Combs Ford Surgery

Combs Ford Surgery Combs Lane STOWMARKET IP14 2SY

Dr Jackie Muir MBChB MRCGP DCCH DRCOG Dr Jyoti Ravikumar MBBS MRCGP DCH DRCOG DFS RH Dr Caroline Dunmore – MBBS MRCGP Dr. K L Prasad – MBBS MD MRCP

Rachel Clarke – Senior Nurse Practitioner BSc RGN SN Dip FP CHD Denise Farrow – Independent Nurse Prescriber BSc RGN Andrew Toogood - ECP Emergency Care Practitioner Programme Diploma

A guide to our services

Telephone: (01449) 678333 www.combsfordsurgery.org.uk

Core Opening hours: Monday to Friday 8am until 6.30pm Extended Opening hours; Wednesday evenings from 1st October 2015

Evenings and weekends NHS 111 for Out of Hours Contact Number

N/policies/organisational/A guide to our services 2015 09/04/2018 03:12:30 Welcome

Combs Ford Surgery serves the population of Stowmarket as well as some of its surrounding villages. Our team includes four GPs, two clinical nurse practitioner, one emergency care practitioner, one minor illness nurse, three senior nurses, two health care assistants as well as our practice manager, business manager, two medical secretaries and reception / administration staff. This leaflet is for both existing patients and those considering registering with us. It tells you about our services, how to access them and some general information about how our practice operates.

We offer a full general practice service including health promotion clinics for diabetes, asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), heart disease sufferers and high blood pressure. We also offer some minor surgical procedures on site. We have an on-site dispensing service for any of our patients living more than one mile away from a pharmacy / chemist.

At Combs Ford Surgery, we aim to treat all our patients promptly, courteously and in complete confidence.

Combs Ford Surgery is a ‘training practice’. This means hospital doctors wanting to experience general practice come to spend four / six months with us. During this time they see patients like other GPs but there is always a senior Doctor available to advise them. As a training practice, your medical records may be used for educational purposes or you may be asked if you are happy for a student to be present during your consultation.

The population of Stowmarket continues to grow and with the agreement of Local Area Team, Combs Ford Surgery’s practice area is as defined by the map below, with the exclusion of the Cedar’s Park and Chilton Hall housing developments.

Our Practice Area – our area also extends further east to Middlewood Green, Forward Green

N/policies/organisational/A guide to our services 2015 09/04/2018 03:12:30 Clinics

We run a range of clinics. For an appointment or further details, please call our main Combs Ford Surgery number on (01449) 678333 option 2.

Blood Tests

Daily from 8.20am to 12.30pm. Run by our trained health care assistants, we offer a blood test service for our patients.

Please ring for the results of tests after 11am. Reception staff will able to let you know whether the test is back but not the result. Remember that the results of tests can only be given to the patient. Baby Clinic

Health Visitors run a weekly clinic at Hillside Community Centre in Stowmarket for parents and carers to take along their babies/toddlers. They can be contacted by leaving a message on their answerphone on 01449 776040.

Child health and immunisation

All new babies are invited for regular check-ups from eight weeks old. A full immunisation programme is offered here at the surgery including MMR, pre-school vaccinations and boosters.

Health Promotion

Led by our nursing team, our health promotion clinics offer advice and general health check-ups to patients diagnosed with diabetes, asthma, COPD, heart problems, kidney problems etc. Appointments can be made in advance and are available in morning or afternoon/early evening sessions.

Stopping smoking

Our practice nurses and nursing assistants are able to give advice and support to patients trying to give up smoking. Please ask at Reception for a Smoking Cessation appointment.

Coil fitting & Implants

We have trained Doctors here at the surgery who are able to offer a full contraceptive service including coil fitting and implants. The Doctor will discuss with you the alternatives before any procedure is carried out. Please ask at Reception for an appointment.

Home Visits

Telephone 01449 678333 option 3 Please telephone with your request for a visit before 10.00am if possible. Please give the name and address of the patient and be prepared to give some idea of why a visit is needed. This helps our clinicians understand the urgency of the case. Visits should only be requested for urgent treatment/care and where possible patients should try to come into the surgery.

N/policies/organisational/A guide to our services 2015 09/04/2018 03:12:30 Prescriptions Telephone 01449 678333 option 4

Our Dispensary generates all prescriptions. Patients who live more than one mile away from a chemist/pharmacy can collect their medication from our Dispensary. For patients requiring repeat-prescriptions please allow 48 hours and during busy periods, i.e. Christmas or New Year, please allow 72 hours. The Dispensary regrets that they are unable to accept requests for prescriptions over the telephone.

Patients can fax their request on 01449 778212 or visit our website at www.combsfordsurgery.org.uk.

The Dispensary is open Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 6.30pm. Our dispensers are available to take calls regarding medication queries and reviews between 10.30 - 12.00 and 2.30 - 4.00pm.

Specialist and hospital care

If a GP or another member of our health care team believes you need hospital treatment or specialist care elsewhere, they will ask you where you would like to go. For most patients the hospital will contact you to book an appointment for you to be seen. It is very important that we keep your contact details up to date. Please let us know of any change in your address, telephone numbers (including mobile) or marital status.

Appointments Telephone 01449 678333 option 2

All patients have a named accountable GP and will be advised of this at the time of registration, or can ask at reception at any time. However from a practical point of view, patients are able to consult any of the clinicians available including the GP Partners, salaried GPs, Locum GPs or Nurse Practitioners, Emergency Care Practitioners and Minor Illness Nurse.

The receptionists will ask you the reason for your visit to the practice in order to place you with the most appropriate clinician. Please don’t be offended – this is to make best use of each appointment and to save you waiting to see a GP when another clinician may have helped you sooner. However if you do not wish to discuss the reason for your visit, this will be respected.

The clinicians are generally able to deal with one patient and one problem in each consultation, if you think you need longer or wish for more than one member of the family to be seen, please request a double appointment.

Dr Muir and Dr Ravikumar will be overseeing all the clinical issues and will be seeing the most complex and chronically ill patients in longer appointments. We ask that patients do not request to see Dr Muir and Dr Ravikumar for routine appointments as these can be seen by other clinicians.

Details of the clinicians working at the practice can be viewed on our website www.combsfordsurgery.org.uk

Please tell us if you want someone to accompany you during an examination or a private room to discuss any matters.

N/policies/organisational/A guide to our services 2015 09/04/2018 03:12:30 Nurses appointments Telephone 01449 678333 option 2

All Nurses appointments can be booked in advance via the telephone or in person.

Our team of Specialist Practice Nurses deal with long term medical conditions in our Health Promotion Clinics.

Practice Nurses in our Treatment Room will carry out practical procedures such as dressings, injections and vaccinations. They will also assess minor injuries and treat if appropriate. Please advise the receptionist when the injury occurred. Did Not Attend Policy

In response to patient requests, we have introduced a policy for those patients who have missed two or more appointments in close proximity. Patients will receive a letter to explain the policy and if further appointments are missed, the Partners will decide if it is necessary to remove the patient from our list. This will be regarded as a breakdown in communication between GP/Patient. More details are available on our website. www.combsfordsurgery.org.uk

How you can help us

1. Consider seeking advice from a pharmacist in the first instance for minor illnesses

2. Keep a well-stocked medicine cabinet to deal with minor illnesses and minor injuries at home

3. Order your repeat prescriptions in good time with at least 48 hours’ notice

4. Refer to NHS Choices website for advice www.nhs.uk

5. Please use our website www.combsfordsurgery.org .uk to access all sorts of useful help/advice regarding self-care

6. Useful telephone numbers/email addresses and websites can be found on our website and in our waiting room

7. Allow the receptionists to make the most appropriate appointment for your condition; this may be the health care assistant, practice nurse, nurse practitioner, physiotherapist, counsellor, or minor illness nurse.

8. Consider alternative services, such as physiotherapists, counselling services, community services, dentists – are these services more appropriate?

9. Use your GP appointment wisely, prioritise your needs for the allocated 10 or 15 minutes

10. Cancel any appointments you no longer need – someone else can use it

Evening and weekends

N/policies/organisational/A guide to our services 2015 09/04/2018 03:12:30 An Out of Hours Doctor service is offered for all patients registered with our practice when our practice is closed. For urgent advice and treatment, please call the usual Surgery number and you will be given the telephone number to use. For all non life threatening medical emergencies dial 111 but for life threatening medical emergencies dial 999

Other local NHS services

As well as our practice, there are many other local NHS services you can contact for health advice, information or treatment. Before you do, remember that you can treat many minor ailments such as colds, coughs and indigestion by keeping a well-stocked medicine cabinet at home. We suggest you keep the following:  Paracetamol and aspirin (children under 16 and people with asthma should not take aspirin)  Mild laxatives  Anti-diarrhoeal medicines  Rehydration mixture  Indigestion remedy (for example, antacids)  Travel sickness tablets  Sunscreen – SPF15 or higher  Sunburn treatment (for example, calamine)  Tweezers and sharp scissors  A thermometer  A selection of plasters, non-absorbent cotton wool, elastic bandages and dressings.

Remember

 Keep the medicine chest in a secure, locked place out of reach of small children.  Always read the instructions and use the suggested dose  Watch expiry dates – don’t keep or use medicines past their sell-by date  Take all unwanted and out-of-date medicines back to the pharmacy

Your local pharmacist

Your local pharmacist will be able to give you free health advice at any time – you don’t need an appointment.

NHS 111

NHS 111 service is for all non life threatening medical advice or emergency. Accident and emergency/999

999 is an emergency service ONLY but if you or someone else experiences a life threatening medical emergency such as severe chest pain, symptoms of stroke, loss of blood or suspected broken bones, go to your nearest accident and emergency department or call 999.

N/policies/organisational/A guide to our services 2015 09/04/2018 03:12:30 Accident and emergency departments are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and can assess serious injuries and provide emergency treatment.

Patients with particular needs

Our surgery is accessible to patients using a wheelchair. We have a wheelchair accessible entrance and reception area. For patients with hearing problems, we have a mobile digital hearing loop. For patients who are partially sighted we are able to produce repeat prescriptions, labels and letters in large font. Please advise the receptionist of your needs and ask for help if you need assistance. Patient confidentiality

We respect your right to privacy and keep all your health information confidential and secure. It is important that the NHS keeps accurate and up-to-date records about your health and treatment so that those treating you can give you the best possible care.

This information may be used for management and audit purposes. However, it is usually only available to, and used by, those involved in your care. You have the right to know what information we hold about you. If you would like to see your records, please call our practice manager on 01449 678333. You also have the right to withhold your clinical information from IT systems used by the wider-NHS. If you would like more information please ask your doctor or ask our Reception staff for more information.

Patient and Staff Protection

We aim to treat our patients courteously at all times and expect our patients to treat our staff in a similarly respectful way. We take seriously any threatening, abusive or violent behaviour against any of our staff or patients. If a patient is violent or abusive, they will be warned to stop their behaviour. If they persist, we may exercise our right to take action to have them removed, immediately if necessary, from our list of patients.

Our team

Our doctors

Dr Jackie Muir (Partner) - GMC number 3108712. Qualifications MBChB 1985 MRCGP 1992. Specialist interests include - Child Protection / IUCD fitting / Drug Dependency

Dr Jyoti Ravikumar (Partner) – GMC number 6051521. Qualifications MBBS 1999 MRCGP 2011 DCH DRCOG DFS RH. Specialist interests include – Prescribing

Dr Caroline Dunmore (Salaried GP) - GMC number 3407150. Qualifications MBBS 1989 MRCGP 1994. Specialist interests include - IUCD fitting. Please note that Dr Dunmore does not have her own patient list.

N/policies/organisational/A guide to our services 2015 09/04/2018 03:12:30 Dr LP Koratamaddi (Salaried GP known as Dr LP) – GMC number 4331919. Qualifications MBBS 1983 MD 1991 MRCP 1994. Specialist interests include – Care of the Elderly and has responsibility for Chilton Meadows Nursing Home. Dr Prasad does not have his own patient list.

Ms Rachel Clarke Senior Nurse Practitioner Qualifications BSC RGN SN Dip FP CHD Independent Nurse Prescriber Rachel supports the Partners and is able to see all patients in the first instance.

Denise Farrow Nurse Practitioner Qualifications BSc RGN Independent Nurse Prescriber Denise joined the practice in July 2015 and is a prescribing nurse practitioner and will be working alongside Rachel and Andrew

Andrew Toogood Emergency Care Practitioner Qualifications Emergency Care Practitioner Programme Diploma Andrew also joined us in July 2015 and will be seeing all emergencies, walk in patients and doing home visits.

Our nursing team

Our highly qualified nurses deal with a range of conditions and health concerns.

Michelle holds minor illness clinics and can deal with a range of conditions. Our team of Specialist Practice Nurses deal with long-term medical conditions in our Health Promotion clinics. Practice Nurses in our Treatment Room will carry out practical procedures such as dressing, injections and vaccinations.

Practice Manager / Business Manager

Mrs Sally Pearce and Mrs Helen Flatt will be able to help you with any administrative problems you may have with the way our practice is run.

Medical Secretary Mrs Debbie Smith and Mrs Cheryl Middleditch will be able to help you with any queries relating to referrals for specialist care or paperwork associated with your consultation.

Reception staff Mrs Julie Crickmore and her Deputy Tracey Lincoln manage the Reception Team and the team of Receptionists / Administrative staff are here to help you. They answer the phone, make appointments and deal with enquiries.

Dispensary staff Mrs Mary Tricker and Mrs Greta Balson and their team of dispensers are here to help with your medication. They can dispense to patients living more than one mile from a pharmacy. Please allow sufficient time for your medication request.

N/policies/organisational/A guide to our services 2015 09/04/2018 03:12:31 Your local Primary Care Organisation

The area served by Combs Ford Surgery is in the district covered by Ipswich and East Suffolk Clinical Commissioning Group. They are responsible for “buying in “ or commissioning and managing health care services since the PCT and NHS Suffolk ceased to exist. For details of all primary care services in the area, look at The Ipswich and East Suffolk CCG website at www.ipswichandeastsufffolk.nhs.uk

Ipswich and East Suffolk Clinical Commissioning Group, Rushbrook House, Paper Mill Lane Bramford, IPSWICH, IP8 4DE Tel: (01473) 770000

Other information

Complaints

Combs Ford Surgery aims to give a friendly and professional service to all our patients. However, if you have any concerns about any aspect of our service, please let us know. Speak to whomever you feel most comfortable – your GP, our Practice Manager or our reception staff will be happy to help. In the majority of cases, concerns can be resolved quite easily. However, if you feel we have not dealt with the issues you have raised as you would wish, you can write to the Practice Manager at the address on the back of this leaflet. Full details of your complaint will be taken and a full investigation will be initiated. You will receive an acknowledgement letter within 2 working days and we will endeavour to answer your queries within 10 working days.

Please ask our Reception staff for a copy of our leaflet “How To Make A Complaint/Compliment”. Other useful contacts –

PALS (Patient Advocacy & Liaison Service) NHS England Rushbrook House PO Box 16738 Paper Mill Lane Redditch Bramford B97 9PT Ipswich 0300 311 22 33 IP8 4DE 0800 389 6819

Compliments

We also welcome your constructive feedback and compliments. These help our staff to continue making a positive contribution to the Practice and to all our patients.

Friends and Family Test

N/policies/organisational/A guide to our services 2015 09/04/2018 03:12:31 Patients are able to complete the Friends and Family Test either in the practice or on our website. This can be anonymous feedback but it is always helpful if we are able to respond to any feedback if necessary.

Patient Reference Group

The Practice consults regularly with a group of patients registered at the practice in order to gain their views, review any surveys of patients and publish a report of agreed actions. If you would be interested in joining the group please contact Sally Pearce, Practice Manager.

Contacting us

Combs Ford Surgery Combs Lane STOWMMARKET Suffolk IP14 2SY Email: [email protected] or [email protected] Opening hours: Monday to Friday 8am until 6.30pm Extended hours; Wednesday evenings from 1st October 2015

Telephone: 01449 678333 Listen carefully to the options: Press 9 If you have an emergency Press 2 For reception, to book an appointment or for general enquiries Press 3 To speak to the secretaries for a home visit or regarding a hospital referral Press 4 For any medication queries or medication reviews to speak to Dispensary Press 5 For accounts queries

Fax: 01449 614535 01449 778212 (Dispensary)

Other local services  The Travel Clinic Ltd at 47 St Nicholas Street, Ipswich, IP1 1TW can help you with all travel health immunisations, advice and other vaccination advice. www.travelclinic.ltd.uk . Email [email protected]

This leaflet can also be made available on request on disk and in large print.

N/policies/organisational/A guide to our services 2015 09/04/2018 03:12:31