our Patient Services Team.
Please note that some travel vaccines may incur a charge.
Non-urgent advice: Supporting Young People Through Loneliness this School Holiday
Loneliness can be a real challenge for young people, especially during school holidays when routines change and friends may be less accessible. To help with this, we want to highlight an important support service called Building Connections, provided by the NSPCC.
Building Connections is a free, online text befriending service for young people aged 9 to 19 who are feeling lonely. It offers a friendly, safe space where young people can talk to a trained befriender who listens, supports, and helps them find ways to feel less alone.
Key features of Building Connections:
– Confidential online text chats with a supportive befriender.
– Help with building confidence and managing feelings of loneliness.
– Practical tools and encouragement to feel more connected.
If you or someone you know is a young person struggling with loneliness, especially during school holidays, this service can make a big difference.
For more information or to access the support, visit:
https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/services/building-connections
We encourage families and young people to take advantage of this valuable resource to help build stronger connections and well-being.
Building Connections is a free, online text befriending service for young people aged 9 to 19 who are feeling lonely. It offers a friendly, safe space where young people can talk to a trained befriender who listens, supports, and helps them find ways to feel less alone.
Key features of Building Connections:
– Confidential online text chats with a supportive befriender.
– Help with building confidence and managing feelings of loneliness.
– Practical tools and encouragement to feel more connected.
If you or someone you know is a young person struggling with loneliness, especially during school holidays, this service can make a big difference.
For more information or to access the support, visit:
https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/services/building-connections
We encourage families and young people to take advantage of this valuable resource to help build stronger connections and well-being.
Non-urgent advice: Activate: Fun Movement for Kids this school holiday
We’re excited to share a fantastic new initiative from Joe Wicks called Activate, designed especially to get children moving and having fun during the school holidays.
What is Activate?
Activate is a lively, high-energy animation series featuring Joe Wicks and a group of young “Activators.” It’s made up of short, 5-minute episodes that encourage kids to get active with simple, enjoyable exercises. The series helps children develop healthy habits by making fitness fun and easy to fit into their day.
Why is Activate Important?
Many children aren’t getting enough exercise each day, and staying active is essential for their growth, health, and wellbeing. Activate aims to spark a love of movement so kids can enjoy staying fit while having a great time.
How to Join In:
New episodes are released weekly on Joe Wicks’ YouTube channel, The Body Coach TV, making it easy for families to join in from home.
This campaign is backed by the Government and created in partnership with the team behind popular children’s shows, so it’s safe, engaging, and perfect for young ones during their break from school.
We encourage parents and carers to use Activate to keep children moving, happy, and healthy this school holiday!
What is Activate?
Activate is a lively, high-energy animation series featuring Joe Wicks and a group of young “Activators.” It’s made up of short, 5-minute episodes that encourage kids to get active with simple, enjoyable exercises. The series helps children develop healthy habits by making fitness fun and easy to fit into their day.
Why is Activate Important?
Many children aren’t getting enough exercise each day, and staying active is essential for their growth, health, and wellbeing. Activate aims to spark a love of movement so kids can enjoy staying fit while having a great time.
How to Join In:
New episodes are released weekly on Joe Wicks’ YouTube channel, The Body Coach TV, making it easy for families to join in from home.
This campaign is backed by the Government and created in partnership with the team behind popular children’s shows, so it’s safe, engaging, and perfect for young ones during their break from school.
We encourage parents and carers to use Activate to keep children moving, happy, and healthy this school holiday!
Non-urgent advice: Summer Bank Holiday
Please order your prescriptions early. Last minute requests before holidays create extra pressure for our doctors and can lead to delays at the pharmacy. Remember, pharmacies are also very busy, ordering early helps everyone.
The practice will be closed on Monday 25 August. If during these times you request urgent medical assistance that cannot wait until the surgery reopens, please contact NHS 111 online or by dialling 111.
For life-threatening emergencies, dial 999 immediately.
Additionally, our online platform for contacting the surgery, will be inactive from 17:00 Friday 22 August until 08:00 Tuesday 26 August.
The practice will be closed on Monday 25 August. If during these times you request urgent medical assistance that cannot wait until the surgery reopens, please contact NHS 111 online or by dialling 111.
For life-threatening emergencies, dial 999 immediately.
Additionally, our online platform for contacting the surgery, will be inactive from 17:00 Friday 22 August until 08:00 Tuesday 26 August.