Other Information

Patient Participation Group

We have a Patient Participation Group that meets three times a year. Information with regard to meetings is made available in reception. All patients are welcome to attend.

Forms Requiring A Signature

The bulk of a doctor's duties are obviously NHS duties. However, a number of services are provided outside of these. Whilst we are happy to provide these, there will be a charge. These services include holiday cancellation, insurance certificates, private prescriptions etc.

NB: Sickness notes are a special case.
Please note the following regarding sickness certificates:

Sickness Certificates

Certificates for sickness for periods of less than a week should usually be signed by the patient themselves using form SC1 available from your place of work. A medical certificate is not normally required. If your employer insists on the production of a medical certificate for less than a week, a private sick note will be provided and a fee will be charged. If, at the expiry of the sick note you are unfit to return to work and you require a continuation sick note, you must see the doctor. If you have had a hospital admission/operation and unable to return to work, we do need to see you together with the hospital discharge letter before a sick note can be issued.

Advice For Travellers

Before You Go
Well before travelling abroad, check with your travel agent or the Tourist Office/Embassy of the country you intend to visit of any special precautions you may need to take.
At least two months before departure, discuss any vaccination requirements with the practice nurse.
Pack a small first aid kit containing: sterile dressings, insect repellent, antiseptic cream, water purification tablets and diarrhoea remedies.
Please also ensure that you have taken out adequate travel insurance and take time to read the small print.

When Abroad
Check on the quality of the drinking water. If in doubt either drink bottled water or use water purification tablets.
Avoid ice in drinks as this may very well have been made from suspect water. Raw vegetables, salads and fresh fruit should be carefully washed in clean water. If in doubt, stick to freshly cooked food.
Beware of the sun! Use a high factor sun screen particularly in the first few days of exposure. Children in particular should be monitored closely in this respect.
In hot climates drink plenty of non-alcoholic drinks. If you are not passing water regularly, you are not drinking enough.

On Your Return
If you fall ill, do not forget to tell your doctor that you have travelled abroad.
If you have received treatment abroad, tell your own doctor on return.
When donating blood, tell the transfusion staff which countries you have visited and the vaccinations you have received.