Lorn Medical Centre
Soroba Road
Oban, PA34 4HE
01631 563175
Telephone:
Repeat Prescriptions: 01631 565178
01631 570565
Health Visitors:
01631 569916
District Nurses:
Website
www.LornMedicalCentre.co.uk
When the surgery is closed call 08454 24 24 24
Welcome
Welcome to the Lorn Medical Centre website which we are currently developing. We aim to provide
all of our patients with a comprehensive range of healthcare services covering one-off problems to
longer term illnesses. Feel free to explore the site and find out how you and your family can benefit
from our personal and professional approach to healthcare provision.
Convenience
As well as being able to see when we are open at the click of a mouse we’ve made it easier for you
to do a number of things. You are now able to order a repeat prescription or cancel your
appointment online.
Join Us
Registering is easy with online forms also available and appointment slots to suit most patients’
timetables. You’ll enjoy a confidential service in comfortable surroundings from a helpful and
dedicated team.
Opening Times
Monday
08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday
08:00 - 19:30
Wednesday
08:00 - 19:30
Thursday
08:00 - 19:30
Friday
08:00 - 18:00
Weekend
closed
Please note the practice closes for four afternoons a year to enable the team to participate in
staff training. These closures will be clealy notified in advance.
We also close for Public Holidays: Christmas, New Year, Easter and May Day.
When We Are Closed
The doctors at the Lorn Medical Centre participate in the North Argyll Out-of-Hours service. If you
need medical advice outside opening hours telephone NHS 24 on 08454 24 24 24.
Your call will be diverted to the on call service. Out-of-Hours visits should only be requested if they are
felt to be truly necessary. The service has access to your Emergency Care Summary, which lists your
repeat medication and any major problems.
Call 999 in an emergency. Chest pains and / or shortness of breath constitute an emergency.
Appointments
You can see any of the doctors or nurses in the practice by appointment. We aim to offer you a routine appointment
of 10 minutes within two days. If it is important for you to see a particular clinician please try and book a week in
advance.
If you need an urgent appointment you will be seen as soon as possible that day. Please help the receptionists by telling
them whether or not your problem is urgent. If you are not happy with your appointment, please speak to the practice
manager.
We also offer evening surgeries on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday between 18:00 - 19:30. A
nurse is available at these times too.
Telephone Appointments
If you think your problem can be dealt with on the telephone we offer telephone consultations with
our clinicians. The receptionist will give you a telephone appointment and the doctor will call you
back. Please ensure that we have your current phone number.
Practice Nurses
In a number of cases it might be worth considering an appointment with a practice nurse rather
than a doctor. Practice nurses are qualified to deal with many ailments and you may be seen more
quickly.
Teenaid
We are aware that young people may find it awkward to approach the practice and in this respect
we support the work of the Teenaid service, based at the Market Street Centre. This service is
staffed by Dr Katherine Adams but is completely separate from the practice. Clinics are held on
Monday 16:00 – 18:00 and on Friday 12:45 – 14:00. Telephone 01631 570769.
Cancellations
If you cannot attend an appointment for any reason please inform us as soon as possible in order
for us to give the slot to someone else. Each week approximately 50 patients do not turn up for
appointments resulting in others having to wait longer for an appointment.
When the Surgery is Closed
The doctors at the Lorn Medical Centre participate in the North Argyll Out of Hours Service. If
you need medical advice outside opening hours phone NHS 24 08454 24 24 24.
Your call will be diverted to the on call service. Out of Hours visits should only be requested if
truly necessary. The Out of Hours service has access to your emergency care summary, which lists
your repeat medication and major problems.
Home Visits
If possible please try to telephone reception before
10:00 if you require a home visit.
You may only request a home visit if you are housebound or are too ill to visit the practice. Your GP
will only visit you at home if they think that your medical condition requires it and will also decide how
urgently a visit is needed. In this respect the doctor may call you back.
Training Practice
We are fortunate to have been selected as a training practice for doctors wishing to specialise in a
career in general practice. These doctors will initially spend six months with the practice and then a
further year. The training is supervised by Dr Erik Jespersen and Dr Emma Boyle. We also help train final
year medical students who spend a six week placement with the practice.
We believe our practice and our patients gain a lot from our trainees who bring to the practice up-todate knowledge and techniques, as well as a friendly enthusiasm. Occasionally you may be asked
for your consent in taking a video of your consultation in order to assist them with training. Our nursing
team, and in particular our community nursing team, provide training for student nurses.
Diving & Lifeboat Emergencies
Dr Colin Wilson is a volunteer member of Oban Lifeboat Crew and provides valuable medical
assistance in emergencies. He also leads the medical team who cover diving emergencies at the
Recompression Chamber at SAMS, Dunstaffnage.
Drs Fiona MacLennan, Allyson Murray, Richard Wilson and Ewan Glen are also on the duty rosta.
Occasionally your routine appointment with a doctor maybe disrupted by such an emergency but
the practice team will always try to reschedule your appointment to cause you minimum disruption.
Sickness Certificates
You do not require a doctor's sickness certificate for any illness lasting seven days or less. Your
employer may however require you to complete a self-certification form (SC2) which is available from
your employer or on the HMRC website (www.hmrc.gov.uk/forms/sc2.pdf) .
Evidence that you are sick
If you are sick for more than seven days, your employer can ask you to give them some form of
medical evidence to support payment of SSP (statutory sick pay).
It is up to your employer to decide whether you are incapable of work. A medical certificate, now
called a 'Statement of Fitness for Work’ (see below) from your doctor is strong evidence that you are
sick and would normally be accepted, unless there is evidence to prove otherwise.
You could also provide evidence from someone who is not a medical practitioner, e.g. a dentist. Your
employer will decide whether or not this evidence is acceptable. If your employer has any doubts,
they may still ask for a medical certificate from your GP.
Statement of Fitness for Work - ’Fit Note'
The 'fit note' was introduced on 6 April 2010. With your employer's support, the note will help you return
to work sooner by providing more information about the effects of your illness or injury.
For more information see the DirectGov website
(www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Illorinjured/DG_17
5850) (where this information was sourced)
If you have a long-term condition or are on any medication, you should be seen at least once a year
to review your treatment and the effectiveness of your medication. We strongly advise you attend for
your review as this may prevent complications.
To ensure you remember to come for this review, why don't you make an appointment in the month of
your birthday?
Some doctors and nurses are trained to give advice on contraception. Some of them are also
trained to fit implants and coils. Please tell a receptionist what you require as you may need a
special type of appointment.
Sexual health services including coils and implanon provision, are also available to patients not
already registered with the practice.
Audiology
Your doctor or nurse may refer you to the audiologist for advice.
Dietetics
Your doctor or nurse may refer you to the dietician for advice.
Podiatry
You can ask at reception for a self referral form for podiatry. This service is
managed by the podiatry department based at the Lorn and Islands Hospital.
Physiotherapy
Your doctor or nurse may refer you to physiotherapy and you can also pick up a
self referral form from reception, again this is managed by the physiotherapy
department at the Lorn and Islands Hospital.
Repeat Prescriptions
Patients on long-term medication can order repeat prescriptions in a number of ways:
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By Hand – drop your repeat slip in the box provided at reception with the required items
clearly marked.
By Post – send it to us with a stamped addressed envelope if you want us to post it back to
you.
By Telephone – to 01631 565178 and leave a message on the answerphone.
Online – follow the link at the top of this page and carry out a simple registration.
If your drug is not on the list or you would like to speak to a receptionist, please phone the
surgery. Please also remember to tell us where you want to pick up your prescription.
Medication Reviews
Patients on repeat medication will be asked to see either a doctor, nurse practitioner or practice
nurse at least once a year to review these regular medications.
Please allow two full working days between requesting and collecting
your medication.
Please allow 48 hours, excluding weekends and Bank Holidays, for your request to be processed.
Any problems please telephone the surgery.
We are currently piloting a method to provide an online prescription service. Please use this
service but it is recommend that you contact the practice to ensure your prescription has been
processed until we are confident that it is working.
Clinics & Services
Clinics & Services
In addition to general medical consultations we are pleased to be able to provide specialist clinics
and services covering the following areas:
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Asthma
Chronic obstructive airways disease
Coronary heart disease
Diabetes
Cervical screening
Contraceptive services - including the fitting of implants.
Child health surveillance
Maternity services - antenatal care provided by the midwife. Postnatal check-ups eight
weeks after birth.
Mental health
Minor surgery - the removal of lumps and bumps following an assesment by the doctor.
Osteoporosis
Vaccinations and immunisations - including flu and pneumococcal.
Well Woman clinic
Travel advice and vaccinations - including Yellow Fever.
Smoking cessation
We also participate in the following local initiatives:
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Methadone substitution programme
Regular monitoring - by blood and urine tests, for patients on a range of drugs for arthritis and
bowel problems.
Annual reviews for carers.
More specialised sexual and reproductive health services
Alcohol misuse
Non-NHS Services
Non-NHS Services
Some services provided fall outside the scope of the NHS and therefore attract charges. Examples
include the following:
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Medicals for pre-employment, sports and driving requirements (HGV, PSV etc.)
Insurance claim forms
Prescriptions for taking medication abroad
Private sick notes
Vaccination certificates
Our reception staff will be happy to advise you about appointment availability and applicable
charges.
Please note we are an approved centre for the following:
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HSE Professional Diving Medicals
Department of Transport Medicals for Seafarers (ENG)
Offshore Oil and Gas Industry UK (previously UKOOA)
Surgery Pod
Surgery Pod
Help your doctor to make the most of his time with you by using our surgery Pod – a simple device
that will allow you to check your blood pressure, if you are unsure how to use it please ask at
reception for assistance.
Self Help for Minor Ailments
Antibiotics
First a note on these commonly-prescribed and powerful medicines: Antibiotics only work on bacteria
and have no effect on viruses. This means that common infections like coughs, colds and flu will not be
helped by them at all. The correct treatment is to follow the simple remedies outlined below. We only
use antibiotics when these remedies fail and we suspect there is a secondary bacterial infection.
Overuse of antibiotics may lead to their not working in the future and may cause thrush, skin rashes and
stomach upsets.
Colds and Sinus Pains
Take plenty of fluids, paracetamol or, if over 16 years old, aspirin. Inhalations with steam, and
Karvol/menthol crystals/Olbas Oil etc. can help clear the passages. You could use a decongestant
such as Sudafed (available from chemists) of Vicks Sinex etc. You should be on the mend after seven
to ten days and usually better after two weeks. If you are not getting better by then, make an
appointment to be seen.
Coughs
These can be soothed with a drink made from honey and freshly squeezed lemon juice (full of vitamins)
in hot water. If particular irritating, steam inhalations can be worthwhile. Cough medicines may provide
some relief. If you bring up coloured phlegm, we may need to check your chest.
Flu
If you have a temperature and are aching a lot, paracetamol or aspirin, fluids and rest are the answer.
Aspirin should not been given to children under 16. In susceptible patients, complications of flu can
occur. If you are particularly unwell, especially with symptoms of a chest infection, please contact the
Surgery for advice.
Sore Throats
If over 16 years of age, gargle with soluble aspirin, otherwise paracetamol, drink plenty and use
lozenges or boiled sweets if they help. Most sore throats will settle with this treatment in three to five
days.
Laryngitis
As for sore throats, try steam inhalations, rest your voice and avoid smoke.
Temperatures
Children often have fever with no other symptoms. They need to be cooled down and then they will
feel much better. Remove their clothes down their vest and pants and keep the room temperature
down. Use Calpol/Disprol etc. and, if necessary, sponge them with luke warm, not cold, water or blow
them with a fan or hairdryer on its coolest setting. If they are unwell with symptoms of listlessness or not
taking adequate fluid, please seek further advice with delay. Similarly, if there is no improvement after
48 hours we will need to see them.
Diarrhoea and Vomiting
This usually settles in one to three days and we recommend that you avoid all foods for 12 to 24 hours,
but drink plenty of fluids in small amounts. If the vomiting is very frequent, special re-hydration drinks
such as Dioralyte are useful and are available from Chemists. Avoid milk, dairy produce, and fatty/spicy
food when appetite returns. Instead try dry bread, toast, thin soups, potato, chicken etc. If the
diarrhoea does not settle, try natural yoghurt (you can flavour it if you like). Tummy colic can be eased
with paracetamol and will settle in a few days.
Childhood Rashes
If a child is basically well but has a rash, this is usually because of a virus and this will settle untreated in
only a few days. We would want to see the child if they are unwell with the rash.
Chicken Pox
This can be soothed by calamine lotion or, if it is extremely itchy, by antihistamines like Phenergan/Piriton
(which are available from Chemists). It is infectious for five days after the last batch of spots has
appeared.
The Minor Ailments Scheme
The scheme means that you don’t need to wait to see a Doctor because your pharmacist can
give advice and treatment for these ailments and if you don’t pay for your prescription then you
won’t be charged for the medicines supplied by your pharmacist. ALL pharmacies in the area are
involved in the scheme.
The scheme includes treatment for the following ailments:
Chesty Cough
Sore throat
Headache/earache
Temperature
Blocked nose
Hay fever
Head lice
Tummy upset
Constipation
Threadworm
Dry Cough
Athlete’s foot
Haemorrhoids
Nappy rash
Mouth Ulcers
Insect bites and stings
Indigestion/heartburn
Diarrhoea
Thrush
Family Medicine Chest
The following is a list of items and medicines that we think should be a part of every family’s first
aid kit:
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Paracetamol and Aspirin (Paracetamol or Ibuprofen Syrup for children) - Aspirin should not
be taken by under 16s or people with Aspirin allergy
Dehydration mixtures such as Dioralyte
Indigestion remedies e.g. Maalox or Gaviscon, milk of magnesia
Sunscreen which should be factor 15 or higher
Calamine lotion for after sun treatment
Tweezers and sharp scissors
Thermometer
Selection of plasters, cotton wool, non-fluffy dressings such as lint and elastic bandages
Keep this in a secure locked place out of the reach of small children. Always read the
instructions and use the recommended dose. Watch the expiry dates and do not keep
medicines beyond this. Take unwanted or out of date medicines back to the pharmacy for safe
disposal.
Seasonal Flu + Pneumococcal
Seasonal Flu
Influenza – flu – is a highly infectious and potentially serious illness caused by influenza viruses.
Annual immunisation (vaccination) is given free of charge to the following at-risk people, to protect
them from seasonal flu:
 People aged 65 or over
 People with a serious medical condition
 If you are pregnant
 People living is a residential or nursing home
 The main carers for an elderly or disabled person
 Healthcare or social care professionals
Flu immunisation for 2-16 year olds is being introduced over the next 3 years. In 2013-2014 children
aged 2 and 3 years will be offerred nasal flu vaccinations. The surgery will be in contact regarding
this.
Pneumococcal Vaccine
Pneumococcal vaccine gives protection against the bacteria Pneumococcus, which can
cause pneumonia, meningitis and blood infections.
This is given to
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People under age 2
People aged 65 and over
People at risk
This usually involves one injection which provides protecting for 20 yaers.However younger children
may receive between one to three injections depending on their age.
At Risk Patient Immunisation
Patients aged 6 months and older who suffer from the following conditions should have flu
and pneumococcal immunisations
Respiratory Disease
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COPD
Asthma requiring continued use of preventer inhaler
Other chronic lung conditions
Children admitted for lower respiratory tract infection
Heart Disease
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Congenital heart disease
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Ischaemic heart disease
Heart failure
Kidney Disease
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Chronic kidney disease
Chronic kidney failure
Nephrotic syndrome
Kidney transplantation
Liver Disease
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Hepatitis
Cirrhosis
Biliary atresia
Neurological Disease
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Stroke
Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA)
Cerebal palsy
Multiple scelrosis
Degenerative diseases of nervous system
Neurological disability
Diabetes
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Type 1
Type 2
Immunosuppression
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Immunosuppression due to disease or treatment
Patients undergoing chemotherapy
Patients on high dose steroids
Asplenia
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HIV
Preganant Women
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Flu vaccination at any stage of pregnancy
Whooping cough (Pertussis) after 28 weeks gestation
Unpaid Carers or Young Carers
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If you, without payment provide help and support for a child, partner, friend, relative or
neighbour you are entitled to be a flu and pneumococcal immunisations.
Childhood Immunisation
Diseases protected against
When to immunize
Vaccine given
Diptheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping
cough), polio and Haemophilus
influenzae type b (Hib)
DTaP/IPV/Hib
Pneumococcal disease
PCV
Rotavirus
Rotarix
2 months old
Diptheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping
cough), polio and (Hib)
3 months old
Meningococcal Group C disease (MenC)
Rotavirus
Diptheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping
cough), polio and Hib
DTaP/IPV/Hib
MenC
Rotarix
DTaP/IPV/Hib
4 months old
Pneumococcal disease
Hib/MenC
Between 12 and 13 months
– within a month of the first
birthday
Pneumococcal disease
PCV
Hib/MenC
PCV
Measles, mumps and rubella (German
measles)
MMR
Diptheria, tetanus, pertussis and polio
dTaP/IPV or
DTaP/IPV
3 years 4 months to 5 years
Measles, mumps and rubella
Girls –
12 to 13 years
Cervical cancer cuased by Human
Papilloma Virus (HPV) types 16 and 18
MMR
Gardasil
Tetanus, diphtheria, polio
Td/IPV and check
MMR status
13 to 18 years
Men C
Men C
Test Results
Test Results
You are welcome to call after 10am to enquire about your test results as our staff will have more time
to help you. We would also appreciate it if you could avoid telephoning on a Monday whenever
possible.
You will be told how long you should expect to wait for the results at the time of your test so please
bear this in mind before calling. It is then your responsibility to check them and make any necessary
follow-up appointment with the doctor. Remember to ensure that all results are available as you may
have had more than one test performed and some tests take longer to report than others.
Please note that we do have a strict policy regarding confidentiality and data protection. In this
respect we will only give out results to the person they relate to unless that person has given prior
permission for their release or if they are not capable of understanding them.
Blood Tests
Blood Tests
A blood test is when a sample of blood is taken for testing in a laboratory. Blood tests have a wide
range of uses and are one of the most common types of medical test. For example, a blood test can
be used to:
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assess your general state of health
confirm the presence of a bacterial or viral infection
see how well certain organs, such as the liver and kidneys, are functioning
A blood test usually involves taking a blood sample from a blood vessel in your arm and the usual
place for a sample is the inside of the elbow or wrist, where the veins are relatively close to the
surface. Blood samples from children are most commonly taken from the back of the hand. The
child's hand will be anaesthetised (numbed) with a special cream before the sample is taken.
You can find out more about blood tests, their purpose and the way they are performed on the NHS
Choices website.
X-Ray
X-Ray
Your clinician may refer you for an X-ray which is usually performed at the Lorn and Islands Hospital.
An X-ray is a widely used diagnostic test to examine the inside of the body. X-rays are a very effective
way of detecting problems with bones, such as fractures. They can also often identify problems with
soft tissue, such as pneumonia or breast cancer.
If you have a X-ray, you will be asked to lie on a table or stand against a surface so that the part of
your body being X-rayed is between the X-ray tube and the photographic plate.
An X-ray is usually carried out by a radiographer, a healthcare professional who specialises in using
imaging technology, such as X-rays and ultrasound scanners.
You can find out more about x-ray tests, how they are performed, their function and the risks by
visiting the NHS Choices website (www.nhs.uk/conditions/x-ray/Pages/Introduction.aspx) .
Registration
New Patient Registration
Patients that live within a five mile radius of the practice can register with the us. Registration forms
are available from the surgery and can also be downloaded below for you to print out. Each person
will also need to complete a 'New Patient Questionnaire' to provide us with more details about your
health. These are available to download from the "Registering Online" tab.
Please bring your completed registration form and new patient questionnaire
to reception. Each new patient will need to attend the surgery in person and
provide photographic proof of identification (e.g. driving licence or passport).
It would also be helpful if you could bring along your previous medical card.
Please keep your medical cards in a safe place. If your card is lost, please ask a
member of staff for a form so that it can be replaced.
Medical treatment is available immediately while the registration process takes place. Please contact
reception for further information.
Guide to GP Services
The Royal College of General Practitioners has produced a useful guide for patients about the
services on offer at GP Surgeries and how to access them. You can download the guide below.
A Patient Guide to GP Services (www.rcgp.org.uk/pdf/rcgp_iyp_full_booklet_web_version.pdf)
Registering Online
Online 'Pre-Registration' With The Practice
If you wish to pre-register click on the link below to open the form. When you have completed all of
the details, click on the "Send" button to mail your form to us. When you visit the surgery for the first
time you will be asked to sign the form to confirm that the details are correct.
Pre-registration Form
When you register you will also be asked to fill out a medical questionnaire. This is because it can take
a considerable time for us to receive your medical records. There is an online version of this file too,
which you may fill out and send to us. When you come to the surgery you will be asked to sign this
form to confirm that the details are correct.
Online Medical Questionnaire For New Patients
Note that by sending the form you will be transmitting information about your self across the Internet
and although every effort is made to keep this information secure, no guarantee can be offered in
this respect.
Alternatively you may print off a registration form, fill it out and bring it in with you on your first visit to
the practice.
Registration Form
Temporary Residents
Temporary Registration
If you are ill while away from home or if you are not registered with a doctor but need to see one you
can receive emergency treatment from the local GP practice for 14 days. After 14 days you will need
to register as a temporary or permanent patient.
You can be registered as a temporary patient for up to three months. This will allow you to be on the
local practice list and still remain a patient of your permanent GP. After three months you will have to
re-register as a temporary patient or permanently register with that practice.
To register as a temporary patient simply contact the local practice you wish to use. Practices do not
have to accept you as a temporary patient although they do have an obligation to offer emergency
treatment. You cannot register as a temporary patient at a practice in the town or area where you
are already registered.
Download the Temporary Resident Registration Form
Lifestyle Information
Walking
Even the smallest effect can improve your quality of life and make you feel healthier and livelier.
Simply start by walking for 15 or 20 minutes at a brisk enough pace to get your heart beating faster,
3 times a week regularly. There is a local walking group and leaflets are available at Reception.
Healthy Eating
A healthy diet doesn’t need to be a boring one. Health experts tell us we are all eating too much
fat, salt etc, but what exactly does this mean? Why not speak to your doctor/nurse or pick up
some of our information leaflets so you can enjoy a healthier diet?
Lorn and Oban Healthy Options (LOHO)
The Surgery is participating in LOHO which is a programme aimed at improving physical activity,
health and wellbeing. Referral to this should be discussed with your GP or practice nurse, as it is
aimed at people with long-term health problems.
Smoking
We are keen to give all our patients who smoke as much help as possible. All of our practice nurses
can give advice and specialist help on how to stop smoking; this includes nicotine replacement
therapy. Appointments are available throughout the day and evening.
Alcohol
The practice is keen to promote responsible drinking and is participating in an initiative to improve
people’s awareness of the dangers of consuming too much alcohol. We have leaflets available
which will explain what a unit of alcohol is and what the recommended limits are. If you are
concerned about the amount of alcohol you are consuming, please take time to complete the
short questionnaire available at reception..
Drugs
Dr Michael Boyle sees patients with drug dependency problems in a specialised drug clinic. Any
patients with drug addiction problems can be referred to the Clinic by their GP.
Cardiovascular Disease
The West Coast of Scotland has a higher than average incidence of heart attacks/strokes and
other cardiovascular disorders. To try to prevent these illnesses, we are keen that everybody over
45 has a Lifestyle check, which will include checking their blood pressure and other risk factors.
Sexual Health
There are worrying increases in sexually transmitted infections for people of all ages in the UK.
Younger women are at particular risk of Chlamydia, which can cause infertility yet may show no
symptoms. HIV/AIDS now affects more heterosexuals than gay men, and continues to spread. We
can provide free condoms and offer vaccines to anyone at risk.
Mental Health
Mental health problems are very common and we offer patients the opportunity to discuss
problems as early as possible. We are able to offer support here, and advise on other services
available locally.
Osteoporosis
We are interested in prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Regular exercise, avoiding
smoking and plenty of calcium in the diet all help reduce the risk for men and women.
Testicular Self Examination
Testicular cancer is one of the most common causes of death in younger men. Early detection of
any abnormality is important, testicular self-examination (TSE) can detect problems; we can show
you how to do this or ask for a leaflet.
Well Woman Clinic
Well woman Clinics are no longer held in the Lorn & IslandsHospital.
Appointments can be made in the Surgery with any of our GPs and nurses.
Useful Telephone Numbers
Out-of-Hours
NHS 24
08454 242424
Clinics
Market Street Clinic
Teenaid
01631 571294
01631 570769
Hospitals
Lorn & Islands District General, Oban
Gartnavel Hospital, Glasgow
Glasgow Royal Infirmary
Western Infirmary, Glasgow
Southern GeneralHospital, Glasgow
Royal Alexandra, Paisley
Vale of Leven D G Hosp. Alexandria
01631 567500
0141 211 3000
0141 211 4000
0141 211 2000
0141 201 1100
0141 887 9111
01389 754 121
Carers
Shop Mobility for Wheelchairs
Carers Centre
Crossroads
01631 567150
01631564422
01631562277
Chemists
Boots
Gordons Chemists (George Street)
Boots (Soroba Road)
01631 562517
01631 562063
01631 564560
Dentists
Shore Street
Argyll Square
01631 563006
01631 562791
Council
Argyll & Bute Council
Lorn Social Work Department
Lorne Resource Centre
Oban Day Centre
DSS
01546 602177
01631 563068
01631 562725
01631 563012
01631 569300
Police
01631 510500
Helpful Organisations
Lorn Counselling 01631 566666
Childline
Parentline Scotland
Alcohol Anonymous
Drugs Helpline
Women’s Aid
Women’s Aid Argyll & Bute
Lorne Home Start
Carers & Family Support Group
Marriage Counselling
Parkinson’s Helpline
Dementia Helpline
Cancer Backup
National Eczema Society
Samaritans
Aids Helpline
0800 1111
0808 800 2222
0845 769 7555
01631 564482
0131 475 2372
01369 706036
01631 566749
0141 221 8100
01631 563297
0808 800 0303
0808 808 3000
0808 800 1234
0870 241 3604
0845 790 9090
0800 567123
Residential or Nursing Homes
Lynn of Lorn
Eadar Glinn
North Argyll House
01631 720287
01631 563219
01631 562168
Undertakers
Hamish Hoey
D & A Munn
01631 562269
01631 562562
Patient Information
Sources of Information
Our clinicians have a wide range of information sheets available on our practice intranet and will
often give you a fact sheet about your condition. Leaflets and other written information about
various illness and conditions are available from the practice.
Useful websites are
http://www.nhshighland.scot.nhs.uk/ (www.nhshighland.scot.nhs.uk/)
Scottish Health on the Web (SHOW) is sponsored by the Management Executive of the NHS in Scotland, and provides
cost effective, readily available health service information to both clinicians and the public. The SHOW service is
managed and maintained by the Information and Statistics Division of the Common Services Agency of the National
Health Service in Scotland.
(www.show.scot.nhs.uk/)
www.show.scot.nhs.uk (www.show.scot.nhs.uk/)
Health Information and Self Care Advice for Scotland nhs24.com provides comprehensive up-to-date
health information and self care advice for people in Scotland.
http://www.nhs24.com/ (www.nhs24.com/)
The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network. A project to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of clinical care in
Scotland by publishing guidelines which identify and promote good clinical practice.
www.rcgp-signet.co.uk (www.rcgp-signet.co.uk/)
(www.rcgp-signet.co.uk/)
The RoyalCollege of General Practitioners
www.rcgp.org.uk (www.rcgp.org.uk/)
(www.rcgp.org.uk/)
The home page of leaflets on Patient UK which has available over 500 topics on health and disease.
Details of more than 2000 self help / patient support groups and similar organisations.
A directory of UK websites on disease, health, health news, events, carers issues, helplines, medicines, NHS information,
benefits, medical equipment, etc.
Recommended books on health and disease mainly written by UK authors.
(www.patient.co.uk/)
www.patient.co.uk (www.patient.co.uk)
This website is to promote Scotland’s national healthy living campaign, launched by the Scottish Executive in January
2003.
www.healthyliving.gov.uk (www.healthyliving.gov.uk)
(www.healthyliving.gov.uk/)
Information on asthma as a sufferer or parent of a sufferer giving non-promotional asthma education.
www.actionasthma.co.uk (www.actionasthma.co.uk)
(www.actionasthma.co.uk/)
.......And Now Some Sites For Teenage Health
Are you a teenage health freak? Got lots of health questions? Then go to Pete Paynes daily diary.
www.teenagehealthfreak.org (www.teenagehealthfreak.org)
(www.teenagehealthfreak.org/)
This site has content on highly relevant and difficult issues for young people of all ages such as bullying
and sex. Check it out!
www.pupiline.net (www.pupiline.net)
(www.pupiline.net/)
Patient Transport
Patient Transport Service
To book patient transport call 0300 123 1236.
Please contact the surgery reception if you feel you are unable to request
patient transport yourself.
Ambulance transport is available for patients who:
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require assistance from skilled ambulance staff
have a medical condition that would prevent them from travelling to
hospital by any other means
have a medical condition that might put them at risk from harm if they
were to travel independently
have mobility difficulties that require the assistance of ambulance care
staff
are attending hospital for treatment that might have side effects and
require ambulance care on the return journey
More information on the patient transport service is available from the Scottish
Ambulance Service (www.scottishambulance.com/WhatWeDo/pts.aspx)
website.
North Argyll Voluntary Car Scheme (NAVCS)
If you are not eligible for the patient transport service but do not have the use of
a car and find it difficult or awkward to use public transport, you may be able to
receive help from the North Argyll Voluntary Car Scheme. The scheme covers
the Community Council areas of Seil, Luing, Kilninver and Kilmelford, and
Taynuilt.
Users of the car scheme may be taken to the local GP surgery, lunch clubs,
church and cemetery, Community Council meetings, social functions, and into
Oban for shopping, dementia clubs, to visit family or friends, to the dentist,
optician, hairdresser, library, banks, post office, lawyers, church, and even with
their animals, to the vet. Passengers make a small donation as a contribution
towards journey costs.
To access the scheme contact Margaret Anfield on 01852 300368 or visit the
scheme webpage (seil.oban.ws/carshare.html) .
Other transport options
A range of other community transport options are promoted by Argyll and Bute
Council on the Community Transport webpage (www.argyllbute.gov.uk/node/30314) .
Practice Policies
Confidentiality & Medical Records
The practice complies with data protection and access to medical records legislation. Identifiable
information about you will be shared with others in the following circumstances:
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To provide further medical treatment for you e.g. from district nurses and hospital services.
To help you get other services e.g. from the social work department. This requires your
consent.
When we have a duty to others e.g. in child protection cases anonymised patient information
will also be used at local and national level to help the Health Board and Government plan
services e.g. for diabetic care.
If you do not wish anonymous information about you to be used in such a way, please let us know.
Reception and administration staff require access to your medical records in order to do their jobs.
These members of staff are bound by the same rules of confidentiality as the medical staff.
Freedom of Information
Information about the General Practioners and the practice required for disclosure under this act can
be made available to the public. All requests for such information should be made to the practice
manager.
Access to Records
In accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998 and Access to Health Records Act, patients may
request to see their medical records. Such requests should be made through the practice manager
and may be subject to an administration charge. No information will be released without the patient
consent unless we are legally obliged to do so.
Complaints
We make every effort to give the best service possible to everyone who attends our practice.
However, we are aware that things can go wrong resulting in a patient feeling that they have a
genuine cause for complaint. If this is so, we would wish for the matter to be settled as quickly, and as
amicably, as possible.
To pursue a complaint please contact the practice manager who will deal with your concerns
appropriately. Further written information is available regarding the complaints procedure from
reception.
Violence Policy
The NHS operate a zero tolerance policy with regard to violence and abuse and the practice has the
right to remove violent patients from the list with immediate effect in order to safeguard practice
staff, patients and other persons. Violence in this context includes actual or threatened physical
violence or verbal abuse which leads to fear for a person’s safety. In this situation we will notify the
patient in writing of their removal from the list and record in the patient’s medical records the fact of
the removal and the circumstances leading to it.
Suggestions and Complaints
Suggestions
We appreciate feedback about the service we provide. If we know what we do
well, or what we don't do so well, we can use this information to change how we
work. So please do not hesitate to let us know how we can improve your
experience.
Complaints
We make every effort to give the best service possible to everyone who attends our practice.
However, we are aware that things can go wrong resulting in a patient feeling that they have a
genuine cause for complaint. If you have a problem or complaint, please discuss this with the doctor
or the Practice Manager.
Further written information is available on the Complaint Procedure Leaflet from Reception.
We are continually striving to improve our service. If you have any suggestions, please speak to the
Practice Manager or we have a suggestion box located in Reception. We carry out an annual Patient
Satisfaction Survey and use the results to focus our attention on common issues that arise from our
analysis of the survey.
You may feel that we have not resolved the issues that are concerning you, if this is the case you may
wish to raise your complaint with:
The Feedback Team
NHS Highland
PO Box 5713
Inverness
IV1 9AQ
Telephone No: 01463 705997
Email: nhshighland.feedback@nhs.net
Or you can write to the Scottish Public Service Ombudsman who will consider complaints after
they have been through the formal complaints process. You can contact them at:
Scottish Public Services Ombudsman
Freepost EH641
Edinburgh
EH3 0BR
Freephone 0800 377 7330
Text Number 0790 049 4372
Email ask@spso.org.uk
http://www.spso.org.uk
Staff Details
Doctors
Dr Colin
Wilson
MB ChB Glasgow 1978, FFARCS
Has a special interest in diving medicine and is the Divisional Medical Adviser
(RNLI Scotland). He is also a lifeboat crewman and local medical advisor for
the RNLI. He is approved by the MCA for shipping medicals, HSE for professional
diving medicals and for Oil and gas UK medicals. He provides anaesthetic
cover at the local hospital.
Dr Erik
Jespersen
MBE, MB ChB Glas 1983, MRCGP, DA, DCH, DRCOG
Has been a GP with the practice since 1989. He has recently returned to full
time GP after retiring from his NHS management responsibilities. Has a special
interest in general medicine, paediatrics and mental health. He is one of the
trainers in the practice.
Dr Allyson
Murray
MB ChB Aberdeen 1986, MRCGP
Has been a GP with the practice since 1993. She has a special interest in
women’s health, care of the elderly and mental health issues.
Dr Michael
Boyle
MB ChB Glasgow
Joined the practice in 2001. He has a special interest in young people’s
problems and addictions.
Dr Emma
Boyle
MB ChB Dundee 1997, DRCOG, DFFP, MRCGP
Joined the practice in July 2002. She has a special interest in women’s health
and the health of young people. She has a particular interest in training our
future GPs.
Dr Richard
Wilson
MB ChB Dundee 1982
Joined the practice in July 2006. He has a wide and varied experience in
General Practice and has a special interest in Diabetes and Dermatology.
Dr Fiona
MacLennan
MB ChB Dundee 1999, MRCGP
Joined the practice in July 2006, after a spell in Australia. She was our GP
registrar. She has a special interest in General Medicine, Sexual Health and
Paediatrics.
Dr Ewan
Glen
MB ChB Aberdeen 1999 nMRCGP
Has recently joined the practice, having completed his GP training in Fort
William. He has a special interest caring for the elderly and people with
dementia.
Dr Katherine MB ChB Manchester 1992 MRCGP DTM&H DRCOG
Adams
Has a special interest in women’s health and travel medicine.
Dr Ruth
MacLean
MB ChB Dundee MRCGP DFSRH
Completed her GP training with the practice and has joined us as a Partner.
Specialist Nurses
Robert Fairman - Addictions
Bev Ison - Community Alcohol
Kirsteen Menzies - Harm Reduction
Mairi MacGregor - Homeless
Katrina Flannigan - Respiratory
Hazel Hamilton - Stroke
Betty Graham - Cardiac
Nurses
Practice nurses are qualified and registered nurses. They can help with health
issues such as family planning, healthy living advice, blood pressure checks
and dressings. The practice nurses run clinics for long-term health conditions
such as asthma or diabetes, minor ailment clinics and carry out cervical
smears.
Pauline
Jespersen
BA SPGPN RSCN RGN RM RHV (Nursing Team Leader &
Prescriber)
Pauline is a specialist practice nurse and leads and manages the practice
and community nursing team. She provides care for long term conditions
including asthma, COPD and diabetes; and provides a service for patients
requiring emergency appointments, family planning, women and men’s
health. She can prescribe from an extended range of medicines and can
provide contraceptive implants and coils.
Fiona
Thompson
BSc RGN (Nurse Prescriber)
Fiona is a senior practice nurse who also offers a specialist diabetes nursing
service for adults within the locality. Within the practice she provides a service
to patients with long term conditions including diabetes, asthma and COPD.
She is also an extended nurse prescriber.
Shiona
Matheson
RGN RSCN
Shiona provides a general nursing service to our patients and has an interest
in childhood immunisation and travel health.
Margot
MacLeod
RGN
Margot provides a general nursing service to our patients, including cervical
smears and annual reviews for patients with a range of long term conditions
including heart disease, hypertension and rheumatoid arthritis.
Frances
Parkinson
RGN
Frances works with the practice and distrct nursing teams and provides a
general nursing service to our patients; she also provides annual review of
patients with long term conditions such as heart disease, stroke, hypertension.
Maureen
MacDougall
BSc RGN PGDip
Maureen provides a general nursing service to our patients and provides
annual reviews for patients with long term conditions e.g epilepsy, rheumatoid
arthritis, hypertension.
Ruth
Cavanagh
RGN
Ruth provides a general nursing service to our patients. She has an interest in
travel health and women's health and can provide cervical screening and
contraceptive implants.
Practice Management
Mairi Dunnings BSc
The practice manager is involved in managing all of the business aspects of the practice
such as making sure that the right systems are in place to provide a high quality of patient
care, human resources, finance, patient safety, premises and equipment and information
technology. The practice manager supports the GPs and other medical professionals with
delivering patient services and also helps to develop extended services to enhance patient
care.
Administration
Sheena MacInnes - Business Manager
Sarah Jackson - Medical Secretary
Morag McHardy - Administrator
Joyce Matheson - Administrator
Catherine Smith - Administrator
Reception
Fiona Stephen, Marlyn Johnston, Lorna Armour, Shirley Ann McCaskill, Joanne Morrison,
Andrea MacGuire Anne-Marie Flannigan, Allyson Lawson
Receptionists provide an important link for patients with the practice and are your initial
contact point for general enquiries. Our staff are fully trained and are happy to assist you in
making the best use of our services to answer any question or deal with any request that you
may have. It is necessary at times for them to ask further questions to enable them to provide
the most appropriate response.
They provide basic information on services, will pass on test results after the clinician has
checked them. They also perform other important tasks such as issuing repeat prescriptions
and dealing with prescription enquiries.
Community Nurses
District Nurses
Gaynor Wotherspoon Pg Cert, BA, DN, RGN
Shirley Maclean RGN
Maggie McPhee RGN
Morag Griffiths RGN
Karen Wesley RN (A) Dip N
Frances Parkinson RGN
Lucy Sharp RGN
The District Nursing team provides specialist-nursing care within the community.
They offer comprehensive, individualised nursing care to the housebound and those
patients recently discharged from hospital who are not able to come to the surgery.
Healthcare Assistant
Rebecca Horne SVQ3 Health and Social Care
Health Visitors
Janet MacMaster MSc BA RGN RSCN Dip FP
Gillian Bradford Hons PHN BSc Dip RGN
Alison Docerty MSc Bsc PHN RGN RSCN SNNEB ENP
Kirsteen Clark - Health Visitor Support
Julie MacQueen - Family Support Officer - PGDIP Children & Young Families
A health visitor is a registered nurse who has received training particularly related to babies,
children and pregnant women. The health visiting team has a responsibility to promote
individual, family and public health through home visits, group work and baby clinics. Their
role is to provide families with children under five years old with support and advice around
the general aspects of mental, physical and social well being.
Macmillan Nurses
Hilary Brown