Latest News

Opt Out of NHS Digital Harvesting Patient Information

As you may be aware, there has been some talk about NHS digital harvesting confidential patient information, particularly from GP health records. This has been going on for at least 10 years, but the system used by the NHS is changing. NHS Digital is keen to make clear that all information is handled securely and used only for specified purposes, in accordance with data protection laws, with the aim of improving services and patient care. Please see the link below for more information. https://digital.nhs.uk/…/general-prac…/advice-for-the-public Unfortunately, there are concerns from some doctors, however, about how exactly your confidential information will be used by the government and third parties, as well as the lack of public awareness about this. Please see opinion piece in the Guardian newspaper from a working GP and NHS activist. https://www.google.co.uk/…/gp-nhs-digital-data-patients-rec… Both links are intended to give you a balanced view of what is happening, to help you make an informed decision. They do not necessarily represent the views of Yalding Surgery. All of our patients will be automatically subject to this process of data sharing with NHS digital. This is an ‘opt out’ scheme. If you do not want your personal information shared with the NHS and affiliated third parties then please click on the link below. https://your-data-matters.service.nhs.uk/landingpage If you are happy for your information to be shared (as above), you don’t need to do anything. It will happen automatically. Please feel free to share this page with as many people as possible, even those who are not part of Yalding Surgery. The more people who are aware of what is happening, the better! Please know that everything you tell us remains confidential. We hope this will not jeopardise your trust in us or make you think twice about telling us something private.

Covid Vaccines

If you are in groups 1 to 9 and having difficulty booking your second Pfizer vaccine can you please email ridge.admin@nhs.net where they will be able to book an appointment for you. They are still incredibliy busy at The Ridge so it may take a little time for them to respond.

If you are in one of the lower age groups or in groups 1 - 9 but still not had your first covid vaccine, then you will need to contact 119. If they are unable to book an appointment please do not contact the surgery as per their advice as there is little we can do. In this instance you will need to contact Kent and Medway CCG at Kmccg.covidvaccine@nhs.net or alternatively use the following link to their website. https://www.kentandmedwayccg.nhs.uk/your-health/coronavirus/covid19vaccine

Hospital Referrals

Due to the covid pandenic, there are delays for patients who are waiting for hospital appointments. Unfortunately the Surgery can not chase these up, patients will need to contact the hospitals directly. You will need to contact Patient Advice and Liaison Service. This can be done by telephoning Maidstone hospital on 01622 224960 or Tunbridge Wells hospital on 01892 632953, alternatively you could email them on mtw-tr.palsoffice@nhs.net.