MURTON MEDICAL GROUP Dear Patient, I would like to welcome you to our practice and hope that you will find this practice brochure informative and helpful. I am responsible for the overall organisation and administration of the practice. The GP s and myself are supported by a valued nursing and administration team. We are committed to high standards of patient care. Patient feedback is important in helping us to develop our practice and shape services. If you have any comments or suggestions please let me know. Yours sincerely, Lesley-Anne Williams Practice Manager
MURTON MEDICAL GROUP Doctors Dr D S Rangar (M) Senior Partner MBBS (Kashmir) MRCP (UK) Dr S Muscat (M) - Partner MBChB (Manchester) DFFP Dr C Lazenby (F) - Partner MBChB (Liverpool) DRCOG Dr K Ahuja (F) MBBS Dr C Tickle (F) MBBS, MRCGP, DRCOG D Dr T Fagan (M) MBChB, MRCGP, PHD Patients have the right to be seen by a specific Doctor. If you would prefer to see a specific Doctor, please let our reception team know and they will make a note of this within your record. You can also request this GP when booking your appointment. Please note that your preferred GP may not always be available to you and other GP s may have availability sooner.
Nursing Team MURTON MEDICAL GROUP Sister Tracey Humphries Sister Margaret McNicholas Sister Fiona Meakin Mrs Elaine Morris Mrs Janine Drew RGN RGN RGN Health Care Assistant Health Care Assistant with NVQ Level 3 Our nurses cover all chronic disease areas in nurse led clinics as well as providing treatment room services. Our health care assistants responsibilities include taking blood samples, blood pressures, ECG, Spirometry, urine analysis, smoking cessation and registration of New patients. District Nurses The district nursing team provides nursing care advice and support for our patients who are housebound or too ill to attend the surgery. Community Midwives The midwives provide full antenatal and postnatal care. Our designated midwife is Margaret Hudson. Health Visitors Our Health Visitors are Pauline McDougall, Astrid Edwards and Rebecca Hayne (Nursery Nurse). They can be contacted on 5170674.
MURTON MEDICAL GROUP Practice Staff Management Team Mrs Lesley-Anne Williams Mrs Nicola Greenwood Mrs Angela Taylor Practice Manager Assistant Practice Manager Assistant Business Manager Administration Team Mrs Jeanette Ebblewhite Ms Dianne Fletcher Mrs Anne Thompson Mrs Donna Heron Miss Joanne White Secretary Secretarial Assistant Data Entry Clerk Summariser Administration Assistant Reception Team Mrs Julie Metters Mrs Jacqueline Woods Mrs Tracy Duffy Miss Laura Armstrong Miss Amy Hudson-Ayre Reception Supervisor Senior Receptionist Receptionist Reception Apprentice Reception Apprentice Housekeeping Mrs Jacqueline Grogan Mrs Elizabeth Charlton Caretaker Cleaner Practice Staff are bound by the same confidentiality rules as Doctors. We comply fully with the Data Protection Act 1998 and Freedom of Information Act 2000.
MURTON MEDICAL GROUP OPENING HOURS Monday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm Tuesday 8:00 am - 8:00 pm Wednesday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm Thursday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm Friday 8:00 am - 6:00pm The Practice is open during the above hours. If you prefer to contact us by telephone, reception staff are available Monday Friday between the hours of 8am 6pm.
MURTON MEDICAL GROUP APPOINTMENTS We offer a range of appointments for the practice team. Appointments for GP s, practice nurses and healthcare assistant may be booked up to one week in advance. Appointments are booked in 10 minute slots and are available face to face or over the telephone. A telephone consultation can be made if you are unable to attend the surgery. We can offer you a double appointment if more time is required for your consultation, please ask reception for this when making your appointment. Some specialist clinics such as Diabetes, CHD, minor surgery etc may be booked up to 4 weeks in advance. We always have GP appointments available within 48 hours. If you choose a specific GP this could exceed the 48 hour time frame. Please inform reception if you no longer need to keep your appointment. During April 2012, 180 appointments for our GP s, nurses and healthcare assistants were not attended or cancelled. This wastes time and valuable appointments for patients who need them. Patients who frequently fail to attend appointments maybe removed from the practice list. Should you have any difficulties in making or cancelling appointments, please speak to Mrs Julie Metters, our Reception Supervisor.
MURTON MEDICAL GROUP REPEAT PRESCRIPTIONS To order a repeat prescription you could either Call into the surgery and post in the box provided Send in by post Order On-line To order on-line you will need to sign up in the surgery first and request a registration form. Our web site is: www.murtonmedicalgroup.nhs.uk Please remember to specify where you would like to collect your prescription and allow 48 hours for collection of this. Medication Review Periodically you will need to have your medication reviewed. A reminder will be printed on your tear off slip when you review is due. It is important you attend for review to enable the GP to ensure your medication is still appropriate and working effectively.
MURTON MEDICAL GROUP Practice Information Disabled patients We offer the following facilities for our disabled patients: Parking facilities Disabled access to all rooms on ground level & lower ground. Toilet facilities Low level reception desk Loop system Sign Language Violent or abusive behaviour The Practice operates a zero tolerance policy towards violent of abusive behaviour towards GP s and staff. Incidents of this nature may result in removal from the Practice list. Telephone advice Each GP and nurse is available for telephone consultation by appointment. Please make an appointment with the receptionist and the Doctor will telephone at the allocated time slot. However, in emergencies there is someone available at all times. It is not the policy of the practice to return calls to mobile telephones unless absolutely necessary. Test results Most test results can be obtained by telephone please contact reception for further information.
Home Visits These are for housebound or for patients who are too ill to come to the surgery. Please make requests for visits before 10.00 am. On average, a home visit takes four times as long as a consultation in the surgery. Please help us by keeping home visits to a minimum. Occasionally the duty Doctor may contact you by telephone to triage your visit before attending. Out-of-hours emergencies If you need urgent medical attention when the surgery is closed there are two options available to you: 1. For advice you can contact NHS Direct Helpline on 0845 46 47 or www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk 2. Out of Hours Services commissioned by County Durham and Darlington PCT. If you need urgent health care Out of Hours, instead of phoning your GP Practice you need to use this number: 111. GP Out of Hours Service will be available at the following times. Monday to Friday : From 6.00pm to 8.00am the following morning. Weekends : From 6.00pm on Friday to 8.00am on Monday morning Bank Holidays : 6.00pm the night before until 8.00am the day after.
Newly registered patients If you wish to register with this practice, please telephone or call to make an appointment with one or the Healthcare Assistants who will carry out a brief New Patient Medical. Before attending for you appointment you should complete the registration forms found in our Registration pack and bring these with you. Please allow time before your appointment for us to ensure that the paperwork is complete and register to you onto the system. When registering with the Practice, proof of address is necessary to complete the application. The Surgery does not discriminate on the grounds of race, gender, social class, age, religion, sexual orientation, appearance, disability or medical condition. Change of address If you change your name, address or telephone number, please notify the surgery as soon as possible. Access to medical records Murton Medical Group has an access to medical records policy. Please ask to speak to the Practice Manager for details. Practice Complaints procedure Our aim is to provide the highest level of care for all our patients. We will always be willing to hear if there is any way that you think that we can improve the service we provide. We hope that most problems can be sorted out easily and quickly, often at the time they arrive and with the person concerned. If your problem can not be sorted out in this way and you wish to make a complaint, we would like you to let us know as soon as possible. The Practice Manager will be pleased to deal with any complaint. She will explain the procedure to you and make sure that your concerns are dealt with promptly. For more information, please refer to the enclosed leaflet.
Services provided Coronary heart disease clinic Coronary heart disease clinics are available by appointment throughout the week. Diabetic clinic Diabetic clinics assist in the management of Diabetes. These clinics are available by appointment throughout the week. Asthma and COPD clinics Available by appointment to deal with all aspects of Asthma care. Smoking cessation clinic The Smoking Cessation Clinic is held Tuesdays Thursdays. Please ask reception for an appointment. Anti-coagulation (Warfarin) Clinic The Warfarin Clinic is held every Tuesday afternoon and Friday morning. We accept new patients into this service following a referral from the GP. Carers support This service is available to all patients who care for a relative, friend or partner, or for a child with a disability. Please let your doctor or receptionist know if you are a carer and would like assistance or support.
Family Planning Clinic We provide full family planning services including coil fitting. For contraceptive advice please make an appointment to see your doctor. This clinic is available on a Tuesday and Wednesday. Cervical cytology clinic The practice nurses are available by appointment to take cervical smears. Your Doctor could also carry out this procedure if you prefer. Counsellor We have various counselling services available within the surgery. Appointments for this service are arranged by referral from your GP. Maternity Care The practice provides full ante-natal and post-natal care. Child health services We have an immunisation clinic held on a Thursday afternoon from 1.00 pm. When immunisation is due, your child will be invited to attend the clinic by letter. Minor operations These can be carried out by your GP rather than a referral to the hospital. These are discussed with your GP during a routine appointment and then a further appointment will be made with your GP and the practice nurse to have the required surgery. Non-NHS Medical examinations These include employment, insurance, PSV, HGV, etc. They usually require payment and are by appointment only.
Patient Reference Group We currently have a virtual patient reference group. The aim of this group is to assist us in: Planning any changes and improvements to our local Services & Supporting the commissioning of health services for our local population You can join our virtual patient group and share your views online via e-mail. Help us to ask the right questions in a regular patient survey. Once we have the answers, we will develop a plan to improve anything highlighted as requiring action. As a member of the group you will then be asked to agree the plan. We are looking for members of all ages and from all walks of life. Membership will not take up a lot of your time and is totally flexible. For further information, please contact Mrs Julie Metters, Reception Supervisor or complete the sign up form enclosed. Training of Health Care professional Occasionally the Practice undertakes in teaching/training of Health Care professionals. Your consent will always be taken prior to your consultation. Immunisations Travel injections Please contact the practice nurse at least six weeks prior to the date of departure. Influenza vaccinations These are available each year, usually from October, for those patients particularly at risk from influenza. Notices will be displayed at the appropriate time.
Useful telephone numbers Surgery 5170170 Elwicks Pharmacy 5262052 Murton Clinic 5261761 Whitfields Pharmacy 5262028 NHS DIRECT 0845 4647 or www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk NHS Direct is a 24-hour, confidential helpline staffed by trained health information advisors and qualified nurses. For information and advice on: What to do if you re feeling ill Health concerns for you or your family Local health and social care services Self-help and support organisations Dentists in The County Durham Primary Care Trust Easington Locality If you would like to find an NHS dentist in the Easington area, contact NHS Direct. Dental emergencies If you need dental care, you should call your own dentist. However, if you do not have a dentist or have a dental emergency, call NHS Direct.
Chemists Boots - Peterlee (0191) 586 2640 Dixons - Peterlee (0191) 586 2180 Ferrys - Easington (0191) 527 0412 Meikle - Blackhall (0191) 586 4225 Moss - Peterlee (0191) 586 2861 - Horden (0191) 586 3940 - Blackhall (0191) 586 4225 Whitfields - Horden (0191) 586 4129 Urgent Care Centre/Local Walk-in centre We have two local Urgent Care Centre s one at Peterlee and the other at Seaham. Peterlee Urgent Care Centre Peterlee Community Hospital O Neil Drive Peterlee Seaham Urgent Care Centre New Seaham Medical Centre, Eastdene Road Seaham (0191) 5863474 (0191) 5818408 Peterlee s walk-in centre is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and Seaham is open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 6.00pm. No appointment is necessary. IF YOU ARE SEVERELY ILL OR HAVE HAD A VERY SERIOUS ACCIDENT, GO TO YOUR NEAREST ACCIDENT & EMERGENCT DEPARTMENT OR RING 999
Hospitals Freeman Road (Newcastle) Newcastle General (0191) 233 6161 Newcastle RVI Middlesbrough General (01642) 850850 Ryhope General (0191) 5210561 Sunderland Eye Infirmary (0191) 5283616 Sunderland Royal (0191) 5656256 University Hospital of Hartlepool (01429)266544 University Hospital of North Durham (0191) 3332333 University Hospital of North Tees (01642) 617167 X-Ray Peterlee (0191) 5863474 Local contacts Bereavement Counselling Services (0191) 514 7007 Bereavement Support Group (0191) 386 1170 (Chester-le-Street) Citizens Advice Bureau (0191) 586 2639 Compassionate Friends (0191) 384 3519 County Durham and Tees Valley Strategic Health Authority (0191) 333 3232 CRUSE Bereavement Care (0191) 384 2313 Drug and Alcohol Abuse (CAT) (0191) 510 8933 Easington Substance Misuse Initiative (0191) 587 2194 MIND (Chester-le-Street) (0191) 388 3411 Miscarriage Association (01924) 200799 Parent Advisory Liaison Service (PALS) (0191) 5545723 Police (0191) 5862621 Rapid Response (0191) 5273032 Registrar of Births, Deaths (0191) 5813118 Relate - Durham (0191) 3841198 - Sunderland (0191) 5658353 Samaritans (0191) 3842727 Social Security (0191) 5863344 Social Services 0845 8505010
Emergency Social Services 5.00pm 8.30am (01325)375724 Friday 4.30pm Monday 8.30am Sunderland Community Health Council - Sunderland (0191) 5143723 - North Durham (0191) 3709995
Useful websites www.murtonmedicalgroup@nhs.net This is the Practice website. www.patient.org.uk www.nelh.nhs.uk www.doh.gov.uk www.healthindex.co.uk www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk Comprehensive web directory for UK patient information. Provides excellent links to support groups and voluntary organisations. National Electronic Library for Health (select the virtual Mental Health Library Section). This has Information for patients and Clinicians. The Department of Health site provides access to the most up-to-date government health circulars, papers and reports. This database enables you to search for a private specialist, nursing home or hospital. It holds discussions and is searchable by health community, e.g. depression or sleep disorders. The official NHS website. This provides basic advice To treat common symptoms. Also provides excellent links to support groups and associations.
www.nhs.uk www.cancerbacup.org.uk www.medicdirect.co.uk www.medinfo.co.uk www.royalmarsden.org www.netdoctor.co.uk The official gateway to NHS organisations on the Internet, both local and National. The UK s leading cancer information service. Medic direct is a health information site aimed at UK public and practioners. Provides free and easy to understand medical information and advice. The Royal Marsden s hospitals patient information leaflets providing information about different types of cancer-includes childrens cancers. Lists support groups available for patients in the UK. The County Durham Primary Care Trust Easington Area, commissions the services of The Murton Medical Group Surgery. Their contact details are:- County Durham Primary Care Trust Easington Locality Health Partnership Centre Fern Court Bracken Hill Business Park Peterlee County Durham SR8 2RR Tel: 0191 587 4800 www.cdpct.nhs.uk
Self-treatment of common illnesses Many common aches and pains can be simply treated at home without the need to consult a doctor. Back pain Back pain caused 13 million working days to be lost in Britain each year. The spine supports the whole weight of the upper body so it is understandable that it sometimes goes wrong. Because of the complex nature of the spine it is advisable to consult your doctor if back pain persists for more than a few days. If, as is usual, the pain has been caused by abuse, i.e. lifting too heavy weights, etc., be sensible and take things easy. Take care to sit as upright as possible with a support for the small of the back. Take aspirin or paracetamol which will not only relieve the pain, but will help to relieve inflammation. Your doctor may well prescribe stronger drugs, heat treatment, gentle exercise or some kind of supportive corset. Bedsores Bedsores are far easier to prevent than cure. They are caused by prolonged pressure to certain parts of the body when lying in bed for long periods. They can be prevented by encouraging the patient to shift position as often as possible. Take care to smooth out creases in the bottom sheet to avoid irritation. If red marks appear at the pressure points such as heels, elbows, buttocks and hips, inform the doctor before they get worse.
Burns Apply large quantities of cold water to the affected area as soon as possible and maintain this until the pain subsides. This may take as long as 15 minutes! If the skin is unbroken but blistered, apply a loose, dry dressing. If the burn is larger than four or five inches in diameter or if the skin is broken, consult your doctor as soon as possible. Colds Even in this day and age there is still no magic cure for the common cold. Go to bed, plenty of drinks. If you have a headache or are feverish, take aspirin or paracetamol. Do not bother to take antibiotics as these will have no effect! Diarrhoea In adults, diarrhoea is usually caused by a virus infection and is therefore unable to be treated directly. The symptoms can usually be eased by the traditional kaolin and morphine mixture or by medicines containing codeine. Holiday diarrhoea is often due to bacteria. Again, kaolin and morphine can be taken. Consult your doctor if the symptoms persist for more than a few days. Diarrhoea in very young children and babies needs careful attention. Most babies have loose bowel action during their first six months due to their predominantly liquid diet. Sudden bouts of unusually watery diarrhoea should be treated by taking the baby off solids and feeding them a cooled solution of boiled water with a teaspoon of sugar and a half a teaspoon of salt to the pint. If the symptoms persist for more than 24 hours, or are accompanied by vomiting or weakness, consult your doctor.
Stomach ache Most attacks are not serious and are usually caused by indigestion, a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda in half a glass of water will help. If the pain lasts for longer than eight hours or increases in intensity you should consult your doctor. Sprains Treat with a cold compress, containing ice if possible, for 15 to 30 minutes to reduce the swelling. Then apply, firmly, a crepe bandage and give the sprain plenty of rest until all discomfort has subsided. Further strain will inevitably lead to additional swelling and a longer recover period. Nosebleeds Sit in a chair, lean forward with your mouth open, and pinch your nose just below the bone for approximately ten minutes, by which time the bleeding should have stopped. Avoid hot drinks or hot food for 24 hours. If symptoms persist, consult your doctor. Minor cuts and grazes Wash the wound thoroughly with water and a little soap. To stop bleeding apply a clean handkerchief or dressing firmly to the wound for about five minutes. Cover with a clean dry dressing. Headlice These creatures, contrary to popular belief, prefer clean hair and are, therefore, not a sign of poor personal hygiene. Medicated head lotion can be obtained from the chemist without prescription
Sunburn Treat as for other burns with cold water to remove the heat. Calamine lotion will relieve the irritation whilst paracetamol will also help. Children are particularly susceptible to sunburn and great care should be taken to avoid over-exposure to the harmful effects of the sun. Insect bites and stings Antihistamine tablets can be obtained from the chemist without prescription and will usually relieve most symptoms. Note: Bee stings should be scraped away rather than plucked in order to avoid squeezing the contents of the venom sac into the wound. Chickenpox On the first day a rash appears as small red patches about 3-4 mm across. Within a few hours of these developing, small blisters appear in the centre of these patches. During the next three or four days further patches will appear and the earlier ones will turn crusty and fall off. Calamine lotion may be applied to soothe the often severe itching. Cool baths may also help. The most infectious period is from two or three days before the rash appears and up to five days after this date. Children may return to school as soon as the last crusts have dropped off.
German measles (rubella) The rash appears during the first day and usually covers the body, arms and legs in small pink patches about 2-3 mm and doesn t itch. No other symptoms are usually present apart from occasional aching joints. It is infectious from two days before the rash appears, until the rash disappears in about four or five days from that date. The only danger is to unborn babies and, therefore, it is important that all contacts are informed in order that anyone who may be pregnant can contact their doctor, Immunisation can prevent this disease. Measles The rash is blotchy and red and appears on the face and body around the fourth day of illness. It is at its most infectious from two or three days before the rash appears until eight or ten days after that date. Immunisation can prevent this disease. Mumps Symptoms are swelling of the gland in front of one ear often followed, after a couple of days, by swelling in front of the other ear. It is infectious from two or three days before the swelling appears until eight of ten days after that date. If the pain is severe you should consult your doctor. Immunisation can prevent this disease.