Combs Ford Surgery

1. Combs Ford Surgery Patient Information Screen April 2014

2. Welcome to the Surgery!

3. Appointments • Please help the Doctor to help you • And help us run to time…. • Only one person per appointment (it can be difficult for a Doctor to say no when asked to see a second patient in one 10 minute appointment

4. Appointments • We try to run to time so….. • If you have several problems to discuss please ask the receptionist for a double appointment and make a list with the most important first • It may not be possible to attend to all problems in one appointment

5. Appointments • We try to run on time but it may not always be possible • Please accept our apologies • If you cannot wait please speak to reception who will book you an alternative appointment

6. Chaperone Trained chaperones are available for all consultations and intimate examinations Please ask the clinician when attending your appointment

7. Consent Informed implied or expressed consent will be obtained before any procedure or examination is carried out. An explanation will be given to the patient sufficient to understand the procedure.

8. Consent Should the procedure carry a risk that the patient is likely to consider as being substantial, expressed consent (written or verbal) will be obtained. Copies of the consent policy are available on request.

9. Referrals If the GP refers you to the hospital;- Appointments are generally 14-18 weeks after receipt of the referral

10. Referrals The patient will not hear from the hospital until about 2 weeks before they are due to be seen This also applies to podiatry and chiropody. Unfortunately the Practice is unable to speed up this process

11. Carers DO YOU LOOK AFTER SOMEONE WHO IS FRAIL, DISABLED OR MENTALLY ILL? We are interested in identifying carers, especially those people who may be caring without help or support. We know that carers are often “hidden” looking after a family member or helping a friend or neighbour with day to day tasks and may not see themselves as a carer.

12. Carers If you are a carer, please ask at Reception for a Carers referral form for General Practice Further information for carers is also available from www.suffolk-carers.org.uk or telephone the Information Line on 0844 225 3099 or via our website www.combsfordsurgery.org.uk

13. Restricted Prescribing List The NHS has to reduce prescribing costs and therefore from the 1st of April the following will not be available on prescription;-

14. Restricted Prescribing List • Pain killers for minor aches and pains • Soluble pain killers • Hay fever preparations • Cough and cold remedies • Lozenges, throat sprays and gargles • Treatments for minor acnes • Indigestion remedies

15. Restricted Prescribing List • Treatments for non-serious constipation and diarrhoea • Ear wax treatments • Slimming preparations • Creams, gels and tubigrip for sprains and sports injuries • Travel medicines • Gluten Free foods

16. Restricted Prescribing List • Barrier creams for nappy rash • Head lice lotions and shampoos • Threadworm tablets • Athlete’s foot creams and powders • Bath additives for minor dry skin conditions • Soya milks • Sun creams for sensitive skins

17. Restricted Prescribing List Self help and Advice leaflets are available from the Waiting Room

18. Keep a well stocked medicine cabinet Paracetamol Paracetamol mixture for children Oral hydration sachets Antihistamine Cream or spray for insect bites Antacid Plasters Thermometer

19. New Prescription Charge • The charge for an NHS prescription will be increased to £8.05 from the 1st of April 2014.  The prepayment certificate will remain the same at £29.10 for 3 months and £104 annually.  This is the most cost effective for patients needing  4 medications or more in 3 months and 13 or more in one year.

20. MOBILE PHONES • HAVE WE GOT YOUR NUMBER???? • We are now offering a text service to confirm and remind patients of their appointments. In addition we will be texting important information such as flu clinic dates etc • Please check that we have the correct mobile number, thank you.

21. Patient Survey Results • The survey is an annual requirement • The survey is compiled in house with input from Patient Representative Group • The survey was completed in surgery and online via website • Results are discussed with the Patient Representative Group • Outcomes and an action plan are published in a report on the Combs Ford Surgery website. www.combsfordsurgery.org.uk

22. Electronic Sharing • There are currently several ways that patients can choose to share their medical information with others • This can be quite difficult to understand • Three of the current schemes are as follows;

23. Electronic Data Sharing Module (eDSM) • If you are being seen by another medical service i.e. District Nurse, Podiatry, Physio etc you can opt for that service to see your medical records at the surgery. • At the same time you can opt for the Practice to see the information they may hold about you, i.e. current treatment.

24. Summary Care Record • Emergency care such as A&E will soon be able to see your basic medical information such as allergies, acute and repeat medications • You can opt out of this scheme if you wish • Forms are available at reception or via our website

25. Care.data • This scheme will be taking place in the autumn • This scheme is for information about you to be taken from your records held here at the Practice for research purposes • If you do not wish to be included you should opt out by filling in a form at reception.

26. Dr Wankowski • Dr Wankowski will be retiring from the practice in the summer. • We are currently advertising for his replacement • Patients currently registered with Dr Wankowski will be transferred to the new GP

27. Dr Wankowski • It is understandable that some patients may wish to change to an existing Partner but regretfully there will be no opportunity to transfer at this time due to existing workloads.

28. Practice Training The Practice will be holding staff training on the following days Thursday 24th April 1-2.30pm Surgery open but phones not available Thursday 15th May 1-4.30pm Surgery closed & phones not available

29. Contact Us We welcome constructive feedback! Combs Ford Surgery Combs Lane STOWMARKET IP14 2SY Tel – 01449 678333 (not to be used for prescription orders) www.combsfordsurgery.org.uk Email – Sally.pearce@gp-d83079.nhs.uk Please do not email for clinical matters.