The Tilehurst Surgery Partnership
THE TILEHURST SURGERY
Practice Leaflet
Tyler’s Place
Pottery Road
READING
Berks RG30 6BW
Telephone:
(0118) 9424485
(0118) 9427528
Website:
http://www.tilehurstsurgery.co.uk/
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Table of Contents
Partners & Interests ........................................................................................3
Associate Doctors & Interests ..........................................................................4
Management Team .........................................................................................4
Practice Nursing Team: ...................................................................................5
Attached Staff .................................................................................................6
Administrative Staff .........................................................................................6
Languages Spoken ..........................................................................................7
Teaching and Training .....................................................................................7
Surgery Times ................................................................................................7
Appointment Times .........................................................................................8
How to see your Doctor ...................................................................................8
Out of hours ................................................................................................. 10
Information for New Patients ......................................................................... 11
Repeat prescriptions, certificates and non-NHS services .................................. 13
Clinics held at the Tilehurst Surgery ............................................................... 14
Patient Participation Group (PPG) ................................................................... 14
Other Services Offered .................................................................................. 15
Staying healthy ............................................................................................. 16
Planning a healthy pregnancy ........................................................................ 17
Looking after yourself during pregnancy ......................................................... 18
Managing common ailments at home ............................................................. 20
Treating childhood illnesses ........................................................................... 22
Our Practice Charter ...................................................................................... 25
Our responsibilities are to: .......................................................................... 25
Your responsibilities are to: ......................................................................... 25
Confidentiality ............................................................................................... 27
Useful contact numbers ................................................................................. 28
Zero Tolerance ............................................................................................. 29
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Partners & Interests
Dr George Boulos
(GMC: 2350817)
[male] MB BS, LRCP, MRCS, FRCGP,DFFP
Qualified 1976 St Mary’s Hospital London
Hon Teaching Fellow, Imperial College, a
GP trainer and involved in undergraduate
medical teaching. Special interests include
minor surgery and computers
Dr Ian Barrow
(GMC: 2820031)
[male]
Dr Nikolas Markert
(GMC: 4145756)
[male] SEM, DFFP
Qualified 1992 Hamburg
Special interests in minor surgery and family
medicine
Dr Richard Croft
(GMC: 2658577)
[male] MA, DM, MRCGP, DRCOG, DTM&H, DFFP
Qualified 1980 Oxford
Special interests include minor surgery, joint
injection and diabetes
Dr Judith Coleman
(GMC: 4034092)
(female) MB, ChB, DCH, DRCOG, DFFP, MRCGP,
DTM&H
Qualified 1993 Liverpool
Special interests in child health, family planning,
minor surgery, HRT and women’s health
Dr Doon Lovett
(GMC: 2924083)
[female] BSc, MBBS, DRCOG, MA TexCon, MRCGP
Qualified 1984 St Thomas's Hospital, London
Dr Lada Jamnicky
(GMC: 4443289)
[female] MBChB, BSc (Hons), MRCPCH, MRCGP, DFFP
Qualified 1997 Edinburgh
Special interests in child health, family planning,
sexual health, minor surgery.
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MB BS, BSc (Hons), DRCOG, RCGP, FFP
Qualified 1983 St Bartholomew’s Hospital, London
Interested in all aspects of family medicine
The Tilehurst Surgery Partnership
Associate Doctors & Interests
Dr Elena Griffin
(GMC: 4643278)
(Female) MBBS, BSc, MRCGP, DRCOG, DFFP
Qualified 1999 University College London.
Interested in all aspects of family medicine
Dr Charlotte Tyler
(GMC: 4667283)
(Female) BMBS, BMedSci (Hons), MRCGP, DRCOG,
DCH, DFFP. Qualified Nottingham 1999
Special interests Family Planning and Acupuncture
Dr Jacqui Mayer
(GMC: 602902)
Dr Gavin Callaghan
(GMC 701561)
( Female)MA Cantab 1998, MB BS Imperial College
School of Medicine 2001, DCH 2004, DRCOG 2004,
MRCGP 2005, MFSRH 2007. Special interest in
female health.
(Male)MC BCh BAO, MRCGP. Qualified 2008 Queens
University, Belfast. Interested in all aspects of family
medicine
Management Team
Partnership Manager:
Desiree Warren: Desiree is responsible for the overall management and
development of the Practice.
Deputy Practice Manager:
Sue Whiteley: Sue oversees the day-to-day running of the Practice.
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Practice Nursing Team:
Jacqui Saunders (Senior Practice Nurse): RGN, SCM, Dip. Asthma Care, Dip.
DFFP Secondary Prevention of Coronary Heart Disease, Intermediate Smoking
Advisor, Special interest in diabetes and asthma
Lynn Storey: RN, RM, DFFP, special interest in diabetes and family planning
Karen Crook: RGN, Bsc Palliative Care Nursing, Dip H&SW, interest in family
planning and women’s health
Michelle Crockford: DipHe Adult Nursing, interest in travel advice.
The Practice Nurses are available by appointment for health registration checks,
immunisations, ECGs, ear syringing, wound care and other procedures in
connection with general health care.
Julie Busby: NVQ level 3, is a Senior Healthcare Assistant, providing support
with general healthcare.
Katrina Wylie and Lisa Walker: assistants to the Practice Nursing Team;
Katrina takes blood from patients and may contact you regarding test results or
medications.
Tracy Stollery: NVQ level 3 HCA, phlebotomy and diabetic foot checks.
Sally Smith: phlebotomy, diabetic checks, CVD checks.
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Attached Staff
Health Visitors:
The Health Visitors are no longer located at the surgery but can be contacted on
0118 9382132
District Nursing Team:
Sister Susan Johnstone: MA, RGN, NDNcert
Community Nursing Sister: Annette Jackson RGN
District Nurse Auxiliary Julie Busby: NVQ3
The District Nurses specialise in arranging and providing nursing care for patients
who cannot attend the surgery. The team is able to provide expert nursing care
for acutely and terminally ill people. Health promotion for disabled people and
their carers is also provided.
We also have Counsellor who visits the Practice.
Administrative Staff
A dedicated team of receptionists, clerks and secretaries supports the Surgery.
They ensure the smooth running of the Practice and are happy to help with any
concerns or queries you may have.
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Languages Spoken
Bengali
-
Dr R Croft
German
-
Dr N Markert
Italian
-
Dr J Coleman
Teaching and Training
Our Practice is involved in training new medical staff. Medical students may sit
in on some surgeries. There may also be Student Nurses working alongside the
Health Visitors, District Nurses and Midwives.
We will inform you if a student is present in the surgery and ask if you would
prefer them to leave for your consultation. Occasionally we may ask for your
written permission to video your consultation. These videos are used for training
purposes and are seen only by doctors involved in the student’s training.
Surgery Times
Monday to Friday
The Surgery doors are open from 8 am to 6.30 pm. The enquiries phone line is
open from 8.00 am to 6.30 pm. The appointment line is open from 8.30 am to
5.30 pm.
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Appointment Times
Doctor appointments are available at various times during our period of opening,
depending which Doctors are on duty. If you ask for a telephone consultation a
Doctor will phone you back. Please make sure that you are at the number you
give when booking the appointment.
Nurses are available from 8:30 am to 12 pm and 2 pm to 5 pm.
Additional, appointment times are available: GPs offer from 7:30 am Wednesdays
and Fridays; 6:30 pm to 7.50 pm Monday and Thursday evenings.
How to see your Doctor
Appointments can be booked up to 6 weeks in advance with the Doctor.
Patients who ring with a new problem and wish to be seen on the same day will
be offered a telephone slot. If you must see a Doctor, an appointment will be
booked for the afternoon surgery running from 4 pm – 5pm.
If you wish to make an appointment the telephone line is open between 8:30 am
and 5:30 pm.
Telephone Consultations – many of your problems can be resolved over the
phone. You will be offered a telephone consultation and the Doctor will ring you.
Patients can express a preference of Practitioner by informing the Surgery in
writing. You should bear in mind that by making this expression it may result in
a longer wait for an appointment. In the event of a medical emergency, you will
be seen by the Duty Doctor.
The Practice Nurse can help with many of your health problems, included are:
asthma, health check, immunisations, ECG, ear syringing, wound care, family
planning, HRT, diabetes, travel advice/immunisation, smear tests, smoking
cessation and weight loss.
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Booking Your Appointment On Line
You can also book an appointment on-line. All you need to register for this
facility, is to drop into the Surgery and complete a Registration Form. It is
simple to register and in addition to booking an appointment, you can also cancel
and order your repeat medication.
Don’t forget:
 NHS Choices can help with a wide range of health advice and
information –go to www.nhs.uk
 Reading Walk-in Health Centre is located at 1st Floor, 102-106 Broad
Street Mall, Reading RG1 7QA. It is open 8am to 8pm and provides a GP
service to registered and unregistered patients without an appointment.
Tel: 0118 902 8300 or go to www.readingwalkinhealthcentre.nhs.uk
 The Pharmacist at your local chemist’s shop is trained to give advice
about chronic disease problems and medicines. He/she can also advise
on, and may be able to prescribe for, some minor ailments. You can see
him/her without an appointment.
 NHS 111 Service you should use the NHS 111 service if you urgently
need medical help or advice but it's not a life-threatening situation
Home Visits
If you are too unwell or infirm to visit the Surgery, please try to telephone before
10.00 am as this allows the doctors to plan their visits. The receptionist
answering your call will need to ask you certain questions regarding the
complaint. These details are necessary to enable us to deal with the most
urgent calls first. Where possible you will be asked to attend the Surgery, as
facilities for examination and treatment are much better there.
Telephone Enquiries
Patients wishing to talk to their Doctor may be asked to ring back after a certain
time to prevent interruption to surgeries. Advice regarding medical conditions is
obtainable from NHS Choices www.nhs.uk
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Emergencies (Day and Night)
During Surgery hours a member of the reception team who will inform the Duty
Doctor of your call will answer the telephone.
Out of hours
You will hear a recorded message giving you a number to ring
Between 6.30 pm and 8.00 am the number given will be NHS111
Dial 111
In a life threatening emergency dial 999
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Information for New Patients
Practice Area and Location
We serve patients in Tilehurst and West Reading. The boundary of the practice
area may change according to the number of patients covered.
The Surgery is well covered by public transport, we are on the No. 17 and No. 1
bus routes and the Readibus is available to transport eligible patients to and
from the Surgery (Tel. 0118 959 1121).
There is ample parking at the Surgery for patients, including spaces for disabled
users.
Map
New Patient Registration
All newly registered patients are requested to complete a questionnaire. Please
note that your medical records may take some time to be transferred from your
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previous practice, should you need regular medication it will help if you bring
your medication in with you when you see a Doctor.
Temporary Residents
If a visitor to your home needs medical attention, you can make arrangements
for them to be seen at the Practice. Patients can be seen on a temporary basis
for up to three months, after this time they need to be properly registered with a
Doctor. If attending an appointment as a temporary resident please arrive a few
minutes early as you will need to complete a short form.
Oversees visitors
Eligibility for free NHS care is determined by residence NOT nationality. If you
are normally resident in the UK you will be eligible for free NHS care. If you are
a visitor from the EEC or from a country with reciprocal agreements with the UK
you may also be entitled to free care. If you fall outside these categories you
may be asked to pay a fee for your consultation and any for medications
prescribed for you.
Asylum seekers and Refugees
To qualify for free NHS treatment you must have paperwork from the Home
Office granting permission to live in this country and present this along with your
passport when attending to register at the surgery.
Facilities available
We have two parking spaces for disabled users close to the main door. There is
easy access for wheelchairs, all consultation rooms are on the ground floor and
there is a specially adapted toilet with baby-change facilities.
We have a self service check in system which will allow you to let us know you
have arrived for your appointment without seeing the receptionist.
Prams may be left in the outer foyer of the main entrance to the Practice at your
own risk. A metal wall bar is available for securing bicycles; however patients
should provide their own chains / locks.
Dogs
All dogs, with the exception of assistance dogs, should be left outside the
building.
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Smoking & Food
The building is a non-smoking building and we request that this be honoured.
We would also request that patients do not eat or drink whilst waiting for their
appointments.
There is a large display screen to let you know when the doctor is ready to see
you.
Repeat prescriptions, certificates and non-NHS services
Repeat Prescriptions
Patients on regular medication may be given computerised repeat prescription
forms. When you have only one week’s supply left, you can either post; fax on
9439448; go on the Practice website and order via the Online Appointment
Booking System; bring it to the Surgery.
Please allow 2 working days for this to be processed.
If you enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope the new prescription will be
sent to you, but please allow 7 working days.
Repeat prescriptions requests will not be taken over the telephone because of
the possibility of potentially dangerous errors being made.
Repeat Prescriptions can also be requested via our website:
www.tilehurstsurgery.co.uk
Sickness Certificates
You are responsible for signing yourself unfit for the first seven days of any
illness. Forms can be downloaded from the internet, alternatively a paper copy
is available from the Post Office or your employer for this purpose. After this
period your doctor can issue a form Med3 but only after a consultation.
If you are convalescing following a hospital stay, the hospital will issue you with
a Med3.
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Private Prescriptions
Private prescriptions are necessary for some drugs and vaccinations not currently
available through the NHS. A fee will be charged for these.
Non NHS services
These include some claims, reports and private medicals (for example HGV and
pre-employment). These can be arranged through the reception staff and a list
of charges is displayed at reception. Please allow 10 working days for processing.
Clinics held at the Tilehurst Surgery
NAME OF CLINIC & STAFF
MEMBERS INVOLVED
TIME OF CLINIC &
INVITATION
Child immunisation - Practice
Nurses
Thursday 1.30 pm—3.30 pm
Appointments will be sent to
you automatically
Weekly on a Tuesday morning.
Referral through GP
Diabetic Clinic GP and Practice
Nurse
Flu Clinic Practice nurses give
flu vaccines to those aged over
65, or with long-term heart or
lung problems, diabetes, liver or
kidney disease, pregnant &
2,3,4 years old.
October and November,
available at walk-in clinics.
Times and dates will be
advertised in the surgery.
Patient Participation Group (PPG)
With the onset of Commissioning, it is essential that the patient’s voice is heard
in order to help shape the future of the Health Service, both locally and
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nationally. The Surgery is keen to encourage patients to become involved and
join our Patient Participation Group (PPG).
The Surgery is always trying to assess what patients need from the health
services. Perhaps you would like to help the doctors and other professionals find
out about your needs and those of your community. There is now more chance
to influence decision making in the health service than there has ever been, and
it is more important than ever to get involved.
To find out how to get the best from your surgery and to shape spending
decisions in the whole Reading area, contact the Secretary/Surgery
Representative.
Details are on our website and displayed on the PPG
Noticeboard in the Waiting Room. For further information please contact the
Deputy Practice Manager, Sue Whiteley on 0118 9439435
Other Services Offered
Minor surgery
Doctors working at the surgery may undertake some minor surgical procedures.
Patients must be referred by a GP and appointments are 15 minutes long. In
some circumstances you may be advised to arrange for a friend or relative to
drive you home afterwards.
Family Planning
Our practice nurses and doctors offer family planning advice. We can fit coils
and implants, and prescribe emergency contraception at the surgery. If you
require emergency contraception please request an urgent appointment.
Over 75s Health Checks
If you are over 75 you are invited to attend an annual health check with a
practice nurse. Please arrange this through reception.
Smoking Cessation and Weight Loss
Advice, support and nicotine replacement therapy are available through the
practice nurses.
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Smear Tests
These are recommended every five years in women aged 20 to 65 years. A
doctor or a practice nurse can do them. Please ensure that if you are booking
for a smear test with a doctor you ask for a double appointment.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound therapy is available for some muscle and joint problems. Referrals
can be made through a doctor or a practice nurse.
Lung Function Testing
We have facilities for lung function testing in the surgery. This is an important
tool used to assess patients with chronic lung diseases including asthma.
Referrals for lung function testing are made through your GP.
Staying healthy
There are some steps you can take to avoid becoming unwell, below is some of
the advice provided by the Department of Health to help you avoid serious
illness.

Exercise helps to reduce the risk of heart disease, even walking for 30
minutes per day can help to keep your heart healthy

Try to eat five portions of fruit and vegetables a day

Use low fat spreads and dairy products, look for products labelled ‘low in
saturates’

Eat fish twice a week and cut down on red meat

Avoid using too much salt in cooking and at the table

Drink no more than the recommended amount of alcohol
Men = 21 units/week
Women = 14 units/week
(1 unit = half pint beer/lager, 1 glass wine, one measure spirits)

Stop smoking

Attend for mammograms and cervical smears when invited
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
Avoid sun-burn by covering up, wearing a high factor sun-block and
staying out of the sun during the hottest part of the day

Practice ‘safe sex’, you can get advice on this through the surgery

Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you think you might be suffering from
depression or excessive anxiety

If you are elderly and/or diabetic ensure you have regular eye-tests

Ask our health visitors for advice regarding accident prevention for
young children
Planning a healthy pregnancy

If you are thinking of becoming pregnant, it is important to ensure that
you are well prepared.

Both you and your partner should try to stop smoking as it affects sperm
production and harms the developing baby. Giving up will also improve
the health of your child after birth.

Excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of miscarriage and
affect the brain of the developing baby. Try to cut down.

Think carefully about substances that you are currently taking which
may affect the possibility of conceiving or affect the outcome of a
pregnancy if you continue to take them. Drugs taken during the first 3
months of pregnancy may produce birth defects (congenital
malformations) and drug abuse in the latter stages of pregnancy can
affect foetal growth and development. If drugs are taken during labour or
prior to delivery, withdrawal effects can be seen in the baby. Babies born
to drug-abusing mothers may also be at risk of developmental impairment
later in life.
Heroin and methadone are the drugs most frequently abused but
symptoms of withdrawal are also seen with alcohol, Phenobarbital,
pentazocine, codeine, propoxyphene, cocaine and diazepam usage or
often a combination of these.
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
Obesity affects your chances of getting pregnant and leads to
complications during pregnancy. If you know that you are overweight, you
can get advice on how to loose weight from our practice nurses.

Eat healthily. Aim to include meat, fish, pulses, dairy products, high fibre
foods (e.g. bread and cereals), fruits and veg in your diet.

Folic acid is a nutritional supplement that helps to reduce the risk of
neurological problems in the developing baby. Ideally, you should aim to
take 0.4 milligrams daily before conception and for 3 months into the
pregnancy. If you take medication for epilepsy, or there is a history of
spina bifida in your or your partner’s family, you may need to take a
higher dose and for longer. Talk to your doctor who will be able to advise
you. Folic acid is available in most chemists.

If you have an ongoing medical problem or you regularly take
medication, it may be advisable to talk to a doctor before you try to
conceive. Some illnesses and medications can affect your pregnancy. If
there is a history of inherited medical conditions such as cystic fibrosis
or sickle cell anaemia in your family, you should talk to a doctor before
trying to conceive.

If you are taking the contraceptive pill, it is helpful to swap onto a
barrier method (e.g. condoms) three months before you start trying for a
baby. This lets your periods settle into a regular rhythm and will help the
doctor calculate the date on which your baby will be born.

Check you have been vaccinated for rubella (German measles). If you
are in any doubt, ask your doctor for a blood test.
Looking after yourself during pregnancy
If you are pregnant there are a few things you can do to ensure that you and
your baby are as healthy as possible.

Start taking Folic acid if you are not taking it already. This is a nutritional
supplement that helps prevent neurological problems in the developing
baby. A dose of 0.4mg daily is adequate for most women and should be
continued until the end of the third month of pregnancy.

Eat healthily. You should aim to include meat, fish, pulses, high fibre
foods (e.g. bread and cereals), fruit and vegetables in your diet.
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
Avoid certain foods which can contain harmful bacteria, these include…
- unpasteurised cheeses such as Brie and Stilton
- Pâté
- Raw or soft boiled eggs
- Raw or lightly cooked meats
- Liver or foods made from liver
- Cod liver oil
Wash raw foods well and ensure meat is well cooked.
Eating peanuts in pregnancy may increase the chances of your child
suffering from peanut allergies, particularly if you suffer allergies.

Avoid touching cat litter as it can be a source of infection, use gloves if
you are working in the garden

Stop smoking and cut down on alcohol consumption. If you use other
‘recreational’ drugs you should s these too.

Check with your doctor if you have any serious health problems or
regularly take medication. Some medicines and illnesses can harm the
baby, many medical problems can be affected by pregnancy.

If you have had problems with a previous pregnancy it is advisable to
book with a midwife early on.

It is important to keep active during pregnancy. Strenuous exercise is
best avoided, but yoga, walking, swimming and cycling will help to keep
you fit, promote better sleep and make delivery easier.
Pelvic floor
exercises can also help to avoid bladder problems—ask your midwife for
advice.

If you are over 30yrs old you may wish to have an extra scan at 11-13
weeks to check for Down’s syndrome. This is not available through the
NHS but you can arrange it privately at a cost of around £125. Both the
Berkshire Independent hospital and the BUPA Dunedin have facilities for
this, the numbers can be found under ‘useful contacts’.

Back pain is almost inevitable during pregnancy, it is usually felt as a
general discomfort in your lower back, sometimes with pains across your
bottom and down your legs. It can be relieved with massage, heat, rest and
a Paracetemol. If your back pain is really severe, consult your doctor who
may refer you to a physiotherapist.
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
Constipation can occur at any time during your pregnancy.
Unfortunately, this can cause haemorrhoids and piles. To help prevent
constipation you should ensure that you drink plenty of fluids - at least
eight glasses of water every day. High fibre foods can also be helpful, such
as bran and baked beans.

Heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest and is sometimes
accompanied by the bringing up of stomach acid into the mouth. It tends to
occur most commonly, when you are lying down, coughing, straining when
going to the toilet and if you are lifting anything heavy. In early pregnancy
the muscular valve at the entrance to the stomach relaxes under the
influence of progesterone. This allows stomach acid to flow up into the
oesophagus, causing the burning sensation. In later pregnancy the baby
can press up on the stomach, forcing the contents back into the
oesophagus. To try and avoid heartburn, you should keep your meals small
to prevent the stomach from becoming too full. Your doctor may prescribe
you an antacid.

The main cause of morning sickness is low blood sugar, but pregnancy
hormones also irritate the stomach directly. It can occur at any time of the
day. It is a good idea to keep some plain biscuits and a glass of water
beside the bed for the morning, but during the day, try to eat little and
often, as food seems to provide some relief. Avoid fried foods and coffee
as they can trigger nausea. Morning sickness usually disappears by the
second trimester; however, in very severe cases it may be necessary to
spend a few days in hospital to replace any lost fluids.
Managing common ailments at home
Minor cuts and grazes
Rinse the wound with water. To stop bleeding, apply firm pressure to the wound
for 5 minutes with a clean dressing or handkerchief.
Burns
Immerse the area in cold water immediately. If the burn is severe seek medical
attention. Sunburn can be treated with calamine lotion and your usual painkiller.
Colds and Flu
These are caused by viral infections and will NOT respond to antibiotics.
Paracetemol or ibuprofen can help to relieve headaches, sore throats and high
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temperatures. Inhaling steam may help if you have a stuffy nose or catarrh.
Rest and drink plenty of fluid, you may find you loose your appetite for a couple
of days.
Coughs
Many coughs are caused by viruses and will NOT respond to antibiotics. Drink
warm drinks, avoid smoky rooms and use an extra pillow at night. If you cough
up blood, develop pain in your chest, have a high fever or breathing difficulties
you need to consult your doctor.
Fever
This is the body’s natural response to infection. You may feel cold and shivery; it
can also cause a headache and vomiting. Keep the room cool, drink plenty of
fluids and take regular Paracetemol or ibuprofen. If the fever is not settling or is
accompanied by rash, neck stiffness, pain on looking at light or a severe
headache, seek medical advice.
Diarrhoea and vomiting
This is a natural response that helps clear infection from your body. Drink plenty
of fluid in small sips every few minutes (large amounts can make you vomit).
Don’t be tempted to slow the diarrhoea by taking over-the-counter preparations;
they may prolong your illness. If diarrhoea persists, you have severe pain, blood
in your stool or a high temperature consult your doctor.
Nose bleeds
Pinch the soft part of the nose for 10 minutes WITHOUT LETTING GO, and lean
forwards over a bowl. Don’t remove any clots that form in the nose. If bleeding
persists consult your doctor.
Back ache
This is usually due to a simple sprain. Take painkillers e.g. Paracetemol and
ibuprofen. Hot water bottles, baths and warm showers may help, but you can
also try an ice pack to soothe the strained muscles. Try to remain mobile as this
can speed up your recovery.
Cystitis
This is a very common condition in women and causes stinging or burning on
passing urine. You may find that you pass urine very frequently and it may be
blood stained. Drinking plenty of fluid helps to flush the infection out of the
bladder but antibiotics may be required. Please make an appointment at the
surgery and bring a sample of urine with you.
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If you are prone to cystitis it may help to urinate before going to bed and after
sexual intercourse. Wipe yourself from front to back after going to the toilet and
don’t add fragranced oils or foam to your bath water.
Emergency contraception
If you have had unprotected sex you can take the emergency contraceptive pill
up to 72 hours afterwards to prevent pregnancy. This is available from the
surgery and can be prescribed by a doctor or a nurse. The TAZ clinic on Monday
evenings will provide emergency contraception to teenagers. Alternative sources
are the Family planning clinic (see ‘useful contacts’) and A&E at the Royal
Berkshire Hospital. Remember that it works best if you can take it as soon as
possible so make an URGENT appointment.
The contraceptive coil can be fitted up to 5 days after unprotected intercourse
and is also available through the surgery or family planning clinic.
Treating childhood illnesses
Fever
This is a natural response to infection. Ensure the room is not too hot and resist
the temptation to wrap the child up too warmly. Give Paracetemol (3 months+)
or ibuprofen (1 year+) and plenty to drink. Sponging with tepid water may help.
Very high temperatures in children can cause fits. If your child’s temperature
remains high after giving Paracetemol please contact the surgery. You should
also seek medical attention if your child becomes drowsy, complains of a painful
neck, stops drinking or develops a rash that does not disappear when you press
it.
Ear ache and Sore throats
These are common in children and usually settle without the need for antibiotics.
Give Paracetemol or Ibuprofen to relive pain. Ice-lollies and ice-cream may help
soothe sore throats. If your child is very distressed or the problem is not settling
consult your doctor.
Diarrhoea and vomiting
Again this is a natural response to infection, it helps to clear bugs from the body.
Avoid milk (except breast milk) and offer cooled boiled water or diluted juice
instead. Give the fluid in small amounts initially - a tablespoon once every 10 to
15 minutes is plenty—to prevent vomiting. Once your child is tolerating this you
can increase the amount of fluid and gradually re-introduce food. It is normal
for a child to loose their appetite for a couple of days when they are unwell.
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Children can become dehydrated very quickly, if you are concerned about your
child please seek medical attention.
Teething
This can cause problems from the age of about 4 months. Common signs are
gnawing on rattles, dribbling, flushed cheeks and irritability. Teething does NOT
cause fever or vomiting. Teething gels and Paracetemol may help.
Colic
This distressing condition often occurs from the age of about 6 to 14 weeks of
age. The baby may cry and draw its knees to its tummy. Infacol is sometimes
helpful—you can get it at most chemists, but if your baby starts to vomit, passes
bloody diarrhoea or develops a high temperature please seek medical attention.
Chicken pox
On the first day a rash appears with small red spots about 3-4mm wide. Within
a few hours these develop small blisters at their centre. The spots are usually
itchy. More red spots will gradually appear and eventually they turn crusty.
Calamine may help s the itchy or a tepid bath containing a few teaspoons of
bicarbonate of soda. The most infections period is 2-3 days before the rash
starts. Children may go back to school after all the spots have crusted over.
Chicken pox may be harmful to women in the early stages of pregnancy if they
have not had the disease themselves in the past. If you are concerned contact
your doctor.
Measles
The rash is blotchy and red. It appears on the face and body and is
accompanied by a cough and fever. It is infectious from 2-3 days before the
rash appears to about 10 days afterwards.
Mumps
Painful swellings appear in the glands in front of the ears. It is infectious for 2-3
days before the swelling starts until 10 days afterwards.
Rubella (German measles)
The child is generally unwell with a rash covering the body, arms and legs. The
spots are small and pink and don’t itch. It is infections from two days before the
rash appears until the rash disappears. Rubella is harmful to pregnant women
who have not been immunised against the disease as it may affect the unborn
child.
Chicken pox, measles, mumps and rubella are all viral infections and do not
respond to antibiotics. They don’t usually require treatment from a doctor, but
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they can occasionally cause more serious complications. If your child seems
particularly unwell or you are worried consult a doctor. Remember that measles,
mumps and rubella can be prevented by immunisation.
Meningitis
This is an infection of the lining of the brain. Symptoms include a high
temperature, drowsiness, a stiff/painful neck, phobia (light hurts the child’s eyes)
and a severe headache. There may be a rash on the body or face that does not
disappear when you press it with a glass or your finger. If you think your child
has
these
symptoms
seek
medical
attention
immediately.
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Our Practice Charter
Our responsibilities are to:

Treat you with courtesy and respect at all times

Ensure confidentiality within the practice team

Provide the best possible service and comply with national standards

Give an explanation if you have to wait for a prolonged period before your
appointment or offer and alternative time for you to be seen

Provide repeat prescriptions promptly

Provide appropriate health checks

Help you to achieve a healthy lifestyle

Provide emergency care when you need it

Give you information about your health, treatment or illness

Arrange referral to a consultant when agreed between you and your GP

Provide access to your medical records subject to limitations in the law

Allow you to choose whether or not to take part in medical training

Listen to your comments and suggestions regarding the services offered
and continue to develop and improve them
Your responsibilities are to:

Treat all staff with courtesy and respect at all times

Let us know if you change your name, address or telephone number

Attend appointments promptly or give as much notice as possible of
cancellation

Let reception staff know if a problem is urgent
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
Refrain from booking more than one person in per appointment

Ask for urgent appointments, home visits and out of hours visits only if
justified and not for social convenience

Be patient if your doctor is called out on an emergency during surgery
hours

Try to see the same doctor for an ongoing medical problem

Volunteer all relevant medical information and follow medical advice given

Comply with repeat prescription arrangements and ensure that your
supplies of medication do not run low, particularly over weekends and
holiday periods

Adopt and maintain a healthy lifestyle
Comments & Complaints
The practice welcomes constructive comments regarding its provision of a
comprehensive and efficient service. We also have an informal complaints
procedure. The reception staff will supply details if required, so that we may
speedily resolve a problem that may be causing you concern. Alternatively you
may contact the Partnership Manager.
The Health Service Ombudsman in England and NHS England Complaints
The
Parliamentary
&
Health
Service
Ombudsman
website
www.ombudsman.org.uk contains detailed information on raising a complaint
about any aspect of the NHS in England.
The staff here at the surgery work very hard to ensure the high quality of care
the surgery provides, praise where it’s due can make all the difference and we
would like to hear any positive comments you have!
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Confidentiality
The staff at this Practice record information about you and your health so that
you can receive the right care and treatment. We need to record this
information, together with the details of the care you receive, because it may be
needed if we see you again.
We may use some of this information for other reasons, for example, to help us
to protect the health of the general public generally, to plan for the future, to
train staff and to carry out medical and other health research for the benefit of
everyone.
We are currently involved in research studies for which we provide anonymised
information from patients’ notes. You cannot be identified in any way from this
information as none of your personal details are given to researchers. Individual
patients’ records are added into a much larger anonymous database, containing
records from millions of patients across the UK. This information is used by
researchers outside this practice. The databases to which we contribute
anonymised records are known as The Health Improvement Network (THIN) and
General Practice Research Database (GPRD). These data may be anonymously
linked to other data, such as hospital data. The databases are managed by
companies outside the NHS which do not have access to your personal details,
only to anonymous medical records. The data are used for research into such
topics as drug safety, disease patterns, prescribing patterns, health economics
and public health. Many of these studies provide useful information to medical
staff on diseases, the use of drugs or outcomes of disease or treatment.
These studies may be performed by academic researchers or commercial
companies amongst others. However, no researcher has access to your full
details such as your name and address, initials or your full date of birth. The
researchers are not given information about the GP nor the practice name,
address or post code.
If you would like to opt out of this data collection scheme, please let Reception
know and no data from your records will be collected for use in research. This
will not affect your care in any way.
If anything to do with the research would require that you provide additional
information about yourself, you will be contacted to see if you are willing to take
part. You will not be identified in any published results.
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Useful contact numbers
Surgery numbers:
Appointments .........................................0118
Enquiries .................................................0118
District nurses..........................................0118
Fax .........................................................0118
9424485
9427528
9451107
9439448
Hospitals:
Berkshire Independent .............................0118 9028000
BUPA Dunedin .........................................0118 9584711
Dellwood .................................................0118 9589195
Royal Berkshire ........................................0118 9875111
Wokingham .............................................0118 9781101
Wexham Park ..........................................01753 633000
Chemists:
Boots (Meadway) .....................................0118
Butlers ....................................................0118
Lloyds (next to the surgery)......................0118
Manichem (school road) ...........................0118
Triangle ...................................................0118
9580477
9572556
9451063
9427353
9427523
Help lines:
Age Concern ............................................0118 9594242
Alcohol Advice Centre ...............................0118 9589557
Citizens Advice Bureau .............................0118 9598059
Cruse (bereavement counselling) ..............0118 9588133
Dentist (emergency) ................................0118 9588883
Dial A Midwife (helpline) ...........................0118 9877318
Family Planning Clinic ...............................0118 9877200
First Steps (counselling) ...........................0118 9673341
Florey Unit (sexual health clinic) ...............0118 9877202
NHS Direct (medical advice) .....................08454647
Number 5 (youth counselling) ...................0118 9015668
Rape Crisis ..............................................01256 423890
Relate (marriage guidance) ......................0118 9876161
Samaritans ..............................................0118 9266333
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Zero Tolerance
We will treat our Patients with respect, courtesy and will not discriminate against
them in any way on the grounds of age, sex, colour, race, nationality, ethnic or
national origin or disability, sexual orientation, religion or religious or
philosophical belief.
Physical violence and verbal abuse is a growing concern. GPs, Practice Nurses
and other Practice staff have the right to care for others without fear of being
attacked or abused. We ask that you treat your GP and Practice staff properly –
without violence or abuse.
We strongly support the NHS policy on zero tolerance.
Anyone either phoning or attending the Practice who abuses any staff member
or patient, be it verbally, physically or in any threatening manner whatsoever,
will risk removal from the Practice list and be reallocated with the assistance of
Thames Valley Primary Care Agency.
In extreme cases we may summon the Police to remove offenders from the
Practice premises.
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