The NHS are always looking for innovative ways to deliver high quality services in effective ways.
Station Road Surgery are part of the Hayeswick PCN who are providing additional services in practice to improve patient access to healthcare. We now have a First Contact Physiotherapist working with the practice.
If you think you have a problem affecting your joints, muscles, or nerves (such as back pain or a sports injury) then physiotherapists are experts in this field. They will assess your condition and provide you with the best advice. Once you understand the condition then it can be managed. This may be with exercises and advice or you may be referred onto other services for investigations or other clinical support.
This service is designed so that you get an appointment more quickly and that you speak to the best person. It also makes sure that GP’s can concentrate on patients with more complex medical conditions – giving better use of NHS resources.
Our reception staff may offer you an appointment with the physiotherapist when you call the surgery in the first instance. You can also request an appointment in this clinic at the point of booking.
Referrals
Your GP will discuss with you and, if appropriate, your carer why a referral is being recommended.
You are usually referred because your GP wants a specialist’s help in deciding how best to treat your condition or they do not have the equipment at the surgery for the required tests and investigations.
If your GP needs to refer you to a consultant-led service for a physical or mental health condition, in most cases you have the right to choose which hospital you go to.
If you do not express a preference, your GP will tend to refer you to a local hospital near where you live that is part of the local healthcare system.
For more information on referrals information please see here.
Vaccinations
We offer a range of clinics and services here at Station Road Surgery for all your vaccination needs and advice.
Childhood Immunisations
One of the most important things that a parent can do for their child is to make sure that they have all their routine childhood vaccinations. It’s the most effective way of keeping them protected against infectious diseases.
Ideally, children should have their jabs at the right age to protect them as early as possible and minimise the risk of infection.
Find out which jabs your child needs, when they need them, and what the benefits of each jab are.
Please call the surgery to make an appointment.
For more information please visit the websites below:
Babies receive the pneumococcal vaccine as three separate injections, at 2 months, 4 months and 12-13 months.
People over-65 only need a single pneumococcal vaccination which will protect for life. It is not given annually like the flu jab.
People with a long term health condition may need just a single one-off pneumococcal vaccination or five-yearly vaccination depending on their underlying health problem.
Travel Clinic
In order to assist us to make a full assessment of the potential risks to your health from your planned travel, we would ask that you make a Travel Clinic appointment with our Practice Nurse. Ideally, this appointment should be made around the time of booking your holiday, at least 6 weeks before you travel.
At your appointment we may ask the following questions to help us plan for your trip:
When are you departing and for how long?
Where are you going, including the destinations within a country?
Where are you staying, e.g. backpacking, camping, hotels?
Are you planning to undertake any high risk activities?
Have you taken out travel insurance and have you informed the company of any existing medical condition?
If female and of child bearing age, is there any possibility you could be pregnant, or are you planning a pregnancy?
Do you have any medical conditions, or a history of significant medical illness? (these can influence the choice of malaria tablets we recommend)
It would help us greatly if you had some awareness of the travel problems that you may be at risk from on your trip before you come for your appointment.
Which travel vaccines are free?
The following travel vaccines are available free on the NHS from your GP surgery:
These vaccines are free because they protect against diseases thought to represent the greatest risk to public health if they were brought into the country.
Private Fees (Non NHS work) – Information for patients and third parties
The government’s agreement with general practitioners (GPs) encompasses healthcare services for NHS patients, which includes the delivery of continuous medical care. Nevertheless, in recent times, an increasing number of entities have been engaging doctors in a wide spectrum of non-medical tasks. Occasionally, GPs are called upon solely because they hold a position of trust within the community, or because insurance companies or employers seek to guarantee the authenticity and accuracy of information provided to them.
The British Medical Association (BMA) provides fee suggestions for non-NHS services that fall outside the scope of a GP’s NHS contract. These suggestions are intended to assist GPs in establishing their own professional fees. It’s important to note that these fee suggestions are not binding recommendations, and doctors are not obligated to adhere to the suggested rates.
The BMA advises that GPs should communicate to patients and third parties in advance if they intend to levy charges and specify the amount. The ultimate decision regarding the fee amount lies with the individual practice.
Do GPs have to do non-NHS work for their patients?
With a few specific exceptions, such as a court ordered work, GPs are not obligated to undertake non-NHS tasks on behalf of their patients. While GPs will make an effort to support their patients in filling out forms, such as those for insurance purposes, they are not compelled to engage in such non-NHS-related work.
Why does it sometimes take my GP a long time to complete my form?
The time devoted to form completion and report preparation diverts the GP from providing medical care to their patients. Given that most GPs already carry a substantial workload, paperwork consumes an ever-growing portion of their time. As a result, many GPs discover they must handle this administrative work beyond their regular working hours.
I only need the doctor’s signature – what is the problem?
When a doctor endorses a certificate or finalizes a report, it is obligatory for them to do so only when they are certain of the information’s accuracy to maintain their status on the Medical Register. Consequently, to fill out even the most straightforward forms, the doctor may need to review the patient’s complete medical history. Negligence or the submission of an inaccurate report can result in significant repercussions for the doctor, including scrutiny by the General Medical Council (the regulatory body for doctors) or even involvement of law enforcement
A list of our current fees (to be reviewed again in September 2024) is provided
below:
All fees must be paid in advance of work being completed and supplied.
We accept cash, credit card and payment by BACS only. We do not accept cheques.
We reserve the right to suspend, extend processing times for private/Non NHS work at any time due to busy periods.
Service
Fee
To whom it may concern letters (short GP letter) to support claims such as: housing, school, college, insurance, COVID recovery letter
£30.00
Adoption & Fostering
£104
Private Sick Note (Periods within 7 days)
£30.00
Firearm/Shotgun Cert
£104.00
Letter to take medication abroad
£30.00
Fitness to travel, cost dependant on time to complete
£30.00-£50.00
Fitness to travel with examination
£65.00
Holiday cancellation Cert (excluding examination)
£30.00
Holiday cancellation Cert (with examination)
£65.00
Ofsted reports Childminding/teaching
£85.00
Private medical examinations HGV, PSV, Taxi, Driving Medicals – (Subject to GP availability) *Patients making appointments for HGV/Taxi medicals should bring their form, a urine sample and their optician report completed in advance
£115.00
Sickness/accident claim form completion
£40.00
Private medical/insurance form completion ie BUPA/PPP/Aviva/L&G etc.
£104.00
SOLICITORS
Service
Fee
Request for report
£104
Report with examination
£150
All requests must have accompanying consent from patient to release information
INSURANCE REPORTS
Service
Fee
Full General Practitioner Report (GPR) With examination
£104 £150
Additional information request
£25
All requests must have accompanying consent from patient to release information
OTHER THIRD PARTY REQUESTS (Work accepted where GP has capacity, this will be advised at the time of application along with timeframe)
Service
Fee
Patients requesting copies of their medical records (SAR)
Free
Request for report by employer/occ health
£104
Army
£65
Army/ with full copies of notes (Online access by patient should be requested which is free to the patient and preferable)
£104
Proforma Report with no examination for 20mins
£89
Written Reports with no examination for 25 mins
£111
Detailed written report with no examination for 30mins
£133
Comprehensive examination and report for 45mins
£201
All requests must have accompanying consent from patient to release information
GP Surgery Policy on Private Work Involving Vicarious Liability
Purpose:
This policy outlines the types of private work that our GP surgery will not undertake, particularly where there is a risk of vicarious liability. The primary objective is to ensure the safety and well-being of both our patients and the healthcare professionals, while maintaining the highest standards of clinical care within the scope of our NHS services.
Scope:
This policy applies to all patients registered at our GP surgery and covers private work requests that may expose the practice or its clinicians to vicarious liability.
Policy Statement:
Our GP surgery is committed to providing high-quality care within the scope of NHS services. However, we do not undertake private work that may involve specialist assessments or activities which present a significant risk of vicarious liability. These include, but are not limited to, the following:
Fitness to fly assessments Clearance for high-risk sports (e.g., mountaineering, skydiving, paragliding) Certification for participation in sporting events (e.g., marathons, triathlons) Diving medicals (beyond DVLA Statements of fact) or fitness to dive Medical certifications for extreme sports or adventure travel
Rationale:
These types of private work often require specialist knowledge and expertise that fall outside the general practice remit. Moreover, issuing certifications for such activities may expose the GP surgery to potential legal risks, including vicarious liability, if an adverse event occurs.
Our GPs are trained to provide general medical services and support within the NHS framework. Specialist assessments should be undertaken by professionals with specific expertise in those fields, and we encourage patients to seek advice from appropriately qualified clinicians or agencies for such requests.
What We Do Offer:
Our GP surgery continues to offer a wide range of services under the NHS, including general health advice, chronic disease management, routine medical checks, and referrals to specialist services where appropriate.
Alternative Options:
For private work not covered under this policy, patients are advised to seek independent medical assessments from specialists in the relevant field. These might include:
Occupational health specialists Sports physicians Aviation or diving medical examiners Travel medicine clinics Conclusion:
This policy is in place to safeguard both our patients and the surgery from the legal risks associated with vicarious liability. We are happy to support our patients in accessing the appropriate services for their private health needs through appropriate referrals or guidance.
If you have any further questions or require clarification regarding this policy, please contact our practice manager.
NHS Health Checks
Working together to improve your health
Everyone is at risk of developing heart disease, stroke, diabetes, kidney disease and some forms of dementia. The good news is that these conditions can often be prevented – even if you have a history of them in your family. Have your free NHS Health Check and you will be better prepared for the future and be able to take steps to maintain or improve your health.
We know that your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease and dementia increases with age. There are also certain things that will put you at even greater risk.
These are:
being overweight
being physically inactive
not eating healthily
smoking
drinking too much alcohol
high blood pressure
high cholesterol
Both men and women can develop these conditions, and having once could increase your risk of developing another in the future.
In the brain a blocked artery or a bleed can cause a stroke.
In the heart a blocked artery can cause a heart attack or angina.
The kidneys can be damaged by high blood pressure or diabetes, causing chronic kidney disease and increasing your risk of having a heart attack.
Being overweight and physically inactive can lead to type 2 diabetes.
If unrecognised or unmanaged, type 2 diabetes could increase your risk of further health problems, including heart disease, kidney disease and stroke.
What happens at the check?
This check is to assess your risk of developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease, and stroke.
The check will take about 20–30 minutes.
You’ll be asked some simple questions. For example, about your family history and choices which may put your health at risk
We’ll record your height, weight, age, sex, and ethnicity.
We’ll take your blood pressure.
We’ll do a simple blood test to check your cholesterol level.
What happens after the check?
We will discuss how you can reduce your risk and stay healthy
You’ll be taken through your results and told what they mean. Some people may be asked to return at a later date for their results.
You’ll be given personalised advice on how to lower your risk and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Some people with raised blood pressure will have their kidneys checked through a blood test.
Some people may need to have another blood test to check for type 2 diabetes. Your health professional will be able to tell you more.
Treatment or medication may be prescribed to help you maintain your health.
Questions you may have
Why do I need this check? I feel fine!
The NHS Health Check helps to identify potential risks early. By having this check and following the advice of your health professional, you improve your chances of living a healthier life.
But don’t these conditions run in the family?
If you have a history of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, or kidney disease in your family then you may be more at risk. Taking action now can help you to prevent the onset of these conditions.
I know what I’m doing wrong, how can the doctor help me?
If you would like help, we will work with you to find ways to eat healthily, reach your healthy weight, be more active, cut down your drinking, or stop smoking.
If I am assessed as being at ‘low risk’, does this mean I won’t develop these conditions?
It is impossible to say that someone will or won’t go on to develop one of these conditions. But taking action now can help you lower your potential risk.
Will everyone has this check?
This check is part of a national scheme to help prevent the onset of these health problems. Everyone between the ages of 40 and 74 who has not been diagnosed with the conditions mentioned will be invited for a check once every five years. If you are outside the age range and concerned about your health, you should contact your GP.
Minor Surgery
Certain small surgical operations can be performed at the surgery. With minor surgery the recovery time is usually short and you will be back to your usual activities fairly quickly (depending on your procedure).
Before attending for minor surgery you will need to see a doctor for the diagnosis and then you will be given an appointment to attend for your procedure.
Cancer Screening
We offer a range of services here at Station Road Surgery to help with cancer screening.
Bowel Cancer
Bowel cancer is a term used to describe cancer in the colon, rectum or the small bowel.
The symptoms of bowel cancer can include:
Bleeding from the back passage (rectum) or blood in your stools
A change in normal bowel habits to diarrhoea or looser stools, lasting longer than 4 to 6 weeks
A lump that your doctor can feel in your back passage or abdomen (more commonly on the right side)
A feeling of needing to strain in your back passage (as if you needed to pass a bowel motion)
Losing weight
Pain in your abdomen or back passage
A lower than normal level of red blood cells (anaemia)
Because bowel tumours can bleed, cancer of the bowel often causes a shortage of red blood cells. This is called anaemia and may cause tiredness and sometimes breathlessness.
Bowel cancer screening
How do I get a screening kit?
If you are aged 60-69 years, you will be sent your screening invitation automatically through the post. All you need to do is make sure that your GP has your correct address.
‘People aged 70 years and over or under the age of 60, who wish to be screened, should request a kit. Simply telephone the free helpline on 0800 707 60 60.’
Macmillan Cancer Support
Have questions about cancer? Visit www.macmillan.org.uk or call 0808 808 000 free (Monday to Friday 9am – 8pm).
Breast Screening
The National Breast Screening Programme was introduced in 1988 as an early detection service for breast cancer. It states that all women who are aged between 50 – 70 years of age will be routinely invited for free breast screening every three years. The programme is very successful and currently saves around 1,400 lives per year.
Breast screening aims to find breast cancer at an early stage, often before there are any symptoms. To do this, an x-ray is taken of each breast (mammogram). Early detection may often mean simpler and more successful treatment. When women are invited for their mammogram depends on which GP they are registered with, not when their birthday is.
The screening office runs a rolling programme which invites women by area. The requirement is that all women will receive their first invitation before their 53rd birthday, but ideally when they are 50. If you are under 50 and concerned about any aspect of breast care, please contact the surgery to make an appointment with your GP.
Cervical screening test
Cervical screening, or smear test, is a method of detecting abnormal (pre-cancerous) cells in the cervix in order to prevent cervical cancer. The cervix is the entrance to the womb from the vagina. Cervical screening is recommended every three years for women aged 25 to 49 and every five years for women aged 50 to 64 or more frequently if smear results indicates abnormal changes.
Cervical screening is not a test for cancer; it is a test to check the health of the cells of the cervix. Most women’s test results show that everything is normal, but for 1 in 20 women the test will show some abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix.
Most of these changes will not lead to cervical cancer and the cells may go back to normal on their own. However, in some cases, the abnormal cells need to be treated to prevent them becoming cancerous.
Our nurses are qualified to carry out cervical screening and tests in the form of cervical smears. In order to have a cervical smear the patient must have received a letter requesting that they have a cervical smear and the appointment must please be made for when the patient is not menstruating.
These appointments typically take around 15 minutes. For any further information or to book an appointment, please call the surgery.
Your doctor isn’t the only one who can help you feel better.
We can help if you…
have money worries
have lost a loved one
are unhappy with where you live
are living with a long term health condition
are feeling lonely
are making healthy lifestyle changes
are having problems finding work
Your social prescribing link worker can talk to you about a problem you have or a change you would like to make. Your link worker will not only give advice and encouragement, they will also connect you with suitable local services to support you.
Erica Jacobs is our Social Prescriber via the Hayewick Primary Care Network. You can book an appointment with Erica via reception where they will complete a short referral form.
You do not need to see a GP to be referred.
Surgery Clinics
If you would like to book one of these clinics, please book your appointment online, or contact us on 020 8777 8245.
All GP practices are contracted to provide ‘essential services’, that is basic treatment of ill people. We also provide the following ‘additional services’.
Clinics/Services
Child Health Surveillance (6-8 week check) – This is provided by Dr T Venison & Dr Kevin Yee by appointment in routine surgery.
Immunisation – These are provided by our practice nurses. Current recommended schedule can be obtained from the NHS Website.
Tetanus – All adults who have not had a full primary course of three tetanus injections are advised to have them at monthly intervals. Thereafter, adults are advised to have a tetanus booster vaccination at 10-yearly intervals, until a total of five injections has been given.
Influenza and Pneumonia Vaccine – In accordance with Department of Health guidelines, we recommend influenza and pneumonia vaccinations for patients with diabetes, chronic heart, lung or kidney disease and patients over the age of 65. We also offer 2 & 3 year old patients the nasal flu vaccination.
Cervical Smears – All our practice nurses can perform these in routine appointments.
HRT Clinic – All of the doctors can advise about HRT.
Antenatal Clinic – The practice antenatal clinic runs every Thursday from 2.00 to 4.15 pm by the midwife attached to our practice. These appointments are booked directly with the midwife.
Family Planning Advice – This is offered by all partners at any consultation. Dr Teoh & Dr Boateng are the only doctors that fit coils. You will usually be asked to make a special appointment for this after your initial consultation.
Minor Surgery – Joint, soft tissue injections plus minor operations are provided by Dr Purwar and Dr Yee. It is sometimes possible to carry out joint injections in an ordinary appointment but on occasions you may be asked to make a special appointment.
Diabetic Clinic – This clinic provides an annual review for diabetics who are not under the care of a hospital diabetic centre. The clinic is run by Gillian our Nurse Practitioner. Attendance is by invitation.
Asthma Clinic – This clinic is run by the Doctors. Attendance is by appointment only.
Cardiology Clinic – These clinics are available by referral only by your doctor. We also accept patients by referral from other local practices.