HARDEN AND COALPOOL NEWSLETTER
Patient Participation
Group
SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 No. 4
Harden and Coalpool
Surgeries
Welcome back to your Harden and Coalpool PPG
newsletter.
The sun may still be shining but winter is not far away, just over 14
weeks to Christmas. (It’s being so cheery that keeps me going!!). Now
is the time to start preparing – don’t let it creep up on you.
“All human beings
are born free and
equal in dignity
and rights”
Universal
Declaration of
Human Rights
1948
We have talked a little about the ‘new’ NHS and how it works but
now it is time to have a look at our own surgery, how it started and
where it is now.
We would also like to include your contributions and views, so don’t
forget to send in your ideas and suggestions for further issues, email
us at coalpool.harden@nhs.net, or drop a note into reception.
If you would like the newsletter emailed to you speak to reception,
ensure they have your email address.
Notices: Aortic Aneurysm Clinic. If you are male and 65 you will be
invited to attend the screening clinic for abdominal aortic aneurysm.
If you are 65+ and have not been screened you can self-refer, speak
to reception for more details. The screening is a non-invasive
procedure, just a simple ultrasound scan. Men are 6 times more
likely to suffer from this than women and on average it occurs 10
years later in women than men.
Harden Surgery – Harden Road, Walsall. WS3 1ET
Tel: 01922 423250
Fax: 01922 403486
Coalpool Surgery – Harden Road, Walsall. WS3 1ET
Tel: 01922 423266
Fax: 01922 423280
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HARDEN / COALPOOL SURGERIES
Both Harden and Coalpool are APMS (Alternative Provider Medical Services) practices and are based
in the Harden Health Centre. Both surgeries are now part of the Phoenix Primary Care group.
Harden Surgery
Before joining Phoenix this was Dr Desai’s surgery on Walker Road. In October 2003 it became a PMS
(Personal Medical Services) surgery. In 2009 it joined Phoenix to become an APMS surgery.
The staff have strived relentlessly to offer as many services as possible and in doing so have been
able to provide in- house specialist services such as Health trainers, Diabetic nurse, ECG monitoring,
Substance abuse support, to name but a few.
Coalpool Surgery
Coalpool evolved from two different surgeries, those being the surgery of Dr A. Gatrad who had
practiced from Coalpool clinic for seven years until he moved to another appointment, and the
surgery of Dr R. D. Antani and Dr M. R. Antani whose practice had been located on Harden Road
since 1974 until they both retired in October 2000.
Coalpool became a PMS surgery in 2000 and in 2006 it registered as a training practice and hosted
FY2 and GP registrars.
Coalpool is an enthusiastic surgery with an excellent team of experienced staff who have worked
together since October 2000. They also provide a wide range of specialist services including Diabetic
nurse, Genetic counselling, ECG monitoring and Substance abuse support.
PHOENIX PRIMARY CARE GROUP
Phoenix is a general medical services provider in the primary care sector. They operate in the West
Midlands where they have contracts with two primary care trusts in Walsall and Birmingham East
and North.
Phoenix operates a total of 8 GP surgeries and 1 Walk in Health Centre.
Three main members of the Phoenix group are: Dr Abraham Thomas, Company Chairman and
Medical Director, Mr Ian Rose, Director of Resources and Performance Management and Mr John
Brett, Director of Operations. Between them they have a vast array of experience within the NHS
either as practitioners or administrators. Both Ian and John have spent more than 20 years in the
management of Primary Care and Dr Thomas has been a GP for over 18 years with his own practice
in Walsall.
Editor’s Quote:
Growing old is mandatory. Growing up is optional.
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Surgery Information
Harden
Coalpool
Doctors available:
Doctors available:
Dr Zarish Rodrigues
Dr Puneet Dubb
Dr Rakhi Mithal
Dr Sushma Manthri
Dr Uzma Qureshi
GP Registrars
Dr Mangala Wijetunge
Dr Nisha Devi
Surgery Opening Times
Dr Marusha Desai
Monday – Tuesday
08.00 – 20.00
Surgery Opening Times
Wednesday
08.00 – 13.00
Monday & Thursday
07.00 – 18.30
Thursday – Friday
08.00 – 18.30
Tuesday & Friday
08.00 – 18.30
Saturday
09.00 – 12.00
Wednesday
08.00 – 13.00
Saturday
09.00 – 12.00
PLEASE NOTE: –
 Weekend appointments are for working patients only.
 Saturday appointments are pre-bookable.
 Requests for repeat prescriptions will now only be accepted in writing. Exceptions
will be made in certain circumstances. Speak to reception if in doubt.
 One problem – one appointment, if you need to discuss more than one issue make a
double appointment.
 Appointments can now be booked on-line (contact reception for details)
Check that reception has your correct details. If you provide a mobile number a text
reminder of your appointment will be sent to you.
“And Our Doctor Says”:
New Patients: when you register you must attend your first appointment with the practice nurse.
Failure to do so can result in you being refused admission to the practice. If a family is registering
then everyone needs to be reviewed. You are not on the surgery register until you have attended
your appointment.
“Doctor, doctor, I keep thinking I’m a clock”.
“Try not to get wound up”.
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Understanding About Your Medicines
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Keep medicines in a cool, dark place, away from direct light or heat sources, such as
windows or radiators. Do not keep medicines in the bathroom, even in a cabinet, as they can
become hot, humid or damp.
Always read the patient information leaflet or labels. Some medicines need to be kept in the
fridge, while others should stay at room temperature.
Child-resistant packaging doesn't always work, so keep medicines out of the reach of
children. A lockable cabinet is ideal; this should be about five feet above the floor.
Keep medicines in their original container so that you know what the medicine is, how to
take it, any extra instructions and the expiry date.
You should not keep medicines that you've finished using, even if they haven't reached their
expiry date. Take them to your pharmacy and they will dispose of them safely.
Mixing medicines
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Make sure your pharmacist or GP knows what medicines you're currently taking, including
those you only take occasionally, those you buy from a chemist, herbal medicines, vitamins,
supplements or anything you use to treat a medical condition.
Check the label or patient information leaflet to see if the medicine is safe to take with your
other medicines. If in doubt, ask your pharmacist or GP.
Taking your medicine
Read the label and patient information leaflet on your medicine carefully and always follow the
instructions. Check the label to find out if:
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It would be safe for you to drink alcohol while taking the medicine.
There are any foods or drinks you should avoid or limit while taking the medicine, such as
grapefruit juice with statins, or cranberry juice with warfarin.
The medicine is safe to take if you have a long-term health condition.
You should take your medicines before, during or after eating.
Your medicine is best taken in the morning, afternoon or evening.
More important things to remember about taking your medicines:
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Finish your course of medication. See your GP if you have any problems.
Some medicines should not be stopped abruptly without consulting a doctor first – always
check the label or leaflet to find out if yours is one of these.
Don't take anyone else's medicines or let anyone else take your medicines.
If you're pregnant, trying to become pregnant or are breastfeeding, check with your GP or
pharmacist before you take any new medicines.
Never take medicines that are past their expiry date.
If you don't understand how to take your medicines, talk to your pharmacist or GP, or call
NHS 111.
Giving medicines to children
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Children under the age of 16 shouldn't take aspirin or aspirin-based medicines.
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Never give your baby or child the maximum recommended dose of over-thecounter (OTC) medicine.
Check the dose of OTC medicine carefully; it may vary depending on your child's age.
For liquid medicines, measure the dose with care. Use an oral syringe if the dose is less than
5ml. You can get an oral syringe and instructions for its use from your pharmacy
Common terminology that you might find useful:
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APMS = Alternative Provider Medical Services. One of four contracting routes available to enable
PCOs to commission or provide primary medical services within their area
Primary Care = first point of contact with care services. In addition to GP practices, primary care covers
dental practices, community pharmacies and high street optometrists
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ECG = Electrocardiogram. An ECG records the rhythm and electrical activity of your heart. A number
of electrodes (small, sticky patches) are put on your arms, legs and chest. The electrodes are
connected to a machine that records the electrical signals of each heartbeat.
OTC medicines = Over- the-counter, medical items purchased from a pharmacy or store.
It will soon be time to think about getting your flu jab so why should you have one?
Flu is highly infectious and spreads rapidly through coughs and sneezes. It is caused by a virus and not bacteria
therefore antibiotics will not treat it. The symptoms can hit suddenly and severely. They usually include fever,
chills, headaches and aching muscles. Often there will also be a cough and sore throat.
We are all at risk of catching flu, those most at risk are:
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People aged 65+
People who have a serious medical condition
Pregnant women
If you have any of the following problems you should see your GP about having the flu jab:
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A serious heart complaint
A chest complaint or breathing difficulties, (including asthma, bronchitis and emphysema)
Serious kidney disease
Diabetes
Lowered immunity due to disease or treatment such as steroid medication or cancer treatment
If you have had a stroke or a transient ischaemic attack (TIA)
If you have a problem with your spleen or have had your spleen removed
Pregnant women
If in any doubt speak to your GP.
Is the flu jab effective? No vaccine is 100% effective but people who have the jab are less likely to get the flu. If
you do get the flu it is most likely to be milder than if you haven’t been vaccinated.
Side Effects: it does not cause the flu as it does not contain live flu virus. However, you may experience some
side effects from the jab, such as a raised temperature and aching muscles for a couple of days. Your arm may
feel sore at the site of the injection.
The flu vaccine only protects from the flu, it will not prevent you from getting the common cold.
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Name:
Contact Details:
And now it’s competition time. Remember – be in it to win it!!
Hand your answers in at the surgery.
Medical Matters!
Answer the following questions
1. What name is given to the fused bones at the base of the spinal column?
2. By what name is the illness Rubella more commonly known?
3. What are the irregularly shaped, colourless bodies in blood, with a sticky surface
which helps to make blood clot?
4. What is the name of the U shaped bone at the base of the tongue that supports
the tongue muscle?
5. Which organ is affected by hepatitis?
6. Which people suffer from the injury known as ‘Gamekeeper’s Thumb’ ?
7. What term means to remove a sample of tissue from the body for diagnostic
examination?
8. In a ‘CAT’ scan, for what do the letters CAT stand?
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Patient Participation Group
Are you interested in joining? Give your name, address / email / phone number to
reception or contact us on coalpool.harden@nhs.net
“Doctor, doctor, the letters A, E, I, O and U
really annoy me. What’s my problem?”
“You have irritable vowel syndrome”
Frequently Asked Questions:
 What information should I bring with me for my first visit to the doctor?
Bring insurance cards, names and phone numbers of your other doctors and the phone
number of the pharmacy you use. Also, bring your medical records if your doctor does
not have them.
 What should I do if I do not understand something my doctor says?
Ask questions. Talking to your doctor is not always easy. Sometimes what he or she says
about your health may not make sense. If something seems unclear, ask your doctor to
explain what he or she means. You might say, “I want to make sure I understand. Could
you explain a little more?” or “I didn’t understand that word. What does it mean?” You
may also find it helpful to repeat back to the doctor what he or she says using your own
words and ask if you are correct.
 Why might a doctor want to do a medical test?
There are different reasons why you may need a medical test. Sometimes a doctor does
a test, such as taking your blood or giving you an x-ray to find out what is wrong or to
learn more about your health condition. Some tests, like cancer screenings, are done
regularly to check for hidden medical problems.
Housekeeping Notes:
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Harden Surgery consists of all female doctors but if anyone prefers to see a male
doctor, it may be possible to arrange an appointment but it will not be an
immediate one.
If you take medication regularly and need repeat prescriptions please ensure you
order them in plenty of time. Do not wait until you have run out of medication.
Remember to allow 48 hours for your prescription to be prepared and be aware
the pharmacy may need to order your medicine.
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Don’t forget to ask us your questions – we will do our very best to help you.
Keeping Mind and Body Fit!! - Things for you to think about.
If you have any suggestions for activities, hobbies, clubs or organisations that you
think may be of interest to others please let us know.
Useful Websites:
Don’t forget to check out your local library and community centre for ideas and
www.nhschoices.co.uk
surgery
accessand https://patient.emisaccess.co.uk
on-line booking service
information about
activities
forth coming events.
www.walsallhealthcare.nhs.uk information regarding NHS services
www.lookinglocal.gov.uk relevant local sites including link to GP services
www.walsallccg.nhs.uk information on CCG
www.patient.co.uk on-line booking service
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