Improving How We Manage Reviews, Monitoring and Blood Tests
At The Bay Medical Practice, we are introducing a new way of managing annual reviews, medication monitoring and blood tests.
These changes will help us provide safer, more consistent and more convenient care for patients, especially those with long-term health conditions or medications that require regular monitoring.
What is changing?
Over the coming months, we will be introducing a new system to help us manage:
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annual reviews
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medication monitoring
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medication reviews
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blood test results
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recalls for routine checks
This will help us organise monitoring more effectively and make better use of the systems we already have.
Why are we making these changes?
We are making these changes to improve the way we support patients and manage routine monitoring across the practice.
This will help us to:
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provide a more consistent approach to reviews and monitoring
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reduce unnecessary appointments
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improve follow-up for patients with long-term conditions
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support safe and timely repeat prescribing
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allow patients to share information with us more easily
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free up our phone lines for patients who need extra support
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help our clinical teams focus more time on patient care
What will this mean for patients?
You may notice some changes in how we contact you and how your reviews are arranged.
For example:
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we may ask you to complete a questionnaire before your review
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we may ask you to provide readings such as blood pressure, weight or pulse
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we may send you a link by text or email so you can book an appointment directly
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we may combine several checks or blood tests into one appointment where appropriate
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we may send information, advice or follow-up digitally where this is suitable
In some cases, if your condition is stable and well controlled, you may not need a further appointment after we review the information you provide.
Fewer appointments where appropriate
One of the main benefits of this new approach is that it will help us bring together multiple monitoring requirements into fewer appointments.
For example, if you need blood tests for more than one condition or medication, we may be able to complete them at the same time rather than asking you to attend on several different occasions throughout the year.
This is more convenient for patients and helps us use appointments more effectively.
Aligning reviews with your birth month
Over time, we will aim to align many routine reviews with your birth month.
This means that, where possible, your annual checks will be grouped together at a similar time each year, making them easier to manage.
However, we will still take account of:
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when your last review took place
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when your last blood tests or checks were completed
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whether you need more frequent monitoring
So please do not worry if you are not contacted straight away. Our systems will work out when your review is due.
Who will be most affected?
These changes apply to all patients, but especially those who:
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have long-term health conditions such as asthma, diabetes or high blood pressure
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take medication that requires regular blood tests, blood pressure checks or other monitoring
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attend the practice for regular annual reviews
How will we contact you?
Where appropriate, we may contact you by:
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text message
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email
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letter
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telephone
If we have your mobile number or email address, we may send you digital invitations, questionnaires or appointment booking links.
If we do not have these details, we may contact you by letter or telephone instead.
Please keep your contact details up to date
It is important that we have your correct contact details so that we can contact you about reviews, appointments and test results.
If your mobile number, email address or home address has changed, please let us know as soon as possible.
You can update your details here:
Frequently asked questions
What if I do not have a mobile phone or email address?
If we do not have digital contact details for you, we will contact you in another way, such as by letter or telephone where appropriate.
What if I receive a link but cannot use it?
If you are unable to use online links or do not have internet access, please let us know. We can make a note of this and contact you in another way where possible.
What if I do not have equipment such as a blood pressure monitor or scales?
If you do not have equipment at home, there are several options available:
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You may be able to use a blood pressure machine at a local pharmacy.
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Many Isle of Wight libraries offer free blood pressure monitor loans, allowing you to check your blood pressure at home. You can find more information here:
https://www.iow.gov.uk/article/1422/Blood-pressure-testing -
In some cases, you may be able to borrow a blood pressure monitor from the practice for a short period so you can take readings at home.
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You may also be able to use the practice pod.
What if I receive a booking link but there are no appointments showing?
Appointments may be released in stages, so please try again later if nothing is available when you first look.
What if I am invited for an appointment but the message does not explain why?
Sometimes we may combine several reviews or tests into one appointment, so the message may not always include full details.
Please still book the appointment if invited. The clinician will explain what is needed when you attend.
If you are unsure, or think you may already have had the required review or tests, please contact the practice.
When will I notice these changes?
We are introducing this new approach gradually over the coming months.
Some patients may start to notice changes sooner than others, depending on when their reviews or monitoring are due.
Thank you
Thank you for your support as we continue improving how we manage reviews, monitoring and blood tests.
These changes are designed to make care safer, more consistent and more convenient for patients, while helping us use appointments and clinical time as effectively as possible.
