Byhowbeck
How do I register with the Practice?
Anyone living in our practice area can apply to register with us. We aim to give top quality care whatever your age, gender, ethnicity or lifestyle. It is helpful if you can bring your medical card when you register.
Each patient will have a named accountable GP for the overall responsibility of care. You will be advised who your GP is upon registration.
Also, prior to registration, you will be asked to complete a New Patient Questionnaire giving details of past history, current medication, family history etc. This acts as a useful source of information until permanent records arrive from your previous GP. You will also need to bring photographic ID and proof of address. Examples of these can be found under the registration form tab.
You will also be requested to use our blood pressure machine and height/weight machine which are both located in a private area of our waiting room. These details will be added to your records following your registration.
Parents/Guardians will be required to complete a Vaccination and Immunisation Record form for all children less than 5 years of age.
Please bring the completed forms with you when you come to register and a receptionist will check them through with you. DO NOT POST OR EMAIL THEM.
Byhowbeck
How do I update my personal information?
Should any of your personal details, e.g. any part of your name, address etc. change, you will need to come into the surgery to complete a Change of Details form, along with some identification bearing the new address/change of name etc. We regret we are unable to accept this via the post, email or over the telephone.
If you are registered to use our online services, you can update your personal information there.
Byhowbeck
Are you open on Bank Holidays?
No, we are closed on Bank Holidays. However, if you need medical advice or attention during this time you can:
Visit your pharmacy – Your local pharmacy can provide confidential, expert advice and treatment for a range of common illnesses and complaint. Visit NHS Choices to find a pharmacy open near you.
Call NHS 111 – If you need urgent medical advice but your condition is not life threatening. NHS 111 Is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Calls are free from landlines and mobiles.
A&E or 999 – for a genuine medical emergency including; loss of consciousness, acute confused state and fits that are not stopping, persistent and/or severe chest pain, breathing difficulties, severe bleeding that cannot be stopped.
Byhowbeck
What is CQC?
The CQC (Care Quality Commission) is the organisation making sure health and social care services provide people with safe, effective, compassionate, high-quality care and encourage care services to improve.
Before a care provider can carry out any of the activities that regulated by the CQC, they must register and satisfy them that they will be able to meet a number of legal requirements. Activities regulated includes the treatment, care and support provided by hospitals, GP practices, dental practices, ambulance services, care homes and home-care agencies.
For more information about the CQC, you can visit their website.
Byhowbeck
Why does the receptionist need to ask what’s wrong with me?
The reception staff are members of the practice team and it has been agreed they should ask patients ‘why they need to be seen’. Reception staff are trained to ask certain questions in order to ensure that you receive the most appropriate medical care from the most appropriate health professional at the most appropriate time.
The receptionists are asked to collect brief information from patients to help:
– doctors prioritise house visits and phone calls
– ensure patients receive the appropriate level of care
– direct patients to see the nurse or other health professionals rather than a doctor where appropriate.
Reception staff, like all members of the team, are bound by confidentiality rules:
– Any information given by you is treated strictly confidentially.
– The practice would take any breach of confidentiality very seriously and deal with it accordingly.
– You can ask to speak to the receptionist in private, away from the reception desk.
– However, if you feel your issue is very private and do not wish to say what this is, then this will be respected.
Byhowbeck
What are the NHS Prescription Charges?
These charges apply in England only. In Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales prescriptions are free of charge.
- Prescription (per item): £8.60
- 12-month prepayment certificate (PPC): £104.00
- 3-month PPC: £29.10
If you will have to pay for four or more prescription items in three months, or more than 15 items in 12 months, you may find it cheaper to buy a PPC.
- Telephone advice and order line 0845 850 0030
- General Public – Buy or Renew a PPC On-line
There is further information about prescription exemptions and fees on the NHS website.
Byhowbeck
How do I obtain a sickness certificate?
You do not require a doctor’s sickness certificate for any illness lasting seven days or less. Your employer may however require you to complete a self-certification form (SC2) which is available from your employer or on the HMRC website.
Evidence that you are sick
If you are sick for more than seven days, your employer can ask you to give them some form of medical evidence to support payment of SSP (statutory sick pay).
It is up to your employer to decide whether you are incapable of work. A medical certificate, now called a ‘Statement of Fitness for Work’ (see below) from your doctor is strong evidence that you are sick and would normally be accepted, unless there is evidence to prove otherwise.
You could also provide evidence from someone who is not a medical practitioner, e.g. a dentist. Your employer will decide whether or not this evidence is acceptable. If your employer has any doubts, they may still ask for a medical certificate from your GP.
Statement of Fitness for Work – ’Fit Note’
The ‘fit note’ was introduced on 6 April 2010. With your employer’s support, the note will help you return to work sooner by providing more information about the effects of your illness or injury.
For more information see the DirectGov website (where this information was sourced).
Byhowbeck
How do I arrange a home visit?
As home visits are very time consuming, we would ask you to come to the surgery if possible. It is much easier to carry out the necessary investigations and treatment at the surgery and usually you will be seen more quickly than if you wait for a visit.
If you are feeling very unwell or are bringing a sick child please telephone us and we will arrange to see you with the minimum of delay once you reach the surgery.
If you do need a doctor to visit please telephone 01283 249923 before 10.30am if possible and please give the receptionist some idea of the nature of the problem so the GP’s can prioritise their calls.