We run a yearly check for all our patients who have specific Chronic Disease or Health Conditions which require yearly monitoring. This is called your Month of Birth Review (MOB) as we will always invite you around your birth month.
Depending on which health conditions you have, you may be asked to come in for some blood tests and/or a review with one of our specialist nurses or to see your GP.
Attending your yearly review is important, even if you are feeling well. This is so we, can monitor your progress and medication and offer further and new advice or adjust treatment if necessary. Yearly Chronic Disease health reviews have proven to reduce acute illness and help reduce the number of GP & A&E visits throughout the year.
We are changing the way we invite our patients for their MOB reviews. If we have a mobile phone registered on your records, and you have not dissented to text messaging, we will send an invite to your mobile phone. This may include a link to book in with the phlebotomist for blood tests, which remains active for 7 days, but can be used to book up to 4 weeks in advance. Using booking links reduces the volume of calls and means patients can book their appointment when convenient to do so, without waiting on the phone. Don’t worry though, we will still send letters to those that we are unable to text and you can still book your appointment over the phone if this is easier for you.
We may also send you a link asking you to fill out a questionnaire about your health prior to your appointment. This will provide the nurse or GP with up-to-date information about your health, aiding your face-to-face appointment. It is also a good way to gather information for patients who may find it difficult to attend for their review to assess if it is essential that you visit the surgery.
We also have a Health Pod opposite the reception desk in Ilfracombe where you can take your own blood pressure, and weight and answer questionnaires while you are waiting for your appointment. You may be asked to use the Pod when you visit for your MOB review. A member of the team will be happy to assist you if you are not familiar with this process.
Chronic Disease & Health Conditions
The following is a list of Chronic Disease / Health Conditions we monitor under the Month of Birth Plan:
- Diabetes or Pre-Diabetes
- Heart Disease (CHD)
- Previous stroke or Mini Strokes/TIAs
- Vascular Disease (PAD)
- Kidney Disease (CKD)
- Thyroid Disease
- Hypertension
- Asthma
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Mental Health
- Dementia
If you have been sent a Month of birth invite and do not think you have any of the above conditions, please call us and we will be happy to check this for you.
