Westcroft Health Centre encourages its
new
patients
to attend for a health check with our practice nurse. This is
important as it is an opportunity to be screened for some important
medical conditions and for your medical history and any medications to
be recorded which helps the doctor whilst awaiting your full medical
records which may take some weeks.
Self Certification
Please note that you should self-certificate for the first 7 days of
illness. If your Employer requires a doctor's note to cover illness
during this time, you may request a private certificate for
which there is a charge (see FEES notice displayed in the Waiting
Room) After seven days sickness you need to be seen for
medical certification. If you cannot get an appointment, please phone
to speak with the doctor who has seen you with this complaint.
Passports: A GP is not the only person who can sign your passport
or driving license application form, Opticians, Dentists, Civil
Servants, Religious Ministers, Bank & Building Society Officials and
many other professionals can also do this for you.
NOTE: Our GPs' Do Not Sign Passports.
Abusive & Violent Patients
We
do
NOT TOLERATE
physical or verbal violence or aggression in the surgery.
Patients
who behave in this way will be sent a warning letter and may be
removed from our lists if any repeat episodes occur. Any serious
episodes of violence or aggression will lead to the Police being
called and immediate removal from the Practice list.
Patients
who are violent or aggressive as a result of their illness can still
be seen at a place of safety with a doctor specifically employed for
this purpose by the Primary Care Trust.
Suggestions, Complaints or Compliments
We try to
give all our patients the best care and attention. If you have any
suggestions to improve our service then kindly give these to the
Practice Manager or write on the complaints card provided and post
into the suggestions box. Should you have the need to discuss
complaints then we run an in-house complaints system, please write to
or arrange an appointment to see our Practice Manager. If you feel we
have done well, it is also nice to know.
Data Protection
We are fully computerised practice and
comply with the Data Protection Act. We ask patients for information
in order to undertake their proper care and treatment. We only use or
pass on information about you if people have a genuine need for it in
your interest or that of public health, Whenever we can, when
transferring data, we shall remove details which identify you.
Everyone working in the NHS and anyone who receives information from
us has a legal duty to keep information about your confidentiality.
This applies to all patients regardless of age, gender and race.
We are required by law to allow patients
access to their medical records. Applications to do so must be made in
writing to the GP with whom you are registered,. We are allowed to
make a small charge to cover our administration cost.
Non NHS Services
Medical
examinations for special purposes, e.g. HGV medicals, insurance
medicals, medical forms for fitness centers and adoption medicals,
Letters etc are undertaken by arrangement. A fee will be charged for
all these services and for completion of any form/s that are not
covered by the NHS. A list of these services and the fees they
generate is displayed in the reception area.
Flu Vaccination
In October and November each year, we offer 'FLU" injections to
all patients over 65 years of age and those at particular risk. This
includes the frail, the elderly and those with long standing chest
complaints, cardiac conditions and diabetes. We also will be offering
pneumococcal vaccinations where appropriate.
Family Planning
All aspects of family planning are
catered for by our Nurses and Doctors. We also provide a coil fitting
service.
