The practice has encountered major computer difficulties over the past few years but is now undertaking a transfer to a new system that will deliver significant improvements. This system will also allow us to offer a range of new services in the future including on-line appointment booking.

The new system will go “live” on 10th July 2009 and prior to this date there is a considerable amount of preparation and training to be undertaken. Ultimately we firmly believe that patients as well as staff will experience the benefits of a more efficient appointment and clinical system.

In the short term we would ask for your understanding, specifically the week prior to the go live date when some routine clinics may be postponed and there will be a reduction in advanced appointment availability. During this transition period all the data collected will require re-entering manually onto the new computer system a process that will be carried out during the following week. We therefore need to keep this data to a manageable level.

This also applies to prescription requests and we will be unable to process repeats during this period. We therefore ask that you plan ahead and ensure you submit your repeat requests in good time to avoid this period altogether.
 
Although we have no plans to do so at present there may be a need to close for one or two lunch time periods - for training or to allow for system downtime. If this is required we will issue advance warning of this both via the website and in the surgery but I do assure you that this will be kept to an absolute minimum.

During the first weeks of the new system please be patient if the staff take a little longer than normal when dealing with your requests, as they become accustomed to using the new system.

This is an exciting time for the practice and I am sure we can count on your support.

Jeremy Pinner
Practice Manager
Dr. M.J. Mitchell & Partners
Hughenden Valley Surgery & Chequers Surgery, Prestwood