Here are a few common questions people ask. Just click on the question in blue to see an answer.
- ADMINISTRATION
- IS THERE A LIST OF LOCAL CONTACT NUMBERS?
- Yes. Click here.
- HOW DO I REGISTER WITH YOUR PRACTICE?
- Please click here for details of how to register with the practice.
- HOW DO I FIND OUT WHICH DAY A DOCTOR WORKS?
- A timetable of our doctors availability is available here.
- HOW DO I REPORT A PROBLEM OR MAKE A COMPLAINT?
- We welcome feedback to help improve our practice. For more information please click here.
- HOW DO I BOOK AN APPOINTMENT?
- You can book in person or call the Surgery on 01235 770 245. Remember that our reception team might check a few things with you to make sure you see the most appropriate person, who may not be the GP.
- I'M NOT REGISTERED AT THE PRACTICE - CAN I SEE A DOCTOR?
- If you are from outside the area but normally live in the UK, and need to see a doctor in an emergency, you can book an appointment. Please contact our reception team. If you are not from the UK but need to see a doctor in an emergency, you may still be eligible. Please contact our team. For more information click here.
- IS THERE A PRACTICE INFORMATION LEAFLET?
- Yes. Our Practice Leaflet can be picked up from the surgery.
- HOW DO I CHANGE MY ADDRESS OR OTHER DETAILS
- A form can be picked up from the Practice or downloaded as a Word file by clicking here.
- SERVICES
- I THINK I MIGHT BE PREGNANT - WHAT SHOULD I DO?
- Church Street Practice does not offer routine pregnancy confirmation. Testing kits available on the high street are extremely accurate and should be used to confirm your pregnancy. After you have a positive test, we recommend you book a 'booking visit' appointment with a GP of your choice. Click here for more information. We also recommend you start taking folic acid 400 micrograms if you are not already (to help reduce the risk of spina bifida) and, if you smoke, think seriously about stopping smoking.
- HOW DO I ARRANGE FOR A MEDICAL REPORT TO BE DONE?
- Simply contact the surgery and explain you need a medical. Most require a double appointment. Remember that most medicals for private agencies are not covered by the NHS, and you'll have to pay a fee. There is more information here.
- IS THERE A WELL MAN CLINIC?
- We do not run a specific well man clinic. We do recommend that you have a blood pressure check 5-yearly, and this is also a chance to discuss other issues. Just book a routine appointment with one of our nurses in the normal way.
- WHAT KINDS OF HEALTH CLINIC DO YOU RUN?
- There are a variety of health clinics. Please see the drop down list under services above.
- OTHER QUESTIONS
- HOW DO I FIND OUT PRIVATE CHARGES?
- Some services are not covered by the NHS. Click here to find out more.
- WHAT ARE THE RULES FOR SICKNESS CERTIFICATES?
- Your GP can only issue a sick certificate for time off work after 7 days of sickness leave. Before this you need to provide your employer with an SC2 (self-certification) form. If you are self employed you should use an SC1. Many employers have these, or you can pick one up from the desk. Some employers insist on proof of sickness before 7 days duration. This is not a statutory requirement and GPs will charge for these letters. The bill should be covered by the employer, not the employee.
- HOW DO I FIND OUT SOME INFORMATION ON A COMMON CONDITION?
- The websites NHS Direct and Patient.co.uk have very reliable information about common conditions click the links in the right hand bar to be taken to their websites
- TRAVEL
- I AM PLANNING ON TRAVELLING ABROAD - DO I NEED ANY JABS?
- We suggest you come to travel clinic. Please click here for more information.
- COMPUTER INFORMATION ABOUT ME
- DO YOU HAVE A DATA PROTECTION POLICY?
- We are governed by the Data Protection Act 1998, and have to sign up to strict rules on clinical governance. We also have to provide evidence of the ways in which we are protecting your data. For more information on data protection please click here.
- I HAVE HEARD ABOUT THE 'NHS SPINE' - CAN YOU TELL ME MORE?
- This is a new computer system to allow data sharing between different health care professionals. It will be strictly monitored, but you have a right to refuse to let us release your details. Please contact the surgery if you would like more information about this. If you would like to opt out please click here.