The population of East Warrington Primary Care Network has high rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD) with many living in areas of significant deprivation. We are passionate to improve the health of our patients and are determined to make sure everyone with high blood pressure is diagnosed and treated.
East Warrington PCN expressed an interest to participate (and was successful) in the CLEAR Living Well CVD prevention project commissioned by NHS England. The aim of the project is to enhance screening and identification of new cases of hypertension, standardise and streamline hypertension management and improve treatment rates through implementing new pathways.
The project started in 2022 and phase 2 was rolled out in August 2024. This involved using a new approach to annual blood pressure reviews, using digital methods (text messages, online forms) to communicate with patients.
This has a number of benefits such as:
- Stops patients having to call the surgery and wait on hold to arrange appointments and speeds up the review process.
- Allows patients to send us results at times more convenient to them, without needing time off work to attend appointments.
- It increases the number of face-to-face appointments available with our doctors and nurses. This allows patients to access us when they need us most.
The Active Practice Charter, developed by the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) in partnership with Sport England, is designed to inspire GP practices to make simple yet impactful changes that promote an active lifestyle. This initiative recognizes practices that actively engage in promoting physical activity as a vital component of healthcare.
We are proud to announce that all practices within our PCN have been awarded 'Active Practice' status by demonstrating efforts in the following areas:
- Increasing physical activity in patients and staff
- Reducing sedentary beahiour in patients and staff
- Partnering with a local physical activity provider to support the practice to get more people active
If you would like to learn more about how your practice can support you to get active , please contact the surgery directly.
Our Proactive Care service is designed to provide additional support to patients who may benefit from a more personalised approach to their health and wellbeing.
If you are invited to take part, you will have a relaxed conversation with our Care Coordinator, who will take the time to understand what is important to you, your current needs and any challenges you may be experiencing.
Together, you can look at the support available to help you stay as healthy and independent as possible, including ways to better coordinate your care and connect you with appropriate services and support in the community.
The service may be particularly helpful if you are over 65, have needed to contact your GP practice or request prescriptions frequently, or if you are experiencing difficulties with things such as mobility, getting out and about, housing or finances.
Being invited does not mean that there is anything to worry about. It is simply an opportunity to make sure you are receiving the right support and that your care is joined up around your individual needs.
If you think you could benefit from Proactive Care review, please speak to your GP practice team.
