GENERAL PRACTICE EDUCATION & TRAINING

The practice is approved for the training of doctors who wish to specialise in general practice. Each general practice registrar will already have completed a long programme of hospital experience before coming to work with us for a period of one year. Medical students from St George’s Hospital also undergo part of their training here.

COMPUTERISATION

At times you may be asked to complete a patient questionnaire in order to maintain our record of all patients. Computers require accurate records which is to everyone’s advantage and holds the key to many benefits, particularly in preventative medicine. The practice is registered under the Data Protection Act and confidentiality will remain our prime concern.

NON-NHS SERVICES

Certain services such as private sick notes, insurance claim forms and some medical examinations are not covered by the NHS and charges are made in line with the BMA recommendations. Details of charges are displayed in reception.

HEALTH PROMOTION

We encourage all of our patients to share the responsibility for their health both in preventing disease and in treating existing disease. Prevention really is better than cure. Many of the more serious diseases can be prevented by a healthy lifestyle and without the need for drugs. Please feel free to discuss with us both your general health and lifestyle and to ask for advice. We keep a large supply of free literature on a variety of health topics.

SMOKING

This is the single largest preventable cause of ill-health in this country. It is a major cause of cancer, heart attacks, angina and chest diseases. If you would like advice and help on giving up, please consult us.

SICKNESS CERTIFICATES

You do not require a doctor’s sickness certificate for any illness lasting six days or less. Your employer may, however, require you to complete a self-certification form SC2 which is available from your employer. For any illness lasting longer than seven days you will need to see the doctor for them to issue a sickness certificate (med 3) and for any subsequent renewal of the certificate.