KLINIK

Dear patients

We are aware that on some occasions we have needed to suspend our Klinik system earlier than we had hoped. This is due to exceptionally high demand exceeding capacity, therefore we have needed to adopt an ‘Urgents’ only approach to mitigate risk and manage demand levels.

We regularly audit our capacity and demand, and during the week of the 11^th November, we will be temporarily adapting our approach so that we can gain a better understanding of our true demand. During this week we will take all Klinik entries, but only deal with Urgent matters. Anything classed as non-urgent and can safely wait, will be addressed over the following couple of weeks. The goal is for us to leave Klinik on until 6pm every day to gain a better understanding of our true demand and adapt our rosters and clinics accordingly.

What can you do to help?

• Do you really need to call us? Have you looked at the NHS website for self-help? Have you tried a pharmacy, as they are contracted to help with minor illnesses?
• Please do not chase us to contact you if you only contacted us an hour ago. Be assured we deal with all urgent cases that day, and appreciate your call is important, but we can take over 700 calls on a daily basis, a percentage of which relate to end of life, mental health and other extremely urgent matters, we therefore prioritise all urgent cases.
• Please do not wait to submit your Klinik form via our website or phone until later in the day as contacting us earlier allows us to better manage the days demand.
• Ensure you leave enough time when you request a prescription. We are regularly contacted by patients demanding a prescription that day, when often they have had weeks to place the order. Please write it on your calendar, set a reminder on your phone or ask a friend or family member to remind you.
• A number of illnesses can be self-managed, the NHS website is a reliable and trustworthy source of information. Many low level viral conditions will pass with rest and fluids.
• Appointments at hospitals following a referral can take longer to be arranged than we would like. Please remember we have no control over the hospitals, therefore do not ask us to make your referral urgent so that you are seen quicker. Referrals are done on a needs basis, therefore demanding to be classed as urgent could deny others earlier treatment.
• Antibiotics are not always the answer, so please do not challenge us if we do not think it is appropriate to prescribe them. See guidance – NHS website link?
• Please remember the reception team are only working to the clinicians instructions and are often only transferring information. On occasions some of the demands placed on us are unfair, and the team can be at the receiving end of abuse if these expectations are not met. We appreciate everyone has a lot going on, especially at the moment and that calling us may cause additional anxiety or stress, however we are committed to working with our patients to breaking down any barriers or preconceptions about accessing health care.

Thank you for your patience during this time so that we can improve the service we offer you.

We are running weekend clinics for RSV vaccination, if you are eligible please contact the team .

More information is available here: UK Health Agency Leaflet

Latest News

Posted on October 25th, 2024

  As part of the construction of the new, relocated Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC), essential work has begun at Worthing […]

Posted on June 24th, 2024

The School Age Immunisation Service offer catch up clinics throughout the year for any students who have missed vaccinations in […]

Posted on June 24th, 2024

Staying Well in Worthing has changed to a walk-in service to support people who are experiencing a self-defined mental health […]

Posted on February 12th, 2024

If you are over 18 and have Jewish ancestry (at least one Jewish grandparent) you can now be tested for […]

Posted on February 6th, 2024

As from 30th January 2024, the NHS App will show patients (aged 16 over) in England, the average waiting time […]