Latest News Update 24.1
April 1, 2026
Dear Patients
Hello and welcome to the latest news update. The last update was in December. Previous updates can be found here.
We tend to start the year with a wellbeing theme and a freshening up of current practice processes, so that we can all start the year raring to go. With that, we bring an update to Dr Greer's latest marathon quest.
Given recent topical events, with the meningitis outbreak, we want to remind patients on ways that they can keep themselves clinically safe, by recognising serious illness when it happens and what to do about it.
We continue our series of infographic posters, that have been shared with GP practices all around the country, and which have been positively used, not only to educate patients, but also GP surgery staff as well as medical students and doctors.
And with the theme of 'new', we introduce our new salaried doctor and practice manager, as well as the welcome return of Dr Lavender.
In this issue
Articles...
- New Year wellbeing
- Home visits reminder IMPORTANT
- Stroke symptoms IMPORTANT
- Sepsis alert IMPORTANT
- Meningitis BREAKING NEWS
- Other emergencies IMPORTANT
Did you know...? infographic posters
And...
NEW YEAR WELLBEING
With the new year, there might be wishes and aspirations to make changes, to become a little healthier. As your doctors, we would always welcome any lifestyle changes that will help to make our patients more healthy!
In this issue, we provide an update to Dr Greer's second London Marathon, which might inspire you to take up running.
You may have also heard on the news, ironically before GPs themselves got to hear, that there will be an increased focus on obesity in the new GP contract, however, we have not yet had the actual details on what work this involves.
We have our patient pod in the waiting room, which any patient is welcome to use, to check their height, weight and blood pressure. Indeed, if you are overweight, or have high blood pressure or a cardiovascular condition (such as stroke, heart disease, peripheral vascular disease, kidney impairment) or diabetes, we do encourage you to use our patient pod to get a reading once a year, from April onwards, so if you have not had a BP check since April, please feel free to use it and report the readings to us.
If you get a bowel or breast cancer screening invite, please make sure you take part in this important and potentially lifesaving screening. Our information pages on both topics provides a link to official NHS advice and contacts if you have missed your screening.
We see a lot of B12 and folate deficiency in practice, so it is important to ensure that you maintain a healthy diet to prevent such deficiencies that can lead to health complications. Our leaflets on both deficiencies provides some dietary advice that can help to prevent these conditions.
Missed bowel screening Missed breast screening Folic acid deficiency Vitamin B12 deficiencyHOME VISITS REMINDER
We need to remind patients, carers and relatives who might be considering calling to make a home visit request, that we do have a home visiting policy, which we follow to ensure that limited resources are used as effectively as possible for the benefit of patients. Our policy states that we will only visit those who are bedbound, or those who are terminally ill, or those who would be harmed if moved.
We are more than happy to visit those who are:
- Bedbound
- Terminally ill
- Would be harmed if moved
We would kindly ask patients to firstly consider if a home visit is actually required, or whether the patient could come to surgery to be seen.
If the patient is able to leave the house, for any reason, or attends appointments elsewhere, for instance, at the hairdressers or hospital, even if this requires booked transport, or is mobile within the home, we would kindly ask that the patient be brought to surgery for assessments.
We are not able to visit those who:
- Can leave the house, either with support or on their own
- Can attend appointments elsewhere, even with transport
- Are mobile within their home, with/without walking aids
If, after considering the above, you feel you meet the visit policy criteria and a home visit would be required, we would then kindly ask that patients, or their carers or relatives call as early as possible in the day. By doing so, this allows our staff to plan their day effectively. Doctors will be busy within surgery and cannot drop everything to pop out on a visit, and due to the length of time required, a visit must be planned appropriately within surgery time, whilst considering other patients who may be in similar need.
Visit requests for same day visits should be made before 10.30am at the very latest, so that the doctor on duty can consider the request.
It must be stressed that by making a request for a home visit, an actual visit is not guaranteed. The doctor on duty will call and speak to the patient, carer or relative and make an assessment, following which a plan will be made, which may or may not involve a home visit. The list below provides some examples of how a visit request may be dealt with.
How a visit request may be dealt with (examples):
- No urgent action required
- An appointment, same day or routine, in the surgery
- Advice or treatment, including a prescription
- Signposting to another professional, e.g., district nurse, care co-ordinator, social services
- Request to attend A+E or ring 999 due to medical emergency
- A video call
- Arrangement to visit same day
- Arrangement to visit in the future
Finally, please note that home visits are carried out by a specifically commissioned and separately funded service called ARCH HVS. This is the home visiting service (HVS), which is overseen by the neighbourhood network of practices (Alfreton Ripley Crich Heanor, ARCH). Like all NHS services, this service has limited capacity and therefore there may be times when a same-day home visit is not possible. In this situation, where possible, we may deal with a home visit request by other means, as described above, if clinically safe to do so.
Home visiting leaflet Reasons for a home visit Home visit page Making a visit request Help getting to the surgerySTROKE SYMPTOMS
Many of you may be familiar with the Stroke FAST test which has been advertised widely, and which prompts you to think about the possibility of stroke and the need to act urgently:
Act FAST when it could be a stroke:
- Face drooping
- Arm weakness
- Speech problems, then
- Time to ring 999
But some of you might not be familiar with other symptoms that could also indicate a stroke:
- Sudden balance or coordination problem
- Sudden vision changes, e.g., going blind in one or both eyes or double vision
- Sudden severe headache, e.g., worst ever 'blowing head off' headache
- Sudden confusion or difficulty understanding
- Sudden numbness or weakness
- Sudden dizziness with any of the above
- Sudden loss of consciousness or collapse with unresponsiveness
The three key messages are:
- If it's sudden onset - if a patient has a sudden neurological (nervous system) symptom, it could indicate a stroke and it is best to ring 999.
- If you think the patient is having a stroke, even if symptoms don't match exactly those indicated, you should still ring 999.
- Even if symptoms have disappeared and/or you feel better, it is still recommended that you ring 999.
By following the above advice, you will give the patient the best chance of survival and recovery. Don't delay.
Stroke Act FAST poster 1 Stroke Act FAST poster 2 Stroke Association NHS StrokeSEPSIS ALERT
Whilst we are on the subject of emergencies, it's good to remind readers of sepsis.
Sepsis is a life-threatening reaction to an infection where the immune system overreacts and damages the body's own tissues and organs. It is a medical emergency and must be treated promptly.
An adult may have sepsis if they show any of these:
- Slurred speech or confusion
- Extreme shivering or muscle pain
- Passing no urine (in a day)
- Severe breathlessness
- It feels like you're going to die
- Skin mottled or discoloured
A child may have sepsis if he or she:
- Is breathing very fast
- Has a 'fit' or convulsion
- Looks mottled, bluish, or pale
- Has a rash that does not fade when you press it
- Is very lethargic or difficult to wake
- Feels abnormally cold to touch
Call 999 or go to A&E immediately if the patient has one or more of the sepsis symptoms or if you suspect sepsis.
NHS Sepsis Sepsis Trust Sepsis poster Sepsis leaflet (easy read)MENINGITIS
BREAKING NEWS Parents, young people and students are being urged to check their vaccination status following a meningitis outbreak in another part of the country.
Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord (meninges), usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection.
Symptoms of meningitis include:
- high temperature (fever)
- vomiting
- severe and worsening headache
- rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it (please note a rash may not always appear)
- stiff neck
- photophobia (dislike of bright lights)
- drowsiness (extreme sleepiness) or unresponsiveness (difficulty waking)
- seizures (fits)
- very cold hands and feet
These symptoms may appear suddenly, in any order, worsen quickly, and/or may not all come on at once.
Call 999 or go to A&E immediately if you think you or someone you look after could have meningitis or sepsis.
It can be very serious if not treated quickly and can cause life-threatening sepsis and permanent damage to the brain or nerves. It can affect anyone but most commonly babies, young children, teenagers and young adults.
Vaccinations offer some protection against certain causes of meningitis.
As your GPs, we always urge all our eligible patients to attend for all of their recommended vaccinations in line with the NHS vaccination schedule.
We are aware that there are still many patients choosing not to get vaccinated, and even more worryingly, far too many parents who actively choose not to vaccinate their babies and young children and are therefore putting them at risk of preventable and life-threatening conditions.
If you are eligible for any vaccination and have received an invite from us, or have previously declined a vaccination and now wish to proceed, please do get in touch.
More information, including vaccination information and links, is available on our new meningitis information page.
Meningitis pageOTHER EMERGENCIES
Continuing the urgent theme, just a reminder of the emergency conditions that require patients or their carers to either ring 999 or attend Accident & Emergency as soon as possible, in order to save lives.
These are all potentially life-threatening or emergency conditions; do not book an appointment with us, do not pass go, do ring 999 or attend A&E as soon as possible!
Symptom checker page
DR GREER'S MARATHON QUEST
Dr Greer now gives us an update on her next marathon quest:
With less than 4 weeks to go before the big day in the capital, I thought I'd update you on my progress so far!
After a winter of training, come rain, shine (and even snow!) I have finally made it past the longest run of my training plan by completing 34km (just shy of 22 miles) yesterday. Needless to say, this was a tough run both on the legs and even more so on the mind but it has given me the confidence that come race day I will make it over the finish line!
As you will know from my previous updates via our newsletter, I am running the marathon in support of The Miscarriage Association, which is a charity very close to my heart, having suffered from two previous miscarriages between my two children.
Miscarriage affects 1 in 4 pregnancies, and I know from my own experience how devastating this can be for all involved. During my time at Ivy Grove, I have looked after many women suffering their own losses and wanted to be able to give something back to try and improve services and support for those experiencing miscarriage.
I wanted to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to all the staff and patients at Ivy Grove who have helped me get to within touching distance of my £2,000 fundraising target. As many of you who have visited the surgery will have seen, I have started a charity book stall in the reception area which has been a huge success. Since the stall was set up 5 months ago, we have raised an absolutely incredible total of £803.05. This is made up of book sales, donations and sponsorship directly from staff and patients at Ivy Grove.
We have received such positive feedback regarding the book stall that we have decided to keep the stall going long term (for as long as we have books!). After the marathon we will periodically change the charity so that as many important charities as possible can benefit. If you have a charity that is close to your heart and would like us to support them via the book stall in the future, then please get in touch with your nomination.
Finally, please do visit the book stall next time you are in the surgery or feel free to drop off donations of books next time you have a clear out!
If you wish to donate via my JustGiving page, any amount, no matter how small, would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you once again for all your ongoing support.
Needless to say, we wish Dr Greer every success in the marathon on April 26th and we will provide on update on her achievement in the next issue of the newsletter.
If you wish to support Dr Greer, please scan the QR code on the left, or click the support link below.
Support Dr Greer now Miscarriage Association NHS Miscarriage NHS ExerciseGREENER GENERAL PRACTICE UPDATE
Dr Neely continues her series of articles on Greener General Practice.
Coming soon
Please check back for our Greener General Practice update from Dr Neely.
WAITING TIMES
Our admin staff report that they are receiving many requests to chase up hospital appointments. Although we do the job of referring you to hospital where appropriate, we need to remind all our patients that we are then not responsible for any aspect of hospital care, and we always encourage patients to try the hospital first before contacting us. We do not have any control over how hospitals manage their workload or waiting lists and we have any special hotlines to them. We have to ring exactly the same numbers as you when we need to contact them!
If we had to call the hospital every time we received a query, our staff would not manage any other administrative or secretarial work, which then has a run-on impact on the care that we provide for all patients.
If, however, you have tried the hospital repeatedly and are getting nowhere, then please do get in touch and although there are no guarantees, we will try our best to help.
All referrals to the hospital are triaged by senior hospital doctors and in general, we have little influence on how appointments are allocated, and we cannot determine how the hospital manages its waiting lists.
The following are some indicative waiting times for various investigations at the time of writing.
- 24 hour BP monitors - 6 weeks
- Gastric investigations - 4-6 weeks
- Heart monitors - 4-5 months
- Heart scans (echocardiogram) - 10-12 weeks
- Neurophysiology - 4-5 months
- Routine ultrasounds - 5 weeks
- Respiratory - 12 weeks
- Sleep studies - 10 weeks
Clinic waiting times for specialties may well be longer than those times indicated above
If you find that your condition is deteriorating, please do contact the hospital in the first instance. As part of their contract, hospitals must answer your queries and take representations from you directly - do not accept any response to 'contact your GP' in order to facilitate a request - they can and should take your word for it, as we do!
We have further information on our hospital care and expediting appointment pages as linked below:
Hospital care page Expedite appointment pageMEDICATION REQUESTS
Just a reminder to all patients to order their repeat medications well in time, and to please not let running out of medication become an emergency.
For clinical safety, we follow a process to ensure medication requests are completed properly, so it is best not to rush this process, otherwise patient safety may be put at risk. If taking your medication regularly is critically important (for instance, you could come to harm if you missed a dose), then please ensure that you request your repeat medication in advance so that you won't be without.
If you have forgotten to order your repeat in time, we will always try and accommodate you so that you don't end up missing medication, however, we may not be able to process your request as quickly as you would like, due to our other duties and responsibilities at the time.
There are various ways that you can request your repeat medication:
Ways to request repeat medicationPATIENT GROUP
Ivy Grove Patient Group now introduces themselves.
The Patient Participation Group is a relatively new group that has been meeting for approximately 12 months. We aim to meet every three months.
What is our aim?
We aim to help the GP practice identify areas for improvement and implement positive changes in service delivery, also to act as a 'critical friend' representing the views of the wider patient population to the doctors and staff.
What we can't do
It is not a forum for raising personal complaints, medical or individual patient complaints. Members do not provide medical advice or deal with personal health issues.
What have we achieved so far?
The website has been adjusted to clarify the ways to make an appointment with 3 easy links on the front page, however we are aware that this could be made easier, this is an ongoing topic.
There is now a useful list of contacts all in one place on the website eg late opening chemists, self referrals physio etc – please visit ivy.gs/selfrefer.
During December we did a patient survey for those who visited the surgery. The outcomes from this survey were really very positive. There was even one lucky winner who won a prize for completing a questionnaire.
What's next?
Our next project will focus on CARERS, the surgery has over 10,000 patients on their roll and only 50 have told them they are carers, we don't feel this number is correct, we are wanting to help signpost and have a section on the website to help these silent angels – please visit ivy.gs/carers.
If you feel you have any further positive suggestions, feel you could make a positive change and would like to join our friendly group, please contact Sam Mair via the website – please see ivy.gs/contact
If you are unable to join us but have some suggestions that you would like us to look at, please contact us on samantha.mair1@nhs.net
Download poster Patient group pages Self-refer pages Carers pagesINFOGRAPHIC POSTERS
We continue our series of information posters and present the latest selection below. These posters are being used by GP surgeries all over the UK, on waiting room noticeboards, TV screens and GP websites and social media. As well as informing patients and the public about General Practice, they have been used for staff training purposes too. We hope you find them interesting.
DID YOU KNOW WHAT THE NHS 10 YEAR PLAN SAYS ABOUT A NEW GP CONTRACT?
This poster describes what the government's new 10 year plan for the NHS says about a new GP contract that GPs and their leaders have been asking for, that will work for patients and for GPs and their hard working teams.
DID YOU KNOW WHY THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A GP AND A SPECIALIST? PART 1
This poster informs on the difference between a GP and specialist, with a focus on clinical risk and diagnostic uncertainty. In order to help as many patients as possible, and to identify and treat as much illness as possible, the NHS needs both specialists AND GPs. Although they are all doctors, they both do very different jobs.
Contrary to the ongoing belief of minister and politicians, the work of a GP in managing risk is not easily replicated with a plethora of other workers. To do the work of a GP, you do actually need a GP. To help more people, and especially when you want to shift work out into the community, you not only need GPs, but actually more of them, not less.
DID YOU KNOW WHY THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A GP AND A SPECIALIST? PART 2
This poster expands on the previous one with further explanation of the difference in approach that is required between GPs and specialists.
There is simply not the time or money to do a whole body scan on every single patient that walks through the door, and it would hardly be practical, so in order to help as many people as possible, GPs work to manage risk, using what limited resources they have at their disposal, and refer only those they need to, so that specialists can do what is necessary to further help those who would benefit from specialist input.
Again, the NHS needs both GPs and specialists in order to get a complete picture of every patient and their conditions.
DID YOU KNOW ABOUT TEXT MESSAGING?
This poster describes to innovative ways in which GP surgeries have embraced text messaging services to communicate with their patients, all of which fits nicely into the NHS's stated intentions of becoming increasingly digital. However, due to the rapid expansion of this communication channel, some health boards are now threatening GPs with thousands of pounds worth of costs, costs which they simply cannot afford. If this came about, then GPs would need to revert back to those days of asking patients to collect paperwork, or calling patients to inform them of things, which would inevitably tie up already busy phone lines even more.
DID YOU KNOW ABOUT THE CHANGING FACE OF GENERAL PRACTICE? PART 1
This poster describes a few of the changes in General Practice over the years, some good, some not so good and some neutral. You can decide for yourself what category such change falls into, but it's clear to us as GPs that not all change is for the better.
DID YOU KNOW WHAT GOVERNMENT TARGETS DON'T MEASURE?
This poster challenges the government's (and by extension NHS England's too) obsessions with micromanaging and measuring everything in General Practice, whilst ignoring the most important things that make it work, that make it unique and what patients value about General Practice.
DID YOU KNOW WHAT ON EARTH THE HEALTH SEC SAYS? PART 2
This poster is a response to the Health Secretary, who said it was absurd that it was easier to book a haircut than see a GP. We say it's not absurd, it's actually inevitable. They are totally different things, and quick soundbites simply don't cut it with us [get it? Or should we say 'doesn't wash with us' - Ed.]
DID YOU KNOW ABOUT UNFUNDED WORK? PART 1 - WHAT IS UNFUNDED WORK?
This poster is part 1 of a series of 7 on unfunded work, commissioned by Derby & Derbyshire LMC. This one defines unfunded work.
Unfunded work is important as the effect of GPs carrying out unfunded work impacts on the ability of all patients to access a GP in a timely manner.
DID YOU KNOW ABOUT UNFUNDED WORK? PART 2 - EXAMPLES OF UNFUNDED WORK
This poster is part 2 of a series of 7 on unfunded work, commissioned by Derby & Derbyshire LMC. This one gives examples of unfunded work.
DID YOU KNOW ABOUT UNFUNDED WORK? PART 3 - WHY CAN'T GPs DO UNFUNDED WORK?
This poster is part 3 of a series of 7 on unfunded work, commissioned by Derby & Derbyshire LMC. This one explains why GPs can't do unfunded work.
The series continues next newsletter.
CENTENARY OF IVY GROVE SURGERY
2027 marks the 100th year anniversary of Ivy Grove Surgery!
Incredibly, next year represents one hundred years since Ivy Grove Surgery started. During this time, the NHS was incepted, and we have had various NHS reorganisations through the years. The following is just a list of some of them.
- GPs as independent contractors to the NHS
- Regional health authorities
- Area/district health authorities (AHAs)
- GP fundholding
- Hospital trusts
- Strategic health authorities (SHAs)
- Primary care groups (PCGs)
- Primary care trusts (PCTs)
- Clinical commissioning groups (CCGs)
- NHS England (NHSE)
- Sustainability and Transformation Partnerships (STPs)
- Integrated care boards (ICBs)
Politicians, governments and various NHS bodies have come and gone, but GP surgeries have been the stable force that has provided family and community care all along, based on the key foundation of long-term doctor-patient relationships.
We want to celebrate the surgery's remarkable milestone with you, our patients and the community, and as part of the planning process, we do need your help.
Do you have experience or knowledge of the history of the practice, or any of the doctors who used to work at Ivy Grove Surgery? Do you have any photos of the previous surgeries located elsewhere, or of staff who used to work at the surgery? Do you have any interesting stories to tell about care in times gone by? We would love to hear them all! And it would be amazing to be able to share your stories with the wider patient population.
The following are just some examples of the sort of things we are looking for:
- Photos of the old surgery
- Photos and stories of past staff of Ivy Grove
- Newspaper articles about the surgery or healthcare articles from the past
- Old prescriptions or registration cards
- Any knowledge of the previous doctors at the surgery
- Stories or anecdotes about past care or old-fashioned treatments, including medications, tinctures and concoctions or information on medical instruments that you are happy to share
- Personal accounts of your experience with the NHS when it was in its infancy (1948)
- Accounts of technology, records, equipment in the olden days
- Information on affiliated organisations, for example, neighbouring surgeries, Ripley Hospital, including maternity care at Ripley Hospital and local GPs delivering babies (!)
- Ripley town, old photos and how it has evolved over the years
- And finally, any profiles, life stories and memories from any of our 100+ year old patients in the practice?
We're still thinking about how we can present all of this, and how we're going to celebrate with you, and which other organisations we want to invite to join us, but first we need to see what you all come up with!
To whet your appetites on the sort of thing we are looking for, you can view a series of videos that we made from the historical account of one of our former receptions, now retired, the lovely Tina:
Diabetes in Days Gone By - Part 1 Diabetes in Days Gone By - Part 2 Diabetes in Days Gone By - Part 3 Diabetes in Days Gone By - Part 4 Diabetes in Days Gone By - Part 5 Diabetes in Days Gone By - Part 6If you can help and you are happy for your contribution to be published, please complete our online form using the link below. We have set the form to allow attachments, such as files, photos or other documents, but an account with Google will be required if you wish to upload (please note that if you do need a Google account, you can use your existing email address to register one, you don't need to sign up for a brand new Google/gmail email address).
As well as using the button below, you can also reach the centenary form with the shortcut ivy.gs/100-form.
Or if you prefer, you can drop your material off at the reception desk, marking your envelope with 'Centenary' or '100' celebrations', or if you need the material back, we can take a colour photocopy of your items whilst you wait.
IGS Centenary Online FormLet's get together and start planning our celebrations!
NEW PRACTICE MANAGER
A message now from our new Practice Manager [our new new Practice Manager - Ed].
I am pleased to formally introduce myself as the new Practice Manager here at Ivy Grove, I'm hoping many of you will already know me!
I have been part of the practice team now for the past five years, I have progressed from Receptionist to Reception Team Leader then to Operations Manager, and now into the role of Practice Manager. I believe this journey reflects my dedication, experience, and strong understanding of how our practice works at every level.
Throughout my time here, I have played a key role in supporting both patients and staff, helping to improve processes, and ensuring the smooth running of day-to-day practice operations. I like to think that this promotion recognises my hard work and commitment to delivering high-quality care and service.
In my new role, I will continue to focus on improving patient access, enhancing services, and supporting our team to provide the very best care possible.
I am proud to recognise my progression within the practice, and I look forward to making a continued positive impact in my new role. I am excited about this new chapter so if over the coming weeks, you see me around the surgery please feel free to say hello.
Vicki x
Please join us in welcoming Vicki to her new role.
RETURN OF DR LAVENDER
Just a brief message from Dr Lavender:
I am very happy to be back at Ivy Grove Surgery having been on maternity leave for the last nine months.
We welcomed our little boy, Oliver, to the world in May last year. As first-time parents this has certainly been an eye-opening experience for us, and I have learnt a lot about my resilience as a new mum while enjoying all the precious moments watching my little boy grow.
I am excited to be diving back in to work again now, getting back to a routine and working alongside my wonderful Ivy Grove team!
Please join us in congratulating Dr Lavender and welcoming her back to the practice.
INTRO TO DR NIRBAN
Dr Sejal Nirban joined the team in February. Here she provides a quick introduction:
Hello! My name is Dr Sejal Nirban. I joined the team at Ivy Grove in February and have been struck by how friendly and kind everyone has been.
I qualified as a doctor in 2013 after studying medicine at the University of Warwick. Prior to this, I completed a degree in Molecular Genetics at King's College London.
My professional interests are teaching and dermatology, which I continue to pursue alongside my clinical work. I also have additional training in dermoscopy and enjoy all aspects of skin medicine, from managing common dermatological conditions to assessing pigmented lesions.
I hold a Postgraduate Certificate in Clinical Education from Nottingham Trent University and work as an Educational Supervisor, supporting and mentoring GP trainees throughout their training.
I live in Belper with my partner and our three young children which keeps me very busy! Outside of work, I enjoy reading, travel and trying new recipes!
I am excited to be part of the Ivy Grove team and look forward to getting to know patients and colleagues alike.
Please join us in welcoming Dr Nirban to the practice.
POSITIVE FEEDBACK RECEIVED
Thank you once again for all the positive feedback - we know it can be difficult to get in, and we know we don't get it right for everyone, but it's clear that many of you do know that we are trying to do our best in what remain difficult circumstances in General Practice. We remain grateful for everyone who has been able to show their appreciation - please continue sending your comments in.
You can use our public profile on Google, or if you prefer a channel a little more private, you can use our contact form, or simply call into reception or at the front desk to leave your feedback with our staff.
Many thanks.
I want to thank Sally for fitting my appointment in with Nurse Lindsey around the other appts I had at the hospital. Sally was very kind and helpful – MG
I want to express my appreciation for Dr Olaoke! He also noticed who my daughter was and sent kind regards. He was very caring and lovely and after losing my wife people like him make a difference :) x – RS
The reception team were helpful and brilliant and I extend this to the whole team – RS (a different one)
A huge thank you to Dr Adedoyin, everything was brilliant and really quick - I was really happy with everything! – PH
I would like to thank all staff and wish you a Happy New Year – PD
What a wonderful doctor Dr Axten is and how helpful he is – MB
I've just had the best consultation I've ever had in years with Dr Nirban – KN
Thank you all for your professionalism and kindness. You make a great team and your consistent, continued, expert support means a lot – KM
Dr Khakh was brilliant - he explained everything and I did not feel the consultation was rushed – JH
Suzanne [advanced practitioner] was wonderful and how helpful she is – JE
Dr Khakh's a lovely doctor – EB
Thank you Danielle [admin team] for all your help recently with my appointment, you were very helpful – DS
How lovely and brilliant the service I received from Lindsey and Kelly [nursing team] on both appointments. Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas :) x – DH
Dr Khakh was wonderful with me - he really listened – DC
I just want to say how lovely and helpful Dr Harb was – DB
What a fantastic doctor Dr Khakh is. I felt he couldn't do enough to help and he's just a generally lovely man – CD
I would like to thank reception (wasn't sure whom I spoke to) for being so helpful with the online form. And also, Jord'n was extremely helpful too! – BH
I want to thank Helen for ringing me back with an appointment. Very grateful – SB
Professional and friendly service received – JH
★★★★★ – SB
Could not ask for better care – SP
Excellent visit Tracey gave me a but before doing so she explained and answered all my questions very knowledgeable which gave me confidence. Very caring. – JD
I gave the receptionist a call at 8.00am on Monday. I joined the queue at 8.02 am, and there were nine people ahead of me, which was not too bad. Before, I had visited another practice and spent at least 15-20 minutes in the queue with over twenty people ahead.
The receptionist was very helpful. We were three people, including my baby, and they booked us all in the same slots, so we did not have to go back and forth. The GP was patient and kind, not rushing us and doing everything he could for us. Also, the car park is quite spacious, so I do not have to worry about parking. Overall, the experience was good – FF
If you would like to provide feedback on your experience with the surgery, please use our contact form or write a Google review or use our Friends and Family Test. You will find the links to these feedback methods below. If you prefer, you can also drop in at the front desk, or give us a call and speak to a member of our team who will happily take your feedback.
Following an interaction with a member of our team, you may be asked by text message to provide feedback on your experience. Please note, we are required by NHS management to actively canvas for patient feedback, so we do apologise in advance for sending you such requests!
If you wish to leave a Google review, please note that it is hosted on a public site, so please do not write anything that you would wish to keep private. If it helps, you can always just provide a star rating and leave little or no comment. Or you can use our contact form on the website, or ring us and leave your feedback with one of our receptionists.
Contact form Ring us Google review (public) Friends and family test
We strive to provide high quality care to all our patients, but we know we don't always get things right. If you need to report a bad experience to us, so that we can do what we can to rectify matters, please do not use any online methods to make a complaint, as for reasons of confidentiality, we cannot respond properly to you online. In these circumstances, please ring us and ask to speak to one of the managers, or write to us. Thank you.
FINALLY...
Here we are, well into 2026 and now looking forward to better weather in Spring and Summer. We hope to improve our medical staffing over the coming months.
Please keep doing what you can to continue looking after yourselves and your families and see you in the next issue.
Don't forget to let us have your stories and photos for Ivy Grove's centenary celebrations!
Kind regards
Ivy Grove Surgery
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At Ivy Grove, we make a special effort to keep our patients informed about what is happening at the surgery and also wider General Practice. If you have any constructive comments, please feel free to let us know.
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Subscribe to mailing listWritten and edited by Dr M. Wong
© Dr Michael Wong 2022