Welcome to the Lordswood Community Healthy Living Centre
This booklet provides a practical guide to our practice and its services. The practice is large and modern, with suitable access for disabled patients and aims to retain the traditional caring values that have always been associated with general practice.
Practice History
This practice has been in existence in Lordswood since October 1976 and was founded by Doctor John Fahey and Doctor Joan Montague and Doctor Kanwall Sethi in what is now the dental practice in Goad Avenue, Lordswood. Dr Sethi left the partnership in 1978. Dr Fahey and Dr Montague retired in 1989 and Doctors O.S. Singh and S.P. Singh took over the practice in 1990. In November 2005 we merged with Dr Sethi’s practice.
This multiprofessional health centre houses all the professionals of Primary Health Care Team, i.e. health visitors, district nurses, midwifes, counsellor, and phlebotomist. Lordswood Health Centre was part of the LIFT scheme and has now become Lordswood Healthy Living Centre.
How to Contact Us: Our telephone number is:- 01634 337443
Doctors
Dr (Mr) Om S. Singh (BSc MBBS. DRCOG. DGM. DPD. FRCGP): in
addition to his commitment to the practice, he is a GP tutor for Medway and organises education for GPs and members of the Primary Health Care Team. He has special interests in skin diseases, child health and rheumatology.
Dr (Mrs) Shashi P. Singh (MBBS. BSc MD (Obs & Gynae). Dip Obst (1986 London) Diploma of Faculty of Family Planning): She has special interests in women’s health (menopause / HRT and family planning).
Dr Pietas Nyamayaro
Practice Manager – Ann Griffin AMSPAR Dip PM
Our Practice Manager has overall responsibility for all management and practice administration.
Team Leader – Jocelyn Veglio has been with the practice since 2005. She is responsible for the smooth running and organisation of the reception and appointment system.
Receptionists
Our team of receptionists are all very experienced and can probably answer many of your queries. If they do not know the answer to your query then they will ask someone who does. Anything you tell them will be treated in absolute confidence.
Please spare a thought for our receptionists. Their job is difficult and demanding, they have to please both patient and doctor at the same time. They need to be calm, courteous, efficient, sympathetic and wise under all circumstances. They are our front line-please be nice and help them to help you.
Practice Nurses – Christine Fowler (Reg Nurse (RGN) Grade G) Dip HE
Ivy Merrall (Reg Nurse (RGN))
Christy Best (Reg Nurse [RGN])
Our practice nurses are very experienced in chronic disease management i.e. looking after patients with Diabetes, Hypertension, Coronary Heart Disease, Asthma, Women’s health (HRT & family planning). They also assist the doctors by carrying out all nursing procedures. Appointments can be made with them directly for cervical smears, blood pressure checks, travel immunisations, contraception, ear syringing, dressings and other procedures requested by the doctors. They can also be helpful in dealing with many other issues referring to the doctors as necessary. Health screening will be offered to patients not seen within 3 years, and the over 75’s will be invited for a yearly health check.
A Phlebotomist: (who takes blood) is also available on Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday mornings (8.30—11.00) on the first floor. You can go there directly and do not have to report at the practice reception.
Wound Therapy Clinic
Based at The Delce, Rochester. The wound therapy clinics are open to patients of all ages. Patients must be mobile and self-managed transportation i.e. their own or public transport (voluntary transport can be accessed via HANDS etc).
Referrals can be via the following routes: self, GP, DN, PN, NHS Direct, SDR, A&E / Day Surgery, MIU, Hospital ‘transfers’, and other health professionals.
Methods of Referral:Telephone referrals to MedOCC on 01634 891855. Patients referred by other professionals should attend with a referral form with the details fully completed.
Treatment Categories: Removal of sutures/clips. Burns and scalds. Minor wounds, post surgical, post trauma wound care, chronic wounds.
Exceptions: Patients with leg ulcers or acute diabetic foot ulcers will NOT be seen at the Wound Therapy Clinics. Patients with these conditions should be referred to either the Diabetic Podiatry Service or to a Leg Ulcer Clinic for appropriate care.
Office Hours
The practice will be open from 8.30 am to 6.00pm Monday to Friday.
Surgery Hours (Appointments)
8.30am – 12.30am and 3.00pm – 6.00pm (telephone access begins at 4.00pm) Monday to Friday, Wed: 8.30am – 1.00pm . When Surgery is closed (6pm to 8.30am Mon to Fri and 6pm on Fri until 8.30am on Monday), a recorded message will tell you which number to ring to obtain urgent medical advice from either NHS Direct or from a nurse or a doctor for urgent problems. Please visit our website. Patients have the freedom to specify which GP they would like to see. If you cannot make your appointment please let us know so someone else can have chance to see the doctor or nurse.
Extended Hours
Monday 6.30pm — 8.00pm & Wednesday 7.00am—8.00am, by appointment only.
Urgent appointments/visits
If you have a problem that will not wait for a routine appointment or visit then the practice nurse will discuss your problems and allocate an appointment appropriately.
Sick Children
Will always be seen as soon as possible if brought to the surgery (THIS MAY BE QUICKER THAN A VISIT). If in doubt about bringing your child out, please phone the surgery first and the doctors can advice.
Telephone Advice
If you want advice from the doctor or the nurse over the telephone, the best time to ring is between 12.00 – 12.30pm on weekdays (you may be asked to phone back if they are consulting), alternatively you can pre-book a telephone consultation where an appointment is available.
Home Visits
Are for those who are housebound or too ill to go out. Otherwise please try to come to one of the surgeries. If you need a house visit, phone before 10.30am if possible. This will help the doctor to plan his rounds and avoid unnecessary delays. If you require a visit before surgery, please phone as soon as possible.
Repeat Prescriptions
You may obtain your repeat prescriptions by giving 48 hours’ notice. The tear-off copy on your computer prescription can be used by ticking off those items required. You can also post you request and if you enclose a stamped addressed envelope, we will return your prescription to you.
Unfortunately prescriptions cannot be taken over the telephone.
New Patients
All new patients registering with the practice are invited to make an appointment to see the practice nurse for a health check. Please make every effort to keep this appointment as this gives us and you an opportunity to know you as well as about any medical needs including medications.
Test Results
Please ring the surgery after 4.00pm or in the morning between 12.00 and 12.30pm. It is important that you check the results of any test or investigation you have undertaken. PLEASE DO NOT ASSUME THE TEST IS NORMAL UNLESS ADVISED.
Information will be given by a member of staff after speaking with a doctor. In order to maintain confidentiality, we can only give details to patients themselves or to the parents of children. Its is often a good idea to discuss the significance of the result with your doctor and the doctor may ask you to make a follow up appointment for this reason. Enquires about tests ordered by the hospital should usually be directed to the Consultant’s secretary at the hospital.
Services For Children
The surgery offers a full range of services. Child health surveillance is done by doctors and Health Visitors by appointment. Please discuss with our Health Visitor.
Children’s Clinics are run on:
Wednesday mornings (Invitation Only) to see the Doctor and Health Visitor for developmental check and practice nurse for immunisations. On Friday mornings (Without Invitation). These clinics are held by the health visitors to weigh, measure and assess children and are available to give advice. The above services are for healthy babies only; please do not bring sick children to avoid the possibility of spreading infection.
A postnatal support group is held by health visitors. Please telephone main reception for details on (01634) 660441.
Health Visitors
The Health Visitor is a registered general nurse with specialist training in childcare and maternal health. Part of her duty is to be able to help with all the problems, which may beset a family. The health visitor does not do all this on her own; she can refer specific problems to other members of the team. A great deal of her work is undertaken in the home where she see individuals in their own environment. She visits 0-5 years old regularly, not only to check that they are progressing satisfactorily but also to advise on such problems as immunisation etc. Telephone (01634) 660441 Monday to Friday 9.00am-5.00pm.
Maternity
The practice undertakes comprehensive care of all pregnant persons in liaison with hospital specialist. The practice runs antenatal clinics with our attached community midwives. Tuesday and Thursday 9.00am-12.00am by appointment only. There is also antenatal parent craft education lessons held at the Lordswood Health Centre and HOOK meadow Community Hall. Please ring the surgery for details.
District Nurses
The district nurses are available for health care if you are unable to visit the practice. They can help you to maintain your independence at home by offering support, advice and treatment i.e. cancer care, wound care, continence and diet.
The district nurses liase with social services and voluntary agencies. Patients may be referred to this service by our GP’s or alternatively by hospital, social services or you may refer yourself by leaving a message at our surgery. The district nurses can be contacted on 01634 660441 between 9.00am-5.00pm.
Family Planning
Our practice nurses have family planning training. A full up to date Women’s Health service is provided including coil fitting implants and full family planning services including emergency contraception. All the doctors provide confidential advice in normal consulting hours. Dr (Mrs) Shashi Singh has special interest, and keeps updating herself in menopausal and women’s health in general. Appropriate appointment can be booked in the clinic through reception.
Cervical Smears
This is a way of detecting early changes before the development of cancer so that preventative treatment can be given. We recommend that all sexually active women from the age of 25 to 49 have a smear every 3 years, and from the ages of 49 to 64 have a smear every 5 years.
Counselling
The practice provides a counselling service. If you feel your problem is of a psychological nature or stress related, your doctor or practice nurse can arrange an appointment if appropriate.
Clinics
Menopause, diabetic, asthma, coronary heart disease and osteoporosis prevention clinics are held separately at the practice. Please ask at reception for further information. The doctors and nurses are pleased to give advice on lifestyle and health promotion.
Minor Surgery
The doctors will perform minor surgery, e.g. small lumps, cysts, boils, wart. There is a designated clinic for cauterisation of warts and other skin lesions. Please ask at reception for appointment.
Medical Examination/Private Consultations
We are pleased to offer medical examinations/ private consultations to all who might require them even if they are not our registered patient. There will be a fee payable in accordance with the British Medical Association guidelines for non-NHS medical examination required for occupations, pre-employment.
Freedom of Information Act:
A guide for the general public – “The Freedom of Information Act 2000 and you.” Leaflet can be requested from reception.
Please note that we cannot disclose your information without your permission. All staff abide by confidentiality as stated under Data Protection.
Suggestions or Complaints
We welcome any comments that you would like to make about the services we provide. We have a practice based complaints procedure and if you have cause to make any complaints please ask the receptionists for a leaflet. Alternatively, suggestions or complaints should be addressed to the practice manager.
Zero Tolerance Policy
Physical of verbal violence will not be tolerated in the surgery. Any patients found to be rude or abusive may find they will asked to be registered elsewhere.
USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS
Lordswood Health Centre 01634 337500
Surgery 01634 337443
Health Visitors 01634 337450
District Nurses 01634 337500
Midwives 01634 337500
Local Pharmacy
Lordswood (Lloyds) 01634 863372
Morrisons Chemist 01634 684964
Hempstead 01634 376674
Fenn’s 01634 863819
Hospitals
Medway Maritime 01634 830000
Maidstone Gen. Hosp 01622 729000
Somerfield Hosp 01622 686581
BUPA Alexandra 01634 687166
Sittingbourne Memorial Hospital 01795 418300
London Hospitals
St.Thomas 020 7928 9292
Kings College 020 7274 6222
Guys 020 7955 5000
Information/ Advice
Age Concern 01634 828405
Alcoholics Anonymous (Medway) 0845 769 7555
British Diabetic Assn 020 7323 1531
Community Health Council 01634 577935
Cruse Bereavement Care 01634 818080
Invicta Community Care NHS Trust 01732 520400
Medway Council 01634 306000
Samaritans 01634 842222
Social Services 01622 691640
West Kent Health Authority,
Preston Hall 01622 710161
Medway PCT* 01634 382777
NHS Direct 0845 46 47
www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
*Details of Primary Care Services in the area can be obtained from this number
NHS Medway
50 Pembroke Court
Chatham Maritime
Kent ME4 4EL
The Practice Boundary covers ME5 to include parts of Lordswood, Walderslade & Princes Park.
LORDSWOOD COMMUNITY HEALTHY LIVING CENTRE
Sultan Road, Chatham, Kent, ME5 8TJ
Telephone: 01634 337443
Website: www.thesinghslordswood.co.uk
PRACTICE LEAFLET
Dr. O. S. Singh
B Sc MBBS. DRCOG. DGM. DPD. FRCGP
Dr. (Mrs) S. P. Singh
B Sc. MBBS. Dip. Obst. MD (obst & gynae). DFFP
G.P. TRAINING
Since 1981 the Government made it compulsory for all doctors to undergo an apprenticeship comprising a three-year post graduate training including one year G.P. experience in a training practice. We are an accredited training practice; all our registrars are qualified doctors who have undergone five years medical school training passing all necessary exams. They have already worked as house officer for twelve months in hospital, they are fully able to deal with all your problems.