Awareness days are just what the doctor ordered

Hundreds of people from across the valley attended the event organised by the Ilkley Moor Medical Practice and its Patient Participation Group on September 8.

Speakers, including an Ilkley GP, gave talks on the likely impact of NHS reforms in the valley, and the growing role of patient participation – which can bring additional funding into local GP surgeries.

The awareness day also brought together dozens of voluntary groups and charities, and patients were able to undergo simple health checks.

Ilkley Moor Medical Practice GP Dr Nick Clarke plans to set up clinics offering checks on moles, after referring people at the health awareness day to their own GP.

Of around 30 people he saw at the awareness day, he suggested that three should see their own doctor about a problem mole – and believes more people unsure about moles should seek a medical opinion.

The practice’s Patient Participation Group, meanwhile, is planning to hold open sessions in future, encouraging more patients, as well as representatives of local organisations, to get involved.

The group acts as a forum for better communication between the practice and its patients, discussing services and facilities in the Springs Lane surgery, as well as liaising and working together on wider health services issues.

It already holds regular meetings throughout the year, bringing together patient representatives and surgery staff, but is planning to open sessions up to more members of the community and local bodies.

Another health awareness day – open to all local residents, not only the Ilkley Moor practice’s 10,000-plus registered patients – is also planned next year.

Visitors to the event on September 8 also learned more about services available to people living with Alzheimer’s disease, including a “memory clinic”, which can provide practical skills to patients in the early stages of the condition.