TUESDAY, 11 OCTOBER, 2016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE. PHOTO ATTACHED L-R OF LINDA SPENCE, DR KAY MACCALLUM, MARION FENWICK AND MURIEL FAIRLEY (ARM IN MACHINE)

Academy Medical Centre installs new self-test machine

Academy Medical Centre has installed a new self-test machine which will allow patients to track their own health measures.

The machine, which was part-funded by a donation from the centre’s patient participation group, will enable patients to securely record a range of health measures which will be uploaded into their clinical record. The patient participation group raised £500 through their annual coffee morning in August.

Accepting the £500 cheque from the patient participation group’s Chairman, Linda Spence, Dr MacCallum said, “On behalf of the partners and staff of Academy Medical Centre, I am delighted to accept this generous donation which we have put towards the purchase of a self-test machine for the surgery.

“This will not only allow the practice to gather important health information, it will also enable patients to keep an eye on their health by monitoring their own health measures. The machine has already been installed and patients are invited to use it at their convenience – no appointment needed.”

The self-test machine is a touch-screen device that is simple to use and enables patients to monitor a range of health measures, such as blood pressure, body mass index and weight, as well as provide information on a range of health conditions, without the need for a consultation with a clinician.

Located in a ‘self-test’ room in the practice reception area, patients can drop in at a time that is convenient for them, or prior to their appointment, to perform tests without clinical supervision. Staff will be available to provide assistance if required.

The information provided will be securely uploaded into patients’ clinical record and will be available immediately to clinical staff. Not only will this process be simple and convenient for patients, by collecting information outwith the consultation, it will allow patients to spend more time with their doctor or nurse during their consultations.

Information about the new self-test machine is available on the practice website www.academymedicalcentre.co.uk and in the surgery waiting area.

Contact:

NHS Tayside Communications,

(01382) 424138