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General Information
Where to go when you are unwell
It is sometimes difficult to know what kind of help you need when you have a health problem.
In an emergency: In a critical or life threatening situation go to your nearest A&E hospital department or if you think immediate treatment by paramedics is needed call 999 for an ambulance.
An emergency is a critical or life threatening situation like:
• loss of consciousness
• heavy bleeding (except periods)
• suspected broken bones
• rash that does not fade when you press a glass tumbler of finger against it in an unwell adult or child
• chest pain for 15 minutes of more
• breathing difficulties - if someone is struggling for breath or turning blue
• overdose or swallowing something harmful or poisonous
• deep wound, like a stab wound.
Treatment of minor injuries - Bitterne Walk in Centre 02380 426356
The treatment of many injuries and ailments including: everyday cuts and wounds; rashes and sunburn; bites and stings; strains and sprains; stitches and dressing care. The Centre is open Monday to Sunday 8.00am-9.30pm.
What do I do when the surgery is closed? If you need urgent medical treatment and your GP surgery is closed call the West Hampshire Out of Hours Service on 0844 811 3060. This service is only for urgent medical problems that cant wait until normal surgery hours to be dealt with or call NHS Direct 0845 4647 for general advice. Alternatively for minor injuries and ailments please use the Bitterne Walk in Centre.
CONFIDENTIALITY & DATA PROTECTION
All staff are bound by the rules of professional confidentiality and an interview room is available for confidential enquiries. Please ask at Reception if you would prefer to use this facility. We are fully computerised and registered under the Data Protection Act.
We keep medical information about you on paper and on the computer system under the requirements of the Data Protection Act. If you require a copy of your medical notes, we will provide one: this is what you should do:
• Tell us what you want in writing, include thedates of the notes you want copies of
• Sign the letter
• Provide us with the fee for this work which is: £10 for a print-off from the computer £50.00 for copies of all or part of your notes.
Alternatively you can request to come in and view your notes.
If other people (such as solicitors or insurance companies) wish to have copies of your notes, a practice consent form will be required (Releasing Health Records under the Data Protection Act 1998). Details can be obtained at Reception.
YOUR PERSONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
We ask for information about yourself so that you can receive the best possible care and treatment. We keep this information, together with details of your care, to ensure that your doctor or nurse has accurate and up to date information. It may also be needed if we see you again.
We only use or pass information about you to people who have a genuine need for it. Whenever we can, we shall remove details that identify you as an individual.
Everyone working for the NHS has a legal duty to maintain the highest level of confidentiality about patient information.
If at any time you would like to know more about how we use your information, you can speak to Mrs Lynda Langford, the Practice Manager.
CHARITABLE TRUST
Following a number of generous donations from patients and their relatives, we decided to form a Registered Charitable Trust to purchase equipment etc. for the benefit of our patients.
Here are a few examples of some of the equipment purchased over the last few years thanks to the generous donations we have received:
State of the art ECG machine |
Brio Train Table for Waiting Room |
Baby Changing Unit |
Bead Frames |
Nebulisers |
Hydraulic Examination Couches |
Defibrillator |
Pulse Oximeter |
Syringe Drivers
(for pain relief in the terminally ill) |
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If you would like further details of the Charitable Trust, please contact our Practice Manager.
SMOKE STOP
Do you want to stop smoking or do you want to stop and not sure how to do it? We can help!
Book a 'Smoke Stop' appointment. You will meet with a nurse who is specially trained in helping people to stop smoking.
You will be offered specific help and support. Nicotine Replacement Therapy is now available on prescription too.
If you prefer to work in a group, contact Quitters on 0845 6344484 who will arrange this for you.
TRAVEL HEALTH CONSULTATION
World travel is on the increase with a trend to destinations in far off places. Whether on business, holiday or visiting family overseas it is wise to plan for your health as well as your travel.
Our nurses are trained to assess your needs according to destination, mode and length of travel and the type of activities you are planning. They can give verbal and written information using recognised, up to date sources.
We are a Registered Yellow Fever Centre and stock a wide variety of vaccines. We will plan an immunisation schedule tailored to your needs.
Malaria continues to be a life threatening condition in many parts of the world. Specific advice will be given regarding protective measures.
REMEMBER: Make a Travel Health Consultation in plenty of time, particularly if planning to visit several destinations.
We cannot offer emergency travel appointments.
HELP US TO HELP YOU
The staff at the practice endeavour to give you the best possible service. In order that they can do this, please observe the following points:
Please do not be discourteous to our staff. They are all doing their best, sometimes under difficult conditions.
Please inform the surgery of any alteration in your circumstances, such as a change of surname, address or telephone number. In an emergency situation, it is essential that we have your correct home address and telephone number.
We welcome your comments with regard to the service we provide.
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION AND DATA PROTECTION ACTS
The practice complies with the Freedom of Information and Data Protection Acts. Details are available upon request from the Practice Manager.
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