PRACTICE INFORMATION LEAFLET
Updated March 2014
BUNBURY MEDICAL PRACTICE
Vicarage Lane
Bunbury
Tarporley
Cheshire
CW6 9PE
Telephone: 01829 260218
Fax: 01829 260411
E-mail:
Welcome to Bunbury Medical Practice
Introduction
There has been a medical practice in Bunbury for over 100 years. In March 2007 we moved to the present, purpose built building in Vicarage Lane. Since moving into our new premises we have increased many services to our patients and have also increased our staff team. The new building provides good access for disabled.
The practice provides excellent medical services to our patients in a rural community centred around Bunbury and outlying villages. We currently have just over 5000 patients, and dispense medication to about 4000 patients.
On call cover is provided by the Western Cheshire Out of Hours Service and is based at Countess of Chester Hospital, Chester and Tarporley Cottage Hospital. The Extended Hours Service is based at Chester, Ellesmere Port, Helsby and Tattenhall. The practice has long been a teaching practice, and we also have medical responsibility for the physically handicapped children of Hebden Green School in Winsford.
The practice is a training practice for GPs and often has a GP Registrar working with us. The Registrars undertake regular clinical supervision and sometimes you may be asked if your consultation could be recorded for training purposes. If you do not wish this to happen please let us know.
Information regarding the CCG and NHS England and details of primary medical services in the area can be obtained from Western Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group or NHS England, 1829 Building, Countess of Chester Health Park, Chester, CH2 1HJ, telephone number 01244 650300.
GENERAL PRACTITIONERS
Dr Helen Black MBChB, DRCOG
Helen was brought up in Edinburgh and attended St Margaret’s School and Edinburgh University. She spent some time during her training in Newfoundland and Ontario before returning to Edinburgh for her finals.
After graduating in 1990 she worked for three years as a junior doctor in central Scotland and Fife before working as a GP Registrar in a busy North Edinburgh practice.
Helen was awarded the Diploma of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in 1993. She joined Bunbury Medical Practice in 1995 and lives with her husband, also a local GP, and her two sons in Tarporley.
Dr John Berry MBBS, MRCOG, MRCGP
John qualified from King’s College Hospital in London in 1990, he then embarked on extensive training in gynaecology in addition to the usual requirements for general practice. He moved to this area over 12 years ago with his wife and their 3 children. John maintains a special interest in gynaecology. In 2002 he introduced the Mens Health Clinics, which have proved very successful.
A keen sportsman, his wife banned him from playing rugby because of a recurrent dislocation of his shoulder and back injuries; as compensation he spends weekends as medical officer at Harlequins Rugby Club. His sports medicine knowledge is gained from personal experience!
John is responsible for Clinical Governance and IT within the practice and is medical officer for the children at Hebden Green School in Winsford. He recently qualified to be a trainer of prospective GPs.
Dr Nick Dixon MBChB, MRCGP, DFFP
Nick is originally from Kirkham near Preston. Since graduating from Liverpool Medical School in 1996, Nick has worked in a number of local hospitals and GP practices. He joined Hope Farm Medical Centre, Great Sutton in 2006. Nick became a partner at Bunbury Medical Practice in March 2011.
Nick has lived in Chester since 1998 with his wife Martine, who is also a GP and their son. He enjoys music, playing the guitar, reading and when time permits snowboarding.
Dr Val Thompson LLB, MBChB, MRCS(part1)
Val originally trained and worked as a solicitor in York and Chelmsford, having graduated from Southampton University in 1975 with a degree in Law. She subsequently returned to Liverpool University as a mature student and qualified in medicine in 1996. She trained to be a GP at Bunbury Practice and in Ellesmere Port. She is married with two sons. She has a special interest in General Surgery having originally begun surgical training and works one day a week in the Breast Unit at the Countess of Chester Hospital.
Sport is also a passion and she plays squash, tennis and golf, aiming to do some sport most nights of the week.
Practice Nurse Team
We have 3 part-time practice nurses who assist the Doctors and advise on a variety of health problems. They also run clinics for chronic diseases, baby immunisations, general health promotion and travel advice.
Steph Burrows SRN
Barbara Lovelady SRN
Sharon McKenzie SRN
A Health Care Assistant and Phlebotomist are available every morning.
Linda Harding HCA
Bernadette Langley Phlebotomist
THE PRACTICE TEAM
The Practice Manager is responsible for the day to day management of the practice. She is supported by an excellent administrative team consisting of a Reception Manager and 4 receptionists, and 2 part time Secretaries.
The Dispensary is very busy and run efficiently by an experienced team consisting of 7 part time dispensers and 2 assistants.
We provide the service of trained counsellors who are attached to the practice; one of them mentors additional counsellsors who are gaining experience.
The practice also has a Medicines Manager who assists the GPs in improving efficiency of medicine management, increase patient safety and reduce waste.
Community Nursing Team 01829 733193
District Nurses provide nursing support in the community. This includes care of the chronically sick and terminally ill housebound patients as well as care during periods of ill health and after operations.
Health Visitor 07525 969258
The Health Visitor has responsibilities to new mothers and their babies, offering advice on child development and care
Midwives 01244 365166 – Chester 01606 551311 – Crewe
The midwives run weekly clinics at the surgery for both Countess of Chester and Leighton Hospital. They are responsible for the care of our expectant mothers during their pregnancy and up to and just after the birth.
There is also a community podiatrist and dietician who attend the surgery on a regular basis.
Out of Hours Care
If you require urgent medical attention when the surgery is closed, please phone 01829 260218 and you will be transferred through to the Out of Hours service. You will then be triaged by a trained nurse to allow the most appropriate course of action to be taken. If necessary, you may be invited to attend an Out of Hours clinic at either Chester or Tarporley depending on the need of the individual.
Extended Hours
This is a new service for patients who find it difficult to attend the surgery during our core hours. The service is available in various centres around the area and between them they are open Monday – Friday evening and Saturday morning. Appointments may be made by phoning 01244 385422.
Dispensing
We are currently able to dispense (put up medication) to all our patients who live one mile or more from their closest chemist shop. These patients can pick up their medication after seeing the doctor. If the dispensary is busy there may be a short wait and occasionally we have to order in some specific medication that we do not keep in stock. Patients are able to order their repeat prescriptions either by:
Phoning the freephone telephone number 0800 169 4007 between 9.00a.m. and 12.30 p.m
e-mailing on
fax on 01829 260411
in person between 8.00a.m. and 6.30p.m. Monday to Friday (or left in the letter box by the gate during weekends)
Please allow 48 hours from ordering your repeat prescription to collection.
For urgent repeat medication when the GP practice is closed you can present at any pharmacy with an empty box or repeat medication slip and they will provide you with an emergency supply to cover you for 3 days. They will normally charge you the cost of the drug or NHS prescription charge for this service.
Nurse Clinics
The practice nursing team run a full and comprehensive service including a Triage service which operates between 8.30a.m. and 10.30a.m. daily. If you require medical advice or a same day appointment or a home visit, please ring the surgery phone number 01829 260218 where you will be asked for certain details and the triage nurse will phone you back. In addition to the chronic disease clinics the nursing team provides phlebotomy services, holiday vaccination clinic, child immunizations, flu vaccination clinics, womens’ health services, BP checks and many more. We are also a registered Yellow Fever centre.
Surgery Opening Hours
The surgery is open between 8.00a.m. and 6.30p.m. Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays). The surgery does close for one afternoon per month for staff training, this is advertised in advance, on the notice board, in the practice information book in reception and in newsletters. All consultations for the doctors and nurses are by appointment. Appointments may be booked 4 weeks in advance. If you require an emergency appointment for the same day, you will be triaged by a practice nurse and offered an appointment or advice. This emergency appointment may not be with the GP of your choice.
To make an appointment to see a clinician in surgery or to have a telephone consultation with a clinician, please ring 01829 260218. If you wish to see a particular GP, it is advisable to book your appointment as far in advance as possible.
MONDAY / TUESDAY / WEDNESDAY / THURSDAY / FRIDAY8.00 – 9.30 / Phlebotomy / Phlebotomy / Phlebotomy / Phlebotomy / Phlebotomy
8.30 – 10.30 / Triage / Triage / Triage / Triage / Triage
8.30 – 11.30 / Dr Black
Dr Berry
Dr Dixon
HCA / Dr Berry
Dr Dixon
Practice Nurse
HCA / Dr Berry
Dr Thompson
HCA
Phlebotomist / Dr Black
Dr Dixon
Practice nurse
Health care asst / Dr Black/Berry
(as per rota)
Dr Thompson
Phlebotomist
11.00 – 12.30 / Practice Nurse / Practice Nurse / Practice Nurse / Practice Nurse / Practice Nurse
15.00 – 17.30 / Dr Black
Dr Berry / Dr Black
Dr Dixon
Practice Nurse / Dr Berry
Dr Thompson
Dr Dixon
Practice Nurse / Dr Berry
Dr Dixon
Practice Nurse / Dr Black/Berry
Dr Thompson
Practice Nurse
How to Register with the Practice
If you live within the practice area – see map below, you may register with the practice, the reception staff will advise if you are unsure. You will be asked to complete a couple of forms and attend for a New Patient Check. It takes a few weeks for your medical records to arrive at the surgery, so any information we have on you during this period will help the clinicians manage your health needs.
Complaints Procedure
We endeavour at all times to give our patients the best possible service. If at any time you feel you have cause to complain about any aspect of our service, please speak directly to the Practice Manager, alternatively you may wish to write in.
Initially a complaint will be dealt with informally, as we take all complaints seriously, we will respond within three working days. Should we need to make a more complex investigation this may take longer, we will always keep you informed of progress. You may be invited to attend an informal meeting to discuss the matter and you may wish to bring someone to accompany you. Wherever possible we will provide you with an explanation and details of any course of action which may be required.
To view our full Complaints Procedure please see our website: www.bunburymedicalcentre.gpsurgery.net
Patient Equipment Fund
Initially set up using bequests and donations to provide loan equipment for patients, this has now become a charitable trust. The Trust is managed by 3 trustees with a committee of dedicated ‘friends’ of the practice who actively fund raise on the Trust’s behalf. There is now a number of items available for short term loan to act as interim help. For more information please contact the reception.
Patient Participation Group
As part of the changes to a GP’s role in the NHS and the desire to involve patients more in what services are provided locally, we are still looking for patients to volunteer to join our patient participation group. We have a small group who have met a few times over the last 12 months and their input has been extremely beneficial to the practice. The involvement will not be onerous, and hopefully you will find the participation enjoyable and worthwhile.
If you would like to find out more of what is involved, please:
1. Ask at reception for an information sheet
2. E-mail the practice requesting information
3. Please visit our website www.bunburymedicalcentre.gpsurgery.net for further information
THE PRACTICE CHARTER
GP Responsibilities
You will be treated with respect and courtesy and all matters pertaining to your medical care will be treated confidentially.
You will be able to see a doctor within 2 working days and a nurse within 24 hours. Please remember that two of the doctors are part time and therefore less available.
If you have an acute problem you will be triaged by one of our clinical team who will manage your problem accordingly. If you need to be seen by a doctor it may not be one of your choice.
We will endeavour to see you at your appointment time. However some patients may present with more complex problems which may result in delays. We will offer an explanation if delays occur.
If a surgery has to be cancelled we will notify you as soon as possible and offer you an alternative appointment.
Where possible we will try to answer the telephone within six rings.
We will visit you at home if we consider you are too ill or infirm to attend the surgery.
We consider you are a partner in your care and management and all aspects of it will be explained to you including any medication which is prescribed for you.
Repeat prescriptions will be ready within 48 hours.
We will not discriminate on grounds of race, gender, social class, sexual orientation or appearance.