Crossin Higgins & McMullan Practice
Carrick Hill Surgery
1 Carrick Hill
Belfast, BT1 2JR
Telephone: 02890 268080
02890 328050
Fax:
Website
www.CrossinHigginsandMcMullan.co.uk
When the surgery is closed call 02890 744447
Drs Crossin, Higgins & McMullan
Practice
Working in 2 locations at Carrick Hill and Glen Road Surgeries the doctors and
nurses take pride in offering the highest standard of patient-centred healthcare. We run
many clinics for chronic disease care and offer a wide variety of other medical services
such as antenatal and postnatal care, minor surgery, childhood vaccinations and wellperson check-ups.
In addition to everything you need to know about the practice you will also find a wealth
of health-related information in the menu on the right hand side. Please have a look
around and do send us some feedback if you like.
We are pleased to announce that on 1st April 2011 Dr Heloise Archer joined the Practice
as a new partner. Dr Archer has been a retainer with the practice since 2006 and knows a
lot of our patients. We wish her every sucess in this new partnership.
HALF DAY CLOSURE
The surgery willclose at 12.30pm on Wednesday 21st November 2012 for staff training.
We re-open as normal on;Thursday 22nd November 2012 8.30am.
For Medical Emergencies please ring Out of Hours GPs on 9074447.
TEXT MESSAGING SERVICE.
The Practice is currently operating a text message service for some of our clinics. If you
have a mobile number and would like to receive a text message reminder of your
appointment please inform the receptionist of your mobile number.
PATIENT ACCESS
You can book appointments and order prescriptions online please follow the links for
appointments and prescriptions.
Carrick Hill Opening Times
The surgery is open from 8.30am each morning until 5.30pm each afternoon. Telephones
will be answered until 6.00pm each day. The surgery closes for lunch between 12.30pm
and 2.00pm every day.
Morning
Afternoon
Monday
08:30 - 12:30
14:00 - 17:30
Tuesday
08:30 - 12:30
14:00 - 17:30
Wednesday
08:30 - 12:30
14:00 - 17:30
Thursday
08:30 - 12:30
14:00 - 17:30
Friday
08:30 - 12:30
14:00 - 17:30
Weekend
closed
closed
Glen Road Opening Times
The surgery is open form 8.30am each morning until 5.30pm each afternoon. Telephones
will be answered until 6.00pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday and until
5.30pm on Thursday. The surgery closes for lunch each day between 12.30pm and
2.00pm.
Morning
Afternoon
Monday
08:30 - 12:30
14:00 - 17:30
Tuesday
08:30 - 12:30
14:00 - 17:30
Wednesday
08:30 - 12:30
14:00 - 17:30
Thursday
08:30 - 12:30
14:00 - 17.30
Friday
08:30 - 12:30
14:00 - 17:30
Weekend
closed
closed
When We Are Closed
The local out of hours provider NORTH AND WEST BELFAST URGENT CARE looks
after the urgent needs of patients from 6.00pm – 8.30am weekdays, 24 hours at weekends
and Bank holidays.
To access this service please telephone 028 90744447.
The on call doctor will either give you advice by telephone or arrange to see you at the
out of hours centre or if appropriate visit you at home.
This service is for EMERGENCIES only or if your problem cannot wait until the next
normal surgery. The Practice recommends all patients should register with a dentist for
their dental care.
NHS Direct
In the case of urgent need when the practice is closed you can view the NHS Direct
(www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/) website for minor illnesss advice/
Please do not ask to see a doctor out of hours unless you genuinely cannot wait until the
surgery re-opens.
Call 999 in an emergency. Chest pains and / or shortness of breath constitute an
emergency.
The surgery will be closed on the following dates for the year 2012/2013
To avoid delay and disappointment please order your repeat medication in advance.
Please note that on the day after a holiday closure the practice operates a walk in surgery.
No appointment necessary. Patients must present to reception before 10am.
St Patricks Day - Monday 19th March 2012
STAFF TRAINING DAYS
Thursday 10th May - close at 12.30pm
Wednesday 20th June 2012 - close at 12.30pm
Thursday 13th September 2012 - close at 12.30pm
Wednesday 21st November 2012- close at 12.30pm
Thursday 17th January 2013 -close at 12.30pm
Wednesday 27th February 2013 - close at 12.30pm
Easter Monday & Tuesday 9th And 10th April 2012
1st Bank Holiday Monday 7th May 2012
2nd Bank Holiday Monday 4th June 2012
Queens Jubliee Tuesday 5th June 2012
Thursday 12th July and Friday 13th July 2012
Bank Holiday August - Monday 27th August
Christmas Holidays December - Tuesday 25th and Wednesday 26th December
New Years Holidays January - Tuesday 1st January 2013
St Patricks Day - Monday 18th March 2013
The flu clinics have finished now but you can still make an appointment to see the
nurse if you wish to have your flu vaccine.
Please ring the receptionist and book an appointment NOW.
Appointments
You can book an appointment by telephoning the
surgery on 02890 268080 for Carrick Hill Surgery and
02890 306996for Glen Road Surgery and choose Option
2 Mon-Fri 8.30am -6.00pm.
Normal appointments are for 10 minutes and cannot accommodate 2 people unless agreed
by the Doctor. If you require a longer or shorter period, please advise receptionist when
booking.
Open surgery runs every Mondayand Thursday morning at Carrick Hill Medical Centre
and Every Monday and Friday at Glen Road Surgery, until 10:00am no appointment is
needed. Patients MUST ARRIVE before 10am and will be seen on a first-come firstserved basis. If you have more than ONEproblem to discuss please make a routine
appointment. Due to the nature of open surgery, you may have a long wait to see the
Doctor. If you do not need to be seen quickly, you are advised to make a routine
appointment with the doctor of your choice
This Practice offers access to the Doctors or Nurse within two working days. We will
endeavour to offer you a consultation with the practitioner of your preference in person or
by telephone.
EMERGENCIES/URGENT PROBLEMS – will be dealt with on the same day by the
first available doctor. In order for this service to be effective and efficient, the Doctors
require the Receptionist to ask for details of your condition. Please use this service with
consideration. Try not to ask the doctor about problems which are unrelated and can wait.
PLEASE HELP US TO HELP YOU – if you are unable to keep your appointment,
please let us know ass soon as possible so that we can offer it to another patient.
Home Visits
If possible please try to telephone reception before 10am if you require a home visit.
A doctor or nurse may phone you back as it may be that your problem can be dealt with
by telephone advice, or that it would be more appropriate to send a nurse, or indeed
arrange a hospital attendance.
House visits are only available for patients who are housebound because of illness or
disability.
Please remember that several patients can be seen in the practice in the time that it takes
to make one home visit. There are also better facilities for examining and treating patients
at the Surgery.
TREATMENT ROOM NURSE
The treatment room at Carrick Hill Medical Centre is staffed by Nurses from the North
and West Belfast Trust.
The treatment room nurse is availble by appointment only each morning from 8.30am
until 12.00pm Monday to Friday and in the afternoon from 2:00pm to 4.30pm Monday to
Thursday.
When ringing to book an appointment with the nurse please inform the reception staff the
reason for your appointment as some procedures require more than 10 minutes routine
appointment time.
TREATMENT ROOM TIMES
Monday - Friday 8.30am to 12.pm
Monday - Thursday 2.00pm - 4.30pm
TREATEMENT ROOM NURSE
The Practice Nurses Mrs Jacqueline Coleman and Patricia Thompson run the treatment
room at Glen Road Surgery.
The Practice Nurse is available by appointment only each morning Monday to Thursday
between 8.30am and 12.20pm.
There are two afternoon sessions available for the nurse on Tuesday afternoon between
2.00pm and 4.30pm This is run by the Trust Nurses
and on Thursday afternoon between 2.00pm and 4.00pm This session is run by our
Practice Nurse Patricia Thompson.
TELEPHONE ADVICE
The Doctors and Nurses are happy to offer advice on the telephone during Practice
opening hours.
If a call is urgent, please say to the receptionist who will make the Doctor or Nurse
aware.
Doctors/Nurses are not always available to take calls immediately.
You will be asked to leave your name, telephone number and nature of your call, do not
be offended as the receptionists have been asked to do this by the Doctor and Nurse.
Your call will be returned as soon as the Doctor or Nurse becomes available.
The Doctor or Nurse will only make 1 phone call to you so please ensure you are
available to take their call.
Repeat Prescriptions
Repeat Prescriptions can be ordered in the following ways:1. Telephone 02890 268080 for Carrick Hill Surgery or 02890 306996 for Glen Road
Surgery and choose Option 1 – leave your Name, DOB and medication required. Speak
slowly and clearly. Allow 24hours for collection. This service is available Monday –
Friday, Weekends and Bank Holidays. This is for REPEAT MEDICATIONS ONLY.
2. Online - Via the forms on this page. Ask at reception for more details. Allow 48hours
for collection.
3. Post - your request to the surgery enclosing self-addressed envelopes.
4. Your local Pharmacy – can both order and collect and often deliver repeat
prescriptions on your behalf, please speak with your local Pharmacist for this service.
ACUTE PRESCRIPTIONS
Should be ordered by telephone 02890 268080 for Carrick Hill Surgery or 02890 306996
for Glen Road Surgery from 8.30am to 5.00pm Monday – Friday.
Details of your medical complaint and a contact number will be requested as the Doctor
may wish to speak with you.
Carrick Hill Surgery online repeat prescription form
Glen Road Surgery online repeat prescription form
PLEASE ALLOW 48HOURS BEFORE COLLECTION OF EMAIL PRESCRIPTIONS
From 1st April 2010 NHS prescriptions are free of charge.
The practice reserves the right to deney certain medications on NHS prescriptions.
This practice does not prescribe sleeping tablets, anxiety tablets and strong painkillers
unless under regular GP supervision appointments.
This practice prescribes generic drugs.
Please allow 48 hours, excluding weekends and Bank Holidays, for your request to be
processed. Any problems please telephone the surgery. From October 2012 we will
administrating the flu vaccine. Please ring the surgery at the end of September to make an
appointment to received the vaccine.
THE SURGERY WILL BE RUNNING FLU WALK IN CLINICS THIS YEAR FOR
THOSE PATIETS WHO GET THE VACCINE EACH YEAR.
NO APPOINTMENT IS NECESSARY.
THE CLINICS ARE ON SATURDAY 6TH OCTOBER AT GLEN ROAD AND
SATURDAY 13TH OCTOBER AT CARRICK HILL BETWEEN 9AM AND 12PM.
Clinics & Services
Dr Crossin Higgins & McMullan Practice provide the following services:
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Antenatal
Family Planning
Asthma
COPD Monitoring
Minor Injury
Minor Surgery
Mental Health
Epilepsy
Travel Clinics
Immunisation
BP Monitoring
Child Health
Chronic Disease Management
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Obesity Intervention
Diabetes
Warfarin and Drug Monitoring
Smoking Cessation
Well Woman and Well Man Clinic
ROUTINE HEALTH CHECKS
Including blood pressure and cholesterol checks are also available to any patient who has
not attended in the previous 3 years. This is especially important for patients over the age
of 65.
Test Results
Test Results
Please call after 2pm each day to enquire about your test results as our reception staff will
have more time to deal with your request between these times.
Note that the practice has a strict policy regarding confidentiality and data protection and
we will only release test results to the person to whom they relate unless that person has
given prior permission for the release of this data or they are not capable of
understanding the results.
When you take your test you will be told how long it will be before the results are
returned to the practice.
It is your responsibility to check your results and to make an appointment to discuss them
with your doctor if your are advised to do so.
Health Visitors & Midwives
Health Visiting and Midwifery Services
Provided by North & West Health & Social Care Trust
Treatment Room Services – 02890741188-Glen Road Surgery
02890278833- Carrick Hill Surgery
District Nursing Services – 0845 6066596
Midwifery Services – 02890 610611Glen Road Surgery
02890 636222- Carrick Hill Surgery
Health Visiting Services – 02890 610611 Glen Road Surgery
0845 3006650 - Carrick Hill Surgery
Child Hood Vaccine Schedule
HEALTH VISITING AND MIDWIFERY SERVICES
Provided by North
Travel Questionnaire Form
Registration
NEW PATIENTS
All new patients are welcome from our catchment area. We are committed to providing
you with the best service possible. Please complete our registration forms that are
available from our reception.
You will be treated with respect as an individual, irrespective of ethnic origin, age,
religious beliefs, personal attributes or the nature of your health problems.
This practice DOES NOT prescribe sleeping tablets, anxiety tablets and strong
painkillers unless under regular GP supervised appointments. If you are currently taking
sleeping tablets or anxiety tablets these will be reviewed, reduced and eventually stopped
inline with best practice as most of these drugs are not for long term use.
The practice requires proof of identity for all new patients. You will need to produce a
copy of your passports/visa/driving licence and a utility bill.
TO REGISTER AS A NEW PATIENT
To Register with the practice, please call at reception and bring your signed medical card
if possible. Patients are registered with the practice rather than an individual doctor.
All patients registering with the Practice will be asked to attend a health check.
CSA Non English Forms
In order to obtain a medical card you need to fill in an application form, which is called
HS22X. This form is available in English and in a range of other languages. Please click
on the respective links below to download the form in English and/or in translation.
English
(www.centralservicesagency.com/files/files/file/english2007.pdf)
Portuguese
(www.centralservicesagency.com/files/files/file/portuguese2007.pdf)
Polish
(www.centralservicesagency.com/files/files/file/polish2007.pdf)
Latvian
(www.centralservicesagency.com/files/files/file/latvian2007.pdf)
Czech
(www.centralservicesagency.com/files/files/file/czech2007.pdf)
Click here
for an
application
form for a
medical card
Lithuanian
(www.centralservicesagency.com/files/files/file/lithuanian2007.pdf)
Russian
(www.centralservicesagency.com/files/files/file/russian2007.pdf)
Slovak
(www.centralservicesagency.com/files/files/file/slovak2007.pdf)
Urdu (www.centralservicesagency.com/files/files/file/urdu2007.pdf)
Irish (www.centralservicesagency.com/files/files/file/irish2007.pdf)
Cliceáil
anseo i
gcomhair
foirme
iarratais
Hindi (www.centralservicesagency.com/files/files/file/hindi2007.pdf)
Chinese
(www.centralservicesagency.com/files/files/file/chinese2007.pdf)
Bulgarian
(www.centralservicesagency.com/files/files/file/bulgarian.pdf)
Romanian
(www.centralservicesagency.com/files/files/file/romanian.pdf)
Click here
for an
application
form for a
medical card
Click here
for an
application
form for a
medical card
Content courtesy of the Central Services Agency (www.centralservicesagency.ni.nhs.uk/display/translations) , N.Ireland
Confidentiality
Confidentiality
The practice complies with Data Protection and Access to Medical Records legislation.
Identifiable information about you will be shared with others in the following
circumstances:
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To provide further 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
The ICO has published a new Model Publication Scheme that all public authorities are
required to adopt by 1st January 2009.
Model Publication Scheme - further information
(www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/freedom_of_information/introductory/freedo
m_of_information_factsheet.pdf)
Comments & Complaints
Comments & Complaints
If you wish to make a comment, compliment or complaint about the Practice, please
contact our Practice Manager, Mrs Tina Fegan, with details. A written response will be
provided within 10 days.
The Practice does not discriminate on the grounds of race, gender, social class, age,
religion, sexual orientation, appearance, disability or medical condition.
Verbally Abusive or Violent patients will not be tolerated by the Practice under any
circumstances.
The Health Service Ombudsman
The Health Service Ombudsman has published a booklet that describes the ‘six principles
for remedy’ in relation to complaints handling and involves:
1.
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5.
6.
Getting it right
Being customer focused
Being open and accountable
Acting fairly and proportionately
Putting things right
Seeking continuous improvements
If you remain unhappy after everything has been done to try to resolve your concern or
complaint you have the right to approach the Ombudsman.
Tel: 0345 015 4033
Email: phso.enquiries@ombudsman.org.uk
Write: Millbank Tower, Millbank, London SW1P 4QP.
Practice Charter
The Doctors and Staff will always do their best for you. To provide the finest care
for ALL Patients, follow these six simple guidelines:1. Cancel appointments that you cannot attend or no longer need, as someone else is
always waiting.
2. Please think twice before requesting a doctor to your home as a visit is not always
necessary.
3. Do not expect a prescription every time you visit the surgery as good advice may be
the best treatment.
4. Please request your repeat prescription in good time to avoid delays.
5, Please treat your Doctor and all Staff as you would expect to be treated by them, with
politeness and respect.
6. Please remember that Doctors and Staff are only human – they cannot solve all
problems and some illnesses cannot be cured.
Depression Questionnaire
This easy to use patient questionnaire has been validated for use in Primary Care.
It is used by your doctor to monitor the severity of depression and response to treatment.
It can also be used to make a tentative diagnosis of depression.
PHQ-9 Depression Assessment Questionnaire
Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Programme
What are benzodiazepines and "Z" drugs and what are they used for?
Benzodiazepines are a group of medicines which are often used to treat anxiety e.g.
Diazepam or used as sleeping tablets e.g. Temazepam or nitrazepam. The "Z" drugs
(Zopiclone and Zimovane) are other sleeping tablets that are similare to benzodiazepines
in how they work.
These medicines are usually very good at easing the symtpoms of anxiety or aiding sleep
and are meant for short term use i.e 2-4 weeks. You should only take these medicines if
your doctor has prescribed them for you - do not take medicines intended for other
people. Ilegal versions of these are also available via the internet or on "the street".
Common street names include "Valium, vallies, diazzies, blues, yellows, sleepers,
benzos, Mogadon, temazzies, fives, tens, wee yellow men, downer. The quality of these
is unknown and you should NOT buy or take these.
What happens if you take a benzodiazepine or "Z" drug for longer than 4 weeks?
You can usually stop taking one of these medicines without any problems if you only
take them for 2-4 weeks. Longer use may cause problems such as tolerance and/or
dependance.
TOLERANCE
If you take a benzodiazepine or "Z" drug regularly, after a few weeks the body and brain
become used to it and the drug gradually loses its effect. You then need a higher dose fot
it to work in the same way. In time, the higher dose will not work and you will need an
even higher dose. This effect is called Tolerance.
DEPENDENCE
There is a good chance that if you take a benzodiazepine or "Z" drug for more than 4
weeks you will become dependent on them. THis means withdrawal symptoms can occur
if the tablet is stopped suddenly and these may include:
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inability to sleep anxiety
sweating panic attacks
headache odd sensations
tremor feelings of unreality
feeling sick feeling awful
palpitations hearing and visual disturbance
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muscle spasms
You may end up taking more medication to prevent withdrawal symptoms.
BENEFITS OF STOPPING BENZODIAZEPINES OR "Z" DRUGS
Stopping these medicines can have many benefits for your health including
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improved memory and reaction times
higher levels of alertness and enjoyment of life
more energy and ability to do things.
Stopping benzodiazepines or "Z" drugs
It is best to talk to your doctor or pharmacist about how to come off benzodiazepines or
"Z" drugs. Some people cant stop taking them without any difficulty. However, to keep
withdrawal effects to a minimum, it is often best to reduce the dose gradually over a
number of weeks or months before finally stopping.
Practical Advice when you are coming off benzodiazepines or "Z" drugs.
You may have disturbed sleep when you are coming off the tablets. Try to anticipate and
accept this
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Consider telling friends and family that you are stopping the tablets. They may
give you encouragement and support
Consider joining a local self-help group. Advice and support from other people in
similar circumstances can be very helpful.
Avoid taking extra tablets in times of stress
Do not make up for lack of tablets by drinking alcohol, taking other drugs
(prescription, non-prescription or illict) or smoking.
Alternatives to benzodiazepines and "Z" drugs
Benzodiazepines offer short term relief to problems and your doctor may only prescribe
these drugs for a short period of time to help you cope while your symptoms are severe.
If you experience ongoing problems, it makes sense to start thinking about other ways of
coping. You may consider:
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Regular exercise listening to music
Learning relaxation techniques Herbal alternatives
Follow the "Good Sleep Guide" available from you GP Surgery or Local
Pharmacy.
Further sources of help and advice.
Belfast Area
One Point of Access
Woodstock Lodge
1-15 Woodstock Link
Belfast BT6 8DD
Tel: 028 9073 7547
North Down and Ards Area
3 Church Street
Newtownards
Tel :028 9151 2159
Lisburn Area
TSL House
Lisburn
Tel: 02809266 8607
Down Area
Shimna House
Ward 15 DownshireHospital
Ardglass Road
Downpatrick
Tel:028 4461 3311
Voluntary Organisations
Dunlewey Substance
Advice Centre
226 Stewartstown Road
BELFAST
BT17 0LB
Tel: 028 9061 1162
NICAS (Northern Ireland
Community Addiction
Service)
40 Elmwood Avenue
BELFAST
BT9 6AZ
Tel: 028 9066 4434
FASA (Forum for Action on
Substance Abuse)
178-180 Shankill Road
Belfast
BT13 2BH
Tel: 028 9080 3040
Carlisle House (Substance
misuse residential
treatment centre )
Helpline:028 9032 8308
Email: carlislehouse@
pcibsw.org
www.carlislehouse.org
Prepared by: EHSSB Prescribing Team and Belfast and South East
Trusts’ Community Addiction Teams. February 2009
Change of Personal Details
In case we have to contact you urgently, please notify us immediately if your address or
telephone number changes.
Flu Vaccinations
If you have not received your flu vaccine yet there is still time for you to have the
vaccine.
Please ring the receptionist to book your appointment with the treatment room nurse.
GP Training
We are a GP Training Practice and have training medical Doctors and Nursing Students
from time to time.
We hope you will co-operate with us and help the students to learn about general
practice.
However, you will be informed in advance about their presence and if you do not wish
them present at your consultation your wishes will be respected. This will not affect your
treatment in any way.
Staff Details
Doctors
Dr Una Crossin
MB BCH BAO DRCOG DGM MRCGP QUB 1984
Dr John Higgins
MB BCH BAO DRCOG MRCGP Dublin 1987
Dr Clare Crossin
MB BCH BAO DRCOG MRCGP QUB 1989
Dr Martin McMullan
MB BCH BAO DRCOG MRCGP DMH QUB 1986
Dr Phil-Marie
McAlea
MB BCH BAO DRCOG MRCGP DTM QUB 1991
Dr Siobhan McCarron MB BCH BAO DRCOG MRCGP DCH DMH QUB
1993
Dr Heloise Archer
MB BCH DRCOG DFFP DIPMH
Nurses
Mrs Jacqueline RN RM Bsc(Hons) Prof Development in Nursing, Dip
Coleman
Coronary Heart Disease Prevention in Primary Care, Cert
Breast and Cervical Screening
Mrs Patricia
Thompson
RN, RM,Bsc (Hons)Professional Development in Nursing,
Diploma in Coronary Heart Disease Prevention in Primary
Care, Breast & Cervical Screening
Practice Management
Mrs Tina Fegan
Practice Manager Dip in Practice Management 1993
Reception
We currently employ 15 reception staff. We are here to help
and advise you with any problems.
Mrs Emma
Tolan
Supervisor at Carrick Hill Medical Centre
Mrs Mary
McGurk
Supervisor at Glen Road Surgery