Darwen Health Link
Darwen Health Centre
Darwen Health Link
James Street West
Darwen
Lancashire, BB3 1PY
01254 226600
Telephone:
01254 226601
Fax:
Prescription line *01254 226621
Website
www.darwenhealthlink.nhs.uk
When the surgery is closed call 01254 226600 - 111 service available
Darwen Healthlink
TO REGISTER FOR PATIENT ACCESS
SCROLL DOWN
Welcome to your new website, available for your convenience. The website will provide clear
and concise help and give our patients the information they require in an easy and convenient
format. It has been designed with the patient’s needs at the forefront of everything, from
checking surgery times to letting us know what you think of us.
Serving You
Our dedicated team are here to treat those minor ailments that occur as well as providing
specialist management of long-term conditions and clinics covering a wide range of healthcare
issues. The technology also means you can now do a lot of things from the comfort of your home
such as order a repeat prescription or cancel an appointment.
Partners in Care
Once registered, patients and healthcare professionals work together to ensure the most
appropriate care is provided. This partnership philosophy extends even further and our active
patient group exists to make sure that patient needs and the practice offering are always heading
in the same direction.
DARWEN HEALTHLINKS - Statement of Purpose
Patient Reference Group
Your next meeting will be held Tuesday 14th October 2014 at 1.30pm in the Training Room.
Patient Information
Personal Confidential Data (PCD) - Recently the Health and Social Care Information Centre
(HSCIC) published information to say under certain circumstances they may require Personal
Confidential Data from GP practices, without seeking patient consent. If you require
any information regarding this, you can log onto www.hscic.gov.uk (www.hscic.gov.uk)
TO REGISTER WITH PATIENT ACCESS PLEASE CLICK ON ONE OF THE FIRST
THREE LINKS BELOW
Opening Times
Monday
08:00 - 18:30
18:30 - 19:40* Extended Hours
Tuesday
08:00 - 18:30
Wednesday
08:00 - 18:30
18:30 - 19:40* Extended Hours
Thursday
08:00 - 18:30
Friday
08:00 - 18:30
Weekend
closed
*Extended Hours - are available for your convenience. If you are not available during the day,
due to work commitments or other reasons, then these surgery times will suit you.
A list of surgery times to see the GPs, Practice Nurse and Health Care Assistant are available on
request at reception.
When We Are Closed
After 18:30 on weekdays and all day Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays, the GP out-of-hours
service covers your medical needs.
If you need to see the doctor in an emergency just ring the surgery number Tel: 01254 226600
Out-of-hours services are generally busy so please think carefully before asking to see a doctor
and only do so if you genuinely cannot wait until the surgery re-opens.
GP SERVICES (OUT OF HOURS) 111 is an NHS telephone number which makes it easier for
you to access local health services. You can now call 111 when you need medical help fast, but it
isn’t a 999 emergency.
You will be assessed, given advice and directed straightaway to the local service that can help
you best. That could be the emergency department, an out of hours doctor, a walk-in centre,
community nurse, emergency dentist or a late opening chemist.
Calls are free from landline and mobile phones, and you can ring the 111 number 24 hours a day,
7 days a week, 365 days a year.
In a genuine emergency you should call 999. Chest pains and / or shortness of breath
constitute an emergency.
Appointments
The practice runs an appointment system only for Doctors, Practice Nurses and Health Care
Assistant, we would ask patients to only book one appointment per patient. Please do not ask the
Doctor to see another member of your family at the same time.
Full details of surgery times are available at reception. Appointments can be made in person at
reception, over the telephone or online via the above link.
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 conditions and you may be seen
more quickly.
Cancellations
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
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
Whilst we encourage our patients to come to the surgery, where we have the proper equipment
and facilities available, we do appreciate this is not always possible. In this respect, if you do
need a home visit, you can help us by calling reception before 10:00.
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. Please bear this in mind and be prepared to provide
suitable details to enable the doctor to schedule house calls
You can also 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)
Hospital Transport
The NHS provides transport for patients who have a clinical condition that prevents them safely
making their own way to hospital. Please telephone: 0845 053 9078 if you wish to use this
service.
An information leaflet explaining in more detail is available for you to take away at reception.
Repeat Prescriptions
If your long-term medication has been approved on a repeat prescription basis there are a number
of ways for you to order. Please ensure you only list the items you actually need rather than the
whole list:
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In person/by post – you can drop your repeat slip off at reception or post a request to us.
If you want your prescription posted back to you please enclose a stamped addressed
envelope.
Email – to Repeats.P81752@nhs.net
Online – (will be available soon)
Via a chemist – ask your prescription clerk and chemist about the Repeat Dispensing
Scheme.
Please note, if you are on up to 6 regular medications per month please ask about our Repeat
Prescribing System.
Acute Prescriptions
An acute prescription is for medication that you do not take on a regular basis. The Doctor may
wish to leave you a prescription instead of a consultation; therefore the prescription will be ready
for collection at 17:30 the same day of request.
Medication Reviews
Patients on repeat medication will be asked to see a Doctor, Practice Nurse and Health Care
Assistant at least once a year to review these regular medications and notification should appear
on your repeat slip. Please ensure that you book an appropriate appointment to avoid
unnecessary delays to further prescriptions.
Please allow two full working days for prescriptions to be processed and remember to take
weekends and bank holidays into account. If you are collecting a prescription on behalf of
someone else you may be asked to sign to say you have collected the items.
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
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 15 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 NOTE - the Care Commissioning Group (CCG)
THINK! CAMPAIGN a dvises you to visit the Chemist for treatment of Minor
Ailments
e.g. constipation, diarrhoea, indegestion/heartburn, cold sores, sore throat, athletes
foot
head lice, hayfever/allergies, acute pain relief, haemorrhoids etc.
If symptoms persist after 7 days then ring the surgery for an appointment with the GP
Thank you
Please allow 48 hours, excluding weekends and Bank Holidays, for your request to be processed.
Any problems please telephone the surgery.
Clinics & Services
DOCTORS SPECIFIC CLINICS
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Cryotherapy - Dr E Ahmed offers monthly clinics for the removal of skin lesions by
freezing them, with the most commonly used agent being liquid nitrogen.
Minor Surgery - Dr Muzaffar offers a minor surgery clinic on Tuesday mornings plus
joint injections.
Dermatoscopy - Dr Jesthi offers a Dermatoscopy Service to look at any moles or other
skin lesions that are worrying you.
Vaccinations & Immunisations - Dr Derar specialises in this area.
Family Planning - Dr Malik offers a family planning clinic on Wednesday morning, this
service is available to all patients with prior arrangement from their own GP.
Other Clinics & Services
The Practice Nurses run all the Health Promotion Clinics including:
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Asthma
Diabetic
Hypertension
Cervical Smear Screening
Child Health & Immunisation
Maternity
Blood Tests
Healthy Heart
Holiday Vaccinations
Smoking Cessation
Well-Person
Contraception Advice
Weight management
Post-Natal Checks
Flu Clinics
Non-NHS Services
Non-NHS Services
Some services provided are not covered under our contract with 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
The fees charged are based on the British Medical Association (BMA) suggested scales and our
reception staff will be happy to advise you about them along with appointment availability.
Test Results
Test Results
When you attend for a test of any kind you will be told how long you should expect to wait for
the results. Please bear this in mind and only call the surgery after sufficient time has elapsed.
Reception staff are not qualified to comment on results therefore please make arrangements 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 e.g. children or the
elderly.
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
If you live within our practice area you are welcome to register with us, our reception staff will
be happy to guide you through the procedure. Eligibility can be quickly confirmed from your
address so please provide proof by way of a recent utility bill along with one form of
photographic ID
You will need to complete a registration form and a health questionnaire which will provide
useful information whilst we wait for your medical records to arrive from your previous doctor.
Both forms are available to download from the above "Registering Online" tab.
All new patients are offered an health check with a member of the healthcare team to ensure that
any required tests are up to date and that we have an accurate note of any repeat medication you
may be taking.
You may print off a registration form, fill it out and bring it in with you on your first visit to the
practice.
Please note we cannot process your registration On-line.
Registration Form
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
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
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.
Download our Complaints Leaflet
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 or click here.
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 E Ahmed
MBBS, LMSSA, DA,D.obs RCP,DFRSH
Dr I M Derar
MBchB
Dr P Muzaffar
MBBS, MRCGP
Dr S Jesthi
MBBS, DGM, MRCGP, DPD
Dr Shazia Malik
MBBS DRCOG DFFP
Nurses
Lisa
Molloy
Juliet
Gormley
Susan
Howard
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 longterm health conditions such as asthma or diabetes, minor ailment clinics
and carry out cervical smears.
Healthcare Assistants
Barbara Graham
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
Janine Melia Practice Manager
Kathleen Gould Senior Practice Manager/Business and Finance 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.
Administration
Jackie
Louise
Reception
Pam
Chris
Sheila
Marian
Anne
Bernice
Kirsty
Receptionists provide an important link for patients with the practice and are your
initial contact point for general enquiries. They can provide basic information on
services and results and direct you to the right person depending on your health
issue or query. Receptionists make most of the patient appointments with the GPs
and nurses. They also perform other important tasks such as issuing repeat
prescriptions and dealing with prescription enquiries, dealing with financial claims,
dealing with patient records and carrying out searches and practice audits.
Secretaries
Ann Martin
Maureen Lamont
The Practice secretaries are here to process all referrals generated by the GPs.
They will endeavour to process through choose and book and book
appointment times and hospital most suitable to the patient. They are here to
help you with any queries or hospital and medical reports.
The secretaries also book Practice Home Visits.
Community Midwives
The midwives are available to provide ante and post natal care.
Health Visitors
A health visitor is a registered nurse who has received training particularly related
to babies, children and pregnant women. Their role is to provide families with
children under five years old with support and advice around the general aspects of
mental, physical and social wellbeing.