The Met Office has a friendly team of project co-ordinators dedicated to helping GP surgeries roll out Healthy Outlook® to patients with COPD. We provide support, materials and training. Our aim is to make implementing the service in your area as straightforward and simple as possible, so you can recruit the maximum amount of patients with the minimum amount of fuss.

• How to recruit patients
• How to order patient packs
• Training and guidance

How to recruit patients

Patient recruitment letters

We have created a number of template letters for you to send to patients to explain the service and ask them to opt-in/opt-out. The following are available:

• Patient recruitment letter - explains the service and includes a form for patients to complete and return in order to opt-in/opt-out.

• Patient reminder letter - a follow-up letter for patients who haven't responded to the initial opt-in letter.

• Patient renewal letter - lets patients know that they are still signed up for the service. The letter advises patients to contact their surgery if they no longer want to receive calls.

How to request copies of the patient recruitment letter templates

To request copies of the letter templates, please email us at health@metoffice.gov.uk. Please put Patient Letters in the subject line.

The template letters have been created in Word so that you can mail merge them with patients' contact details and edit them for your surgery's specific requirements.

The letters are available in the following languages. Arabic, Chinese (traditional), English, Gujurati, Gurmukhi, Urdu and Welsh. When requesting copies of the letters please remember to specify which languages you require.

Posters and flyers for surgeries

We are creating flyers and a poster for you to display in your surgery. These will be sent to you when you order your patient packs.

How to order patient packs

An essential part of the Healthy Outlook® service is the patient pack, which the telephone call refers to. They are an extremely useful source of information for patients. Many surgeries send these to patients along with the opt-in letters so that all their COPD patients receive a copy.

Patient packs are available in the following languages: Arabic, Chinese (traditional), English, Gujurati, Gurmukhi, Urdu and Welsh.
The calls are available in the following languages: Arabic, Cantonese, English, Gujurati, Punjabi, Sylheti and Welsh.

Training and guidance

Training DVD

We have created a training DVD to help your staff use the Medixine system and understand all elements of the Healthy Outlook® service delivery. You may also be invited to join a Met Office training session. A DVD will automatically be sent to you with your patient packs.

Clinicians packs

Each GP practice will be sent a clinician's pack that provides a detailed reference to the Medixine system and all aspects of implementing the service.

Help and Support

Email: health@metoffice.gov.uk or call our Customer Centre on 0870 900 0100.