King George Road Surgery
52a King George Road
Walderslade
Chatham
Kent, ME5 0TT
Telephone: 01634 671037
01634 672729
Fax:
Website
www.kinggeorgeroadsurgery.nhs.uk
When the surgery is closed call 111
Welcome to King George Road Surgery
Welcome to our website where we hope you will find enhanced convenience added to first class
healthcare. Find out when we are open and how to see a member of the team. We’ve made life a
little easier with practice updates, news on the latest health issues and even access to repeat
medication all at your fingertips.
Your Good Health
Access to a wide range of healthcare services is a key element of a good local practice. We don’t
just want to see you when you’re ill we want to make sure you stay healthy too. Check out how
we can cover both bases with our clinics and services.
Best Practice
Our professional team will ensure you receive the best attention at all times whether you’re
attending a specialist clinic or a routine appointment. If you’re new to the area registration is
easy and comes with the comfort of discretion and confidentiality assured.
Thinking of Giving Up Smoking?
We now run a free stop smoking clinic. To make the first step to becoming a 'non smoker'
contact reception to book your first appointment.
Opening Times
Morning
Afternoon
Monday
08:30 - 12:00 14:00 - 18:00
Tuesday
08:30 - 12:00 14:00 - 18:00*
Wednesday 08:30 - 12:00 14:00 - 18:00*
Thursday
08:30 - 12:00 14:00 - 18:00
Friday
08:30 - 12:00 14:00 - 18:00
Weekend
closed
closed
Please note some clinics run over the lunch period so please press the buzzer next to the door if
you have an appointment at that time.
When We Are Closed
The opening hours of our surgery are 8.30 to 6.00 Monday to Friday.
If you have an urgent medical problem outside of our opening hours, which cannot wait
until the surgery re-opens, please contact NHS 111 to access the out of hours service.
Just dial 1-1-1 from a phone.
NHS 111 is a new service that's being introduced to make it easier for you to access local
NHS healthcare services. You can call 111 when you need medical help fast but it’s not a
999 emergency. NHS 111 is a fast and easy way to get the right help, whatever the time.
NHS 111 is free to call from both landlines and mobiles.
Call 999 in an emergency.
Appointments
We offer a variety of appointment slots that can be booked in advance or on the day. Please
telephone 01634 671037.
The first part of each morning surgery is by advance appointment. The second part offers
appointments on the day.
Consultations are generally for 10 minute periods and for one person only. Therefore if you think
you may need longer or if more than one member of the family needs to be seen, please book a
double appointment.
Telephone Advice
There may be occasions when you would prefer to speak to your GP or our nurse practitioner on
the telephone rather than visiting the practice. Our reception team will happily take your contact
details and ask the nature of your call before passing a message to the appropriate clinician.
More often than not the person you wish to speak with will be consulting when you telephone
but will return your call when their clinic has finished.
Practice Nurses
In a number of cases it might be worth considering an appointment with a practice nurse rather
than a doctor. Practice nurses are qualified to deal with many ailments and you may be seen
more quickly.
Sign Language and Community Interpreters
Through Medway Council we are able to offer both foreign and sign language interpreters. Our
reception staff will be happy to advise you should this be a requirement.
Cancellations
If you cannot attend an appointment for any reason please inform us as soon as possible in order
for us to give the slot to someone else.
Home Visits
If possible please try to telephone reception before 11:00 if you require a home visit.
You may only request a home visit if you are housebound or are too ill to visit the practice. Your
GP will only visit you at home if they think that your medical condition requires it and will also
decide how urgently a visit is needed.
You can be visited at home by a community nurse if you are referred by your GP. You should
also be visited at home by a health visitor if you have recently had a baby or if you are newly
registered with a GP and have a child under five years.
Sickness Certificates
You do not require a doctor's sickness certificate for any illness lasting seven days or less. Your
employer may however require you to complete a self-certification form (SC2) which is
available from your employer or on the HMRC website (www.hmrc.gov.uk/forms/sc2.pdf) .
Evidence that you are sick
If you are sick for more than seven days, your employer can ask you to give them some form of
medical evidence to support payment of SSP (statutory sick pay).
It is up to your employer to decide whether you are incapable of work. A medical certificate,
now called a 'Statement of Fitness for Work’ (see below) from your doctor is strong evidence
that you are sick and would normally be accepted, unless there is evidence to prove otherwise.
You could also provide evidence from someone who is not a medical practitioner, e.g. a dentist.
Your employer will decide whether or not this evidence is acceptable. If your employer has any
doubts, they may still ask for a medical certificate from your GP.
Statement of Fitness for Work - ’Fit Note'
The 'fit note' was introduced on 6 April 2010. With your employer's support, the note will help
you return to work sooner by providing more information about the effects of your illness or
injury.
For more information see the DirectGov website
(www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Illorinjured/
DG_175850) (where this information was sourced)
Patients who fail to attend for their appointments and do not inform the practice incur significant
cost to the practice and to other patients in terms of lost appointments. The practice is committed
to providing appointments to meet the needs of patients but cannot replace appointments lost due
to failure to attend.
During June 2013, 55 appointments were wasted on patients who failed to attend. This is over 9
hours worth of appointment time!
It is our practice policy to monitor all cases of patients not attending appointments
(Did not Attend—DNA ) and contact will be made with all patients who fail to inform
the practice that they will not be attending their appointment.
Patients who repeatedly fail to attend appointments and do not contact the surgery in advance
will be sent a letter.
A further DNA appointment following the issue of the letter will result in review of the
circumstances by the Practice Manager and one of the Partners to determine what action will be
taken.
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Possible outcomes in this situation are:
1. The patient will be invited to meet with the Practice Manager to explain why they have
difficulties in failing to notify the surgery.
2. The patient will receive a further warning letter that further occurrences of DNA will
result in their removal from the practice list.
3. The patient will be sent a letter informing them that they will be removed from the
practice list.
Please help us to help you by always cancelling an appointment you are unable to attend or
no longer need.
Should you have any comments, suggestion or concerns regarding our policy on appointments
please ask to speak to the Practice Manager.
We have a new online prescription request service now up
an running. From the 31st May the current system will
cease. In order to be able to continue using the online repeat
prescription service you will need to register. The reason for
this change is we have a new system in place that directly
links up to our clinical system
To register for the new service please complete the form and
hand it to reception. You can find the form by clicking on
the link below: Online Services Registration Form
Repeat Prescriptions
Patients on long-term medication can order repeat prescriptions in a number of ways:
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By Hand – drop your repeat slip in at reception with the required items clearly marked.
By Post – send it to us with a stamped addressed envelope if you want us to post it back
to you.
By Fax – to 01634 672729
Online – follow the link at the top of this page and carry out a simple registration.
Prescriptions can be sent to Merlin Pharmacy or any other participating pharmacy.
Medication Reviews
Patients on repeat medication will be asked to see either a doctor, nurse practitioner or practice
nurse at least once a year to review these regular medications.
Electronic Prescription Service
This service enables your prescription to be sent electronically to any participating phamacy of
your choice. Should you wish to nominate a participating pharmacy this can be done by
completing the form below and handinging it into either the surgery or your nominated
pharmacy.
Register to use the Electronic Prescription Service
Please allow two full working days between requesting and collecting your medication.
Please note: Pharmacy 2 u is not associated with this practice.
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
These charges apply in England only. In Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales
prescriptions are free of charge.
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Prescription (per item): £7.85
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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.
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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)
Please allow 48 hours, excluding weekends and Bank Holidays, for your request to be processed.
Any problems please telephone the surgery.
Clinics & Services
Clinics & Services
In addition to general medical consultations we are pleased to be able to provide specialist clinics
and services covering the following areas:
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Asthma/COPD management
Hypertension screening and management
Stroke management
Childhood immunisations
Minor surgical procedures
Travel health advice and immunisations
Family planning (contraceptive advice)
Ante natal and post natal clinics
Weight management support
Well Women/Man clinics
Implanon implantation
Diabetic screening and management
CHD/heart failure
Hyperthyroidism management
Child health surveillance
Smoking cessation support
Cervical screening
Chlamydia screening
NHS Health Checks
Phlebotomy
Ear irrigation
Dermatology
Non-NHS Services
Non-NHS Services
Some services provided fall outside the scope of the NHS and therefore attract charges.
Examples include the following:
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Medicals for pre-employment, sports and driving requirements (HGV, PSV etc.)
Insurance claim forms
Passport signing
Prescriptions for taking medication abroad
Private sick notes
Vaccination certificates
Our reception staff will be happy to advise you about appointment availability and applicable
charges.
Minor Surgery
King George Road Surgery offers a wide range of minor surgery procedures including:
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Steroid injections
Excisions of moles, lumps, skin tags & cysts
Coil fitting and removal
Cauterisation of warts and veruccas
Aspirations
Please contact reception to arrange an appointment with your GP to discuss what minor
surgery may be required.
We also provide this service to patients that are not registered with our practice, you would
need to visit your own GP and ask for a referral to King George Road Surgery.
Blood Tests - Phlebotomy
Blood tests can be done by appointment only.
All registered patients and non-registered patients, aged 2 and over.
Please contact reception on 01634 671037 to book your appointment.
Please bring with you your blood form.
Should you have a fasting test then please let the receptionist know and they will book you
in for an early morning appointment.
Chlamydia Screening
Chlamydia is the most common STI among under 25s and is caused by the bacteria
Chlamydia Trachomatis. Chlamydia is easily passed from one person to another through
sexual contact.
Chlamydia often has no symptoms, so you can only be sure you don't have Chlamydia if
you have a test.
Symptoms could include:
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Unusual discharge from the vagina (or urethra), penis and/or anus
Pain when passing urine
Pain or bleeding during sex
Swelling/soreness around the genitals
Lower abdominal pain
If left untreated, Chlamydia can cause painful and serious health problems in men and
women including infertility.
If you are aged between 15 and 25 then please feel free to ask at reception to obtain a
testing kit or ask for an appointment with our Health Care Assistant to discuss further.
NHS Health Check
The NHS Health Check programme aims to help prevent heart disease, stroke, diabetes, kidney
disease and certain types of dementia. Everyone between the ages of 40 and 74, who has not
already been diagnosed with one of these conditions or have certain risk factors, will be invited
(once every five years) to have a check to assess their risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease
and diabetes and will be given support and advice to help them reduce or manage that risk
The check will take about 20 minutes, during which you will be asked some simple questions
such as your family history and any medication you are currently taking. Your height, weight,
age, sex and ethnicity will be recorded. Your blood pressure will also be taken and a simple
blood test will be carried out to check your cholesterol level.
After the check you’ll be taken through your results and be offered personalised advice on how
to lower your risk and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Once you receieve an invitation, pease contact the surgery to book an appointment for your
free NHS health check.
Stop Smoking Service
Thinking of quitting smoking, but unsure if you can do it?
Quitting smoking is hard, but quitting alone is harder.
You are 4 times more likely to make it if you opt for support alongside your chosen medication.
At the King George Road Surgery we are now running a Stop Smoking Service.
The service is free of charge
Medication on prescription
Call: 01634 671037 to book your first appointment
Test Results
Test Results
You are welcome to call after 11:00 to enquire about your test results as our staff will have more
time to help you at this time.
You will be told how long you should expect to wait for the results at the time of your test so
please bear this in mind before calling. It is then your responsibility to check them and make any
necessary follow-up appointment with the doctor.
Please note that we do have a strict policy regarding confidentiality and data protection. In this
respect we will only give out results to the person they relate to unless that person has given prior
permission for their release or if they are not capable of understanding them.
Blood Tests
Blood Tests
A blood test is when a sample of blood is taken for testing in a laboratory. Blood tests have a
wide range of uses and are one of the most common types of medical test. For example, a blood
test can be used to:
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assess your general state of health
confirm the presence of a bacterial or viral infection
see how well certain organs, such as the liver and kidneys, are functioning
A blood test usually involves the phlebotomist taking a blood sample from a blood vessel in your
arm. and the usual place for a sample is the inside of the elbow or wrist, where the veins are
relatively close to the surface. Blood samples from children are most commonly taken from the
back of the hand. The child's hand will be anaesthetised (numbed) with a special cream before
the sample is taken.
You can find out more about blood tests, their purpose and the way they are performed on the
NHS Choices website.
X-Ray
X-Ray
An X-ray is a widely used diagnostic test to examine the inside of the body. X-rays are a very
effective way of detecting problems with bones, such as fractures. They can also often identify
problems with soft tissue, such as pneumonia or breast cancer.
If you have a X-ray, you will be asked to lie on a table or stand against a surface so that the part
of your body being X-rayed is between the X-ray tube and the photographic plate.
An X-ray is usually carried out by a radiographer, a healthcare professional who specialises in
using imaging technology, such as X-rays and ultrasound scanners.
You can find out more about x-ray tests, how they are performed, their function and the risks by
visiting the NHS Choices website (www.nhs.uk/conditions/x-ray/Pages/Introduction.aspx) .
Registration
New Patient Registration
Patients living within the practice area, which covers postcode ME5, are welcome to register.
Please bring along proof of identification such as driving licence, passport or a recent utility bill.
You will also need to complete a registration form (GMS1) and a health questionnaire which will
provide useful information whilst we wait for your medical records to arrive from your previous
doctor.
All new patients are offered a new patient health check with a member of the healthcare team.
Medical treatment is available from the date of registration. Please contact reception for further
information.
Guide to GP Services
The Royal College of General Practitioners has produced a useful guide for patients about the
services on offer at GP Surgeries and how to access them. You can download the guide below.
A Patient Guide to GP Services (www.rcgp.org.uk/pdf/rcgp_iyp_full_booklet_web_version.pdf)
Registering Online
Online 'Pre-Registration' With The Practice
If you wish to pre-register click on the link below to open the form. When you have completed
all of the details, click on the "Send" button to mail your form to us. When you visit the surgery
for the first time you will be asked to sign the form to confirm that the details are correct
and you will also need to provide identification before we can process your registration.
Pre-registration Form
When you register you will also be asked to fill out a medical questionnaire. This is because it
can take a considerable time for us to receive your medical records. There is an online version of
this file too, which you may fill out and send to us. When you come to the surgery you will be
asked to sign this form to confirm that the details are correct.
Online Medical Questionnaire For New Patients
Note that by sending the form you will be transmitting information about your self across the
Internet and although every effort is made to keep this information secure, no guarantee can be
offered in this respect.
Alternatively you may print off a registration form, fill it out and bring it in with you on your
first visit to the practice.
Registration Form
Temporary Residents
Temporary Registration
If you are ill while away from home or if you are not registered with a doctor but need to see one
you can receive emergency treatment from the local GP practice for 14 days. After 14 days you
will need to register as a temporary or permanent patient.
You can be registered as a temporary patient for up to three months. This will allow you to be on
the local practice list and still remain a patient of your permanent GP. After three months you
will have to re-register as a temporary patient or permanently register with that practice.
To register as a temporary patient simply contact the local practice you wish to use. Practices do
not have to accept you as a temporary patient although they do have an obligation to offer
emergency treatment. You cannot register as a temporary patient at a practice in the town or area
where you are already registered.
Download the Temporary Resident Registration Form
Care Data
Information about you and the care you receive is shared, in a secure system, by healthcare staff
to support your treatment and care.
It is important that we, the NHS, can use this information to plan and improve services for all
patients. We would like to link information from all the different places where you receive care,
such as your GP, hospital and community service, to help us provide a full picture. This will
allow us to compare the care you received in one area against the care you received in another,
so we can see what has worked best.
Information such as your postcode and NHS number, but not your name, will be used to link
your records in a secure system, so your identity is protected. Information which does not reveal
your identity can then be used by others, such as researchers and those planning health services,
to make sure we provide the best care possible for everyone.
You have a choice. If you are happy for your information to be used in this way you do not have
to do anything. If you have any concerns or wish to prevent this from happening, please speak to
practice staff or download a copy of the leaflet “How information about you helps us to provide
better care” below.
We need to make sure that you know this is happening and the choices you have.
How information about you helps us to provide better care
Care Data - Frequently Asked Questions
Should you wish to opt out of please click on the link below, complete the form and give to
reception:
Care Data Opt Out Form
You can find out more on the NHS England Care Data website
(www.england.nhs.uk/ourwork/tsd/care-data/)
Self Help
We are keen to help patients improve on self help and hope that the following information will
offer some insight into that.
Take a look and see if you can improve your own understanding of your health and well-being!
Please encourage others to look here too.
Here is a list of ailments that can be safely self managed. You will see that you can take a look
via the hyperlink at the other websites which can offer you further information about managing
your condition.
Common ailments that can be self managed :
Back pain
Cold sores
NHS Choices (www.nhs.uk/conditions/backpain/Pages/Introduction.aspx)
NHS Choices (www.nhs.uk/conditions/coldsore/Pages/Introduction.aspx)
Common Cold
Conjunctivitis
NHS Choices (www.nhs.uk/conditions/coldcommon/Pages/Introduction.aspx)
NHS Choices (www.nhs.uk/conditions/conjunct
infective/Pages/Introduction.aspx)
Information Leaflet
Cough
Constipation
NHS Choices
(www.nhs.uk/conditions/cough/Pages/Introduct
NHS Choices
(www.nhs.uk/conditions/constipation/Pages/Introduction.aspx)
Information Leaflet
Diarrhoea
Dysmenorrhoea (painful periods)
NHS Choices
(www.nhs.uk/conditions/diarrhoea/Pages/Introduction.aspx)
NHS Choices (www.nhs.uk/conditions/periodspainful/Pages/Introduction.aspx)
Earache
Haemorrhoids
NHS Choices (www.nhs.uk/conditions/otitismedia/pages/symptoms.aspx)
NHS Choices
(www.nhs.uk/conditions/haemorrhoids/Pages/W
page.aspx)
Hayfever
Head lice
NHS Choices (www.nhs.uk/conditions/hayfever/Pages/Introduction.aspx)
NHS Choices (www.nhs.uk/conditions/headlice/Pages/Introduction.aspx)
Headache
Heartburn & Indigestion
NHS Choices
NHS Choices
(www.nhs.uk/livewell/headaches/Pages/headacheshome.aspx) (www.nhs.uk/conditions/heartburn/Pages/Intro
Influenza
Insect bites
NHS Choices
(www.nhs.uk/conditions/flu/Pages/Introduction.aspx)
NHS Choices
(www.nhs.uk/conditions/migraine/Pages/Introd
Information Leaflet
Migraine
Nasal congestion
NHS Choices
(www.nhs.uk/conditions/migraine/Pages/Introduction.aspx)
NHS Choices
(www.nhs.uk/conditions/catarrh/Pages/Introdu
Nappy rash
NHS Choices (www.nhs.uk/conditions/nappyrash/Pages/Introduction.aspx)
Sore throat
NHS Choices (www.nhs.uk/conditions/sorethroat/Pages/Introduction.aspx)
Information Leaflet
Sinusitis
Sprains and strains
NHS Choices
(www.nhs.uk/conditions/Sinusitis/Pages/Introduction.aspx)
NHS Choices
(www.nhs.uk/conditions/sprains/Pages/Introdu
Thrush
Warts and Verrucas
NHS Choices
(www.nhs.uk/conditions/thrush/Pages/Introduction.aspx)
NHS Choices
(www.nhs.uk/conditions/warts/Pages/Introduct
Do you really need to go to A&E?
Accident and Emergency Department
A&E departments assess and treat patients with serious injuries or illnesses. Generally, you
should visit A&E or call 999 for life-threatening emergencies, such as:
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loss of consciousness
acute confused state and fits that are not stopping
persistent, severe chest pain
breathing difficulties
severe bleeding that cannot be stopped
Minor Injuries Unit
If you have an injury that is not life threatening, i.e. wound infection, broken bones, burns,
sprains, animal bites etc..you can get help from a minor injuries unit, rather than going to A&E.
This allows A&E staff to concentrate on people with serious, life-threatening conditions and will
save you a potentially long wait. There are minor injuries units situated at:
Sittingbourne Memorial Hospital
Sheppey Community Hospital
Bell Road
Plover Road, Minster-on-Sea
Sittingbourne
ME12 3LT
ME10 4DT
Telephone: 01795 879104
Telephone: 01795 418300
Open 9am to 9pm 7 days a week.
Open 9am to 9pm 7 days a week
Minor Injuries Unit’s are usually nurse-led services and an appointment is not necessary.
NHS 111
The NHS 111 service is if you urgently need medical help or advice but it's not a life-threatening
situation. NHS 111 will direct you to the service that best suits your needs, this could be A&E,
an out-of-hours doctor, an urgent care centre or a walk-in centre, a community nurse, an
emergency dentist or a late-opening chemist. If NHS 111 advisers think you need an ambulance,
they will immediately arrange for one to be sent to you. NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day,
365 days a year. Calls are free from land lines and mobile phones.
Community Pharmacy – Minor Ailments Service
Your local pharmacist is trained to give advice and prescribe medications for many minor
ailments, including:
Minor cuts & Bruises Thread worms
Conjunctivitis
Mild acne & eczema
Period pain
Cough
Impetigo
Thrush
Colds
Dermatitis
Warts and verrucas Temperature
Constipation
Mouth ulcer
Sore throat
Hemorrhoids
Cold sore
Insect bite
Hay fever & allergies Athletes foot
Nasal congestion
Aches and pains
Nappy rash
Thrush
Indigestion
Teething
Chicken Pox
Diarrhoea
NHS Walk in Centre
If you need to see a GP or nurse without an appointment, 8am-8pm, 7 days a week. Medway
NHS Healthcare Centre, 547 - 553 Canterbury Street, Gillingham, Kent, ME7 5LF, Telephone:
01634 575232
Mental Health MattersHelpline offers confidential emotional support and guidance, 24 hours a
day, 365 days a year – 0800 17 0160
If you are unsure then ‘phone before you go’
Call NHS 111 anytime for advice on which service to use.
Please keep emergency services free for those who really need them
Using Health Records
Why we ask for personal information
In order to provide you with the best possible healthcare, we need to maintain proper records of
your health and make sure that this is available to your medical team, wherever and whenever
possible. Doctors need to make notes about any diagnosis, test results, treatments including drug
prescriptions, and other information that you may provide, that seems relevant to the treatment of
your condition. Nurses and other health professionals also need access to these records, and will
add their own notes, as part of the overall healthcare provision.
Secretaries, receptionists and other clerical staff need access to some of your records in order to
complete administrative tasks, such as booking appointments, and for communicating with you,
other parts of the NHS and care providers. The NHS is dedicated to protecting your information.
All information about patients is kept in the strictest confidence.
Everyone working for the NHS has a responsibility and legal duty to protect your information,
so that information is not disclosed to unauthorised bodies or people. Information is recorded,
either on paper or in computer files. However, it is all treated with the same strictly controlled
confidential care. The Law strictly controls the sharing of some types of very sensitive personal
information. We are continually reviewing ways in which confidentiality improvements can be
made and it is important for us to know and understand the views of patients and users of the
service, including carers. If you agree your relatives, friends and carers will be kept up to date
with the progress of your treatment. We may also use some of the information for other reasons.
Anyone who receives information from us is also under a legal duty to keep it confidential. You
may also be receiving care from other organisations as well as the NHS. To enable us to work
together for your benefit, we may share some information about you. We may use some
information for other reasons, such as to help us protect the health of the public generally and to
see that the NHS runs efficiently. Also, so that the NHS can make plans for the future, train its
staff, pay its bills and to help staff review the care they provide to you is of the highest standard.
Information may also be needed to carry out medical and other health research for the benefit of
everyone. Research projects are always approved by local Research Ethics Committees. If
anything to do with research would involve you personally, you will be contacted to see if you
would be willing to take part.
Improvements and advances in medical care and treatment can only occur by monitoring current
practices. Sometimes managers and planners as well as researchers may need to examine records
to assist in the monitoring process. All data that could identify you personally is removed. In
addition, the NHS maintains a number of registries for diseases such as cancer, to allow the NHS
to plan the services it provides. These registries are used to monitor the effectiveness of
treatments and, therefore, over time improve the outcomes for specific conditions.
How to access your health records
You have a right of access to your own health records, subject to certain conditions. If you want
to see the information that is kept about you, then make a written request to the person who holds
your health records.
Who to contact for further information
If at any time you would like to know more about how we use your information you can speak to
the person in charge of your care, to the Practice Manager or Assistant Practice Manager.
CQC - Care Quality Commission
Care Quality Commission page on King George Road Surgery
Carers Direct
Carers Direct
(www.nhs.uk/carersdirect/Pages/CarersDirectHome.aspx)
Are You a Carer?
If you are please let us know (www.churchviewpractice.nhs.uk/carer.aspx) - we may be able to help
you
There is a wealth of information on NHS Choices
(www.nhs.uk/carersdirect/Pages/CarersDirectHome.aspx) about carers and caring. Below are some
links into the site that we hope you will find useful.
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Caring for a parent
(www.nhs.uk/video/pages/medialibrary.aspx?Page=1&Filter=&Id={6F24B98E-41DC-499F-B97C0A2C688F5100}&Tag=Carers&Title=NHS+VIDEOS+|+Caring+for+a+parent+at+home&Uri=video/2
009/November/Pages/Caringforaparentathome.aspx)
Watch this video on: caring for a parent at home
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Telling people (www.nhs.uk/CarersDirect/yourself/relationships/Pages/telling-friends.aspx)
Caring responsibilities can make it difficult to maintain friendships or develop new ones.
Telling your friends you're a carer is important so they understand and can support you.
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Taking a break (www.nhs.uk/CarersDirect/yourself/timeoff/Pages/Overview.aspx)
Caring for someone can be a full-time job, but it's essential that you take time out for yourself
too. Read our guide to accessing breaks and respite.

Housing and carers (www.nhs.uk/CarersDirect/guide/practicalsupport/Pages/Housing.aspx)
Do you know your tenancy rights as a carer? Are you aware of all your care at home options? Do
you need tips on moving someone around the home?
Contact Carers Direct
Telephone
0808 802 0202
Helpline Information
http://www.nhs.uk/carersdirect/carerslives/updates/pages/carersdirecthelpline.aspx
(www.nhs.uk/carersdirect/carerslives/updates/pages/carersdirecthelpline.aspx)
Email
CarersDirect@nhschoices.nhs.uk
Office Hours
Lines are open 8am to 9pm Monday to Friday, 11am to 4pm at weekends. Calls are free from UK landlines.
Carers support groups
Finance and Law
Help claiming benefits, looking after your bank balance and understanding the legal issues of caring.

Benefits for carers (www.nhs.uk/carersdirect/moneyandlegal/carersbenefits)
Directing carers to the benefits that can help them in their caring role

Benefits for the person you care for
(www.nhs.uk/carersdirect/moneyandlegal/disabilitybenefits)
Advice and information on helping the person you look after get the benefits that they are
entitled to

Death and benefits (www.nhs.uk/carersdirect/moneyandlegal/deathandbenefits)
How your benefits maybe affected after the death of the person you look after and what
happens to their benefits

Managing someone's legal affairs (www.nhs.uk/carersdirect/moneyandlegal/legal)
Advice for when carers find they have to take over the legal affairs of the person they are
looking after

Other benefits (www.nhs.uk/carersdirect/moneyandlegal/otherbenefits)
Advice for carers and the people they are looking after on claiming a whole host of other
benefits unrelated to their disability or caring

Personal and household finance (www.nhs.uk/carersdirect/moneyandlegal/finance)
Advice on keeping a tight rein on household and personal finance for carers

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Social fund (www.nhs.uk/carersdirect/moneyandlegal/socialfund)
Tax credits (www.nhs.uk/carersdirect/moneyandlegal/taxcredits)
Information on claiming tax credits and whether you might be eligible
Consent
What does this mean?
Where possible, a clinician must be satisfied that a patient understands and consents to a
proposed treatment or investigation. This will include the nature, purpose, and risks of the
procedure, if necessary by the use of drawings, interpreters, videos or other means to ensure that
the patient understands, and has enough information to make an “informed choice”.
Implied Consent
Implied consent will be assumed for many routine physical contacts with patients. Where
implied consent is to be assumed by the clinician, in all cases, the following will apply;
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An explanation will be given to the patient what he/she is about to do, and why.
The explanation will be sufficient for the patient to understand the procedure.
In all cases where the patient is under 18 years of age a verbal confirmation of consent
will be obtained and briefly entered into the medical record.
Where there is a significant risk to the patient an “Expressed Consent” will be obtained in
all cases (See below).
Expressed Consent
Expressed consent (written or verbal) will be obtained for any procedure which carries a risk that
the patient is likely to consider as being substantial. A note will be made in the medical record
detailing the discussion about the consent and the risks. A consent form may be used for the
patient to express consent.
NHS Health Check
The NHS Health Check programme aims to help prevent heart disease, stroke, diabetes,
kidney disease and certain types of dementia. Everyone between the ages of 40 and
74, who has not already been diagnosed with one of these conditions or have certain
risk factors, will be invited (once every five years) to have a check to assess their risk of
heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and diabetes and will be given support and advice
to help them reduce or manage that risk
The check will take about 20 minutes, during which you will be asked some simple
questions such as your family history and any medication you are currently taking. Your
height, weight, age, sex and ethnicity will be recorded. Your blood pressure will also be
taken and a simple blood test will be carried out to check your cholesterol level.
After the check you’ll be taken through your results and be offered personalised advice
on how to lower your risk and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Once you receive an invitation, please contact the surgery to book an
appointment for your free NHS Health Check.
Change4Life
What is Change4Life?
These days, ’modern life’ can mean that we’re a lot less active. With so many opportunities to
watch TV or play computer games, and with so much convenience and fast food available, we
don’t move about as much, or eat as well as we used to.
Change4Life for your kids
Nine out of 10 of our kids today could grow up with dangerous amounts of fat in their bodies.
This can cause life-threatening diseases like cancer, type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Change4Life for you
By the time we reach middle age, the majority of us could do with losing at least a bit of weight.
Being overweight isn’t just about the way we look. It can lead to more aches and pains, problems
sleeping and people report a loss of energy and confidence. It also increases our chances of
getting heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. Middle age comes to everyone – ‘middle aged spread’ doesn’t
have to.
You’ve taken the first step towards getting yourself or your kids eating well, moving more and
living longer just by being here - so welcome to Change4Life!
Please click here to visit the Change4Life
website: http://www.nhs.uk/Change4Life/Pages/change-for-life.aspx
(www.nhs.uk/Change4Life/Pages/change-for-life.aspx)
Local Leisure Centres
Medway Local Leisure Centres offer many great ways to help improve your level of health and fitness.
Activities include swimming, badminton, gym, exercise classes and many more.
Please click on the links below for more information from Medway Council:
Medway Local Leisure Centres
(www.medway.gov.uk/leisureandculture/leisurecentre
s.aspx)
Active Medway Cycling Groups
Dementia Helpline
Is dementia something which affects you or your family?
Do you have any questions or concerns
and would like to talk to someone?
DEMENTIA HELPLINE
24 Hour
Kent
Freephone
0800 500 3014
*Calls to 0800 numbers are free from a landline. Calls from mobiles will vary,
please refer to your network operator for charges
Monday to Friday 9.00am- 5.00pm qualified staff can:
• Source and mail out relevant information
• Discuss any concerns you may have
• Signpost to relevant services for support
Evenings and weekends:
• Offer emotional support (anonymous service)
You can also e-mail your questions to:
helpline@alz-dem.org
answered within 24 hours weekdays
They understand the difficulties you may be
experiencing and never judge.
Please call - They are there to help
Practice Policies
Confidentiality & Medical Records
The practice complies with data protection and access to medical records legislation. Identifiable
information about you will be shared with others in the following circumstances:
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To provide further medical treatment for you e.g. from district nurses and hospital
services.
To help you get other services e.g. from the social work department. This requires your
consent.
When we have a duty to others e.g. in child protection cases anonymised patient
information will also be used at local and national level to help the Health Board and
Government plan services e.g. for diabetic care.
If you do not wish anonymous information about you to be used in such a way, please let us
know.
Reception and administration staff require access to your medical records in order to do their
jobs. These members of staff are bound by the same rules of confidentiality as the medical staff.
Freedom of Information
Information about the General Practioners and the practice required for disclosure under this act
can be made available to the public. All requests for such information should be made to the
practice manager.
Access to Records
In accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998 and Access to Health Records Act, patients
may request to see their medical records. Such requests should be made through the practice
manager and may be subject to an administration charge. No information will be released
without the patient consent unless we are legally obliged to do so.
Complaints
We make every effort to give the best service possible to everyone who attends our practice.
However, we are aware that things can go wrong resulting in a patient feeling that they have a
genuine cause for complaint. If this is so, we would wish for the matter to be settled as quickly,
and as amicably, as possible.
To pursue a complaint please contact the practice manager who will deal with your concerns
appropriately. Further written information is available regarding the complaints procedure from
reception.
Medway Complaints Leaflet
Violence Policy
The NHS operate a zero tolerance policy with regard to violence and abuse and the practice has
the right to remove violent patients from the list with immediate effect in order to safeguard
practice staff, patients and other persons. Violence in this context includes actual or threatened
physical violence or verbal abuse which leads to fear for a person’s safety. In this situation we
will notify the patient in writing of their removal from the list and record in the patient’s medical
records the fact of the removal and the circumstances leading to it.
Staff Details
Doctors
Dr Selvanayagam Maheswaran
MBBS LRCP Ed LRCP & S. Glasg.
Dr Olugbenga Sofowora
MBBS MRCOG DFFP
Nurses
Jane
Muir
RGN
Practice nurses are qualified and registered nurses. They can help with health
issues such as family planning, healthy living advice, blood pressure checks
and dressings. The practice nurses run clinics for long-term health conditions
such as asthma or diabetes, minor ailment clinics and carry out cervical
smears.
Healthcare Assistants
Angela Wilkin
Healthcare assistants support practice nurses with their daily work and carry out
tasks such as phlebotomy (drawing blood), blood pressure measurement and new
patient checks. They may act as a chaperone when a patient or doctor requests one.
Practice Management
Kelly Temple Practice Manager
The practice manager is involved in managing all of the business aspects of the
practice such as making sure that the right systems are in place to provide a high
quality of patient care, human resources, finance, patient safety, premises and
equipment and information technology. The practice manager supports the GPs and
other medical professionals with delivering patient services and also helps to
develop extended services to enhance patient care.
Reception
Kirsty
Shanine
Sandra
Christine
Louise
Our reception staff are keen to help patients in any way possible. They do not offer
medical advice but may be able to resolve queries by seeking more information
from patients.
All information given to receptionists is treated with strict confidentiality.
Our staff are well motivated but they do have a difficult job, so please try to help
them. They work under the doctors’ instructions to make it as easy as possible for
everyone to see the appropriate health care professional, be it GP, nurse
practitioner, nurse, health care assistant or other. Therefore the receptionist may
offer you an appointment with an alternative practitioner to your GP. Reception can
also ensure that paperwork such as, passport applications, insurance/cancellation
forms, drugs/allergy history sheets before admission to hospital etc. are given to the
appropriate GP and completed ready for you to collect in the agreed timescale.
Secretaries
Jenny
Simmons
Medical Secretary
Jenny's role involves typing referral letters from the GPs to Consultants
of local hospitals and services. Many of these referrals are done through
the Choose and Book system whereby a patient can choose which
hospital they would prefer to attend and a specific date and time. She also
liaises with Consultants’ Secretaries to ensure patients receive their
appointments and in some cases expedition of the appointment if medical
circumstances change. If a patient has any difficulty in booking an
appointment through the Choose and Book system she will assist them to
do this. Jenny also summarises patient's medical records and data inputs
correspondence received in the post.