Albany House Medical Centre
3 Queens Street, Wellingborough, NN8 4RW
Home Visits/Emergencies (08:00 to 18:30): / 01933 234 905
Results/enquiries (10:30 to 15:30): / 01933 234 900
Wollaston branch (branch opening hours only): / 01933 665 011
When the surgery is closed: Call 111
www.albanyhousemedicalcentre.co.uk
About us
The Practice serves Wellingborough and surrounding areas. We provide services to over 17,200 patients from modern premises located in the town centre with car parking around the building and in the nearby Jackson's Lane car park. Both surgeries have good disabled access. We also have a branch surgery in Wollaston to serve patients with a NN29 post code.
We are one of Northamptonshire's leading teaching and training Practices, teaching both GP Registrars and Foundation Doctors.
We are also actively engaged in Research and Development (R & D), working in Partnership with the Medical Research Council and many of the leading Pharmaceuticals companies.
Opening Times
Albany House / Wollaston BranchMonday / 08:30 - 18:00 / 15:00 - 17:30
Tuesday / 08:30 - 18:00 / 09:00 - 11:30
Wednesday / 08:30 - 18:00 / closed
Thursday / 08:30 - 18:00 / 09:00 - 11:30
Friday / 08:30 - 18:00 / Closed
Weekend / 08:00 - 12:00 / Closed
Out-of-hours services and A&E are generally very 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.
In a genuine emergency you should call 999. Chest pains and / or shortness of breath constitute an emergency.
Appointments
Booking in advance - We have appointments with GPs available for advance booking 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours, 96 hours, 7 days and 14 days and up to 4 weeks ahead. Our 'phones are always very busy between 08:30 and 09:30 with patients calling for same day appointments. If you are not calling to book an appointment, please help us to minimise delays by calling after 09:30.
When you call, our operator will ask what problem you calling in with. This question is asked simply to book an appointment with the most appropriate clinician - either a GP, advanced nurse practitioner or nurse.
A limited number of appointments at Albany House can be booked online. You have to register to use this service; you can download an online services registration form from our website.
Urgent appointments - Urgent appointments with GPs are for ONE problem only. There will not be time to deal with multiple problems, sick notes or see other members of the family. If you have more than one problem you will have to make another appointment. Appointments can be booked from 08:30 on 01933 234 900.
Telephone consultations - All GPs have a small number of bookable telephone consultations. Call from 08:30 on 01933 234 900.
Advanced nurse practitioners can see a broad range of conditions - our operators will help to signpost you to the most appropriate clinician.
Minor illness clinics - Most of our nurses are trained to manage a range of minor illnesses including coughs and colds, headaches, etc. If you call for a same day appointment, our operator will ask what the problem is. They will triage most minor illnesses to a trained nurse to deal with.
Chronic disease clinics - Our nurses are trained to manage a range of chronic diseases including COPD and Asthma, Diabetes and hypertension. With exception of Asthma, patients are given appointments for an annual review. Asthma patients are reminded by letter and requested to call to make an appointment.
Treatment area - All services, except blood tests, require an appointment. The treatment area is closed between 12:30 and 13:30.
Please be aware that patients may be waiting for several different clinics. Therefore, they may arrive after you and be seen before you. All patients are seen in order of arrival, except where urgent medical attention is required.
Blood tests (Phlebotomy) - walk in service on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Available 08:30 to 12:15. A service is also available at the Isebrook up to 15:15 daily.
Chaperone
You are entitled to have a chaperone present if you wish, and we will endeavour to make one available. If this cannot be arranged immediately you may have to make an appointment at another time.
Cancellations
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 01933 234 905 before 10:30.
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’ 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).
Repeat Prescriptions
If you are on regular treatment you may request a repeat prescription by:
· Leaving your request at the surgery. We have a special box in the lobby by the entrance door;
· Requesting online via the link at the top of this page. This is a secure ordering service and requires registration. Please ask at reception for a registration form or download one from our website. If you want a paper prescription to be sent to a specific pharmacy, please tell us when you order or register for an electronic prescription;
· Sending it to the surgery. If you enclose a stamped self-addressed envelope with your request we will send it back to you in the post. Always use the computer slip which is attached to your prescription when you collect it. If you do not have a computer slip, please get a prescription request form from Reception. We can deliver your prescription to the Wollaston branch surgery. Tell the receptionist if you would like to collect it from there;
· Most local pharmacies operate a collection and/or delivery service.
Always allow us 48 working hours from request to get your prescription ready for you. Please do not wait until you are nearly out of medication before you reorder. We cannot, for safety reasons, accept email or telephone requests for repeat prescriptions.
Electronic Prescription Service
Your prescriptions can be sent electronically to a pharmacy of your choice, thereby eliminating the need for a paper prescription. If you are currently receiving a paper prescription and would prefer an electronic prescription, please complete a consent and pharmacy nomination form. You can download the form from our website.
Medication Reviews
Patients on repeat medication will be asked to see a doctor, nurse practitioner or practice nurse at least once a year to review these regular medications and notification should appear on your repeat slip, or by letter/SMS text message. Please ensure that you book an appropriate appointment to avoid unnecessary delays to further prescriptions.
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.
· Prescription (per item): £8.20
· 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.
· Telephone advice and order line 0845 850 0030
There is further information about prescription exemptions and fees on the NHS website (www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthcosts/Pages/Prescriptioncosts.aspx)
Help with health costs
Although treatment on the NHS is free at the point of delivery, there may still be some costs (for example, your journey to hospital). However, much or all of the cost can be reclaimed, which should ease any added stress. The NHS Choices (www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthcosts/Pages/help-with-health-costs.aspx) website contains more information and there are leaflets on display at various places around both buildings.
Clinics & Services
Antenatal Clinics
Our midwife runs regular antenatal clinics. If you become pregnant, you will be given a ‘booking appointment’ at which our midwife will carry out a health check. You will be seen regularly throughout your pregnancy at the practice or the local hospital, or both.
Childhood Immunisations
Immunisations for pre-school children are run weekly, usually on a Thursday morning.
Chlamydia Testing
Free, fast and confidential screening for 15 to 24 year olds.
Chronic Disease Clinics
The doctors and practice nurses run specialist clinics to keep a check on longstanding medical problems, including Diabetes, COPD, Asthma and High Blood Pressure. These clinics are not bookable directly. Patients are called for review.
Counselling/Wellbeing
We have our own counsellor who sees patients referred to her by a GP. The Wellbeing team attend the practice every week to help patients with mild to moderate anxiety or depression. They will only see patients referred to them by a GP.
Dietician
Our dietician will only advise patients referred to her by a GP.
Emergency Contraception
Emergency contraception is available. Please ask at Reception for an urgent same-day appointment.
Family Planning & Maternity Services
All doctors and some nurses can offer advice on contraception. All doctors are qualified to look after women during pregnancy. Some GPs are also qualified to fit/remove intra-uterine devices (coils) and implants (Nexplanon).
‘Flu Vaccination
Influenza vaccination is recommended for patients with a heart, lung or kidney disease, diabetes and for patients in residential care and those aged 65 and over. Vaccinations start in October/November depending on when vaccine is available.
Minor Operations
Certain doctors are qualified to carry out minor operations including joint injections. Most of these operations are carried out in the treatment area. Please make it quite clear to the receptionist if the doctor has advised you that you require a minor operation. These often need a longer time than an ordinary appointment.
Cervical Smears
These are carried out by practice nurses and doctors. Please remember to tell the receptionist if you are booking for a cervical smear.
Family Planning Clinics
A weekly clinic for advice on contraception and sexual health. Emergency contraception is also available.
Smoking cessation
One to one counselling, which can include nicotine replacement therapy, from one of our healthcare assistants. There may be a short waiting list for this service.
Treatment Area
The practice nurses are available Monday to Friday between 08:45 and 18.00 (emergencies only between 12:00 and 13:30). Nurses are qualified to give advice on minor conditions, including accidents, dressings, injections (including holiday vaccinations) blood and other tests including cervical smears. They are happy to advise you on any aspect of healthy living. Please book appointments by calling the appointments line.
Travel Clinic
If you are travelling abroad, the treatment area nurses can give you all the advice you need about vaccinations and how to keep yourself healthy while you are away. You are advised to complete a travel questionnaire and return it to us at least 6 weeks before you travel. Some travel vaccinations are not covered under the NHS and there will be a fee to pay. For more information see our travel page on the website.
Non-NHS Services
Some services provided are not covered under our contract with the NHS and therefore attract charges. Examples include the following:
· 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.
Where fees are payable, these must be paid at the time of booking your appointment. Cheques (with cheque card) or cash only.
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: