Welcome to Rushden Medical Centre
A guide to our services
Contacting us:
Rushden Medical Centre
Adnitt Road
Rushden
Northants
NN10 9TR
Tel: (01933) 412666
Fax: (01933) 417375
Email: Rushden.k83024@nhs.net
Web: www.rushdenmedicalcentre.com
This practice is within the NHS Northamptonshire healthcare area.
Normal surgery opening hours:
Monday to Friday 8:00am – 6:30pm
Extended Hours:
Alternate Saturdays 8:30am to 11:30am
(Pre-booked appointments only and limited administrative services)
Training:
The practice will be closed for training one afternoon per month so that
the doctors, nursing staff and admin staff can attend essential or
compulsory training. These days are advertised in advance on the
website and at the front door. When the practice is closed medical
support is available from NHS111.
Out Of Hours Services
For when it’s less urgent than 999, or not suitable for primary care call
111 (NHS 111) Available 24/7 - calls from mobiles and landlines
free type talk 18001 111
Revised December 2015
How to Register
Rushden Medical Centre serves the whole of Rushden and surrounding villages
covering the NN10 postcode area except for those residing in Bedfordshire. We are
unable to accept new patients residing outside of this area.
Our clinical team includes GPs, Nurse Practitioners, Practice Nurses, &
Healthcare Assistant and various attached clinical staff including Midwives,
Counsellors, Health Visitors and District Nurses.
We offer a full general practice service and also run specialist clinics for childhood
immunisations, pregnant women. Our nurses also specialise in diabetes, asthma
and family planning/contraception.
At Rushden Medical Centre we aim to treat all our patients promptly, courteously and
in complete confidence and expect the same level of courtesy towards our doctors
and staff.
If you live in our practice area and would like to register with us, please enquire at
reception. You will be asked to complete a registration form, and basic health
questionnaire. It would also be helpful if you would bring along proof of identity and
proof of residency. If registering a new born baby you will need to bring in the red
book.
Choice
You will be registering with the practice but you will be allocated to a named
accountable GP to oversee your care. This is simply a government requirement and
when making an appointment you may specify the doctor that you wish to see, this
will be subject to availability of the doctor or you may opt to see any doctor as all
doctors have access to your medical records. If you express this choice you may
have to wait longer to see your preferred GP.
In order for us to register you as a patient, we will require proof of identity and proof
of residency in order to establish whether you are entitled to full or temporary
registration. For permanent English residents such documentation could include
photo identification such as a passport or driving licence, and a utility bill dated within
the last 6 months. Specific documentation requirements are for other applicants such
as asylum seekers, overseas workers, overseas students, overseas visitors etc. may
be required.
Temporary/Short -term resident
We provide a temporary patient service for anyone residing outside the NHS
England area we belong to but who is staying for a short period within our practice
area (holiday, staying with relatives etc.)
A temporary resident form can be obtained from our reception team which must be
completed before any treatment can be given.
Services
We offer a range of NHS General Practice services, which are subject to contracts
between NHS England (NHS), Nene Commissioning and Northamptonshire County
Council and Dr Hanspaul & Partners (a medical partnership) and terms may vary or
availability be limited. If you require a specific service please feel free to ask if it is
one that is commissioned, or provided privately and subject to relevant fees e.g.
medical reports, private letters and private medicals.
The Doctors
Dr Amrik S Hanspaul (male)
MRCS 1978 Royal College of Surgeons of England
LRCP 1978 Royal College of Physicians of London
GMC 2450133
Normally available Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday
Dr David Glyn Williams (male)
MB BS 1984 University of London
GMC 2932370
Normally available Monday to Friday
Dr David Robert Purdy (male)
MB BS 1984 University of London
GMC 2923123
Normally available Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
Dr Swati Negi (female)
MB BS 2001 University of Delhi
GMC 6096810
Normal available Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
Dr Nigel Frank James Loveday (male)
MB ChB 1992 University of Leicester
GMC 3585899
Normally available Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
Dr Priya Selva Kumar (female)
MB BS 2000 Annamalai University
GMC 6041010
Normally available Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
The Nurses
Our qualified nurses deal with a range of conditions and health concerns. They
examine patients, make a diagnosis and plan care, including prescribing certain
products. They deal with many areas of long term condition management such as
diabetes COPD and asthma.
Our nurse practitioners work alongside the doctors in the practice to provide a
medical service including cervical cytology, travel vaccinations and well woman as
well as minor illness surgeries. One is normally available Monday to Friday.
Our practice nurses provide treatment room services such as wound dressings,
childhood immunisations, asthma, diabetes, cervical smears, blood samples,
spirometry, blood pressure, urine testing and removal of sutures. One is normally
available Monday to Friday.
Practice Administration
The practice manager undertakes and advises on all aspects of managing our busy
practice. Our office manager oversees the reception and admin team.
Our reception/admin team will always try to help you. They answer the phone, deal
with enquiries and take repeat prescriptions. Their job is very demanding and we
ask you to bear this in mind and be patient. They are bound by confidentiality so you
can feel free to discuss any matter with them if it assists in getting you seen by the
most appropriate clinician. If the matter is personal this can be documented or you
can discuss this with the receptionist in a more private area. They should not bear
the brunt of frustration when someone cannot get exactly what they want. The
partners treat verbal abuse of reception/admin staff as a serious matter that could
lead to removal.
We have a dedicated team who deal with prescription requests, repeat dispensing
and electronic prescribing.
Attached Services
Counsellors
Experienced counsellors are available who can help patients experiencing emotional
problems. You will need to see your GP first in order to be referred to the
counsellors.
Well Being
The Wellbeing Teams provide an innovative and person centred service for
individuals in Northamptonshire, who may be at risk of or who are experiencing a
period of mental distress, referral is made through a nurse practitioner or doctor.
Community Midwives
KGH Maternity Unit runs antenatal clinics at the surgery. If you think you are
pregnant contact the surgery. If it is confirmed, you will be given appointments to see
the midwife or doctor throughout your pregnancy. Most of our deliveries are booked
for Kettering General Hospital but your doctor or midwife will be pleased to discuss
any alternatives with you.
District Nurses
District Nurses work closely with us and are able to provide treatment and aftercare
at home for housebound patients. Patients are normally referred to the community
service by a GP or by the hospital on discharge.
Health Visitors
Health visitors can give expert advice on your family's health care. When your child
is due for a routine health check you will be sent an appointment to attend the clinic.
They can be contacted at the Health Clinic, Rectory Road, Rushden, telephone
01933 410192
.
The Midwife, Health Visitor, and District Nurse teams are very much an integral part
of our practice team, but are actually employed and managed by other NHS
organisations and are therefore not directly accountable to the practice.
Practice Services
We run a range of services. For an appointment or further details, please call our
reception desk on 01933 412666.
Antenatal
This clinic is run by the midwives. If you become pregnant you will be given a
booking appointment at which the midwife will ask you a few questions and carry out
some general health checks. You will be seen regularly throughout your pregnancy
either at the practice, at your chosen local hospital, or both.
Asthma & COPD
This nurse led service offers advice and support for those with respiratory problems.
Cervical Cytology
Cervical Smears are usually undertaken by nurses. Patients are invited
automatically and can then make an appointment with the surgery.
Child health and immunisation
All new babies are invited for regular check-ups from six weeks old. The
immunisation clinic for baby and pre-school immunisations is usually held on a
Tuesday morning.
Diabetes
This nurse led service offers advice and general health checks to patients diagnosed
with diabetes. Patients are invited for these checks by letter.
Family Planning
This nurse led service offers contraceptive advice, insertion and removal of
contraceptive implants and intrauterine contraceptive devices (coils). For more
information please make an appointment with the nurse to discuss your options.
Appointments
To make a routine appointment you can book on line, call in to our reception, or
telephone the surgery.
When booking, please give as much information as possible. The receptionists are
here to help you and ensure that you can be seen by the most appropriate clinician
at the earliest opportunity. Appointments are available up to 5 weeks ahead but
there is always more demand than capacity. If nothing we offer is convenient you
may be asked to contact us again when more appointments become available. We
will make an offer of an appointment with any clinician, if you wish to see a specific
doctor you may have to wait longer until an appointment becomes available
You may be offered an appointment with a Nurse Practitioner for a wide range of
common minor illness problems. Nurse Practitioners are qualified to prescribe from a
range of medicines. They will only deal with the problem you have specified. The
Nurse Practitioner can refer you to the duty doctor if appropriate.
Appointments are normally available Monday to Friday mornings and afternoons.
Appointment times are dependent on the needs of the patient and must remain
flexible.
If you are requesting an urgent appointment you will be asked for a reason so that
you can be directed to the most appropriate clinician. This could be a doctor or a
nurse. If the matter is personal this can be documented or you can discuss this with
the receptionist in a more private area.
Let us know immediately if your call is an emergency.
You can book to have a telephone consultation with a doctor or nurse. He or she will
ring you on the telephone number you have provided. The GP or nurse will inform
you if a telephone consultation is inappropriate and may ask you to make a face to
face appointment. The GP or Nurse cannot consult with you by telephone if you are
outside the British Isles.
Let us know if more than one person in the family needs to be seen. We can give
you a separate appointment if necessary.
If the doctor or nurse is going to carry out an intimate or personal examination they
will explain the examination or procedure. You or the clinician may request that a
chaperone is present in the room during the examination or procedure. A chaperone
can be a member of staff (subject to availability), or a person of your own choice
(subject to clinician acceptance). If a chaperone cannot be made available at that
time then another appointment will be made for you.
Home visits
Doctors typically see a minimum of four patients in the practice in the time it takes to
do a single home visit. There are better facilities at the practice therefore we ask our
patients to come to the practice if at all possible. However, we will visit you at home
if it is necessary on medical grounds and your condition means you cannot attend
the practice. We cannot visit simply because you lack transport to the surgery.
Please ring before 11:30am to arrange a visit and let us know if your condition is
urgent and give the receptionist a clear description of the problem
The doctor may call you prior to agreeing to visit.
Repeat Prescriptions
Your doctor will inform you if your medication can be obtained through the repeat
prescription process. You must allow at least 48 hours (2 working days) for the
prescription request to be processed.
On line ordering
You can order your repeat medication via our website. You must still allow at least
48 hours (2 working days) from when we receive the order before you collect the
prescription.
Fax Post or drop off
Use the request slip printed on the right hand side of your repeat prescription.
Tick the items you need and either post or fax it to the surgery, or put it in the box by
reception or if we are closed there is a letterbox on the staff entrance door. If you
wish to have the prescription posted you must enclose an s.a.e.
Order direct from your local pharmacist
Most local pharmacies will collect your prescription from us and may deliver your
medicines to you at the discretion of the pharmacy.
NHA Pharmacy is operated by Northamptonshire Healthcare Alliance Ltd, a
consortium of local Doctors and Pharmacists providing a free internet based
prescription pickup and delivery service across the county. Some of the G.Ps and
staff at this medical centre are shareholders in Nene Healthcare, who are a part of
this alliance; each shareholder has an interest of approximately 0.1%.
No GP at this surgery has an interest in Dudley Taylor Pharmacy except that as
owners of the building they lease the pharmacy space to Dudley Taylor.
Medication Review
Please note that we review the care of all our patients who receive their medication
by repeat prescription at least annually. This is not only good clinical practice but is a
requirement under our contract with the NHS. Your review date is generally your
birth month so as the date approaches you should make an appointment for a review
or respond to any invitation. If you do not comply with the review process the GP
may decline to issue medication until the review has taken place. Staff are not
authorised to issue repeat medication once the review date has passed. If you are
housebound a doctor or nurse may call or visit you to carry out the review.
In line with all local practices we do not accept requests for prescriptions over
the telephone as this is open to error and is a high clinical risk
If you no longer need a medication please advise us as soon as possible, and do not
order it. If you look after the medication of a relative please check they do not overorder or hoard. This can be risky and is a known waste of scarce NHS resource.
If you are on long term repeat medication, you may find this is changed to a different
brand. This is infrequent, but perfectly normal, and is undertaken where appropriate
to ensure best use of NHS resources. You will be advised of any such change.
Test Results
All test results are sent to the doctor requesting the test. You are responsible for
contacting the surgery for your results. You will be advised when to call for the
results as some results take longer than others to be received at the practice
You will be contacted if there is an abnormal result.
You can visit www.labtestsonline.org.uk for detailed information on tests.
Test results can only be given to the patient unless we have written and signed
authority to discuss your medical condition with someone else.
Sickness Certificates
Under current legislation a patient can self-certify for the first 7 working days of any
illness. The self-certificate (Form SC2) is available from www.gov.uk, from reception,
the DSS office or your employer. We do not normally issue doctors certificates for
the first week. If a private sick note is required a fee will be charged. After the first
week, if you require a free Statement of Fitness for Work (Fit Note), please make an
appointment as these are obtained as part of a consultation with a doctor. Form
SC1 (Incapacity Benefit Claim Form) is for people who have an illness or disability
and are unable to work. People who are in work but require special medical
treatment (e.g. dialysis, radiotherapy, chemotherapy) may also be eligible for this
benefit. This form is downloadable from www.gov.uk
If you require one for insurance purposes, please ask your doctor (a fee will be
payable in this instance). A receipt will be issued if requested.
General Information
You can help us by:
Using our online services where possible
Being on time for your appointment
Letting us know as soon as possible if you need to cancel an appointment, we can
then offer it to somebody else
Calling for a home visit or urgent appointment before 11:30 am
Keeping us informed of changes to your personal details. This will keep your
records up to date. You can change address and contact details online through our
website. Name changes require documentary evidence
Do not leave your re-ordering of medication until the last minute.
Specialist and hospital care
If a doctor believes you need hospital treatment or specialist care elsewhere they will
arrange your referral electronically for you while you wait or after the appointment.
If the referral is made during the appointment you will usually leave the surgery with
a document detailing your options and the contact details and password to make the
appropriate appointment. If the referral is made afterwards you will be contacted
with the same information.
Consent for Children’s treatment (Under the age of 16)
Where it is considered appropriate by parents, or where an adolescent does not wish
the presence of an adult, a child may give legal consent to their own treatment.
Under these circumstances the clinician must be satisfied that that the child has a full
understanding of the advice and treatment being provided.
Patient confidentiality
We respect your right to privacy and keep all your health information confidential and
secure. It is important that the NHS keeps accurate and up-to-date records about
your health and treatment so that those treating you can give you the best possible
care. This information may be used for management and audit purposes. However,
it is usually only available to, and used by, those involved in your care. You have the
right to know what information we hold about you. If you would like to see your
records, a formal request form is available from reception.
When you register with another practice your records will be transferred
electronically wherever possible. In some cases records cannot be transferred
electronically and this will take extra time.
Dr Hanspaul & partners are the data controllers for the practice under the Data
Protection Act 1998.
Access to Patient Records
The practice needs a signed authorisation which is available from reception before
allowing access medical records and this can take up to 21 days to facilitate.
The practice charges the following fees for access medical records:
Viewing only - free
Summary print out of electronic medical record - £10 plus .35p per page over and
above the print out
Print out of complete record - up to a maximum £50
Carers
If you look after someone who is ill, frail, disabled, mentally ill you are a carer and we
can offer support. Please complete a carer’s registration form available from our
website or reception and hand it in to reception. The carer’s registration form
includes information on local support services. You may also wish to have your
needs assessed by Adult Care Services. A Carers assessment is a chance to talk
about your needs as a carer and the possible ways help could be given. It can also
look at the needs of the person you care for. This could be done separately or
together, depending on the situation. There is no charge for an assessment.
Interpreter Services
We can arrange interpretation and translation services in person or by phone for any
patient who does not speak English. At least 10 days’ notice is required for the
practice to book an interpreter. Please let us know if you need this service.
Applying to use our web based service
You can book appointments, order a repeat prescription and provide us with change
of address details on-line via our website at www.rushdenmedicalcentre.com
To apply for this service you will need to request access details from the surgery. A
form for this is available on our website or from reception. You will need to provide
evidence to confirm your identity before you can use this service. You will be able to
apply on behalf of your children to have access to this service but when they reach
16 years the registration will be cancelled and they will have to reregister in their own
right.
Access
Our surgery is accessible to patients using a wheelchair. A wheelchair is available
for those with difficulty in walking – please ask at reception.
We have five parking spaces reserved for patients displaying a disabled sticker.
For patients with hearing problems, we have fixed and portable hearing loop
systems.
There are toilet facilities for the disabled.
Baby changing facilities are available.
We can provide a private room for confidential discussion or activity.
All dogs, with the exception of assistance dogs are not allowed in the building.
This is a non-smoking building.
Patients are requested to refrain from bringing food or drink on to the premises whilst
waiting for their appointments.
Water may be obtained from reception upon request.
There is a check in system opposite the reception desk for those who wish to use it.
Complaints and Acknowledgements
Rushden Medical Centre aims to give a friendly and professional service to all our
patients. If you have any constructive ideas for improving our service or simply wish
to comment we will be pleased to hear from you. However, if you have any concerns
about any aspect of our service, please let us know. Speak with whomever you feel
most comfortable speaking to, your GP, our manager or our reception staff will be
happy to help. In the majority of cases, concerns can be resolved quite easily.
A comments/complaint leaflet and form are available from reception. However, if you
do not feel able to approach the practice direct, you can contact NHS England.
Additional Patient Services & Healthcare Information
The doctor can provide relevant information on services and healthcare during the
consultation and can print information leaflets if available or direct you to the relevant
source of information. The practice will also display information posters in the
waiting room. If you require information on a specific topic please discuss this with
the GP.
Freedom of Information Act
The Freedom of Information Act 2000 obliges the practice to produce a publication
scheme. A Publication scheme is a guide to the classes of information the practice
intends to routinely make available. Details are available from the practice manager.
Any subsequent request for information under the Act must be made in writing to the
practice manager.
Mobile Phones
We allow mobile phones to be used within the building, but please ensure you do not
disturb other patients with loud conversations, and please switch them off during
your consultation.
Patient Participation Group
The practice supports an independent patient participation group that represents all
of our patients and aims to be representative of all our patient population.
Safety and Security
CCTV is installed in the practice premises. Images are held primarily for the
prevention and detection of crime in relation to the premises both inside and outside
opening hours and footage would not be suitable and accordingly not released for
car park incidents during opening hours.
In keeping with our commitment to providing the best possible service to all our
patients the CCTV installation will provide assurance to patients & staff that safety
and security are high on our agenda.
We uphold our policy that all consultations are private and confidential therefore no
cameras or monitors have been installed in any of the consulting rooms.
Policy on Violence and Abuse
We aim to treat our patients courteously at all times and expect our patients to treat
us in a similarly respectful way. We take seriously any intimidating, threatening,
abusive or violent behaviour against any of our staff, patients or other surgery users.
If a patient is abusive, they will be warned to stop their behaviour. If they persist, we
will exercise our right to take action to have them removed, immediately if necessary,
from our list of patients. Violence against any member of the practice will be
reported to the police and the perpetrator immediately removed from the practice.
Practice Based Commissioning
Rushden Medical Centre is a member of Nene Commissioning; an award-winning
organisation that brings together around 75 GP practices across Northamptonshire
into a practice-based commissioning (PBC) consortium, with the aim of improving
the health of the county. The practices in the consortium serve more than 657,000
out of the 696,000 patients in Northants. Nene works in close partnership with
NHS Northamptonshire. For further details visit www.nenecommissioning.com.
Non-NHS Services
Fees will be charged for services not covered by the NHS e.g. private certificates,
letter requests for non-NHS reasons, reports, insurance claims, HGV & PSV
licences, elderly drivers’ reports, fitness to travel certificates, sports fitness
certificates, private sick notes etc. GPs do not endorse passport photographs.
Medical reports and examinations for insurance are usually paid for by the insurer.
Research & Surveys
The practice participates in studies and surveys to improve patient care and we are
also externally evaluated as a training Practice and for re-accreditation of nationally
recognized quality awards. Qualified assessors come into the Practice and are
bound by the same stringent rules of confidentiality as are all members of the NHS.
You may be asked to complete questionnaires from time to time but you have our
assurance that these will be handled in an entirely confidential manner, as is all
Patient related data. Your participation in any aspect of external evaluation or research is optional.
Self Help
As well as our practice, there are many other local NHS services you can contact for
health advice, information or treatment. Before you do, remember that you can treat
many minor ailments such as colds, coughs and indigestion by keeping a wellstocked medicine cabinet at home. We suggest you keep the following:
Paracetamol and aspirin (children under 16 and people with asthma should not take
aspirin)
Mild laxatives
Anti-diarrhoeal medicines
Rehydration mixture
Indigestion remedy (for example, antacids)
Travel sickness tablets
Sunscreen – SPF15 or higher
Sunburn treatment (for example, calamine)
Tweezers and sharp scissors
A thermometer
A selection of plasters, non-absorbent cotton wool, elastic bandages and dressings.
Remember
Keep the medicine chest in a secure, locked place out of reach of small children.
Always read the instructions and use the suggested dose
Watch expiry dates – don’t keep or use medicines past their sell-by date
Take all unwanted and out-of-date medicines back to the pharmacy
Your local Pharmacist
Your local pharmacist will be able to give you free health advice at any time, you
don’t need an appointment. Many pharmacies operate extended hours on a rota
basis. Call NHS 111 for details
NHS Walk-in Centres
Lakeside Plus Surgery, Cottingham Road, Corby, NN17 2UR is our nearest walk in
centre where you can see a doctor or nurse everyday 8am - 8pm. You can walk in
and wait to be seen or book an appointment by telephone or internet.
Call 01536 202121
.Accident and Emergency/999
For life threatening emergencies such as:
 Severe bleeding
 Collapse or unconsciousness
 Severe chest pains
 Suspected stroke
 Severe allergic reaction
Telephone 999 for an ambulance
Accident and Emergency (A&E) departments are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a
year and can assess serious injuries and provide emergency treatment.
Other Information
The area served by Dr Hanspaul & Partners is in the district covered by NHS
England Herefordshire & South Midlands which is responsible for commissioning
and ensuring that you receive the health services you need.
NHS England
PO Box 16738
Redditch
B97 9PT
www.england.nhs.uk
england.contactus@nhs.net
Telephone: 0300 311 22 33 (Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm excluding B/Hols)
NHS England
NHS England is responsible for the direct commissioning of the following:
GP Services
Dental Services
Community Pharmacy Services
Optometry Services
Health Visiting Services
Screening Services
Making a complaint
If you are unable to discuss your complaint directly with your provider you can ask
NHS England to look into your concerns. The contact details for NHS England are:
Telephone 0300 311 22 33
NHS England
PO Box 16738
Redditch
B97 9PT
e-mail england.contactus@nhs.net
Ombudsman
As a last resort, if you are not happy with the response from this practice, you can
refer your complaint to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman who
investigates complaints about the NHS in England. You can call the Ombudsman’s
complaints helpline on 0345 015 4033 or http://www.ombudsman.org.uk or
Textphone (Minicom):
0300 061 4298
The Care Quality Commission
If you have a genuine concern about a staff member or regulated activity carried on
by this practice then you can contact the Care Quality Commission at:
CQC National Customer Service Centre
Citygate
Gallowgate
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 4PA
Tel 3000 616161 or http://www.cqc.org.uk
Social Services – Some Useful information
Social Care is a department of Northamptonshire County Council which provides
information about, and access to a wide range of social care services for people in
need. Such services include care at home services, day care, respite care and long
term residential and nursing home care.
Services are provided directly by the County Council or by arrangement with the
private or voluntary sector. The staff you are likely to be in touch with will include
social workers, occupational therapists, home care assistants and day service
workers. Access to services is subject to assessment by Social Services staff who
will take into account your views as well as information from any health professionals
or others involved in your care and will often include financial assessment as some
services are charged for.
If you meet the criteria which establish your eligibility for a service, a care plan will be
agreed with you.
What Sort Of Help Can Social Services Provide?
Social Services for Adults aim to:
 Maintain an individual’s ability to live independently in the community
 Provide relief for family carers
 Enable provision of residential and nursing home care when independent
living is not possible
The Main Types of Services are:
 Information and advice
 Domiciliary service
 Home care (help with personal care such as washing and dressing)
 Help with housework and shopping is given where there are personal care
needs, or to relieve a family carer
 Community meals
 Equipment or adaptations to property to enable independent living with advice
from occupational therapists
 Day services
 Residential or nursing home care
 Carers support
How Do You Get Help?
Contact your local area office on 0300 126 1000 who will be happy to advise about
the help available.