Denmark Road Medical Centre Practice Information Booklet
We are a well-established practice; looking after approximately 7000 patients. Running an appointment only system, we have two full time partner doctors: Dr Nigel Cowley (Senior Partner) and Dr Kerstin Smith. We also have4GP Associates: Dr Emily Monks, Dr Miriam Santer, Dr Rupesh Seth and Dr Mike Furze.You may book an appointment with any of these Doctors.
Named GP - All Patients at this practice are allocated a named GP (this is your registered GP). You are still able/welcome to book appointment with any GP of your choice but your registered GP is responsiblefor your overall care. Should you wish to know who this is please ask at reception.
We aim to see all patients for routine problems within 24 hours of the request being made. We do not use an automated phone answering service. Believing in traditional values of family medicine, we simply aim to provide our patients with the best possible care.
We are involved in research; committed to continuous nurse training. We are also a training practice for future GP’s. As such you may be asked to take part in a video surgery. All patients will be given the opportunity to decline such a consultation; consents are obtained from those patients wishing to assist with this form of training.
Disabled patients are catered for through the practice having a large car park, with easy, flat access into the building through doorways suitable for wheelchairs. There is an intercom buzzer for those patients who experience difficulty with the doors. Patient documentation and reception is carried out at custom-made reception desks. A separate room is available for wheelchair bound patients and those seeking a more discreet area for discussion in privacy. Disabled toilet facilities are available.
We have ample free car parking and additional parking, if necessary, is available in Denmark Road.
The Practice Team
Doctors:
Dr Nigel CowleyMB ChB, MRCGP, DCH, DRCOG, FPCert,Dip Ed Med Birmingham 1983 (GP Partner)
Dr Kerstin SmithMD MRCGP DFFP DRCOG Dresden, Germany 1992 (GP Partner)
Dr Emily MonksMB BCh BMedSci MRCPI DME DRCOG MRCGP DFSRH, Dublin 2004 (GP Associate)
Dr Miriam SanterMRCGP 1996, DRCOG & DFFP 1995 (GP Associate)
Dr Rupesh Seth MbChB, MRCP(UK) (GP Registrar)
Dr Mike Furze MB, Chb, MRCP, DRCOG, MRCGP
Practice Manager:Hayley Moore MCMI CIPP
Our Practice Manager, is available to help you with any administrative or non-medical aspects of your health care. Hayley is also available to discuss any suggestions or complaints.
Reception ManagerPenny Cornell CIPP
Penny and the reception team, are your link with the rest of the practice. They will try in every way to help you, and the more information that you are able to give them the better they will be able to assist you. They also carry out much of the behind-the-scene jobs ie contacting hospitals, updating records, filing etc.
Practice SecretaryTina Maton
Tina is responsible for ensuring that all patient referral letters are produced and despatched to the various providers and patient management on the new Choose and Book IT system.
ITKath Hodgson
Kath is responsible for Information and Technology systems. She also collates data as required by the Doctors and is responsible for calling in patients, with long term conditions such as Diabetes, COPD, Asthma, for their routine checks
Receptionists/Patient Services:
Pauline BroadbentPenny Cornell
Toni KaneSharon Hayes
Paula ConstantChrissie Taylor
Debbie DyerDebbie Tucker
Nikki DixTina Tranter
Zakiya Cheeseman
Practice Nurses:Health Care Assistants:
Hilary MackieJennifer Warne
Melanie BatesDebbie Dyer
Julie Brand
Hilary and her team work in the treatment rooms. They are available for treatments such as:
- Injections
- Dressings
- Ear syringing
- General advice
In addition, the nurses are also trained to run various clinics including the taking of cervical smears.
The reception team will be happy to book your appointment. Timings of appointments vary according to the treatment you require.
Health Visiting Team:NikkiWells and Sarah Howcroft - Health Visitors
Paula Constant, admin support
Claire Ryan – Nursery Nurse
District Nursing Team:District Nurses: Jenny Scott
Sarah Doughty, Carolyn Alcazar,
Debbie Jones, Debbie Marshall, Louise Pitman,Health Care Assistants: Sue Salisbury and Teri Abbott
Community midwife: The midwifesare currently piloting a new system. From 23 November patients who are confirmed pregnant are invited to call the new referral line at Bournemouth Maternity Unit. The Midwife no longer attends the surgery and will be holding their clinics at the Queens Park Childrens Centre in East Way and will also be able to offer additional home visits. Referral Line: 01202 704915.
In-house counselling service: Clare Crane headsour in house counselling team. Appointments with the counsellors are via referral from your GP.
Doctor Appointment Time
Dr Nigel Cowley – GP Partner
Monday
/ 8.00 – 10.30 / 3.30 – 6.00Tuesday / 8.00 – 10.30 / 3.30 – 7.30
Wednesday / 8.00 – 10.30 / 1.00 – 3.30
Thursday / 8.00 – 10.30 / 3.30 – 6.00
Friday / 8.00 – 10.30 / 3.30 – 6.00
Saturday / Closed / Out of hours
Sunday / Closed / Out of hours
Dr Kerstin Smith – GP Partner
Monday
/ 8.00 – 11.00 / 1.30 – 3.20 or Wimborne HospitalTuesday / 8.00 – 10.30 / 3.50 – 7.30
Wednesday / 9.25 – 11.50 / 3.00 – 5.20
Thursday / 8.00 – 10.30 / 1.00 – 3.20
Friday
/ 8.00 – 10.30 or Wimborne Hospital / 3.30 – 6.00Saturday / Closed / Out of hours
Sunday / Closed / Out of hours
Dr Emily Monks – GP Associate (currently on maternity leave)
a.m. / p.m.Wednesday / 8.30 – 11.30 / 3.00 – 6.00
Thursday / 9.00 – 11.30 / 3.00 – 6.00
Dr Miriam Santer – GP Associate
a.m. / p.m.Tuesday / 9.20 – 12.20 / 3.50 – 7.30
Dr Rupesh Seth– GP Associate
Monday / 8.30 – 11.30 / 8.30 – 11.30
Tuesday / 8.30 – 11.30 / 3.00 – 6.00
Wednesday / 8.30 – 11.30 / 3.00 – 6.00
Thursday
Friday
/ 8.30 - 11.30 / 3.00 – 6.00Saturday / Closed / Out of hours
Sunday / Closed / Out of hours
Dr Mike Furze– GP Associate
a.m. / p.m.Monday / 8.30 – 11.40 / 2.40 – 5.50
Wednesday / 8.30 – 11.40 / 2.40 - 5.50
Friday
/ 8.30 – 11.40 / 2.40 – 5.50Saturday / Closed / Out of hours
Sunday / Closed / Out of hours
All partners within Denmark Road Medical Centre will extend their surgeries to cope with demand ie: on return from annual leave.
GP’s may alter surgeries occasionally to attend NHS Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group meetings.
The practice opening hours are as follows:
Monday / 8.00 am / To / 6.30 pmTuesday / 8.00 am / To / 7.45 pm
Last appt 7.20 pm
Wednesday / 8.00 am / To / 6.30 pm
Thursday / 8.00 am / To / 6.30 pm
Friday / 8.00 am / To / 6.30 pm
Practice area:
Practice Area
Home visits
If you are too ill to attend surgery and require a home visit, please telephone 521111 before 10am if possible. This will help the doctors to plan their visits for the day. Please be prepared to give some details of the problem as it helps the doctor to decide which are the most urgent cases.
New patients
New patients and their families are always welcome to register with the practice. Please give your NHS medical card and two forms of identification, one of which should be photographic, to our receptionist or you may ask for a registration form to complete.
Change of Name, Address, Telephone/Mobile number
Please let the practice know if you change your name, address or telephone number so that our records are kept up to date. However, if you move out of the practice area you should register promptly with a new doctor.
Repeat Prescriptions
Regular medication is normally prescribed at intervals of 1-2 months. We have a fully computerised system and would ask you to allow at least 48 hours notice to process your prescription request. Should you wish your repeat prescription to be posted to you, then please forward your request accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. For prescriptions requested over the telephone please leave your call until after 10 am, if possible, avoiding the busy times.
Telephone Consultations
The doctors are also available for consultations via the telephone. Just telephone the receptionist, ask for a telephone consultation with your doctor, and the receptionist will book you an appointment in the usual way but with the Doctor telephoning you at the appointed time. **Please ensure you will not be driving when receiving a call to a mobile phone.
Results
If you do telephone for results, please leave your call until between 11.00 am and 12.30 pm or after 3.00 pm avoiding the busy times.
Emergencies and out of hours calls
In the event that you need to see a doctor outside the normal surgery hours, please telephone the NHS out of hours service on 111 where your call will be answered by an operator who will take your details and arrange for you to speak to a doctor, or be seen by a doctor acting on behalf of the Urgent Care Medical Service, OR alternatively you can call NHS direct on 0845 46 47 for non-urgent health information or advice.
Waiting Times
Patients will always be offered an appointment on the day that they make a request to see a doctor if their need be of an urgent nature. Non-urgent appointments will always be given in less than 48 hours and usually on the day
In the unlikely event that patients' are required to wait for 20 minutes or more past their appointed time, the reception staff will ensure that individual patients are informed of the reason for the delay, or offer an alternative appointment if the patient cannot wait. Any patients waiting longer than an hour after theirappointment time will receive a letter of apology and an explanation for the reason.
Portable T Loop System
The Practice has a portable T Loop Hearing system. If you wish to use this facility please speak to the receptionist at the desk
Nurse-led Health Promotion Clinics
The following clinics are run by our nurses. Booking can be made via the reception staff.
* Diabetic * Stop Smoking advice
* COPD* Cardiac* Immunisations
* Hypertension * Travel
* Smears* Wound care dressings
* Ear syringing* Asthma
* Pill checks* Blood pressure checks
* Liquid Nitrogen* Health checks – well person
Minor Surgery: This service is available from the doctors for removal ofsmall skin lumps, injections to joints etc.
Newly Registered Patients: All newly registered patients will be invited to attend a health screening examination.
Non NHS Examinations: Medical examinations for special purposes eg pre-employment, fitness for sports, fitness to travel etc, are available but are not part of your doctors NHS duties and therefore a standard fee will be payable. Please make an appointment at reception or by telephoning 521111.
Immunisations: All adults should ensure that they are up to date with tetanus immunisations. Flu vaccinations are available each autumn to those who require one. Please ring reception for details. Each person should have a course of three polio immunisations throughout their lives (these are mostly given during the school years), or if travelling to certain countries. If you are not sure that you are up to date with any vaccinations, please check with the Practice Nurse. A full range of advice and vaccinations are available in respect of travel abroad. A form should be collected from a receptionist who will advise you of the appointment procedure. An appropriate travel information pack will be put together for you to read before booking your travel appointment.
Cervical Smear: It is very important for all women between the ages of 25 - 64 to have a cervical smear taken every three years. There are many early stages of cervical cancer.
If picked up early this is totally curable by simple treatment and no large operation is necessary
Family Planning: The doctors provide family planning advice to both men and women of any age in complete confidence. This is carried out during a normal surgery appointment.
Emergency Contraception:This isavailable within three days after you have been at risk. Tell the receptionist that you require an urgent appointment on the same day.
Suggestions and Complaints: The doctors and staff are always open to suggestions that you might have to improve our services to you. Should you wish to make a suggestion to us, please speak to the Practice Manager, Hayley Moore, who will ensure that the suggestion is raised with the doctors.
Occasionally, patients feel that they would like to register a complaint regarding an aspect of our service. Should you wish to complain about any aspect of our service to you please ask to speak to Hayley Moore, who will endeavor to give you an immediate explanation, or if, for any reason she is unable to resolve the matter to our mutual satisfaction, she will advise you on how you may formally complain to the NHS England Commissioning Board**. We like to view complaints positively as an important opportunity to improve your care.**NHS Commissioning Board, PO Box 16738, REDDITCH, B97 9PT.
Practice Newsletter
Dr Cowley is editor of our monthly newsletter ‘The Denmark Doctor’
available from the reception desk. The publication contains topical information, quizzes, anecdotes, practice information and a biased analysis of the politics of the National Health Service.
Patient Participation Group
Would you like to help … ‘to advise and assist the Denmark Road Practice in its aim to provide the best possible care for its patients’? If so then the Denmark Road Patient Group would be delighted to meet you!
For those who are not familiar with the Patient Group, a group of patients from all different realms of life, meet every 2 months in a meeting room at the surgery for about an hour in the evening. The group are there to act as a sounding board for the practice, and a means of receiving and providing feedback from and on behalf of the patients at Demark Road Medical Centre. The practice may bring forward issues, ideas or concerns to the Patient Group, where they are discussed in some detail before they are implemented. This is a great forum and medium for those concerned with giving the ‘Patients’ a voice: opening up a dialogue between the practice and its patients. It is not a fund-raising body or a complaints body; however, we can and do make a difference to the practice in many ways.
If you are interested in joining our ‘merry band’ please ask your GP for more details or contact the Chairperson of the PPG by leaving your contact details with the Practice Secretary who will put the Chairperson in touch with you.
We look forward to seeing you!
If you would like to contribute but cannot commit to meetings, please join our e-mail contact list. You will only be asked questions about the practice and what we can do to improve those services, with an occasional questionnaire. Please e-mail us on:
POLICY FOR REMOVAL OF PATIENTS FROM PRACTICE LIST
Purpose
The Denmark Road Medical Centre aims to provide the best possible health care for their patients. However there may be circumstances when it would be considered reasonable, or in the best interests of the patient, to remove patients from the list.
The purpose of this policy, therefore, is to define the practice guidelines as to when it is reasonable to remove a patient from the practice list and to ensure that any concerns about removing patients from the list are dealt with fairly.
Situations which justify removal
Violence
Crime & Deception
Distance
Irretrievable Breakdown of the Doctor-Patient Relationship
Procedure for Removal
Violence / Crime and Deception
Any incident involving violence, crime or deception will be reported to the Practice Manager, who will complete an incident report and bring to the attention of the practice partners.
Each individual case will be discussed at a Practice Meeting and a majority agreement will be reached.
Following agreement, the practice manager will write to the patient and explain the reasons for their removal.
The exception to this is if a patient has to be reported to the police for violent behaviour towards any member of the practice staff when s/he may be immediately removed.
Distance
On notification that the patient is no longer living within the practice boundary, a letter will be sent to the patient advising of their need to re-register with another Doctor within the next 30 days.
If the patient has not re-registered, or contacted the surgery with a reasonable explanation, within the 30 day period, they will be removed from the practice list.
Guidance on removing patients due to irretrievable breakdown of the doctor - patient relationship
Occasionally patients persistently act inconsiderately and their behaviour falls outside that which is normally considered to be reasonable. In such circumstances there may be a complete breakdown in the doctor-patient relationship.
A more detailed copy of this Policy is available from the Practice Manager
The Partners at the Denmark Road Medical Centre re-affirm their commitment to do everything possible to protect staff, patients and visitors from unacceptable behaviour and their zero tolerance of any incident that causes hurt, alarm damage or distress.
CONFIDENTIALITY AND DATA PROTECTION
Please be assured that the confidential nature of consultations and records is respected at all times.
The practice adheres to NHS guidelines in respect of patient information and is registered under the Data Protection Act.
How we keep your records confidential and secure:
Everyone working for the NHS has a legal duty to keep information about you confidential and secure.
You may be receiving care from other organisations as well as the NHS (like Social Services). We may need to share some information about you so as we can all work together for your benefit.
We will only ever use or pass on information about you if others involved in your care have a genuine need for it. When we pass on any information we will ensure it is kept confidential and secure.
We will not disclose your information to third parties without your permission unless there are exceptional circumstances, such as when the health or safety of others is at risk or where the law requires information to be passed on. Again if we do need to disclose your information we will ensure it is kept secure.