Updated 25 May 2018
Highlands Health Centre is situated in the rural town of Ivybridge, South Devon.
The deprivation decile rating for this area is nine (with one being the most deprived and 10 being the least deprived). The practice provides a primary medical service to approximately 3,810 patients of a diverse age group. The 2011 census data showed that majority of the local population identified themselves as being White British. Public health data showed that 2.7% of the patients are aged over 85 years old which is lower than the local average (CCG) of 3.1% and comparable with the national average of 2.3%.
Highlands Health Centre is a training practice and supported medical students. There is a team of two GP partners, one female and one male; the partners are supported by two salaried GPs (both female). The GPs worked part time making the whole time equivalent of two. The GP team were supported by a practice manager, a book keeper, a senior receptionist, two practice nurses, a health care assistant and additional administration staff.
Patients using the practice also have access to community matrons, nurses and midwives, mental health teams, cognitive behaviour therapists, RISE counsellors (Recovery and intervention service for drug and alcohol support) district nurses, school nurses and health visitors. Other health care professionals visit the practice on a regular basis including the drug and alcohol support service (DAS) and a carer’s clinic run by the NHS.
The practice is open from 8.30am to 6pm Monday to Friday. Appointments are offered between 9am and 11am and between 3.50pm until 5.40pm. Extended hours are provided every Wednesday from 6.30pm until 7.45pm. Outside of these times patients are directed to contact the out of hour’s service and the NHS 111 number through local arrangements.
The practice offers a range of appointment types including face to face same day appointments, telephone consultations and advance appointments (twelve weeks in advance) as well as online services to request repeat prescriptions.
This report relates to the regulatory activities being carried out at:
Fore Street
Ivybridge
Devon
PL21 9AE
We visited this location during our inspection.