Dr Eliza Griffiths

Hi everyone. I am Eliza Griffiths and I've recently joined the practice as part of my junior doctor foundation programme. I have been here for 2 months now and have thoroughly enjoyed working with such a friendly team.  Originally I am from Cambridge but have lived in the northeast for 7 years. Out of work I enjoy spending time outside and I have just taken part in a three peaks mountain climbing  challenge over the May bank holiday.  I look forward to meeting the patients and enjoying the rest of my stay here at Lumley.

TELEPHONE CONSULTATIONS

Remember, if you think your problem can be dealt with over the telephone, let the receptionist know and she will allocate an approximate time when the doctor will call you back. Please note however that we have had a large number of patients not answering the phone when the doctor calls.  If after 3 attempts the doctor can not get through, it will be marked that you did not respond to the call and an alternative day/time will have to be given.

SUGGESTION BOX

A suggestion box has been placed at the front desk of reception for patients to write suggestions, comments or compliments when you visit the surgery. These can be made anonymous if you wish. However if you wish to make a complaint, there is a complaints procedure to follow. You can arrange an appointment to speak to the practice manager for further details.

CHLAMYDIA SCREENING PROGRAMME

Working with Great Lumley surgery, the screening programme sent a post Christmas invitation for young people from the practice to test for chlamydia.  Almost 400 specially printed invitations were sent to young people aged 16-24  registered with the practice with 'what did you get for Christmas - was it chlamydia?' as the catch line. The invitation provided the option of calling at the surgery, phoning the central office for a test or logging onto the website to gain a postal pack.  Around 25 packs were distributed out of which a very disappointing return of 7 tests were received by the end of March 07, but some chlamydia WAS identified, that would otherwise not have been diagnosed.  Although this pilot had a poor uptake this initioative had provided health promotion awareness, hopefully raising the profile of, and breaking the silence that surround chlamydia and other STI's.

Chlamydia screening packs are still available for all 16-24 year olds. Please ask at reception or, if you have an appointment ask the doctor or nurse that you are seeing.