The Connaught Square Practice
The Connaught Square Practice
41 Connaught Square
London, W2 2HL
Telephone: 0207 402 4026
0207 402 3342
Fax:
Website
www.connaughtsquarepractice.co.uk
When the surgery is closed call 0207 402 4026
WELCOME TO THE CONNAUGHT SQUARE PRACTICE
Since joining The Connaught Square Practice in 1984, Dr Ruth O'Hare has cultivated a strong
patient-centred tradition, providing high quality and innovative primary care services to the
Westminster community. Dr Ruth O’Hare graduated in Medicine from Cambridge University in
1978 and is a Member of the Royal College of Physicians.
The Connaught Square practice has cared for local people since 1906. The doctors who worked
here then were among the first women to graduate from medical school in the world. Dame
Annis Gillie ran the practice from the early 1930s until 1964, including the war years.
NEWS
Please note that the practice will be closed on Bank Holiday Monday 25th August
2014. Please make sure you order your repeat medication giving us at least 2
working days notice. We will be open as usual on Saturday 23/08/2014 and
Sunday 24/08/2014
Patient Participation Group Meeting
We will be holding our next patient participation group meeting (PPG) on Wednesday 23rd July
2014 at the slightly different time of 5.30pm. Any registered patients are more than welcome to
attend. The meeting is a chance for our patients to raise any points or to ask the staff any
questions, as well as discussing any current relevant issues regarding primary care.
Light refreshments will be served.
For any questions or to confirm your attendance, please email us on connaught.square@nhs.net,
for the attention of the Practice Manager
Weekday Walk-In Service
Please note that our weekday walk-in service will now commence at 8am, starting from Monday
27th January 2014.
HOW TO FIND US
The Connaught Square practice is located on the south side of Connaught Square, just a few
minutes walk from Edgware Road.
The nearest tube station is Marble Arch, and there is a frequent bus service along Edgware Road.
Please refer to Contact Details for a more detailed interactive map.
Opening Times
The Connaught Square Practice is open 12 hours a day,
Monday - Friday 8.00am - 8.00pm.
Saturday - Sunday 10.00am - 6.00pm ( GP Walk-in clinic, Nursing team walk in clinic,
registrations,NHS healthchecks)
Please note that the practice is closed for Staff Meeting every Thursday from 12.30 until 1.30pm.
The practice is also closed on Bank Holidays. We may close early on the Christmas Eve and
New Year's Eve.
When We Are Closed (020 7402 4026)
When the practice is closed your call will be diverted to our answering machine, so please be
ready to write down the recorded instructions, e.g. for the out-of-hours service. Please note this
is a non-recordable answering machine.
NHS 111 Service
In the case of urgent need when the practice is closed you can call 111 to speak to a triage nurse.
Your needs will be assessed and advice offered or arrangements made for you to see a doctor.
Please do not ask to see a doctor out of hours unless you genuinely cannot wait until the surgery
re-opens.
Call 999 in an emergency. Chest pains and / or shortness of breath constitute an
emergency.
Appointments
To book an appointment please call reception team at 0207 402 4026.
Our clinics run at regular intervals all day 8.30am - 8.00pm Monday - Friday and 10am - 6pm
Saturday and Sunday.
Patients may book an appointment with their chosen doctor, practice nurse, phlebotomist or one
of the healthcare assistants, psychotherapist or family therapist.
Walk-In Clinics
Walk-in clinics run at the following times:
Monday 8.00 - 11.00am
Tuesday 8.00 - 11.00am
Wednesday 8.00 - 11.00am
Thursday 8.00 - 11.00am
Friday 8.00 - 11.00am
Please ensure you register at reception as early as possible in order to be seen by a GP, the clinics
are limited to 18 patients only.
We also offer walk-in clinics on weekends.
Saturday 10.00 - 6.00pm
Sunday 10.00 - 6.00pm
Please be aware that these clinics are for emergencies only and should not be
used for routine problems such as referrals, repeat prescriptions and test results.
Walk-In Service
At other times The Connaught Square Practice offers a walk-in service for acute medical
conditions. Patients who wish to use this service will be offered the next available doctor or
offered the next available routine appointment.
Home Visit
Home visits are offered to patients who are house-bound and unable to attend clinics.
Doctors
Dr Ruth O’Hare (f)
Monday
Late PM clinic
Dr Maroof Harghandiwal (m)
Tuesday
PM and Evening clinics
Wednesday
PM and Evening clinics
Dr Emanuella Georgiou (f) - MATERNITY LEAVE
Thursday
PM and Evening clinics
Friday
PM and Evening clinics
Dr Mark Bonar (m)
Monday
PM and Evening clinics
Wednesday
PM and Evening clinics
Dr Hatem El-Emam (m)
Thursday
PM and Evening clinics
Friday
PM and Evening clinics
Dr Ericson Laudato (m)
Tuesday
PM clinic
Wednesday
PM clinic
Practice Nurse / Healthcare Assistant & Phlebotomist
Practice Nurse
Monday
AM and PM clinics
Tuesday
PM clinic
Wednesday
AM clinic
Thursday
AM and PM clinics
Friday
AM and PM clinics
Healthcare Assistants
Monday
AM clinic
Tuesday
AM clinic
Wednesday
AM clinic
Thursday
AM and PM clinics
Saturday
AM and PM clinics
Sunday
AM and PM clinics
Phlebotomist
Monday
AM clinic
Tuesday
AM clinic
Practice Counsellor
Urgent walk-in service available during clinic times
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Drug & Alcohol Counselling
Morning, afternoon and evening clinics available on most days
Telephone Advice
The doctors, practice nurse and healthcare assistants are available to speak to on the telephone
between the hours of 8.00am and 8.00pm.
Please try to telephone as early as possible in the day to speak to a clinician or book a time when
they will call you back.
Results of Tests and Investigations
It is the patient's responsibility to telephone the surgery for results of tests and
investigations.
The practice staff can advise when the test result should be available at the surgery – usually
within 3-5 working days – but this can take longer depending on the test.
To obtain the results, patients should telephone or come into the practice after 2:00pm Monday Sunday
Wheelchair Access
The Connaught Square Practice is accessible to patients using a wheelchair. Please ask reception
for further assistance.
Foreign Languages
We can arrange interpretating and translation services in person or by phone for patients who do
not speak English. Please let us know if you need this service when booking an appointment.
Repeat Prescriptions
Please give us at least 48 hours’ (2 working days) notice if you require a repeat
prescription. All requests must be made in writing, ideally using the computerised slip issued on
the right-hand side of your last prescription and ticking the items required. If you do not use the
computerised slip, please indicate clearly the name(s) and dose(s) of your medication.
Postal requests with a stamped addressed envelope are accepted, but please allow time to receive
the post. Telephone requests are not accepted except in emergency situations.
In accordance with NHS policy, usually no more than a 28-day supply of repeat medication will
be prescribed. For patients who are travelling we are usually prepared to issue up to three
months' supply of repeat medication once a year. Any requests for more than three months'
supply can be covered by a private prescription.
If you have any queries regarding medication, please arrange a routine appointment with one of
our doctors.
We provide a prescription-collecting service with some of the local pharmacies, which may
request a repeat prescription on behalf of the patient as long as the patient has given
consent/authority to the pharmacy to provide this service. When the prescription is due, the
pharmacy will request it on your behalf, and you can go and collect your medication from the
pharmacy.
We also offer a prescription service through a mail order pharmacy. When the prescription is
due, the pharmacy will request it on your behalf, and it will be delivered to you by special
delivery.
Prescriptions Charges and Exemptions
Extensive exemption and remission arrangements protect those likely to have difficulty in paying
charges (NHS prescription and dental charges, optical and hospital travel costs).
The NHS prescription charge is a flat-rate amount which successive Governments have thought
it reasonable to charge for those who can afford to pay for their medicines. Prescription
prepayment certificates (PPCs) offer real savings for people who need extensive medication.
NHS charges
From 1 April 2011, the charges are:
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Prescription (per item): £7.65
12-month prepayment certificate (PPC): £104.00
3-month PPC: £29.10
If you will have to pay for four or more prescription items in three months, or more than 14 items
in 12 months, you may find it cheaper to buy a PPC. The charge for a single prescription item is
£7.65, whereas a 3-month PPC will cost you £29.10 and a 12-month PPC £104.00.
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Telephone advice and order line 0845 850 0030
General Public - Buy or Renew a PPC On-line
There is further information about prescription exemptions and fees on the NHS website
(www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthcosts/Pages/Prescriptioncosts.aspx)
General Services
General Medical Services
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Comprehensive medical check-ups and health screening for all patients on registration
with the practice
Regular health checks for all patients, e.g. blood pressure checks
Emergency walk-in service for acute medical conditions
Travel advice and immunisations, including Yellow Fever and anti-malarials
Specialist occupational health advice
Specialist psychological services, including: counselling for anxiety, depression and
bereavement, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Hypnotherapy, alcohol and drug
counselling
Smoking cessation service
Gynaecological check-ups, including cervical smears and contraceptive services
Child health surveillance and immunisations
Full range of blood tests, including cholesterol checks and anticoagulation (Warfarin)
monitoring
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Dietician services
Chronic disease management
Advice about and general reviews of your medication
Flu and pneumococcal immunisation
Insurance and other medicals
To find out more about any of these and other services please ask at reception. Fees may apply
for some services. Please check whether you are entitled to the service under the NHS.
Forms, Letters and Fees
The Connaught Square Practice offers a general administration service to patients. This involves
the completion of insurance forms, medical claims, passport applications, travel cancellation
claim forms, and various letters to authorities. The service requires considerable input from
clinicians and administration staff, and is therefore chargeable, with some fees set by the British
Medical Association (BMA). Payments should be made in advance, in cash or by cheque. We
regret we are unable to accept payment by card.
Healthy Start Milk Vouchers
Free
Copy of your Medical Record
(Fee will increase to no more than £50.00
depending on size of record.)
£10.00
minimum
Gym / School / Community form
£10.00
Passport Application Form
(We do not complete Naturalization forms.)
£25.00
General Letter
£25.00
Travel Claim / Medical Claim
£35.00
Fostering / Adoption Medical
£45.00
British Armed Services Medical
(See invoice on Services application form.)
Free
Standard Medical Report
£55.20
minimum
(Fee will increase depending on size of report and
relevant enclosures.)
General Practitioner's Report
£95.00
London Transport / Taxi Medical
£100.00
Occupational Health Report
(Fees vary. Make an appointment with our
Occupational Health specialist for more
details.)
£120.00
If you have a request which is not covered above, please ask at reception or email the practice at
connaught.square@nhs.net.
Occupational Health
Occupational Health
The following services are provided by a qualified Occupational Health Adviser:
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Pre-employment screening
Sickness absence referral
Work protection immunisation
Workstation assessment
Flu immunisation
Health advice
Lifestyle screening programmes
Rehabilitation at work programmes
Drivers’ medicals
Travel
Travel Advice
A travel advice and vaccination/malaria service is available to both registered and non-registered
patients. It would be helpful if you could complete the attached form and bring it with you to
your travel advice appointment. Travel_Risk_Assesment_Form.doc
Typhoid*
£20.00
Diphtheria/Tetanus/Polio*
£20.00
Poliomyelitis
Free
Hepatitis A (per shot)*
£50.00
Hepatitis B (per shot)
£30.00
Hepatitis A & B
£55.00
Rabies (per shot)
£50.00
Yellow Fever
£50.00
Cholera (2-dose course)
£55.00
Cholera (1-dose follow-up)
£25.00
Meningitis ACWY
£40.00
Japanese Encephalitis
£75.00
Pneumococcal
£25.00
* There is no charge as long as the patient is registered at the practice.
See the 'Travel Information' page for more information about vaccinations.
Health Visitors
Health Visitors
Health visitors look after the welfare and development of children under five. Child healthcare
clinics (0-5 years) are held at:
Edgware Road Geographical Clinic at Marylebone Health Centre
17A Marylebone Road
London NW1 5LT
Tel: 020-7935 6328
Opening Hours: 14:00-16:00 every Tuesday – walk-in
Micky Star
58-61 St Michael's Street
London W2 1QR
Tel: 020-7402 4854
Opening Hours: 9:30-11:00 every other Wednesday – walk-in
Marylebone Health Centre
17A Marylebone Road
London NW1 5LT
Tel: 020-7935 6328
Opening Hours: 9:30-11:30 every Thursday – appointment only
Fitzrovia Medical Centre
31 Fitzroy Square
London W1T 6UE
Tel: 020-7387 5798
Opening Hours: 14:00-15:30 every second and fourth Monday – appointment only
Babies should have a 6-8 week check with their GP before the first immunisations.
Health Anxiety Disorders
Health Anxiety & Related Disorders
Studies have shown 1-2% of the general population suffer with Health Anxiety causing
Medically Unexplained Symptoms (MUS). Up to 10% of patients with long term conditions
such as heart disease or arthritis may be suffering additionally from Health Anxiety and
MUS.
MUS are symptoms which currently have no known physical cause. Patients may seek
multiple medical consultations and investigations whilst their underlying problem, Health
Anxiety, remains untreated.
The Connaught Square Practice is now offering an innovative psychological service specifically
directed at patients with Health Anxiety and MUS. The service is offered during extended hours
including Saturdays 10am-6pm at 41 Connaught Square, Marble Arch, W2 2HL. It consists of
both high and low intensity interventions, with individual, group and family therapy sessions. It
is managed and coordinated by Rameez Ali, who is a Visiting Tutor on the Masters Cognitive
Behavioural Therapy course at Goldsmiths College, University of London, and an Associate
Fellow and Supervisor at the Albert Ellis Institute, New York.
Common disorders resulting from Health Anxiety include Irritable Bowel Syndrome, headache,
chronic fatigue, chronic insomnia, musculoskeletal and abdominal pain. Patients may also be
referred who have had repeated primary care consultations or presentations at A&E/UCC for a
single disorder with no clear diagnosis for a period of six months.
It is hoped this new service will reduce significantly the number of primary care consultations
and attendances, the number of referrals and investigations in secondary care, A&E attendances
and the amount of prescribed medication for symptoms. It should also improve patients’
resilience and general psychological wellbeing.
If you have any questions about this service, please send an email to the attention of the Practice
Counsellor, Rameez Ali, at connaught.square@nhs.net.
Registration
New Patient Registration
The doctors welcome new patients who live within our practice area. As it often takes sometime
for records to be forwarded from your former practice all newly registered patients will be asked
to complete a health questionnaire and are offered a consultation with the doctor.
Medical treatment is available from the date of registration.
Please see the attached document which gives important information on how to register with The
Connaught Square Practice.
How to Register with The Connaught Square Practice
Confidentiality
Confidentiality
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 clinical care for you, e.g. from hospital services or other health clinics.
When we have a duty to others, e.g. in child protection cases.
To outside agencies such as insurance companies, employers and social services – but
only after you have given us your informed consent in writing.
Anonymised patient information will also be used at local and national level to help the Primary
Care Trust and Government plan services, e.g. for diabetic care. Please let us know if you do not
wish anonymous information about you to be used in such a way.
Under the NHS patient confidentiality code, practice staff are unable to discuss details of
patients’ attendance to the surgery, consultations, correspondence, test results or referrals with
anyone else unless nominated by the patient in writing.
N.B. If you have an appointment and are expecting a relative or friend to join you in the
surgery or collect you, please let the receptionists know.
Suggestions & Complaints
Compliments, Comments, Concerns
Patient input matters to The Connaught Square Practice team. Please ask a member of the team
for a feedback form if you feel that there are things you would like to see improved or changed
in the practice or if you would like to give some positive feedback. Suggestions will be treated in
complete confidence. There is nobody better able to tell us about your patient experience than
you.
Complaints Procedure
If you have a complaint about any member of the practice, including a doctor, or the services you
have received, please ask to see the Practice Manager or Deputy Practice Manager, who will
advise you regarding the practice complaints procedure.
If this is not satisfactory you may contact NHS Westminster’s Patient Advice and Liaison
Services on 0800-587 8818. You may also wish to contact the Independent Complaints
Advocacy Services (ICAS), which supports patients and their carers wishing to pursue a
complaint about their NHS treatment or care.
The Health Service Ombudsman in England
The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman website (www.ombudsman.org.uk/) contains
detailed information on raising a complaint about any aspect of the NHS in England. There is
also a leaflet (www.ombudsman.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/1011/Bringing-a-complaintto-the-Health-Service-Ombudsman.pdf) explaining the procedure of bringing a complaint to the
ombudsman.
Rights & Responsibilities
Rights & Responsibilities
We undertake to:
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Register and provide treatment regardless of your age, gender, race, ethnicity, social
class, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, maternity or
pregnancy, disability or medical condition, or appearance as long as you reside within the
practice boundary and qualify for NHS treatment. (Details of the practice boundary can
be obtained from the reception staff.)
Provide access to a suitably qualified medical professional within 48 hours of your initial
contact during surgery hours or, in an urgent case, the same day.
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Work in partnership with you to achieve the best medical care possible.
Involve you and listen to your opinions and views in all aspects of your medical care.
Provide access to an interpreter, if required.
We would appreciate it if you could:
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Arrive on time for appointments.
Let us know if you cannot keep an appointment so that we can give it to another patient.
Treat staff with courtesy and respect.
Inform the staff of any change in your circumstances, e.g. change of surname, address or
telephone number.
Flu Vaccination
Should you have the Flu Jab?
Some people are at greater risk of developing serious complications if they catch flu, such as
pregnant women and elderly people.
The flu vaccine is available free on the NHS if you fall into one of the following categories:
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You are 65 or over
You have a serious medical condition which include
Diabetes
Chronic respiratory disease such as Asthma
Chronic heart condition
Chronic kidney or liver disease
A weakened immune system from conditions such as HIV or treatments that suppress the
immune system such as chemotherapy
You are a carer for someone who is at greater risk of serious complications if they catch
flu
You are pregnant
You live in a residential home
Please call 020 7402 4026 to book your flu jab or come in and book at reception.
For more information about Flu click here (www.flu-protect.co.uk/) (opens in a new window).
Wellwatch
wellwatch
Central London Healthcare
The Connaught Square Practice is pleased to be a part of the consortium of NHS general
practitioners called Central London Healthcare, in which local general practices work together to
improve care for their patients. Further information can be found on www.clhpbcgroup.co.uk
(www.clhpbcgroup.co.uk) .
Patient user panel
We have a patient representative on the Central London Healthcare user panel, which meets
regularly and has direct influence on local NHS policy. For more information about this panel,
please ask at reception, call 020-7535 8300, or visit the website www.clhpbcgroup.co.uk
(www.clhpbcgroup.co.uk) .
Local eHealth Record
What is the Local eHealth Record?
Your local eHealth Record will contain important information about any medicines you are
taking, allergies you suffer from and any bad reactions to medicines that you have had. It will
also contain information regarding your medical history.
You can choose whether or not to have a local eHealth Record.
How is this different from the Summary Care Record?
The Summary Care Record is a national database which holds information regarding your
medications, allergies and adverse reactions. Only clinicians involved in emergency or
unscheduled care have access to this. The Local eHealth Record is a locally shared record,
allowing clinicians who are involved in your care at a local level to see a shared record rather
than a national scheme.
Who can see my Local eHealth Record?
Only NHS healthcare staff involved in supporting or providing your care can see your Local
eHealth Record. Healthcare staff who can see your Local eHealth Record:
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need to be directly involved in caring for you;
will only see the information they need to do their job; and
should have their details recorded.
Healthcare staff will ask your permission every time they need to look at your Local eHealth
Record. If they cannot ask you, for example if you are unconscious, they may look at your Local
eHealth Record without asking you. If they do this, they will make a note on your record to say
why they have done so.
Can I stop information being put into my Local eHealth Record?
NHS healthcare staff need to make accurate, relevant records of the care you have had. You
can choose not to have a Local eHealth Record. If you do not want a Local eHealth Record you
must fill in an Opt Out Form and return it to your GP practice.
Please click here for the opt-out form and send it back to the Connaught Square Practice or
drop it in by hand.
Your Local eHealth Record and your choices
I have received a letter in the post about Local eHealth Records. What do I have to do?
You need to read the information in the letter and make a choice.
If you are happy for us to make a Local eHealth Record for you, you do not need to do anything,
we will automatically make one for you.
If you do not want us to make a Local eHealth Record for you, please fill in opt-out form below.
What are my choices with Local eHealth Records?
You can choose to have a Local eHealth Record: You do not need to do anything. This will
happen automatically. You can choose not to have a Local eHealth Record: If you don't want a
Local eHealth Record, you need to make your GP practice aware by filling in and returning an
opt out form.
Please click here for the opt-out form and send it back to the Connaught Square Practice or
drop it in by hand.
How long do I have from getting my letter to making my choice about whether I want a
Local eHealth Record?
The letter you receive(d) from your GP practice will mention a date by which you need to make
a choice. (This is usually within at least 3 weeks of receiving the letter.) You need to decide
whether you want a Local eHealth Record. If you do not, you need to fill in an opt out form and
return it or take it to your GP practice by this date.
If you choose to have a Local eHealth Record you do not need to do anything. Shortly after the
date mentioned in your letter, we will make your Local eHealth Record for you.
Whatever you decide you can change your mind at any time, but you need to let your GP
practice know.
Access to your Local eHealth Record
Will healthcare staff ask me if they want to look at my Local eHealth Record?
Yes, healthcare staff will ask you every time they need to look at your Local eHealth Record. If
they cannot ask you, for example if you are unconscious, they may look at your record without
asking you. If they do this, they will make a note on your record to say why they have done so.
You can ask your local Caldicott (Information) Guardian at your primary care trust to tell you
who has looked at your Local eHealth Record. They will investigate any potentially inappropriate
access to your record and let you know.
Will other people than those providing me with care be able to access my Local eHealth
Record?
People outside of the NHS will not be able to access your record without your permission other
than in circumstances where it is allowed by law.
This is explained in the leaflet NHS Care Record Guarantee: Our Guarantee for NHS Care
Records in England (PDF, 92Kb) (www.nigb.nhs.uk/pubs/nhscrg.pdf) .
Keeping your Local eHealth Record safe and confidential
Is my Local eHealth Record safe from hackers?
It would be very difficult to hack into it because, like all other NHS computer systems and
services, Local eHealth Records aim to use the strongest national and international security
measures available.
How will you protect my confidentiality?
By law, everyone working for us or on our behalf must respect your confidentiality and keep all
information about you secure.
This project is run on the guidelines within the NHS Care Record Guarantee for England. This
says how we will collect, store and allow access to your electronic records and your choices for
how your information is stored and looked at. If you would like a copy, there is information on
how to get one on the back of this leaflet.
No matter how careful we are, there are always risks when information is held on computers, as
there are with paper records. In every place we treat you there are people responsible for
,protecting your confidentiality. Ask your local NHS for more information.
Can I choose for my child not to have a Local eHealth Record?
Children will automatically have a Local eHealth Record made for them.
If you do not want your child to have a Local eHealth Record you will need to fill in an on behalf
of your child and return it to your child's GP practice.
In some circumstances your GP may feel it is in your child's best interests to have a Local
eHealth Record. For example, if your child has a serious allergy that healthcare staff treating
your child should know about.
Is it possible to opt out on behalf of another person?
In certain circumstances it is possible to ask to opt-out on behalf of another person, for example,
children or adults of limited capacity.
The decision will ultimately be made by their GP, as in some circumstances your GP may feel it
is in the person's best interests to have a Local eHealth Record. For example, if the person has
a serious allergy that healthcare staff treating the person should know about.
You need to contact their GP to discuss this.
Getting more information about Local eHealth Records
Where can I get more information?
For more information about Local eHealth Records and your choices:
contact your local Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) http://www.pals.nhs.uk/
(www.pals.nhs.uk/) ; or speak to a member of staff at your GP practice.
Other NHS Services
As well as our practice, there are many other local NHS services you can contact for health
advice, information or treatment. Before you do, remember that you can treat many minor
ailments such as colds, coughs and indigestion by keeping a well-stocked medicine cabinet at
home. We suggest you keep the following:
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Paracetamol and aspirin (children under 16 and people with asthma should not take
aspirin)
Mild laxatives such as Mil-Par
Anti-diarrhoeal medicines such as Imodium
Rehydration mixture, e.g. Dioralyte
Indigestion remedy, e.g. Rennie’s, Gaviscon
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Anti-histamine tablets for allergy or hay fever, e.g. Cetirizine
Sunscreen (SPF15 or higher)
Calamine cream for stings or sunburn
Tweezers and sharp scissors
Thermometer
Sticking plasters, cotton wool
Remember:
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Keep the medicine chest in a secure place out of reach of small children.
Always read the instructions and use the suggested dose.
Check expiry dates – don’t keep or use medicines past their sell-by date.
Take all unwanted and out-of-date medicines back to the pharmacy.
Your local pharmacist will be able to give you free health advice at any time; you don’t
need an appointment. Many pharmacies operate extended hours on a rota basis. Call NHS
Direct (0845-4647) for details or visit their website at www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk.
Additional NHS nurse-led services for minor illnesses and injuries
Soho NHS Walk-in Centre
1 Frith Street, London W1D 3HZ
Tel: 020-7534 6500
Opening Hours: 8:00-20:00 Monday – Friday, 10:00-20:00 weekends and bank holidays
(excluding Christmas)
Victoria NHS Walk-In Centre
63 Buckingham Gate, London SW1E 6AT
Tel: 020-7340 1190
Opening Hours: 7:00-19:00 Monday – Friday
Minor Injuries Unit, St Charles Hospital (includes X-Rays, but not ultrasounds)
Exmoor Street, London W10 6DZ
Tel: 020-8962 4262
Opening Hours: 9:00-21:00 seven days a week (excluding Christmas)
NHS Direct
NHS Direct offers free expert health information and advice 24 hours a day on 0845-4647 or
their website, www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk (www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk) , which also offers an enquiry
service. For deaf people and those hard of hearing, a telephone service is available on 0845-606
4647. If English is not your preferred language, you can choose to use a confidential translation
service.
Accident and emergency/999
Whatever the day or time, if you or someone else experiences severe chest pain, sudden
paralysis, loss of blood or suspected broken bones, go to your nearest accident and emergency
department or call 999.
Accident and emergency departments are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and are
there only for serious injuries and medical conditions which may be life-threatening.
The Connaught Square Practice will attend to all other medical conditions or queries.
The Practice History
The Connaught Square Practice has cared for local people since 1906. The doctors who worked
here then were among the first women to graduate from medical school in the world. Dame
Annis Gillie ran the practice from the early 1930s until 1964, including the war years. Dr Ruth
O'Hare joined the practice in 1984 and has cultivated a strong patient-centred tradition, providing
high quality and innovative primary care services to the Westminster community.
Dr Ruth O’Hare graduated in Medicine from Cambridge University in 1978 and is a Member of
the Royal College of Physicians. She is also a member of the British Complementary Medicine
Association and offers Hypnotherapy, Thought Field Therapy and Focussed Relaxation.
We believe that The Connaught Square Practice team strives at all times to offer the best service
to our patients. This website outlines most of the services that we offer and explains how to get
the best from them.
Staff Details
Doctors
Dr Ruth O'Hare
MA, MBBChir, MRCP, DipHypno
Principal GP
Dr Maroof Harghandiwal
MD, MRCGP, PGCC, DFFP
Assistant GP
Dr Mark Bonar
MB, BCh, BAO, nMRCGP
Assistant GP
Dr Emanuella Georgiou
ON MATERNITY LEAVE
Dr Ericson Laudato
Dr Hatem El-Emam
Nurse Practitioners
Ms Clare Ashton
Healthcare Assistants
Ms Fatima Olivares
Mrs Marianne Berry
Phlebotomists
Mr Mark Yankey
Practice Management
Miss Tamzin Whitewood
Practice Manager
Mrs Magdalena Tkaczyk
Deputy Practice Manager
Administration
Miss Abigail Buxo
Practice Secretary
Mr Daniel Ross
Reception
Mrs Hanem Abdelsalam
Ms Rita Mugerwa
Mr Simon Brown
Mrs Baljinder Gill
Mr Max Isaac
Miss Otilia Papp
Counsellors
Senior Administrator
Mr Rameez
Ali
Miss Farra
Khan
Principal Psychotherapist
MSc, BA (Hon) DipSW, DipCog, BABCP, UKCP, Associate Fellow
Albert Ellis Institute NY