Greens Norton and Weedon Medical Practice FAMILY HEALTH CARE

Dr Asif Akram Dr Georgina Robson Dr Diane Geatch Dr Joe Robson Dr Sebastian (Ned) Harper Dr Marina Rookledge Dr Sam Hartley Dr Andy Schofield Dr Jonathan Hill Dr Laura Whitehouse Dr Alice Lenton

Greens Norton Medical Centre Weedon Surgery Tel: 01327 358287 Tel: 01327 340212 Fax: 01327 359715 Fax: 01327 349728

Email: [email protected]

www.gnwmp.co.uk CONTENTS WELCOME TO GREENS NORTON Welcome To Greens Norton and Weedon Medical Practice...... 1 AND WEEDON MEDICAL PRACTICE The Doctors...... 1 Greens Norton Medical Centre and Upper Nene Village Practice are two long-established rural dispensing practices which merged in April 2010 to form Greens Norton and Weedon Medical Practice Team ...... 2 Practice. The practice operates from modern purpose-built premises on two sites, one in Greens Attached Staff ...... 3 Norton and the other in Weedon. Our aim is to provide high quality medical care in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere and promote healthy living with an emphasis on disease prevention. Surgery Opening Hours ...... 3 The practice covers a wide area and the towns and villages we serve are listed on the back cover of this booklet. If you live more than a mile from a pharmacy, both the Greens Norton Medical Appointments...... 5 Centre and Weedon Surgery dispensaries can dispense medicines to you. Cancelling Appointments...... 5 GREENS NORTON MEDICAL CENTRE WEEDON SURGERY Road 57 New Croft Home Visits...... 5 Greens Norton, Towcester Weedon Out-of-Hours Emergencies...... 6 NN12 8BL Northamptonshire NN7 4RX Tel: 01327 358287 Tel: 01327 340212 Repeat Prescriptions ...... 6 Fax: 01327 359715 Fax: 01327 349728

Prescription Charges...... 7 Email: [email protected] www.gnwmp.co.uk

Medical Exemption Certificate...... 7 THE DOCTORS

Emergency Supply of Medications Out of Hours...... 7 Dr Asif Akram (Male) MB ChB (Manchester 1997) MRCGP DRCOG FP Special interests include musculo-skeletal medicine How to Register with Our Practice...... 7 Dr Diane Geatch (Female) BSc (Hons) PhD MBChB (Hons) (Leeds 2002) DCH MRCGP DFFP Laboratory Specimens...... 7 Special interests include dermatology and family planning Dr Ned Harper (Male) MBBS (London 2000) MRCGP Test Results...... 8 Special interests include musculo-skeletal medicine Clinics...... 8 Dr Sam Hartley (Male) MBChB (Leicester 2011) MRCGP DRCOG Dr Jonathan Hill (Male) MBBS (London 1981) FPCert Other Services...... 8 Special interests include cardiology and family planning Surgery Locations...... 9 Dr Alice Lenton (Female) BMBS (Nottingham 2007) Special interests include dermatology and teaching Car Parking...... 10 Dr Georgina Robson (Female) MBBS (Birmingham 2001) MBChB MRCP DRCOG DFSH Disabled Access...... 10 Special interests include respiratory medicine, women’s health and family planning.

Weedon Surgery Bus Service...... 10 Dr Joe Robson (Male) MBChB (Birmingham 2001) DCH Dr Marina Rookledge (Female) MBBS (London 1990) DRCOG MRCGP DFSRH Other Useful Information...... 10 Dr Andy Schofield (Male) MBChB (Leicester 2010) DRCOG DCH Self-Treatment of Common Illnesses and Accidents...... 13 Special interests include cardiology. Dr Laura Whitehouse BMBS (Devon 2010) MRCGP DRCOG Useful Telephone Numbers...... 15 Special interests include women’s health. Our Practice Charter...... 16 Also working with the doctors are GP Registrars. Greens Norton and Weedon Medical Practice is a GP Training Practice for qualified doctors training to be GPs. Villages in our Practice Area ...... Back Cover 1 Stay in touch with our website - www.gnwmp.co.uk Please visit our website - www.gnwmp.co.uk PRACTICE TEAM ATTACHED STAFF Practice Business Manager AAA Screening Paul Crosbie The Northamptonshire AAA Screening Programme offers free screening for men over 65 years The practice business manager deals with the day-to-day running and the business administration of age for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms. To request a scan or for more information telephone of the Practice. 01604 523276, email [email protected]. Web address www.nhs.uk/aaa.

Data Analyst Community Nurses Community nurses are available for the nursing care of housebound patients in their own homes. Miss Bethany Phillips Arrangements can be made through your doctor or directly with the team. The team can be The data analyst is responsible for ensuring that patient data input to our clinical computer system contacted on 0300 7770002. is accurate and of a high standard. She also analyses data to ensure that our patients continue to receive a high level of care. Health Visitor and Child & Young Persons (CYP) Nurse The health visitors provide child health surveillance and parenting support and can be contacted Practice Administrators on 0300 1111 022. The CYP nurse (the school nurse) can be contacted on 01604 742418 or Our team of experienced practice administrators will make appointments for you, deal with 01327 708836. A well-baby drop-in clinic with the health visitor is held once a month on the enquiries and test results. They are the first people you will meet, are all highly trained and will third Wednesday during term time at the Weedon Primary School from 1000-1130 and on the treat everything you say in the strictest confidence. If you are able to tell them some brief details first Wednesday of the month at the Towcester Library 0900-1200. No appointment needed. of your medical problem or query they will be able to help you more easily. Macmillan Nurses Nurses The practice is able to call upon a team of Macmillan nurses based at Danetre Hospital, . We have an advanced nurse practitioner, one prescribing nurse, four practice nurses and four These nurses provide extra support for the terminally ill and their families. Dr Jonathan Hill has healthcare assistants: received specialist training in terminal care. Advanced Nurse Practitioner Alison Shariat Mental Health Nurse The practice is working in collaboration with other local medical practices to provide mental Nurse Prescriber Trish Ducker health support to our population where appropriate. Patients may be directed to the service as a first point of call. Practice Nurse Mandy Lancaster Midwife Practice Nurse Alison Leatherhead Our midwives work closely with the doctors in caring for mothers before and after the birth. Practice Nurse Claire Lowe They hold a weekly antenatal clinic, by appointment, at both Greens Norton Medical Centre and Weedon Surgery. Home births can be considered. Their contact number is on the front of the Practice Nurse Helen Shouler hand held antenatal notes given to patients by the midwives. Healthcare Assistant Sheila Beel Primary Care Liaison Worker The Primary Care Liaison Worker is an additional mental health resource who supports patients Healthcare Assistant Sandra Brown referred to them by clinicians. Healthcare Assistant Zoe Bushell Wellbeing Counsellor The Wellbeing counsellor has a weekly clinic at both Greens Norton Medical Centre and Weedon Healthcare Assistant Kim Waldock Surgery with appointments available after referral from the doctor. Our practice nurses are fully qualified to carry out a wide range of services including blood tests, ear syringing, dietary advice, blood pressure checks, wound dressing and advise on minor illnesses. SURGERY OPENING HOURS Core Opening Hours and Telephone Service Dispensary Staff Monday – Friday 0800-1830 Our team of dispensers provides medicines for those patients who live within the practice Extended Hours catchment area and do not live within one mile of a chemist. Patients attending the surgery The practice offers extended hours appointments on most Wednesday evenings 1830-2000 will normally have their prescriptions dispensed at the time of their consultation providing they and Thursday morning 0730-0800 for pre-booked, routine appointments with either a doctor or are dispensing patients. Any practical issues experienced regarding your medication, such as nurse. These appointments are intended for people who work away and are unable to attend difficulty in opening packets or difficulty in swallowing tablets, can be discussed with a member our daytime surgeries. Please ask reception for further information. Emergencies during these of the dispensary staff who will be happy to help and advise you. 2 times are to be referred to NHS 111, the out-of-hours on call service, on 111. 3 Stay in touch with our website - www.gnwmp.co.uk Please visit our website - www.gnwmp.co.uk Surgery Closures for Training Days Please note that both Greens Norton Medical Practice and Weedon Surgery close on a Wednesday JOHN WHITE Let our practice afternoon each month from 1230 for staff training. The dates we are closing can be found on the YOUR LOCAL INDEPENDENT publications website, www.gnwmp.co.uk, on surgery noticeboards/jayex boards, prescription slips, newsletters FUNERAL DIRECTOR or ask at reception for further details. When the surgery is closed please telephone NHS 111, Incorporating promote your R.T. BODILY - the out-of-hours on call service, on 111 if you have an urgent problem that cannot wait until the surgery re-opens. Towcester 01327 359266 business for you! Everdon 01327 361619 ❋ APPOINTMENTS All consultations are by appointment. Appointments can be made online, by telephone or in Anytime person at reception. Where possible the appointment will be with your own doctor. However, if Day or Night the doctor of your choice is not available, you will be offered an appointment with an appropriate ❋ clinician. For various ongoing medical conditions (receptionists will advise) you may be offered 188 - 190 WATLING STREET EAST an appointment with one of our specialist practice nurses for routine consultations and the TOWCESTER management of your condition. All consultations and medical records are recorded on our clinical GP ad 65x31mm.qxp:Layout 1 23/1/08 10:40 www.johnwhitefunerals.co.uk To place a business building computer system and all the practice doctors at both sites have access to your complete medical advertising feature in our vitally records. Consultations can be face to face in the surgery or by telephone. If you have an urgent important Practice Booklets medical problem you will be able to access a health professional within 24 hours. Transplants and Appointment Cards The online appointment system, SystmOnline, can be accessed at Join the NHS Organ save lives simply phone Veronica Smith https://systmonline.tpp-uk.com or through the SystmOnline smartphone app. To use the Donor Register SystmOnline service, you will need to register at reception. At the time of registration you may 0300 123 2323 now on 0800 612 1516 be required to produce photographic identification. www.organdonation.nhs.uk Talking To Your Doctor By Telephone If you wish to speak to your doctor on the telephone you will be asked to leave a telephone number Generate more business so that the doctor can call you. Only very urgent calls will be put through to the doctor during surgery hours. If possible, please tell the administrator what the call is about so the doctors can with a Pay - Monthly review your notes and assess how urgent the situation is. Patient Self-Check-In System website from OPG To avoid queuing when you arrive at the surgery please use the self-check-in screens. If you We will design and launch a top quality bespoke require assistance please advise reception. business-generating website for you, update it regularly at your request and provide on-going CANCELLING APPOINTMENTS advice and support every working day. If you are unable to attend your appointment it is important that you let us know as soon as possible so that appointments can be reallocated. Appointments can be cancelled by telephoning the practice, through SystmOnline https://systmonline.tpp-uk.com or through the SystmOnline from £26 per month smartphone app if you have registered to use SystmOnline. There is no up-front payment and no extras, HOME VISITS with an option to choose a pay-as-you-go, stop- Please remember, seeing you at home takes four times as long as seeing you in the surgery. when-you-like service. If you feel that a home visit is required, please telephone the practice before 1030. When you telephone please give our trained administrators as much detail about your symptoms so that To find out more simply call we can judge the urgency of each call whilst planning the visits. If possible do try to attend the 0800 612 1408 surgery where any investigations or examinations required can be more readily carried out. The OPG - HELPING THE SMALL BUSINESS visit may be carried out by a doctor or community nurse. GROW FOR OVER 40 YEARS or email us at [email protected] 4 5 Attract more business by placing your advert here. Simly call 0800 0234 196. Please visit our website - www.gnwmp.co.uk OUT OF HOURS AND EMERGENCIES PRESCRIPTION CHARGES 111 is the NHS non-emergency number. It’s fast, easy and free. Call 111 and speak to a highly The current NHS prescription charge is £9.00 per item (April 2019). Should you need four or trained adviser, supported by healthcare professionals. They will ask you a series of questions more items in a three month period you could save money by buying a Prescription Pre-payment to assess your symptoms and immediately direct you to the best medical care for you. NHS 111 certificate. Ask for form FP95 from the dispensary or visit www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/pcc or call is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Calls are free from landlines and mobile phones. 0300 330 1341. A pre-payment certificate is valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. Life-threatening emergencies - Call 999 in a medical emergency – when someone is seriously Please be aware that renewal of a certificate is your responsibility and a valid certificate should ill or injured and their life is at risk. Medical emergencies can include: be shown each time you collect your medication. • loss of consciousness • an acute confused state MEDICAL EXEMPTION CERTIFICATE • fits that are not stopping • persistent, severe chest pain People with certain medical conditions can get free NHS prescriptions if: • breathing difficulties • severe bleeding that cannot be stopped • they have one of the conditions listed below; and • severe allergic reactions • severe burns or scalds • they hold a valid Medical Exemption Certificate. Call 999 immediately if you or someone else is having a heart attack or stroke. Every second Medical Exemption Certificates are issued on application to people who have: counts with these conditions. Also call 999 if you think someone has had a major trauma. Major • A permanent fistula (for example caecostomy, colostomy, laryngostomy or ileostomy) requiring trauma is often the result of a serious road traffic accident, a stabbing, a shooting, a fall from continuous surgical dressing or requiring an appliance height, or a serious head injury. • Epilepsy requiring continuous anticonvulsive therapy Non-life-threatening emergencies - If it is not a life-threatening emergency and you or the • Diabetes mellitus, except where treatment is by diet alone person you are with does not need immediate medical attention, please consider other options • Myxoedema (that is, hypothyroidism requiring thyroid hormone replacement) before dialling 999: • Hypoparathyroidism • self care at home • calling NHS 111 • Diabetes insipidus or other forms of hypopituitarism • talking to a pharmacist • visiting or calling your GP • A form of hypoadrenalism (for example Addison’s disease) for which specific substitution • going to a local NHS walk-in centre • attending an urgent care centre or minor injuries unit therapy is essential • making your own way to your local A&E department – arriving in an ambulance does not mean • Myasthenia gravis you will be seen any quicker • A continuing physical disability which means the person cannot go out without the help of another person. Temporary disabilities do not count even if they last for several months Choose the best service for your needs, as this will ensure the ambulance service is able to respond to the people who need help the most. Or are undergoing treatment for cancer: • including the effects of cancer; or REPEAT PRESCRIPTIONS • the effects of current or previous cancer treatment Repeat medication can be ordered 24 hours a day online via our website, www.gnwmp.co.uk, or Please ask for form FP92A, available from the dispensary. A Medical Exemption Certificate is through the SystmOnline smartphone app. To use this service please visit reception and we will valid for 5 years. happily activate your account. Alternatively you can order your repeat medication by completing EMERGENCY SUPPLY OF MEDICATIONS OUT OF HOURS the repeat medication slip on your prescription, or by telephoning the Greens Norton Medical Practice dispensary, 01327 358287 (Option 2) and the Weedon Surgery dispensary 01327 340212 If you need to obtain a prescription when the surgery is closed please call NHS 111 by dialing (Option 3) between 1130 and 1500. 111. For pharmacies that are open and their opening hours consult local papers or telephone If you are housebound or have difficulty getting to the surgery please ask the dispensary about NHS 111 on 111 for up-to-date information. repeat medication deliveries to your home. HOW TO REGISTER WITH OUR PRACTICE Those patients for whom we are unable to dispense (those living less than one mile from a If you wish to register as a new patient with our practice then please contact our receptionists who will chemist) repeat prescription requests can be collected at a local chemist of your choice or the help you. You may be asked to produce some form of identification, usually a form of photographic signed prescription can be collected from dispensary and taken to any chemist. identification and a utility bill. You may be invited to the practice to meet one of our nurses for a new Ideally hospital prescriptions should be prescribed by the hospital’s outpatient pharmacy. patient health check. At this time it is usual for you to have your height, weight, blood pressure etc. However in exceptional circumstances hospital prescriptions can be processed as soon checked and you will have the opportunity to discuss any matters concerning you. as is practical by the medical practice. If we dispense to you please be aware that some medications may have to be ordered in specially. Please speak with one of our dispensers LABORATORY SPECIMENS who will be able to advise you. Specimens are sent to the hospital on a daily basis. If you are asked to bring a specimen please ensure that we receive it before 1145. 6 7 Stay in touch with our website - www.gnwmp.co.uk Please visit our website - www.gnwmp.co.uk TEST RESULTS Chlamydia Screening For Under 25 Year Olds These may be obtained by telephoning Greens Norton Medical Centre 01327 358287 or Weedon Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection that can easily be treated with antibiotics. Surgery 01327 340212 after 1100. The receptionist may then inform you of the result, or she may If untreated, chlamydia can lead to complications such as infertility. There is a simple, painless, ask you to arrange an appointment with your doctor to discuss your result. It is practice policy free test that you can do yourself. If you are under 25 years of age and would like a test please only to give results of medical tests to patients over 16 and to the parents or guardians of those speak to one of the practice nurses. below this age. Unless consent has been given and documented on the patient record, results Chronic Diseases and other medical information cannot be given to a third party. The time it takes for a result to Patients with life-long diseases, e.g. diabetes, asthma, COPD or heart disease, need regular come back varies depending on the type of test. The person arranging the test will give you an follow-up for these chronic diseases. Our practice nurses have been specifically trained in these indication of the length of time for the result to come back. Do not be alarmed if you are asked areas and are running regular clinics to monitor these patients in order to keep them as active to speak to/see a doctor or repeat the test. Our administrators are not trained to interpret results and healthy as possible. and often tests have to be repeated for technical reasons. Dressings and removal of stitches CLINICS Dressings and removal of stitches are carried out by our practice nurses. Antenatal Care Family Planning All the partners see antenatal patients by appointment. Our midwife also holds her own weekly The practice provides a full family planning service. The fitting of coils and caps and the insertion clinic at both sites. Visit our updated website www.gnwmp.co.uk of implants are by appointment only. If you think you require emergency contraception then please ask to speak to a nurse immediately so you can be offered an appointment as soon as Child Immunisation possible. For other methods of contraception please make an appointment with the doctor or Childhood immunisations start at two months of age. Immunisation clinics are held Tuesday weekly nurse during surgery hours. at Weedon Surgery by appointment and Thursday weekly at the Greens Norton Medical Centre by Minor Surgery appointment. The appointments are computer generated through Child Health and you will be sent Dr Akram, Dr Harper and Dr Hill carry out minor surgery procedures by appointment. the details a few days prior to the appointment date. If the date and time are inconvenient, please Travel Immunisations/Vaccinations inform reception and Child Health Services will send an alternative appointment. If you do not receive Our nurses are available for consultations regarding travel immunisations. Please make a a reminder, or are in any way concerned, please contact us for advice. telephone appointment with the travel nurses at least six weeks in advance of your planned travel Cryotherapy (Freezing Clinic) in order that arrangements can be made for your particular requirements. Weedon Surgery is Removal of warts and other lesions is provided on a regular monthly basis by appointment. a registered Yellow Fever Centre. A charge will be made for certain immunisations that are not Diabetic Clinic covered by the NHS, details of which are available from the nurse or dispensary. All patients with diabetes are invited by appointment to attend the practice on a regular basis as Weight Management well as, or instead of, the hospital clinic. If you would like help with managing your weight please make an appointment to see one of our practice nurses. Joint Injection Clinic A steroid joint injection clinic is provided on a regular basis after referral from your doctor. SURGERY LOCATIONS GREENS WE ARE HERE OTHER SERVICES NORTON Blood Pressure Checks Towcester Road Blood pressure checks are carried out by our practice nurses and our health care assistants. Calvert Road C-Card Scheme WEEDON

Cox Gardens We participate in the C-Card Scheme. If you are under 25 and would like confidential health or Towcester Road contraceptive advice, free pregnancy testing or free condoms, please see staff at reception or any young persons’ organisation displaying the C-Card sign. Calvert Road Church View

Cervical Smears Towcester Road

These are mainly undertaken by the practice nurses. Please let the receptionist know that you School Lane School Close are making an appointment for a cervical smear. Child Health Surveillance This is undertaken at regular intervals on all children from birth to school age. • 6 - 8 weeks with the health visitor initially and then the doctor along with the postnatal check for mother. 8 • 8 - 9 months with the health visitor. 9 Stay in touch with our website - www.gnwmp.co.uk Please visit our website - www.gnwmp.co.uk CAR PARKING CHANGE OF PERSONAL DETAILS There is car parking available at both surgeries. Please keep the disabled car parking spaces Please advise reception or write to us if you change your name, address (including postcode), free at all times for use by our disabled patients. If you are dropping off a patient at our Weedon email address or telephone contact numbers. Surgery site please do not wait in the car park as spaces are limited. CHAPERONES DISABLED ACCESS The practice will always give due consideration to patients’ privacy during examination and Both the Greens Norton Medical Centre and Weedon Surgery buildings provide access, car treatment. Whenever possible, a chaperone will be offered or the patient can bring a relative or parking spaces and toilet facilities for the disabled. The surgeries have an induction loop at friend. If a chaperone is not available another consultation could be arranged when the nurse is the reception desks and a portable induction loop for use in the consulting/treatment rooms. A available or another chaperone could be offered. Alternatively the practitioner will ask permission wheelchair is available on request. to continue without a chaperone. All of our staff complete chaperone training. WEEDON SURGERY BUS SERVICE COMPLAINTS, SUGGESTIONS AND FEEDBACK (Nether Heyford - Flore - Weedon Surgery - Return) Complaints about our service should be directed to the practice business manager. All complaints To take advantage of this service you MUST have made a prior appointment to be seen at the will be acknowledged within three working days. Alternatively you can complain to NHS , surgery on that morning between 1015 and 1145. The bus service operates between Nether however we would like to have the chance to investigate your complaint ourselves before this Heyford, Flore and Weedon Surgery every Wednesday morning. The timetable is: step is necessary. 0945 Departs Nether Heyford, The Green PO/Newsagent. COMPUTERISATION 1000 Flore, The White Hart, High Street. The practice is fully computerised and there are computer terminals in all the doctors’ and nurses’ 1015 Weedon Surgery. consulting/treatment rooms which allow easy access to your medical records and make prescribing easier. The system also lets us know when you are due for any routine checks e.g. immunisations, 1145 Latest departure from Weedon Surgery returning to Nether Heyford via Flore High smear tests. The computer system is also essential to provide us with instant feedback on how Street Post Office. we are performing, enabling us to target our resources to key areas and increase our efficiency. Please note: We would assure you that we treat the information as extremely confidential which can only be The bus will depart earlier if all patients using the service have completed their appointments accessed by doctors, nurses and trained staff who have special security codes to ensure privacy. at the surgery. The practice is registered as a user with the Information Commissioner. OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION CONFIDENTIALITY CCTV Everyone working for the NHS has a legal duty to keep information about you confidential. We have a duty to: Security cameras are in operation at Weedon Surgery for the safety of patients and staff and the security of the surgery premises. Images are monitored. • Maintain full and accurate records of the care we provide to you. • Keep records about you confidential, secure and accurate. CARERS • Provide information in a format that is accessible to you (ie large type for the partially sighted). The Practice holds the Silver award for carer’s support. This is an award in recognition of We will not share information that identifies you for any reason unless: our work in providing services for our patients who are Carers and to help them in the role • You ask us to do so. they take on when supporting a loved one. At the Greens Norton and Weedon Medical • We ask and you give us specific permission. Practice we hold a Carers’ register and any patient who is a Carer can register on this • We have to do this by law. by collecting a pack from the front desk, completing the form and returning to reception. • We have special permission for health or research purposes. Carers are eligible for an annual health check with our Health Care Assistant, an annual flu vaccine and we are also able to offer carers flexible appointments with all our clinical staff, to suit their needs, • We have special permission because the interests of the public are thought to be of greater as we understand that looking after your own health can be challenging when caring for someone importance than your confidentiality. else, and that your time is limited. For more information, or to book an appointment, please contact We provide a confidential service to all our patients, including under 16s. This means that you the reception team. can tell others about this visit, but we will not. The only reason why we might have to consider The Northamptonshire Carers Service aim to offer a comprehensive support service to the unpaid passing on confidential information, without your permission, would be to protect you or someone carers of Northamptonshire and can be contacted by telephoning 01933 677837, email carers@ else from serious harm. We would always try to discuss this with you first. If you are being treated northamptonshire-carers.org. The carers support line is 01933 677907 or see their website for elsewhere, for example at a hospital or family planning clinic, it is best if you allow the doctor or further information www.northamptonshire-carers.org. nurse to inform the practice of any treatment you are receiving. If you have any worries about confidentiality, please feel free to ask a member of staff. 10 11 Stay in touch with our website - www.gnwmp.co.uk Please visit our website - www.gnwmp.co.uk We may share information with the following main partner organisations: PHYSIOTHERAPY • Strategic Health Authorities A physiotherapist is available locally by appointment following referral by your doctor or you may • NHS Trusts (Hospitals, CCGs) self-refer by telephoning the Physiotherapy Patient Contact Centre on 0330 555 6789 (Option 2). • Special Health Authorities • Ambulance Service SMOKING POLICY DENTAL PROBLEMS Smoking in the practice buildings and grounds is prohibited. We do not normally see people with toothache or dental problems. However, if you do have an urgent dental problem you should contact the NHS dentist you are registered with. If you are not VIOLENCE AND ABUSE registered with an NHS dentist, please contact: NHS 111 on 111. Physical or verbal abuse of our staff is not acceptable and, in line with the National Health EMAIL AND TEXT COMMUNICATIONS Service, we have a ‘zero tolerance policy’ in place. Any incident of violence or abuse will always From time to time we may wish to communicate with you via email or text so please ensure be logged in a file and reported to the police with a view to prosecution. Aggressive or violent that we always have an up-to-date email address or mobile telephone number for you. If you patients may be removed from our patient list. do not wish this to happen please advise us in writing or speak to reception. FREEDOM OF INFORMATION - PUBLICATION SCHEME SELF TREATMENT OF COMMON ILLNESSES AND ACCIDENTS Many common aches and pains can be simply treated at home without the need to consult a doctor. The Freedom of Information Act 2000 obliges the practice to produce a publication scheme. A publication scheme is a guide to the ‘classes’ of information the practice intends to routinely Back Pain make available. This scheme is available from the practice manager or can be downloaded or Back pain causes 13 million working days to be lost in Britain each year. The spine supports the completed online on our website www.gnwmp.co.uk. whole weight of the upper body so it is understandable that it sometimes goes wrong. Because NAMED ACCOUNTABLE GP of the complex nature of the spine it is advisable to consult your doctor if back pain persists for more than a few days. If, as is usual, the pain has been caused by abuse i.e. lifting too heavy From 1st April 2015, the NHS has said that all practices are required to allocate a named weights etc., be sensible and take things easy. Take care to sit as upright as possible with a accountable GP to all patients. Our patients are already assigned a named GP, and you can support for the small of the back. Take Aspirin or Paracetemol which will not only relieve the find out who this is at your next interaction with the practice. There will be no impact on the pain but will help to relieve inflammation. Your doctor may well prescribe stronger drugs, heat service you receive regarding the provision of appointments at Greens Norton and Weedon treatment, gentle exercise or some kind of supportive corset. Medical Practice, your treatment, or which GP you can see. The name of your allocated GP will not necessarily be the one you see most regularly. Please be assured that you can still Bedsores access all of our medical team in exactly the same way as before. Bedsores are far easier to prevent than cure. They are caused by prolonged pressure to certain PATIENT PANELS parts of the body when lying in bed for long periods. They can be prevented by encouraging the patient to shift position as often as possible. Take care to smooth out creases in the bottom sheet We have active Patient Panels which meet regularly at the Medical Centres. The panels are to avoid irritation. If red marks appear at the pressure points such as heels, elbows, buttocks made up of a cross section of patients who meet with practice clinicians and staff to decide and hips, inform the doctor before they get worse. ways of making a positive contribution to the services and facilities offered by the practice to the patients. If you are interested in joining the group or just coming along to one of the meetings, Burns please ask for details at the reception desk at either of our sites. Apply large quantities of cold water to the affected area as soon as possible and maintain this PATIENT REFERENCE GROUP until the pain subsides. This may take as long as 15 minutes! If the skin is unbroken but blistered, apply a loose, dry dressing. If the burn is larger than four or five inches in diameter or if the skin Members of both Patient Participation Panels are automatically members of the Patient Reference is broken, consult your doctor as soon as possible. Group. The practice is currently looking to expand its membership of the Patient Reference Group and is keen to reach a wider proportion of the practice population. The PRG works in Chickenpox a similar way to the Patient Panel in that it helps influence the decisions the practice makes. On the first day a rash appears as small red patches about 3-4mm across. Within a few hours Members of the PRG would be asked to complete a brief survey, maybe once or twice a year and of these developing, small blisters appear in the centre of the patches. During the next three or would be invited to attend a full meeting at either of the practice premises, again once or twice a four days further patches will appear and the earlier ones will turn ‘crusty’ and fall off. Calamine year, to discuss the survey findings and any planned changes. Survey results will be published lotion may be applied to soothe the often severe itching. Cool baths may also help. The most on the practice website and in the patient newsletter available from both surgeries. If you are infectious period is from two or three days before the rash appears and up to five days from this interested in joining the PRG or would like more details, please contact the PRG by emailing: date. Children may return to school as soon as the last ‘crusts’ have dropped off. [email protected] or contacting reception. Enrolment forms are available from reception at 12 both Greens Norton Medical Centre and Weedon Surgery. 13 Stay in touch with our website - www.gnwmp.co.uk Please visit our website - www.gnwmp.co.uk Colds Mumps Even in this day and age there is still no magic cure for the common cold. Go to bed, take plenty Symptoms are swelling of the gland in front of one ear often followed, after a couple of days, of drinks. If you have a headache or are feverish, take Aspirin or Paracetamol. Do not bother by swelling in front of the other ear. It is infectious from two or three days before the swelling to take antibiotics as these will have no effect! appears until eight to ten days after that date. If the pain is severe you should consult your doctor. Immunisation can prevent this disease. Diarrhoea In adults, diarrhoea is usually caused by a viral infection and is therefore unable to be Nosebleeds treated directly. The symptoms can usually be eased by the traditional Kaolin and Morphine Sit in a chair, lean forward with your mouth open, and pinch your nose just below the bone for mixture or by medicines containing Codeine. Holiday diarrhoea is often due to bacteria. approximately 10 minutes, by which time the bleeding should have stopped. Avoid hot drinks or Again, Kaolin and Morphine can be taken. Consult your doctor if the symptoms persist for hot food for 24 hours. If symptoms persist, consult your doctor. more than a few days. Diarrhoea in very young children and babies needs careful attention. Minor Cuts and Grazes Most babies have loose bowel action during their first six months due to their predominantly Wash the wound thoroughly with water and a little soap. To stop bleeding apply a clean handkerchief liquid diet. Sudden bouts of unusually watery diarrhoea should be treated by taking the or dressing firmly to the wound for about five minutes. Cover with a clean dry dressing. baby off solids and feeding them a cooled solution of boiled water with a teaspoon of sugar and half a teaspoon of salt to the pint. If the symptoms persist for more than 24 hours, or Sprains are accompanied by vomiting or weakness, consult your doctor. Treat with a cold compress, containing ice if possible, for 15 to 30 minutes to reduce the swelling. Then apply, firmly, a crepe bandage and give the sprain plenty of rest until all discomfort has Gastroenteritis subsided. Further strain will inevitably lead to further swelling and a longer recovery period. Gastroenteritis describes a group of diseases affecting the stomach or part of the intestine. Symptoms are often diarrhoea, sickness and stomachache. Because the lining of the stomach Stomachache is likely to be inflamed, medicines are often immediately vomited up. Large quantities of Most attacks are not serious and are usually caused by indigestion or wind. A hot water bottle water, orange juice or thin soup should be taken to counter the effects of dehydration. will often relieve the symptoms and, in the case of indigestion, a teaspoon of Bicarbonate of Consult your doctor if symptoms persist for more than a day or, in the case of babies or Soda in half a glass of water will help. If the pain lasts for longer than eight hours or increases young children, six hours. in intensity you should consult your doctor. Sunburn German Measles (Rubella) Treat as for other burns with cold water to remove the heat. Calamine lotion will relieve the The rash appears during the first day and usually covers the body, arms and legs in small pink irritation whilst paracetamol will also help. Children are particularly susceptible to sunburn and patches about 2-4mm across and doesn’t itch. No other symptoms are usually present apart great care should be taken to avoid overexposure to the harmful effects of the sun. from occasional aching joints. It is infectious from two days before the rash appears, until the rash disappears in about four or five days from that date. The only danger is to unborn babies USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS and, therefore, it is important that all contacts are informed in order that anyone who may be Citizens Advice Bureau,...... 0344 4889629 pregnant can contact their doctor. Community Nurses...... 0300 7770002 Head Lice Danetre Hospital...... 01327 708800 These creatures, contrary to popular belief, prefer clean hair and are, therefore, not a sign of poor DACT (Daventry Area Community Transport) ...... 01327 701665/6 personal hygiene. Medicated head lotion can be obtained from the chemist without prescription. Special advice leaflets are available. Health Visitors...... 0300 1111 022 Milton Keynes Hospital ...... 01908 660033 Insect Bites and Stings NHS 111...... 111 Antihistamine tablets can be obtained from the chemist without prescription and will usually relieve most symptoms. Note: bee stings should be scraped away rather than ‘plucked’ in order NHS Nene CCG...... 01604 651100 to avoid squeezing the contents of the venom sac into the wound. Northampton General Hospital ...... 01604 634700 Physiotherapy Patient Contact Centre...... 0330 555 6789 Measles The rash is blotchy and red and appears on the face and body around the fourth day of illness. Podiatry Patient Contact Centre...... 0330 555 6789 It is at its most infectious from two or three days before the rash appears until eight to ten days Social Services...... 0300 126 1000 after that date. Immunisation can prevent this disease. TADD (Towcester Voluntary Drivers)...... 01327 810300 Three Shires Hospital...... 01604 620311 14 15 Stay in touch with our website - www.gnwmp.co.uk Please visit our website - www.gnwmp.co.uk OUR PRACTICE CHARTER • You should not expect to be given a prescription every time you visit the doctor. Please All members of the surgery primary care team are committed to achieve high quality services for remember to check your cupboards before ordering repeat prescriptions. you, our patients. We do everything we can to keep you healthy. We will treat you as an individual • Please do not call before the suggested time. and make every effort to respect your personal beliefs. We will also try to ensure that you have • You have the right to ask for a second opinion. easy access to the services you use and that you understand the care and treatment we offer. • Facilities for examination and treatment are better at the surgery and the less time a Doctor In return for these standards, we ask that you take responsibility for your side of the bargain. spends travelling the more time is available for patients. Please do not ask for a home visit Our Responsibilities To You unless it is strictly necessary. • Please ensure that your request for a home visit reaches the surgery before 1030 unless a • You will be treated as a partner in the care you receive. genuine emergency arises later. • You will be treated as an individual and will be given courtesy and respect at all times. • Please do not call out of hours except in real cases of emergency. Wherever possible it is best • You have the right to be treated in a confidential manner. to wait for the next surgery. • We will try to answer the phone promptly and courteously. • Please remember to tell us if you no longer need your appointment. • If you have an urgent medical problem we will see you on the same day. • You can request a copy of your medical records. We can make these available to you within 40 • We will try to see you within 20 minutes of your appointment time. You will be offered an days but you may be charged for this. explanation if we cannot do this. • You have a responsibility too. Please remember to tell us if you change your name or address. • We will explain the likely effects of any drugs and review your long-term medical needs at • You are responsible for your own health and that of your children and should take appropriate agreed times. action and advice. • We will advise you about how and when to obtain the results of any tests or x-rays you have undergone. • Please read our practice booklet. This will help you get the best out of the services we offer. • If we believe that you need a second opinion we will try to help you to get this. • If you are seriously unhappy with us or the services we provide you have the right at any time • We will visit you at home if you are really too ill or infirm to be brought to the surgery. to leave our list and to register with another practice. • Wherever possible we will give you 24 hours’ notice of any cancelled surgery or clinic. • We will inform you about how you can make suggestions and complaints about the services we offer. • You have the right to see your computerised medical records and written medical records compiled after November 1991. • We will maintain accurate medical records. • We will offer advice and information about how you can promote good health and avoid illness. • You will be able to have a copy of our practice booklet. • We have the right to remove patients from our list if they repeatedly and persistently ignore their responsibilities to us and other patients, or threaten violence to any member of staff.

Your Responsibilities To Us • HELP US TO HELP YOU. Being a partner means that we have responsibilities to each other. • We ask that you treat the doctors and all practice staff with the same courtesy and respect. • Please try to call outside of peak surgery times for non-urgent requests. PRACTICE BOOKLETS ARE SPECIALLY PREPARED BY • Please remember that the doctor of your choice may not always be available due to other commitments, holidays etc. Neighbourhood Direct Ltd • Please do everything you can to keep appointments. Tell us as soon as possible if you cannot. Barons Gate, Graceways, Whitehills Business Park, Blackpool, Lancs FY4 5PW Tel: 01253 608014 Fax: 01253 608015 Website: http://www.opg.co.uk Email: [email protected] • Please try to be punctual. If you arrive later than your appointment time this may cause delays COPYRIGHT WARNING: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be copied or reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, and inconvenience other patients. If we are running late, please bear with us because on another mechanical, photocopy, recording or otherwise without the prior written permission of the publisher. occasion it may be you that needs the extra time. The practice would like to thank the various advertisers who have helped to produce this booklet. However, it must be pointed 16 out that the accuracy of any statements cannot be warranted, nor any products or services advertised, be guaranteed or endorsed. Stay in touch with our website - www.gnwmp.co.uk SP/RR 04.19 S34496M - 23 VILLAGES IN OUR PRACTICE AREA

Abthorpe Foscote Paulerspury Adstone Fosters Booth Plumpton Alderton Foxley Potcote/Potcote Farm Althorp Gayton Potterspury Astcote Grafton Regis Pury End Blakesley Greens Norton Rothersthorpe Blisworth Grimscote Sholebroke Brackley Hatch Handley Park Showsley Bradden Harpole Shutlanger Brockhall Heathencote Silverstone Bugbrooke Helmdon Slapton Caldecote Hulcote Staverton Kislingbury Stoke Bruerne Caswell Litchborough Syresham Tiffield Little Everdon Towcester Cold Higham Little Preston Upper Heyford Cornhill Lois Weedon Dalscote Wharf Wakefield Estate Dodford Maidford Wappenham Milton Malsor Weedon Eastcote Moreton Pinkney Welton Easton Neston Muscott Weston Everdon Nether Heyford Newnham Whittlebury Wood Burcote Field Burcote Norton Woodend Fields Farm (Silverstone) Oakley Bank (Plumpton) Yardley Gobion Flore Pattishall

Practice Booklets are published by Neighbourhood Direct Ltd. 01253 608014