The Three Towns Medical Practice
The Health Centre
Main Street
Stevenston, KA20 3AB
Telephone: 01294 464141
01294 466408
Fax:
Website
www.ThreeTownsMedicalPractice.co.uk
When the surgery is closed call 08454 242424
Welcome to The Three Towns Medical
Practice
We have now merged with Kyleshill Surgery in Saltcoats. The merged practices will now
be collectively known as The Three Towns Medical Practice covering the two locations.
From 1st. April 2011, the branch surgery at Kyleshill will close at 5.00 p.m. All patients will
still have access to a Doctor or Nurse at the main Stevenston site.
Car Parking
There is car parking to the rear of the health centre for those attending the surgery. We
respectfully ask that it is not used if you are not attending the surgery
Disabled Access
The health centre is on ground level. Access is available to and from the rear car park if
necessary. Please let the receptionist know your requirements. There are toilet facilities for the
physically impaired.
Opening Hours
Monday
8:30am – 6:00pm
Tuesday
8:30am – 8.30pm
Wednesday
8:30am – 6:00pm (closed 12:30 – 1:30pm*)
Thursday
8:30am – 6:00pm
Friday
8:30am – 6:00pm
Saturday
Closed
*Urgent/Emergency contact can be made by telephoning 607743 from 12:30 to 1:30 on a
Wednesday
The practice is occasionally closed for public holidays and training events
Consulting Times
Morning
Afternoon
Monday
9:00 - 11:00
3:00 - 5:00
3:30 - 5:30
Tuesday
9:00 - 11:00
2:00 - 4:00
5:30 - 8:30
Wednesday
8:30 - 10:30
9:00 - 11:00
2:00 - 4:00
3:30 - 5:30
Thursday
8:30 - 10:30
9:00 - 11:00
2:00 - 4:00
3:30 - 5:30
Friday
8:30 - 10:30
9:00 - 11:00
2:00 - 4:00
3:30 - 5:30
Emergencies
If you need a doctor in an emergency situation during surgery hours please let the receptionist
know. They will not realise the urgency of the call unless you say.
If you need an emergency at night or during weekend/public holiday please telephone 08454
242424. Your call will be dealt with by NHS 24 in partnership with Ayrshire Doctors on Call
(ADOC)
Call 999 in an emergency. Chest pains and / or shortness of breath constitute an
emergency.
Routine Appointments
Please telephone the surgery during opening hours. You will be offered the first available
suitable appointment. You can choose an appointment at Stevenston or Kyleshill Saltcoats.
You can request a GP telephone appointment. If you feel that your health needs are not being
met quickly enough please request a nurse triage appointment. The nurse will telephone you no
later than the next working day and assess your problem. The nurse may then offer advice,
arrange a nurse appointment, issue a prescription, arrange a routine GP appointment, arrange an
appointment at the emergency surgery or arrange a housecall, depending on the assessment.
If you request to be seen quickly you may not be able to see the doctor of your choice. If your
doctor asks you to come back for review, please make an appointment at the reception desk
before leaving. This will give you the continuity of care and save you telephoning nearer the time
when appointments may not be available.Your doctor may decide to offer you a telephone
review appointment. In this instance the GP will telephone you at an agreed time
Emergencies
If you need a doctor in an emergency situation during surgery hours please let the receptionist
know. They will not realise the urgency of the call unless you say.
If you need an emergency at night or during weekend/public holiday please telephone 08454
242424. Your call will be dealt with by NHS 24 in partnership with Ayrshire Doctors on Call
(ADOC)
How to ge the most from your appointment
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be prepared
write down any questions beforehand
make a note of any symptoms
stay calm and don't be afraid to ask questions
your doctor/nurse will be happy to explain things
please be flexible about your appointment
not all medicines are compatible with each other. You may be taking medication that
affects your treatment - your doctor needs to know about them to help you
Please cancel any unwanted appointments. Please let us know if you are unable to attend, even at
short notice. Several more appointments would be available each day if unwanted appointments
were cancelled.
Please telephone 464141 during practice hours to cancel unwanted appointments
Practice Nurse
Remember our practice nurse is qualified and trained to help you with and prescribe for many
minor ailments such as:
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waxy ears
dry skin
simple constipation
skin infections
atheletes foot
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head lice
threadworms
minor wounds
simple eye infections
simple urinary tract infections
The practice nurse can also prescribe:
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oral contraceptive pill
nicotine replacement therapy
Home Visits
If possible please try to telephone reception before 10am if you require a home visit.
A doctor or nurse may phone you back as it may be that your problem can be dealt with by
telephone advice, or that it would be more appropriate to send a nurse, or indeed arrange a
hospital attendance.
House visits are only available for patients who are housebound because of illness or disability.
Please remember that several patients can be seen in the practice in the time that it takes to
make one home visit. There are also better facilities for examining and treating patients at the
Health Centre.
Prescriptions
You can request a repeat prescription by handing in a request form to the practice, via our
website or by telephone. If you are making a request by telephone please contact the practice
between 10:00am and 4:00pm.
Your local pharmacy may offer a collection and delivery service.
Please give us at least 48 hours notice of your requirements
Please note: Reception staff are not permitted to add items which are not on your repeat list.
Only your doctor can do this.
NHS CHARGES
From 1st April 2011 prescription charges have been abolished in Scotland, therefore you do
not have to pay for NHS prescriptions if you:
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Present a Scottish prescription at a pharmacy in Scotland;
Present an English prescription, with a valid Entitlement Card, at a pharmacy in Scotland;
or
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Present an English prescription form at a pharmacy in Scotland and you qualify under
exemption arrangements detailed in the NHS(Free Prescriptions and Charges for Drugs
and Appliances)(Scotland) Regulations 2011.
If you present your prescription in Northern Ireland or Wales you will not be charged. If you
present your prescription in England you will be required to pay unless you qualify for
exemption under English arrangements.
MEDICAL EXEMPTION CERTIFICATES
If you have one of the following medical conditions, you may wish to apply for an NHS Medical
Exemption Certificate that will entitle you to receive NHS prescriptions free of charge if
presenting your prescription in England.
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hypoparathyroidism
hypoadrenalism for which specific substitution therapy is essential (e.g. Addison's
Disease)
diabetes insipidus and other forms of hypopituitarism
diabetes mellitus except where treatment is by diet alone
myasthenia gravis
myxoedema (that is, hypothyroidism requiring thyroid hormone replacement)
epilepsy requiring continuous anti-convulsive therapy
or if you have a permanent fistula requiring continuous surgical dressing or requiring an
appliance (also referred to as a stoma)
In addition to these conditions, if you have a continuing physical disability which means that you
are unable to leave your home without the help of another person you might also qualify.
To apply for a Medical Exemption Certificate, ask the receptionist at your GP surgery. An
application form EC92A will be completed at the surgery, and will be endorsed by your GP. The
surgery will send off the application to your NHS Board and you will receive your certificate by
post.
There is further information about exemptions and fees on the website:
www.scotland.govuk/healthcosts (www.scotland.govuk/healthcosts)
Clinics
Antenatal Clinic
Sharon Copland Community Midwife manages an Antenatal Clinic for women (& partners) on
Mondays from 2.00pm -5.00pm at Kyleshill Saltcoats and on Tuesdays 1:30pm - 4:30pm at
Stevenston
Preconceptual Care and advice is available from Sharon Copland Community Midwife, Liz
Bryson Practice Nurse or Connie Bain Practice Nurse. Ask for an appointment at the reception
desk.
Child Health
A full child health service is available from the practice. "Baby Clinics" run on Tuesdays from
9:30am until 12:00pm at Stevenston Health Centre. Our Health Visitor Margaret Ann
Sutherland, Connie Bain Practice Nurse & Dr Clifford Martin are available during this time to
give advice, carry out developmental assessments, give treatment where appropriate & give
immunisations. A similar Baby Clinic runs on Thursdays from 2.00pm until 3.00pm at Kyleshill
Saltcoats Health Centre where Health Visitor Hazel Porter is available.
These clinics are a combination of drop-in appointments made as you arrive at the practice and
arranged appointments for developmental assessments and immunisations.
Margaret Ann Sutherland Health Visitor also offers a drop-in clinic on Friday Mornings between
9.30 a.m. & 12.00 noon (a GP is available on request from your Health Visitor) at Stevenston
Health Centre.
Other Medical Clinics
Patients with Diabetes, Coronary Heart Disease, Hypertension, Asthma, COPD & a range of
other medical problems will be invited to attend Practice based clinics at various times for
review of their treatment and management.
Flu Campaign Clinics
The practice runs a flu campaign each autumn/winter for patients who are 65 years and over and
all patients who have Diabetes, Heart Disease, Asthma (requiring steroid treatment), COPD, liver
disease, kidney disease, immune deficiency diseases & other related diseases. Pneomovax, which
is available all year round, is also recommended for the patients above who are not yet
immunised. Please make an appointment to see the Practice Nurse
Minor Surgery & Cryosurgery
The Practice offers a minor surgery service for the removal of small lesions, moles etc. You must
see your doctor first to allow him to assess the suitability of this minor procedure.
Cryosurgery for the treatment of warts is available on the first thursday of the month by
appointment between 10:00am and 11:30am. This treatment is not usually suitable for children
under 12 years, unless they have tolerated it previously. Other forms of treatment are available
from Liz Bryson Practice Nurse.
Young People
The practice offers a confidential, free and friendly service to young people 12 years and over.
The Practice Nurses will always endeavour to see young people who requre help or advice as
soon as possible.
Contraception
The practice offers a comprehensive range of contraception services, including implant insertion
and sexual health advice for both sexes. Emergency contraception is available - please let the
receptionist know that you require to see the nurse regarding this. Emergency contraception
may be available from your local pharmacy for patients over 14 years of age.
Cervical Smears
The Cervical Smear test is important to help detect any changes at an early stage that may
require further investigation or treatment. The screening test should be carried out every three
years on all sexually active women between the age of 20 years and 60 years. The Practice Nurse
or your doctor will carry out this procedure and we will write to you with the result in
approximately 3 weeks
Smoking Cessation
The GPs, Practice Nurse, Health Visitor and Health and Well Being Advisor offer smoking
cessation advice and support. Nicotine Replacement Therapy is available on prescription. The
practice also works closely with Fresh Air-Shire who provide individual support, group support
information and advice & access to nicotine replacement at a reduced cost. Freephone 0800
7839132.
Health and Well Being Advisor
Want to lose weight, give up smoking, improve your diet or generally feel better about your
health? Why not make an appointment to see Sandra Hall who will give you advice and support
to lead a healthier life?
Are you a Carer?
The person you care for can be a family member, friend or neighbour. Many carers take this role
willingly out of a sense of love or committment. Others become carers because they feel that
they have no choice. Caring for someone is often rewarding but can be demanding, isolating and
stressfull. Carers may be worried about money or their own health. North Ayrshire Carers Centre
is based at 174 High Street, Irvine. Telephone 01294 311333 or email
northayrshire.carers@unity-enterprise.com. The centre offers carers impartial confidential help.
The centre also offers a home visit service.
Test Results
Test Results
Most blood and urine test results may not be available for 7 working days. We will contact you
by telephone or letter if any action is required. Please contact us between 10:30am and 4:00pm if
you are telephoning for test results. We will ask you to confirm your address, date of birth and
the date the test was taken as a means of confirming your identity.
The practice has a strict policy regarding confidentiality and data protection. We will only
release test results to the person to whom they relate unless that person has given prior
permission for the release of this data or they are not capable of understanding the results.
Travel Information
Travel Information
If you require any vaccinations relating to foreign travel you need to make a telephone
appointment with the practice nurse to discuss your travel arrangements. This will include which
countries and areas within countries that you are visiting to determine what vaccinations are
required. There is further information about countries and vaccinations required on the links
below
Europe & Russia
North America
(www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk/destinations/europe-(www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk/destinations/northrussia.aspx)
america.aspx)
Central America
South America
(www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk/destinations/central(www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk/destinations/southamerica.aspx)
america.aspx)
Carribean
Africa
(www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk/destinations/caribbean.aspx) (www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk/destinations/africa.aspx
Middle East
Central Asia
(www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk/destinations/middle(www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk/destinations/asiaeast.aspx)
(central).aspx)
Australasia and Pacific
East Asia (www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk/destinations/asia(www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk/destinations/australasia
(east).aspx)
-pacific.aspx)
It is important to make this initial appointment as early as possible - at least 6 weeks before you
travel - as a second appointment will be required with the practice nurse to actually receive the
vaccinations. These vaccines have to be ordered as they are not a stock vaccine. Your second
appointment needs to be at least 2 weeks before you travel to allow the vaccines to work.
Travel Health Questionnaire
To help us offer the appropriate advice, please fill out the online form before coming to see the
nurse.
Travel Questionnaire
Registration
Registration
Please fill out a patient registration form which is available from reception. You will require I.D.
at this point e.g.driving licence, utility bill or passport.
You can request to see a specific GP by asking the receptionist but you may have to wait longer
to see the GP of your choice
Practice Area
The following areas are covered by the practice
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Kilwinning KA13
Stevenson KA20
Saltcoats KA21
Ardrossan KA22
We are normally unable to accept or have patients on the practice list who live out with these
areas
Your Information
To provide you with the care you need, we hold the details of your consultations, illnesses, tests,
prescriptions & other treatments that have been recorded by everyone involved in your care and
treatment eg GP, Practice Nurse, Health Visitor. This information may be stored on paper or
electronically on computer files by the practice staff
We sometimes disclose some of your personal health information with other organisations
involved in your care. For example, when your GP refers you to a specialist at the hospital we
will send the relevant information about you in the referral letter and receive information about
you from them Our practice also participates in regional and national programmes such as the
cervical cytology screening service and your name, address, dob, and health number will be
given to them in order to send invitations.
We need to use some of your personal health information for administrative purposes. In order to
receive payment for services provided to you, we have to disclose basic details about you to the
NHS Board responsible for this area and to the Common Services Agency for the Scottish Health
Service.
Sometimes we may participate in health research and the teaching of student nurses, doctors and
other health care professionals. We will not use or disclose your personal information for these
purposes unless you have been informed beforehand and given your consent for us to do so.
Where you need a service jointly provided with a local authority we will seek your permission
before giving them your details.
Sometimes we are required by law to pass on information eg the notification of births, deaths and
certain diseases or crimes to the government. This is a legal requirement.
Our use of your personal health information is covered by a duty of confidentiality and is
regulated by the Data Protection Act. The Data Protection Act gives you a number of rights in
relation to how your personal information is used, including a right to access the information we
hold about you
Everyone working for the NHS has a legal duty to keep information about you confidential and
adheres to a code of practice on protecting patient confidentiality. Anyone who receives
information from us is also under a legal obligation to keep it confidential.
Further information can be found at www.nhsis.co.uk/confidentiality
(www.nhsis.co.uk/confidentiality)
You have the right to see or have a copy of your health records. You can apply in writing to
Judy Brotherston, Practice Manager. You can also see or have a copy of any medical reports
made about you for an insurance company or an employer.
Freedom of Information
http://www.nhsnss.org/pages/publications/freedom_of_information.php?id=54
(www.nhsnss.org/pages/publications/freedom_of_information.php?id=54)
Patient Rights
Rights and Responsibilities of Practice Patients
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Please treat your GP and their staff as you would expect to be treated
We will not tolerate abusive or agressive language or behaviour towards any member of
staff
Please cancel appointments you cannot attend or no longer need - somebody else is
always waiting
Please think twice before calling a doctor to your home - is a visit really necessary?
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Please do not expect a prescription every time you visit the GP - good advice is often the
best medicine
A second opinion is not a right - but you can discuss it with your GP who knows when to
seek extra help
You can find basic health information elsewhere eg your pharmacist, NHS 24
Please request your repeat prescriptions in good time - this will help avoid delays
Please remember that doctors are only human - they cannot cure all your problems and
illnesses
If you have a genuine complaint or concern please contact the Practice Manager first
Help us to help you
We try to provide the best possible services for our patients. If you are aware of any situation
where this can be improved please bring this to the attention of Judy Brotherston, Practice
Manager.
Working Health Services
To improve health and support individuals to remain in work or return to work.
freephone on 0800 019 2211
or use this link http://www.salus.co.uk (www.salus.co.uk)
Useful Contacts
The Surgery
01294 464141
Emergency Wed Lunchtime
01294 607743
Health Board Reception
01294 466894
Health Visitor
01294 466894
District Nurses
Daytime 9am-5pm
Evening 5pm - 10pm
Overnight 10pm - 8am
01294 465104
01294 323388
01563 574802
Community Midwife
01294 601637
Chiropody
01294 466894
Local Hospitals
Ayrshire Central
01294 274191
Crosshouse
01563 521133
Ayr
01292 513661
Ayrshire & Arran Health Board
Eglinton House, Ailsa Hospital
Dalmellington Road
Ayr
KA6 6AB
01292 513600
Out of Hours Medical Care (NHS 24)
www.nhs24.com (www.nhs24.com)
08454 242424
Organ Donation
for any information you feel you need in regards to organ donation please follow this link :-
http://www.uktransplant.org.uk/ukt/about_transplants/about_transplants.jsp
(www.uktransplant.org.uk/ukt/about_transplants/about_transplants.jsp)
Surgery Closure Dates
The surgery will be closed for the Easter Break on Friday 6th. April and Monday, 9th. April
2012.
The May holiday dates will be Monday 7th. May, 2012 and Monday, 28th. May, 2012.
The September holiday dates will be Friday, 21st. September, 2012 and Monday, 24th.
September, 2012.
There is also a Public Holiday for the Queen's Jubilee on Tuesday, 5th. June2012.
There are also a number of half-day training sessions throughout the year when the surgery will
close at 12.30 p.m. These dates as are follows;
Tuesday, 14th. February, 2012
Wednesday, 14th. March, 2012
Tuesday, 26th. June, 2012
Wednesday, 29th. August, 2012
Thursday, 4th. October, 2012
Tuesday, 20th. November, 2012
Wednesday, 6th. February, 2013
Thursday, 14th. March, 2013
NHS24 will be on duty for emergency cover as usual on all of these dates.
Christmas holidays will be 25th. & 26th. December 2012.
New Year Holidays 1st. & 2nd. January 2013.
Pharmacy
Your local Pharmacy
The pharmacy is where you go for medicines and for the Pharmacist's advice on how to take
them, The Pharmacist knows exactly what is in your medicine and will be happy to answer any
questions.
If you are feeling off colour but do not feel ill enough to go to the GP, ask your pharmacist for
advice. Often an over the counter remedy will be all that you need.
The Minor Ailment Service (MAS) allows eligible individuals to register with and use a
community pharmacy as the first port of call for the treatment of common illnesses on the NHS.
A patient registers with the community pharmacy of their choice in order to use MAS. Once
registered they can present at any point with symptoms and the pharmacist, having ascertained
whether the patient is still eligible to use the service, will treat, advise or refer them to another
health care practitioner where appropriate.
The following persons are currently eligible to register for the service:
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persons who are under 16 years of age or under 19 years of age and in full-time
education;
persons who are aged 60 years or over;
persons who have a valid maternity exemption certificate, medical exemption certificate,
or war pension exemption certificate;
persons who get Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income-related
Employment and Support Allowance, or Pension Credit Guarantee Credit; and
persons who are named on, or are entitled to, an NHS tax credit exemption certificate or a
valid HC2 certificate.
Lloyds the chemist can also supply Emergency Contraception if you are 16 years or over free
of charge
Green Gym
Green Gym, which was a unique scheme to help you become physically & mentally healthier by
taking part in environmental activities to improve your local area, is no longer running due to
funding issues. However, the Eglinton Park Rangers now run their own scheme called 'Breaking
Ground'.
For more information please call Linda on 01294 551776.
Keep Well Programme
The Scottish Government are running a nationwide programme called Keep Well. By carrying
out a simple health check we can find out if there is a chance you could develop conditions like
heart disease or diabetes and we can give you advice about the changes you can make to improve
your health.
The programme is aimed at patients between the ages of 40 and 64. We will be contacting those
involved over the next few months to invite them to the surgery for an appointment with one of
the nurses or the health care assistants. The appointment should last between 30 - 45 minutes.
Patient Group
We have a group, made up of Practice patients, who meet 2 or 3 times a year to discuss any
issues surrounding the standard of care we give and the general running of the practice. Please
ask to speak to Judy Brotherson, Practice Manager, if you would be interested in joining.
Your views and opinions do matter to us!
Low Mood Advice / Self Help
www.moodjuice.scot.nhs.uk/ (www.moodjuice.scot.nhs.uk/)
Wasted Surgery Appointments
Frustrated when no G.P. appointments available?
Just for your information - there were no fewer than 181 wasted appointments
during April 2012. That is appointments made where no-one turned up but
neither did they call to cancel so that someone else could be offered the
appointment. We would politely ask that, should you no longer wish the
appointment scheduled for you that you contact the surgery to cancel.
From 1st. May onwards, you may receive a courtesy call to confirm your
attendance at your appointment. We hope you don't find this a nuisance. This is
an attempt to cut down the number of wasted appointments.
CONTACT DETAILS
Recently we have noticed the increase in the number of patients using mobile phones as
method of contact. Can we ask that, should you change your phone number, (mobile or
landline) you let us know as soon as possible?
Thanks
Carer Information
If you are a carer and require any help / information
please contact North Ayrshire Carers Centre
174 High Street
IRVINE
KA12 8AN
01294 311333
http://www.unity-enterprise.com (www.unity-enterprise.com)
FLU CAMPAIGN
Flu jabs are now available for all those eligible. There will be a Saturday morning flu clinic in
the Stevenston Surgery on Saturday 15th. October. If you normally have your flu injection,
please call the surgery to arrange an appointment.
Staff Details
Doctors
Dr Huntly McCallum
M.B.Ch.B M.R.C.G.P
Dr Clifford Martin
M.B.Ch.B Dip. Pall. Medicine Cardiff
Dr Cormac Convery
M.B.Ch.B
Dr Kessar Khaliq
M.B. Ch.B. M.R.C.G.P.
Dr Yvonne Brodie
M.B. Ch. B.
Nurses
Sister Elizabeth Bryson
RGN, RM, Nurse Prescriber
Judy Brotherston
Nurse/Practice Manager RGN, RM, HV
Sister Connie Bain
R.G.N.
Healthcare Assistants
Miss Candace Howie
Debbie Watson
Healthcare Assistant/ IT Assistant
Practice Management
Carol Holden
Assistant Practice Manager
May Mitchell
IT Manager
Amanda Park
Medical Secretary
Reception
Elspeth Sinclair
Una Smith
Receptionist
Kerrie Murphy
Receptionist
Angela Boyd
Receptionist
Jacqueline Zikman
Sandra Rice
Community Midwives
Sharon Copland
Community Midwife
Community Nurses
District Nursing Team Anne Booth, Anne Hair, Mima Anderson,Isobel Monkhouse
Health Visitors
Margaret Anne Sutherland