The team at Alton Street Surgery are as aware as most of their patients are that Primary Care is under extraordinary pressure. Demand has increased while funding has dwindled. Their response has been to try to encourage, and help, people to do more to look after themselves.

As part of their approach to helping patients know more to be able to manage their own conditions, as well as dealing with minor ailments, they have set up a Self-Care Station in their waiting room.

The Self-Care Station is a touchscreen computer containing all kinds of advice and information and it is really easy to use.

Using the Self-Care Station may mean that you no longer feel you need to see a GP. The practice manager, David Rossiter told the Ross Gazette this does not mean that they are saying patients should not make an appointment if they feel they need one, but it can empower patients to make decisions about what to do when they feel under the weather.

Alton Street Surgery has a very active, and highly regarded, patient participation group. They meet regularly to discuss practical issues or areas they feel need to be developed.

A recent survey revealed that many patients are interested in learning first aid and so a Heart Start session has been organised. Dr Lennane added that a dietician will soon be joining the team at the surgery. They will work with groups, such as patients with diabetes, as often the health care professionals are saying the same things to several different patients, and this could be managed more successfully in a different ways.

He added the surgery is really a hub and they aim to be proactive in helping patients, not just reactive.

Mr Rossiter added that the Self-Care Station is the first step towards helping people manage their own health. By choosing the right care at the right time you give yourself the best opportunity to get better.

Once they have piloted the service in the waiting area they hope to make it available through their website.

Paul Deneen OBE JP DL, Chair of Healthwatch Herefordshire, which champions the views of patients and the public on all matters to do with health and social care said, “ This initiative at the Alton Street Surgery which is the first in the county, and which will also form part of the development of the surgery’s website is to be particularly welcomed.

He added, “This initiative, which offers practical advice via a computer programme, gives the patient the opportunity to be provided with information on a number of health related issues and conditions. It also advises on how to manage the condition and explains the self-care involved which will be most helpful and useful. It will also allow the patient to be more actively involved in their own self-care programme.”

“It was also very good to meet the Chair of the Alton Street Surgery’s Patient Participation Group (PPG), Diane Lancaster. This PPG is both active and enthusiastic in relation to its work, and provides very constructive and informative feedback to the GP’s and staff at the surgery”