The 2012 Patient Survey is available on-line.  Please follow the link in Further Information below (Patient Survey)

Minor Surgery

The doctors perform minor surgical procedures in the surgery. Minor ops clinic is run by Dr Irving, Dr Dorsett & Dr Sharma. If you wish to discuss about having a skin lesion removed then please make appt with any of the above doctors and they will be happy to help you.

Chronic Disease Clinics

Regular checks are offered to patients who suffer from coronary heart disease, asthma, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), hypertension and diabetes. Our practice nurses will often see patients with these conditions on a more frequent basis to manage them under protocols laid down by the medical team.

Family Planning

The doctors and nurses offer comprehensive contraceptive advice and treatment. In addition Dr Julie Manning and a specialist nurse hold a clinic for Family Planning and Women's Health issues every Monday evening. Appointments for this clinic can be made at the desk or by telephone. We offer fitting of coils and contraceptive implant (Nexplanon) within the practice.

Ante-Natal Clinics

Run by Community Midwives every Tuesday afternoon by appointment or by telephoning the surgery on 08444 771 772.  At other times the Community Midwives may be contacted by telephoning 01484 345640.

Child Health Clinic

This is held by appointment every Monday morning from 11.00 am to 1.00 pm with a team of doctors, health visitors and practice nurses in the clinic suite to the left of reception in the Health Centre. Routine checks are performed for the under 5's at recommended intervals to monitor your child's health and development, and any relevant issues eg safety, sleep and behaviour problems can be discussed.

Each Thursday the Health Visitors run an open clinic from 10.00 am to 12.00 pm and are able to offer advice on many problems, weigh and measure infants, and perform other routine checks on hearing and development.

Advice on Stopping Smoking

The doctors and nurses can advise patients, and prescribe treatments to help, if appropriate.

Obesity clinic

We provide vaccinations for travel. You will need to complete a Travel Questionnaire to assess your vaccination needs and then make appointment to see the nurse. You can download the travel questionnaire from the following link.

Travel Questionnaire

Other Health Centre Users

Currently, the Practice commissions Physiotherapy, Podiatry and Ophthalmology services for its patients.  Access to these services is by referral from your G.P.  The Health Centre also acts as a base for other allied professions not directly linked with our practice such as a dental surgery and counsellling services.  

Pharmacy

There is a branch of Medicare Pharmacy next door to the health centre where you can have your prescriptions dispensed. Pharmacy has started opening late evenings on a few days of the week. Please check with pharmacy for the timings.

Holme Valley Memorial Hospital (HVMH)

Telephone 01484 345600.  The hospital was originally built by local people to serve the community and we are fortunate to be able to use its facilities in the care of our patients. The GPs can admit suitable patients and continue to look after them with the nursing staff during their stay.

Some patients can be admitted regularly for treatments such as physiotherapy to maintain their health. Other patients are admitted for a period of up to six weeks of rehabilitation treatment, when discharged from another hospital, eg after an operation. This enables us to co-ordinate the services needed for their return home and to assess their needs fully. There is a specialist occupational therapy team who act as discharge co-ordinators for patients in the Holme Valley and other hospitals. They ensure all necessary services are in place when a patient goes home.

Outreach Clinics

Some local hospital specialists are able to run out-patient clinics either in the HVMH or the Health Centre.

Other Services also available at the HVMH site are

• Occupational Therapy
• Speech Therapy
• Dietetics
• Community Dentistry

Cafe

There is a cafe at HVMH run by the League of Friends. Open to all from 10.00am - 2.00pm, it sells drinks and snacks and is a handy place to have a tea or coffee if you are having to wait for your appointment time or for your transport home.

Why do GPs charge fees - your questions answered

Isn’t the NHS supposed to be free?
The National Health Service provides most health care to most people free of charge, but there are exceptions: prescription charges have existed since 1951 and there are a number of other services for which fees are charged. Sometimes the charge is made to cover some of the cost of treatment, for example, dental fees; in other cases, it is because the service is not covered by the NHS, for example, providing copies of health records or producing medical reports for insurance companies.

Surely the doctor is being paid anyway?
It is important to understand that many GPs are not employed by the NHS; they are self-employed and they have to cover their costs - staff, buildings, heating, lighting, etc - in the same way as any small business. The NHS covers these costs for NHS work, but for non-NHS work, the fees charged by GPs contribute towards their costs.

What is covered by the NHS and what is not?
The Government’s contract with GPs covers medical services to NHS patients, including the provision of ongoing medical treatment. In recent years, however, more and more organisations have been involving doctors in a whole range of non-medical work. Sometimes the only reason that GPs are asked is because they are in a position of trust in the community, or because an insurance company or employer wants to ensure that information provided to them is true and accurate.

Examples of non-NHS services for which GPs can charge their own NHS patients are:

• accident/sickness certificates for insurance purposes
• school fee and holiday insurance certificates
• reports for health clubs to certify that patients are fit to exercise

Examples of non-NHS services for which GPs can charge other institutions are:

• life assurance and income protection reports for insurance companies
• reports for the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in connection with disability living allowance and attendance allowance
• medical reports for local authorities in connection with adoption and fostering

Do GPs have to do non-NHS work for their patients?
With certain limited exceptions, for example a GP confirming that one of their patients is not fit for jury service, GPs do not have to carry out non-NHS work on behalf of their patients. Whilst GPs will always attempt to assist their patients with the completion of forms, for example for insurance purposes, they are not required to do such non-NHS work.

Is it true that the BMA sets fees for non-NHS work?
The BMA suggests fees that GPs may charge their patients for non-NHS work (ie work not covered under their contract with the NHS) in order to help GPs set their own professional fees. However, the fees suggested by the BMA are intended for guidance only; they are not recommendations and a doctor is not obliged to charge the rates the BMA suggests.

Why does it sometimes take my GP a long time to complete my form?
Time spent completing forms and preparing reports takes the GP away from the medical care of his or her patients. Most GPs have a very heavy workload and paperwork takes up an increasing amount of their time, so many GPs find they have to take some paperwork home at night and weekends.

I only need the doctor’s signature - what is the problem?
When a doctor signs a certificate or completes a report, it is a condition of remaining on the Medical Register that they only sign what they know to be true. In order to complete even the simplest of forms, therefore, the doctor might have to check the patient’s entire medical record. Carelessness or an inaccurate report can have serious consequences for the doctor with the General Medical Council (the doctors’ regulatory body) or even the Police.

What will I be charged?
We have a list of current fees for non-NHS services, including travel vaccinations. Please ask our rreceptionist.

What can I do to help?

• Not all documents need a signature by a doctor, for example passport applications. You can ask another person in a position of trust to sign such documents free of charge.
• If you have several forms requiring completion, present them all at once and ask your GP if he or she is prepared to complete them at the same time to speed up the process.
• Do not expect your GP to process forms overnight: urgent requests may mean that a doctor has to make special arrangements to process the form quickly, and this will cost more.

Need to get some forms signed / completed?

We understand you might need to get some forms signed by your doctor for various things like HGV licence application, Insurance reports, Claim forms etc.

We are able to do these for you but please ensure that you inform the receptionist clearly what it is you want, as they will be able to advise you better on how to get forms completed. Some forms require you to be seen by a doctor / nurse and sometimes certain tests are needed as well.

Please make sure you allow adequate time for the forms to be completed as some of them take time in view of looking into your past records or needing more time to complete the forms. Also when coming in to see a doctor / nurse please ensure you have already filled in the sections which need to be filled by yourself.

Charges for completing forms / reports

You might need to pay for completion of some forms / reports as they are outside the domain of NHS Work. Charges vary depending on the type of forms  and time needed to complete these. We follow the rates set or advised nationally by the British Medical Association (BMA). Exact details specific to your request will be given to you when you bring the documents to the practice.

*Information provided by NHS Choices

Fit Notes (formerly Sick Notes)

If you’re off work sick for seven days or less, your employer should not ask for medical evidence that you’ve been ill.

If you’re off work sick for more than seven days, your employer will usually ask you to provide evidence or proof that you’ve been ill. They will normally ask for a fit note from your GP. Fit note is the informal name for the Statement of Fitness for Work. Fit notes replaced sick notes from April 6 2010.

The seven days include days that you don’t normally work. So when you work out how long you’ve been off sick, you should include weekends and bank holidays.

Sickness of seven days or less

Your employer can ask you to confirm that you’ve been ill. You can do this by filling in a form yourself when you return to work. This is called self-certification.

Self-certification forms

Self-certification forms usually include details such as:

• information about your sickness or illness
• the date your sickness started
• the date your sickness ended

These dates may be days that you don’t normally work. For example, your sickness could start or end on a Saturday, Sunday or bank holiday.

Many employers have their own self-certification forms. If your employer doesn’t have their own form, instead they may use an SC2 form from HM Revenue & Customs: Employee’s Statement of Sickness

Sickness of more than seven days

If you’re sick and off work for more than seven days, your employer will probably ask for proof of your illness. Most employers ask for a fit note from your GP.

However, this will also depend on your employer’s company policy on sick leave (or sickness absence). This policy should tell you how many days you can be off sick before you need to provide proof of illness or a fit note. 

Fit notes and how to get one

A fit note must be signed by a doctor, such as your GP. On the fit note, your GP can advise that:

• you are ‘not fit for work’
• you ‘may be fit for work’

For more information, including what ‘may be fit for work’ means, see What are fit notes?

If you need a fit note, you should contact your GP practice. They may advise you to make an appointment or book a telephone consultation.

If you’re under the care of a hospital, your fit note may be issued by the hospital, rather than by your GP.

There is never a charge from an NHS doctor for providing a fit note if you’re off work sick for more than seven days.

Charges for fit notes

Some employers may request a fit note, for example, from employees who repeatedly take time off sick, even if, each time they’re off work, it’s for seven days or less.

For sickness of seven days or less, your GP practice may charge you to provide a fit note. Your GP practice can tell you what their charges are.

About the Summary Care Record (information from NHS Care Records)

What is the Summary Care Record?

Your Summary Care Record will contain important information about any medicines you are taking, allergies you suffer from and any bad reactions to medicines that you have had.

Giving healthcare staff access to this information can prevent mistakes being made when caring for you in an emergency or when your GP practice is closed.

You can choose whether or not to have a Summary Care Record.

What information is included in the Summary Care Record?

If you decide to have a Summary Care Record it will contain important information about any medicines you are taking, allergies you suffer from and any bad reactions to medicines that you have had.

You may want to add other details about your care to your Summary Care Record. This will only happen if you ask for the information to be included. You should discuss your wishes with the healthcare staff treating you.

How will the Summary Care Record help me?

Healthcare staff will have quicker access to information about any medicines you are taking, allergies you suffer from and any bad reactions to medicines you have had. This means they can provide you with safer care during an emergency, when your GP practice is closed or when you are away from home in another part of England.

You will be able to look at your Summary Care Record at any time at a secure website called HealthSpace. You must register to use HealthSpace to keep it as secure as possible.

You can get more information about HealthSpace at www.healthspace.nhs.uk or from your local NHS.

Who can see my Summary Care Record?

Only NHS healthcare staff involved in supporting or providing your care can see your Summary Care Record. Healthcare staff who can see your Summary Care Record:

• need to be directly involved in caring for you;
• need to have an NHS Smartcard with a chip and passcode (like a bank card and PIN);
• will only see the information they need to do their job; and
• should have their details recorded.

Healthcare staff will ask your permission every time they need to look at your Summary Care Record. If they cannot ask you, for example if you are unconscious, they may look at your Summary Care Record without asking you. If they do this, they will make a note on your record to say why they have done so.

Can I stop information being put into my Summary Care Record?

NHS healthcare staff need to make accurate, relevant records of the care you have had.

You can choose not to have a Summary Care Record. If you do not want a Summary Care Record you must fill in an opt out form (PDF, 46.6Kb) and return it to your GP practice.

The Summary Care Record and your choices

I have received an information pack in the post about Summary Care Records. What do I have to do?

You need to read the information in the pack and make a choice. 

If you are happy for us to make a Summary Care Record for you, you do not need to do anything, we will automatically make one for you.

If you do not want us to make a Summary Care Record for you, please fill in the enclosed opt out form (PDF, 46.6Kb) and return it to your GP practice.

You can also get an opt out form (PDF, 46.6Kb) from your GP practice, or you can ask us to send you one by phoning the Summary Care Record Information Line on 0300 123 3020.

What are my choices with Summary Care Records?

You can choose to have a Summary Care Record: You do not need to do anything. This will happen automatically.

You can choose not to have a Summary Care Record: If you don't want a Summary Care Record, you need to let your GP practice know by filling in and returning an opt out form (PDF, 46.6Kb).

My letter mentions information sessions about Summary Care Records at drop-in centres. Do I need to go to these sessions?

No, not if you do not want to. These sessions are opportunities to find out more information and it is entirely up to you whether you go or not.

I have received a letter that is not addressed to me. What should I do with it?

You should return the letter, unopened, to the PO box number on the back of the envelope. 

Will you ask my permission to make my Summary Care Record?

Before we make you a Summary Care Record we will send you a letter and information pack explaining the changes that are taking place in your local area and the choice you have to make.

If you want a Summary Care Record you do not need to do anything. We will automatically made one for you.

If you do not want a Summary Care Record, an opt out form (PDF, 46.6Kb) is included in your information pack.  You should fill in the opt out form (PDF, 46.6Kb) and return it by Freepost or  take it to your GP practice.

How long do I have from getting my letter to making my choice about whether I want a Summary Care Record?

The letter you receive(d) from your primary care trust will mention a date by which you need to make a choice. (This is usually within at least 12 weeks of receiving the letter.)  You need to decide whether you want a Summary Care Record. If you do not, you need to fill in an opt out form (PDF, 46.6Kb), which is included in your information pack, and return it by Freepost or take it to your GP practice by this date.

If you choose to have a Summary Care Record you do not need to do anything.  Sometime after the date mentioned in your letter, we will make your Summary Care Record for you.  

Whatever you decide you can change your mind at any time, but you need to let your GP practice know.

What will happen if I choose not to have a Summary Care Record?

If you choose not to have a Summary Care Record the healthcare staff caring for you in an emergency, or when your GP practice is closed, may not be able to look at information about any medicines you are taking, allergies you suffer from and any bad reactions to medicines that you have had.

Whatever you decide you can change your mind at any time. We will always provide you with the best possible care.

Why can't I opt in to having a Summary Care Record?

Asking patients to opt out of having a Summary Care Record (rather than opting in) is the simplest option for patients, and has been agreed by the Information Commissioner in line with the NHS Care Record Guarantee for England.

This means that patients who would benefit most from having a Summary Care Record, for example, vulnerable patients, will not be disadvantaged as there is no need to do anything if they want to have a Summary Care Record made for them.

Why can't I opt out online rather than having to print out the form and return it to my GP practice?

Your GP practice needs to know if you want to opt out of having a Summary Care Record to make sure that your wishes are carried out. Filling in and returning the opt out form (PDF, 46.6Kb) to your GP practice allows them to do this.

Can I change information on my Summary Care Record?

You cannot change information written by healthcare staff, but if you see any errors or incorrect information on your records, you should let your GP practice know.

Can I add information to my Summary Care Record?

You may have other details about your care added to your Summary Care Record. This will only happen if you ask for the information to be included. You should discuss your wishes with the healthcare staff treating you.

Access to your Summary Care Record

Will healthcare staff ask me if they want to look at my Summary Care Record?

Yes, healthcare staff will ask you every time they need to look at your Summary Care Record.  If they cannot ask you, for example if you are unconscious, they may look at your record without asking you. If they do this, they will make a note on your record to say why they have done so.

Can I look at my Summary Care Record online if I am under 16?

If you are under 16, you cannot see your Summary Care Record using HealthSpace.

This does not affect your rights to ask us for access to your information under the Data Protection Act.

How do I find out who has looked at my Summary Care Record?

Healthcare staff will ask you every time they need to look at your Summary Care Record. If they cannot ask you, for example if you are unconscious, they may look at your record without asking you. If they do this, they will make a note on your record to say why they have done so.

You can ask your local Caldicott (Information) Guardian at your primary care trust to tell you who has looked at your Summary Care Record. They will investigate any potentially inappropriate access to your record and let you know.

Will other people than those providing me with care be able to access my Summary Care Record?

People outside of the NHS will not be able to access your record without your permission other than in circumstances where it is allowed by law.

This is explained in the leaflet NHS Care Record Guarantee: Our Guarantee for NHS Care Records in England (PDF, 92Kb).

Keeping your Summary Care Record safe and confidential

Is my Summary Care Record safe from hackers?

It would be very difficult to hack into it because, like all other NHS computer systems and services, Summary Care Records aim to use the strongest national and international security measures available.

Could my records be accidentally deleted or lost?

No, there is strong protection to prevent any information about you being lost or deleted. The information is copied to a separate secure place so there is always a back-up copy of your records.

How will you protect my confidentiality?

By law, everyone working for us or on our behalf must respect your confidentiality and keep all information about you secure.

We publish the NHS Care Record Guarantee for England. This says how we will collect, store and allow access to your electronic records and your choices for how your information is stored and looked at. If you would like a copy, there is information on how to get one on the back of this leaflet.

No matter how careful we are, there are always risks when information is held on computers, as there are with paper records. In every place we treat you there are people responsible for ,protecting your confidentiality. Ask your local NHS for more information.

If you would like a copy, you can phone the SCR information Line on 0300 123 3020

What are my rights about how you keep my health information confidential?

You have the right to expect us to keep your health information private. You also have rights to make sure we keep your details confidential by law, including under the Data Protection Act and human rights legislation.

In every NHS place we treat you, there are people who are responsible for making sure your details are kept confidential. They are sometimes known as Information Guardians or Caldicott Guardians.

Can I choose for my child not to have a Summary Care Record?

Children will automatically have a Summary Care Record made for them.

If you do not want your child to have a Summary Care Record you will need to fill in an opt out form (PDF, 46.6Kb) on behalf of your child and return it to your child's GP practice.

In some circumstances your GP may feel it is in your child's best interests to have a Summary Care Record. For example, if your child has a serious allergy that healthcare staff treating your child should know about.

Can I have access to my Summary Care Record online if I am under 16?

No. If you are under 16, you won't be able to see your Summary Care Record using the HealthSpace website www.healthspace.nhs.uk.

This does not affect your rights to ask us to look at your information held under the Data Protection Act.

Is it possible to opt out on behalf of another person?

In certain circumstances it is possible to ask to opt-out on behalf of another person, for example, children or adults of limited capacity.

The decision will ultimately be made by their GP, as in some circumstances your GP may feel it is in the person's best interests to have a Summary Care Record. For example, if the person has a serious allergy that healthcare staff treating the person should know about.

You need to contact their GP to discuss this.

Getting more information about Summary Care Records

Where can I get more information?

For more information about Summary Care Records and your choices:

phone the Summary Care Record Information Line on 0300 123 3020;

contact your local Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) http://www.pals.nhs.uk; or speak to a member of staff at your GP practice.

Why aren't other languages listed? How do I get information in another language?

If English is not your first language, the Summary Care Record Information Line 0300 123 3020 can provide both text and translation services. Or, you could ask a friend or relative to phone the Summary Care Record Information Line for you.

Why don't I have a drop-in centre nearer to me?

Each Primary Care Trust is responsible for their local drop in centres including their location. If your local Primary Care Trust is offering drop in sessions then they will tell you about these either in your letter, or on their website.

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