The Hart Surgery
York Road, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 2DR
Telephone: 01491 843200
website:www.thehartsurgery.nhs.uk
Caring for our community
The Hart Surgery
We are committed to providing and promoting excellent health care to all our patients
Within our local community we aim to:
 Treat and if possible, cure disease quickly, effectively and economically
 Relieve suffering and promote well-being in the sick, disabled and dying
 Promote the physical, mental, spiritual and social well-being of each individual
 Encourage everyone to be responsible for maintaining and if possible improving
his or her own health
 To assist this by educating and informing our patients appropriately
 Attempt to reduce the incidence of disease and handicap, and increase the
overall level of health and well-being
 Increase the community awareness of what we can all do to improve health
generally and encourage and facilitate local initiatives to this end.
Welcome to the Hart Surgery
Introduction
The Hart surgery welcomes all patients, both new and existing, to our traditional
family style of general practice. There are seven dedicated family doctors who work
closely together, supported by a team of nurses and other staff whose sole interest is
the well being of the patient.
For administration purposes only, you will be placed on the list of one of the doctors.
This does not prevent you from seeing any doctor if your usual doctor is not available
at the time you want an appointment, but it is preferable to see your usual doctor, to
enable continuity of care.
The Hart Surgery is fully computerised and uses the internet to help patients make
appointments and order repeat prescriptions. We keep up to date with new
technology and look at ways in which this can be used for the benefit of patients.
Our Doctors
Dr Philip Unwin
1983 MB BS (London) MRCGP DRCOG, DIPOCC Med
Qualified at St Mary’s Hospital 1982 his particular interests are in
the fields of occupational health medicine, minor surgery,
orthopaedic medicine and skin diseases
Dr Clare Alsop
1983 MA (Cantab) MBBS (London) MRCGP FP Cert. Qualified at
Cambridge and Charing Cross Hospital. Her particular interests
are in paediatrics, the young and women’s health. She is a part
time partner.
Dr Michelle Brennan
1997 MBBS, DRCOG, DFFP, MRCGP
Qualified at St Bartholomew’s & The Royal London School of
Medicine and Dentistry. She is a part time partner with particular
interests in gynaecology and women’s health.
Dr Mariette Grant
MBChB (Pretoria) 2004 MRCGP. Qualified in South Africa.
Completed GP training in the Oxford Deanery working locally at the
Royal Berkshire Hospital. Special interests include ophthalmology.
She is currently developing interests in Obesity management and
family Planning.
Dr Amanda Gemmill
Qualified at Imperial College London (2006) MBBS BSc MRCGP
DRCOG. Areas of interest are women’s health, psychiatry and
ENT. Just completing a diploma in family planning and sexual
health. Developing an interest in dermatology and diabetes.
Dr Mark Bish
Qualified at the University of London (2002) MRCGP DCH MBBS.
He is a new GP starting with us on 15th July 2013.
Dr Michael Hillier
Qualified at the University of London (2007) MBBS MRCGP
ORCOG BSc. He is also a new GP just started with us, and is
looking to develop an interest in minor surgery while with us.
Surgery Times
The surgery is open between 8.00 am and 6.30 pm from Monday to Friday and there
is a regular early Thursday morning surgery for routine appointments for patients who
are unable to attend during our normal hours.
Appointments
Generally daily from 8.30am – 11.00am and from 4.00 – 6.00pm
Treatment Room clinic times
Monday and Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday and Friday
8.30 – 12.00am and 4.00 –6.00pm
9.00 – 12.30am and 4.00 – 6.00
8.30 – 12.00am and 2.00 – 5.30pm
All times can vary due to holidays or illness and may be subject to change.
The surgery is closed on all Bank and Public holidays
Emergencies and Out of Hours – The Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group
provides the Out or Hours service between 6.30pm – 8.00am from Monday to Friday
and for 24 hours over the weekend and bank holidays. The telephone number to call
is 111. You may be asked to attend at Primary Care centre in Henley, at Townlands
Hospital, or Abingdon. If a home visit is absolutely necessary, this will be arranged.
For emergencies please call 999
Online Appointment Booking
Patients are also encouraged to register for online appointments. This can be done
by speaking to our receptionists and filling in a form or be going to
https://patient.emisaccess.co.uk and filing in the online registration. Please allow 48
hours for your registration to be approved. We do try to have appointments available
several weeks in advance for the doctors, though due to the variety of work the
nurses do their appointments are not available for online booking and it is best to
phone the surgery.
Telephone access:
Please phone the surgery on 01491 843200 at the following times for:Appointments
8.00am – 6.30pm
Visits
before 10.30am
Test results
between 10.00–12.00am and 2.30–4.30pm (Tues-Fri)
Prescription queries between 10.00-12.00am and 2.00-4.00pm
For secretarial
between 10.00-12.00am and 2.00-4.00pm
Please note: we do not take repeat prescription requests over the phone.
Surgery Facilities
Car Parking
The Hart and Bell surgeries share a car park with a limited number of spaces, two of
which are reserved for disabled patients. Please only leave your car in the surgery
car park whilst you are in the surgery. This will enable other patients to use the
facilities to visit their doctor. We ask patients not to park in the Disabled spaces
unless displaying their own Disabled Drivers badge or in the Duty Doctor spaces.
Disabled Access
The surgery has been designed with wheelchair users in mind with no steps and
doors that can be automatically opened. We also have a hearing loop available in
the surgery. Staff are always very willing to assist any patient so please ask if you
need any help.
Medical Training
The Practice takes fully qualified Doctors (an F2, who are doing a post graduate
module in General Practice) and Registrars (Doctors training to be a GP) with whom
you may be offered an appointment. The Practice also assists with the training of
medical students from time to time and offers occasional visits to A Level students
from out of the area who are hoping to practice medicine.
Research Projects
The Practice takes part in medically and ethically approved research projects which
often have benefits to patients taking part in these studies. The practice contributes
anonymous data to databases used for healthcare research purposes. No patient
data will be traceable to anyone outside the practice.
The Summary Care Record and your information
This is highly important and with this brochure you should find all the information
about who has access to your records, who you can allow access and any other way
your information is likely to be used. You should have a Summary Care leaflet, a
Oxfordshire Care Summary leaflet, an opt-out form for both of these as well as a
leaflet on how and who uses your data and information. Please read this information
very carefully and if you have any questions then please speak to someone in the
surgery.
Patient Panel
The surgery welcomes the views of our patients and has an active patient panel
group which meets regularly to discuss patient/surgery issues with the aim of
improving the services that we offer our patients. Any patient who is interested is
welcome to apply to sit on the panel or attend the meetings (subject to available
space).
How to see your doctor
At the surgery
Continuity of care is easier if you see your usual doctor. If your doctor is not
available you may consult another doctor who will have full access to your medical
records. To make an appointment please phone 01491 843200 or, once registered
for internet access to the surgery, appointments may also be made over the internet
on www.thehartsurgery.nhs.uk , If you cannot keep your appointment, please let
us know.
Advice from your Doctor:
If you wish to speak to your doctor, or their secretary, please do so by phoning 01491
843200 between 10.00am – 12.00am or 2.00pm – 4.00pm. Many queries can
usually be dealt with by the secretaries.
Results
Please telephone on a Tuesday - Friday between 10.00am – 12.00am and 2.30pm –
4.30pm on 01491 843200. Blood tests take a minimum of 3 days, X-rays about 7
days and cervical smears from 6-8 weeks.
Home visits
Patients whose illness prevents them from attending the surgery can be visited at
home. If a home visit is necessary, it is helpful if you could make the request before
10.30 am on 01491 843200,
Repeat prescriptions
If you are on regular medication your doctor may organise for you to have repeat
prescriptions.
You
may
order
your
prescription
on
line
via
www.thehartsurgery.nhs.uk, post a request to the surgery or drop it in at our
reception, or a chemist. In order to avoid errors and maintain an audit trail, we are
unable to take prescription requests over the phone. Once done, prescriptions may
be collected from the surgery or from a chemist of your choice in Henley*.
*Unfortunately, we can’t send prescriptions to any chemists outside of Henley unless a SAE is given to us, due to the high cost
of postage.
Registration details
The Practice generally covers patients who reside in or around a six mile radius of
Henley. If you move to the area and wish to register as a patient, we will ask you to
complete a registration form and a new patient questionnaire before seeing a GP.
It is very important that you notify the surgery immediately if you change your name,
address, postcode, email, telephone or mobile number, as we need to keep accurate
records. Though if you move outside our area we would ask you to talk to our
reception to discuss it further.
Services available
Treatment room
All our practice nurses are fully trained for the procedures they undertake. They can
help with removal of stitches, dressings, ear syringing, hearing tests, ECGs, 24hour
blood pressure monitoring and immunisations. They can also advise on all aspects
of travel vaccinations and health abroad.
Phlebotomy Clinic
We have a daily phlebotomy clinic for taking blood for testing
Minor Surgery
We are able to offer minor surgery for some skin problems and therapeutic injections
for painful joints and other conditions. Please see your doctor if you think these
could help you and they will let you know if you are eligible.
Travel advice
The practice nurses hold weekly clinics for travel advice and immunisations. Please
allow plenty of time before departure in order that the courses of immunisations can
be completed. Most travel immunisations need to be paid for in full by the patient,
others are available on the NHS. The Practice nurses can advise you which
immunisations are needed and the cost of the course. Patients who are not
registered at the surgery are welcome to have their immunisations at the surgery,
subject to the appropriate charge if applicable.
The Hart Surgery is a registered Yellow Fever Centre and people do not have to be
registered at the surgery to receive this vaccination for which there is a charge.
Sterile injection packs for use when visiting countries where hygiene may be dubious
can be purchased from the practice nurse.
Flu immunizations
In September, October and November each year we offer flu injections to patients at
particular risk. This is mainly for the over 65s but also those with particular chronic
conditions and children under 5.
Child development and Immunisation Clinic
The surgery runs routine baby and child development clinics by appointment where
all aspects of child care can be discussed.
Diabetes Clinic
Our specially trained practice nurses run regular diabetes clinics to improve the
general health and specific control of our patients suffering with diabetes. All patients
with diabetes are encouraged to register for this clinic, as it is our aim to reduce
complications caused by diabetes.
Asthma Clinic
The asthma clinic is run by appointment. Patients should be seen at least annually
as it is essential for patients with asthma to have their medication reviewed
periodically to ensure they have optimal care.
Ear Suction Clinic
We have a special clinic for patients whose ears are not suitable for syringing. Your
doctor will refer you if necessary.
Family Planning clinic and Well Woman clinic
Telephone 01491 843200 for an appointment. The doctors and our specially trained
family planning nurse, offer a full range of family planning services and health advice.
All doctors give general advice about contraception and will prescribe the
contraceptive pill or alternative methods: LARCs (Long Acting Reversible Contraceptives) such as IUCD (coil), Depo
injections and cap fittings are carried out by appointment, please let the
receptionist know to allow extra time when booking.
 Emergency contraception is available within 72 hours, but the sooner it is given,
the more effective it is. In an emergency you can be seen the same day.
Cervical Smear Tests
The surgery operates a call and recall system where patients are sent reminders at
appropriate intervals (normally 5 yearly) asking them to attend for a cervical smear.
The test can detect cell changes in the cervix (neck of the womb) that can sometimes
lead to cancer if left untreated. If the changes are present, treatment is nearly always
simple, effective and without major surgery.
Our Family Planning nurse and some of our doctors can carry out this procedure.
Please ask the receptionist for more details.
Young Persons Sexual Health Services are available. This is a totally confidential
service for young people whether or not they are registered at the surgery.
Maternity Services
All the doctors provide ante-natal and post-natal care by appointments.
community Midwife runs weekly clinics at the surgery.
The
Ophthalmology
Dr Grant has a special interest in ophthalmology. You may be referred to her for
assessment of eye problems. She is also able, to remove eye cysts which is done in
the Minor Surgery clinic.
Obesity
Dr Grant has also had special training in obesity management.
Other Members of the Clinical Team
District Nurses:
Telephone 01491 637427.
The district nurses provide skilled nursing care to patients of all ages in their own
homes, and offer support and advice to relatives and carers.
Health Visitors:
Telephone 01491 637428
Regular Clinics are held by the Health Visitors to carry out routine checks on your
child’s health and offer support and advice to parents. Appointments to these clinics
will be sent to you automatically.
Midwife:
Telephone 01491 843200.
The community midwife attached to the surgery offers ante-natal and post-natal care
jointly with the doctors and hospital clinics.
The Hart Surgery - Useful Telephone Numbers
Surgery
01491 843200
Out of Hours/NHS Direct
111
District Nurses
01491 637427
Health Visitors
01491 637428
Royal Berkshire Hospital
0118 322 5111
Townlands Hospital
01491 637400
John Radcliffe Hospital
01865 741166
Spire Dunedin Hospital
0118 958 4711
Berkshire Independent Hospital
0118 902 8000
Boots Pharmacy – Bell Street
01491 574132
Henley Pharmacy - Bell Street
01491 574142
Boots - West Lane
01491 573211
Tesco Pharmacy
01491 579946
Dental Helpline
0118 918 3359
Emergency Dentist Weekdays
01865 842609
Out of Hours
01865 201976
Carers
0845 050 7666
carersoxfordshire@oxfordshire.gov.uk
Major casualties should be taken immediately to the Royal Berkshire Hospital,
Reading.
Minor injuries can go to Townlands Hospital between the hours of 9.00am –
8.00pm 7 days a week
If you think an ambulance is required DIAL 999
The surgery is part of the Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group, Jubilee
House, 5510 John Smith Drive, Oxford Business Park South, OX4 2LH.
If you would like information regarding primary medical services available in the
area, please contact Thames Valley Primary Care Agency on 0118 918 3333.
Surgery Charter – our Standards
We have produced this surgery Charter so you, the patient, will know exactly what you should
expect. Within the surgery, you will be offered the most appropriate care. This may be advice
only, medicines, or if necessary, referral to a third party or specialist. No treatment or care will
be given without your informed consent.
ACCESS TO THE DOCTORS
You should expect to be able to see a doctor (in an
emergency appointment) the same day. If you are
disabled or too unwell to attend the Surgery, we will
visit you at home.
HEALTH PROMOTION
The Hart surgery has a policy of encouraging a
healthy lifestyle i.e. regular exercise, healthy diet,
not-smoking, moderate alcohol consumption. We will
make available to you information about:
• Steps you can take to encourage good health and
avoid illness.
• Things you can do in the first instance (self help)
without talking to the doctor or nurse.
INFORMATION
Full information about the services we offer is in our
surgery booklet. We will endeavour to explain/give
you full information regarding your care and health.
TEST RESULTS
If the surgery has arranged for you to have tests, you
will be told the results at the next appointment. If a
further appointment has not been arranged, ensure
you ring for the result between 10.00-12.00am and
2.30-4.30pm Monday – Friday.
NAMES
All those involved in your care will introduce
themselves and you will know how to contact them.
PATIENT FEEDBACK
Complaints should be directed to the practice
manager. We want to be sure we continue to improve
our services to you. Constructive suggestions are
always welcome.
REPEAT PRESCRIPTIONS
This surgery does not accept requests for repeat
prescriptions over the phone to prevent errors. We
will process requests for repeat prescriptions in 48
hours.
RESPECT
All involved in your care, will be polite and respectful,
irrespective of your circumstances.
TELEPHONE
Our telephone number is 01491 843200. We will
endeavour to answer the telephone promptly and
politely. At night or out of hours please phone 111
where you will be given further advice.
WAITING TIME
We run an appointment system within the surgery
and you will be given a time when you should see
either the nurse or doctor. You should not expect to
wait more than 20 minutes without knowing the
reason why.
YOUR RECORDS
It is your right to see your medical records under the
Data Protection Act 1998. Your records are
confidential. There will be a charge for this service.
Only ask for a home visit if the patient is too ill
to visit the surgery. If the doctor asks you to
come to the surgery please try to do so.
Request a visit as early as possible in the
morning, preferably before 10.30 a.m.
In order to ensure your continuing good health
and that of your children, when given
professional advice and help, please consider
following the recommendations that have
been made.
Please read our surgery booklet. This will
ensure you are aware of the services we offer.
If you have any queries please ask.
Results of tests take varying times to return to
the surgery. Please telephone for results
between 10.00-12.00am and 2.30-4.30pm
Monday – Friday. Please ask when having
the test, how long the results are likely to take
to return.
Let us know if you change your name,
address, email address or telephone number.
Do not suffer in silence’. We are keen to hear
your views both good and not so good, as we
are very happy to do our best to keep
improving our service.
We wish you to treat us as you would wish to
be treated yourself.
Please keep your telephone call brief and if
possible avoid calling during peak morning
times (8.00am-10.00am.) Monday to Friday
for non- urgent matters.
Please try to keep your appointment and be
punctual. If you cannot attend please tell us
as soon as possible. Your appointment can
then be offered to someone else.
You will be asked to complete an Access to
Health Records form to gain access to your
records.
Self help for Common Ailments
BACK PAIN
This common symptom is usually due to a muscle or ligament strain and settles down over
several days with the use of regular Paracetamol and Ibuprofen, which can be bought at the
chemist.
BURNS & SCALDS
Immediate treatment – pour cold water over the burn or scald for at least ten minutes. If the
skin is blistered or broken, the practice nurse or Townlands minor injuries unit should be
consulted.
CUTS
Bleeding can usually be stopped by applying pressure to the cut for 2-3 minutes. Apply a
plaster dressing firmly, bringing the edges of the cut together so that it knits quickly. Keep
dry for 1-2 days. If the cut is deep and the edges cannot be pulled together with a dressing,
consult the doctor or the practice nurse. A tetanus injection may be needed. If you think
stitching may be necessary go directly to Townlands minor injuries unit.
COLDS & SORE THROATS
There is no cure for the common cold: These are caused by viruses and last 7-10 days.
Antibiotics will not help. Aspirin, Ibuprofen or Paracetamol 4 times daily can relieve the
discomfort.
COUGHS
Coughing helps prevent mucus from settling on the chest causing infection. To suppress this
reflex action with cough mixtures can cause more harm than good. Steam inhalations may
help a dry cough and sitting propped up in bed may help at night.
See the Doctor or Practice Nurse: If the coughing continues for more than a week or two after the cold has cleared up
 If breathing is accompanied by a pain in the chest, or shortness of breath
 If coughing produces blood or if mucus is persistently discoloured
 If you are very worried
 If you are still getting worse after 3 days
 If there is an accompanying earache
DIARRHOEA & VOMITING
In adults it is unpleasant but rarely dangerous. There may be associated cramp-like pains in
the tummy. Symptoms usually begin to improve within 48 hours. Children may vomit with a
temperature.
Treatment Drink: take plenty of clear fluids – sips of water or water flavoured with apple juice
every 10 minutes. Food: is not important but if you are hungry there is no harm in eating
very bland solid food such as bread or mashed potato. Avoid all dairy products. Rest is
advisable.
When to see the Practice Nurse or Doctor:
 If the symptoms do not begin to settle within 3-4 days for an adult; 48 hours for a child
over 2 years old or 24 hours for a child under 2 years old.
 If tummy pain is continuous/child looks ill.
 If vomiting is accompanied by continuous stomach pain.
 If vomiting lasts for more than 24-48 hours.
 If the patient or parent is unduly anxious.
EARACHE
This is very common and often associated with a cold. In most cases this will settle with pain
relief alone and will not require antibiotics. Give regular doses of Paracetamol or Ibuprofen 4
times daily and consult the doctor in the normal surgery if the earache does not settle in 48
hours or sooner if unwell and feverish.
HAYFEVER / RHINITIS
Repeated episodes of a running or blocked up nose, without other symptoms of a cold, may
be due to over-sensitivity of the lining of the nose to a variety of irritants e.g. pollen
(hayfever), animal fur, smoke, dry air from central heating. A Beconase spray, available over
the counter and used regularly twice a day may relieve symptoms.
GRAZES
A graze must be cleaned carefully with an antiseptic solution e.g. Savlon. Leave the graze
uncovered. It is not a good idea to apply a dressing. This may stick to the graze or make it
soggy and infected.
HEAD INJURIES
If the patient was not ‘knocked out’ and can remember the accident, it is unlikely that serious
injury has resulted. But if the patient was knocked unconscious and cannot remember what
happened, he or she should be taken to The Royal Berkshire Hospital casualty department
without delay by ambulance if necessary.
INSECT BITES
The itching can be relieved by calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream or antihistamine
tablets – all available from the chemist without a prescription.
NOSE BLEEDS
Sit in a chair (leaning forward with your mouth open) and pinch your nose just below the
bone for approximately 10 minutes, by which time the bleeding should have stopped. Repeat
once. Avoid aspirins, hot drinks and hot food for 24 hours and do not pick your nose. If the
symptoms persist consult your doctor.
SUNBURN
Sunburn should if possible be prevented by avoiding long exposure, using factor 30 lotions
and covering exposed areas adequately. It is best treated by calamine lotion or
hydrocortisone 1% cream, soluble aspirin (not for children under 12), Ibuprofen or
Paracetamol to relieve the pain.
TREATMENT OF FEVERS
 Reduce the amount of clothing to keep cool.
 Give regular doses of Paracetamol and/or Ibuprofen mixture or tablets.
 Drink plenty of fluids. Food is not important.
 If the temperature does not come down after 48 hours phone the Surgery and speak to
the doctor or practice nurse.
WOMEN’S PROBLEMS
1. Cystitis - stinging or burning on passing urine, often with frequent trips to the lavatory.
Treatment: Drink plenty of clear fluids and if the symptoms have not lessened in 24 hours
telephone the pharmacist for advice.
2. Thrush – vaginal itching or soreness, usually with a white discharge. Treatment –
Canesten cream or pessaries, available from the chemist over the counter. Avoid soap or
bubble baths and refrain from intercourse, using tampons for one week after the symptoms
have gone.