Patient Newsletter 2 - Spring 2025

Katie Clark

Katie is Rockingham Forest PCN’s Digital and Transformation Manager

Katie Clark is the Digital and Transformation Manager at Rockingham Forest Primary Care Network, supporting the work of Lakeside practices in Corby, Kettering and Oundle.

She is responsible for bringing in additional roles and service under the ARRS scheme. These include social prescribing link workers and care coordinators, who work across all practices in the PCN. Katie also supports the enhanced access service at evenings and weekends. She is also involved in delivering services to care home residents, working closely with frailty manager Paula Kelly.

Her early career was in Primary Care and, after a long stint in charity services, she returned to healthcare, initially as a PCN Manager across four Primary Care Networks, however a restructure has meant that Katie now works with the three Lakeside practices in Northamptonshire, including Corby, the biggest practice in the Lakeside Partnership.

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She and the three other PCN Digital and Transformation Managers who work in Lakeside practices, collaborate regularly, sharing expertise and initiatives to improve patient care in their own practices.

Katie said: ‘Long term it is about developing our teams, building their knowledge and expertise and creating opportunities for growth and progression for them. I am genuinely a people person, I enjoy connecting with people. I have never wanted to work in a very corporate environment. I have always wanted to work where the outcomes of whatever I do has an impact on people for the better.’

 

patientsurvey2025

Fill in a short form to let us know how we're doing, open until Sunday 25 May 2025

We are inviting all patients to take part in our 2025 Patient Survey, which is open until 11.45pm on Sunday 25 May 2025. This is your chance to tell us about your experience with the practice and help shape the way we deliver care in the future.

Jessica Bawden, Chief Executive of Lakeside Healthcare, said: “Your feedback, whether it’s positive or highlights areas for improvement – is incredibly valuable. It helps us understand what matters most to you, so we can continue to provide the best care possible. Even if you haven’t visited the practice recently, or have filled in a survey before, we would still really like to hear from you. Your comments show us what’s working well and where we can do better.”

The survey is being run across all Lakeside Healthcare practices and will help us identify common themes and areas for improvement. Last year, thanks to the feedback we received, we made several changes to how we work.

These included improvements to our appointment systems, staffing structures, triage process, call handling, and the availability of different types of appointments.

This year’s survey asks about your experience when contacting us, as well as whether you accessed any other advice or services beforehand, such as NHS 111 or online resources.

There are also free text boxes where you can share more detailed comments. We kindly ask that you do not include any confidential or medical information in your answers.

The survey should take around 10 to 12 minutes to complete. You can take part by scanning the QR code displayed on posters in our surgeries, or by following this link.

If you would prefer a paper copy of the survey, you can ask for one at reception. If you need help filling it in, please don’t hesitate to speak to a member of our team – we’ll be happy to support you.

 

Pharmacy First

Did you know that you can now get treatment for seven common conditions directly from your local pharmacy, without the need for a GP appointment or prescription.

The Pharmacy First scheme means that pharmacists can now treat and prescribe medication for the following common conditions and ailments:

  • Earache – 1 to 17 years
  • Impetigo – 1 year and older
  • Infected insect bites – 1 year and older
  • Shingles – 18 years and older
  • Sinusitis – 12 years and over
  • Sore throat – 5 years and over
  • Uncomplicated urinary tract infections – Women 16 to 64 years

pharmacy

Pharmacists can also provide advice and over-the-counter medication for various common conditions, such as coughs, colds, flu, as well as everyday issues like aches, pains, and skin rashes. No appointment is necessary to see a pharmacist, and they will let you know if you need to see a doctor.

Many pharmacies are open evenings and weekends, and often provide private consultation rooms.

 

Follow us on Facebook

Did you know that we have a practice Facebook page where we share all our latest updates, news, and information?

To connect with us please like and follow our Facebook page.

 

Our March 2025 workflow

In March 2025 our team made 6,137 contacts (including home visits)

  • 4,358 telephone calls answered
  • 2,517 appointments booked for the same day
  • 2,567 face to face appointments
  • 2,368 telephone appointments
  • 1,320 Anima questionnaires received
  • 9 minutes – average call waiting time.

Published: May 21, 2025