Dr Mark Lockyer
I am retiring from general practice having worked at Whetstone Medical centre for the past 18 years. The medical centre moved from Clifton Road to Whetstone Lane in 1971 when it was the first purpose built medical centre on the Wirral and there have been two extensions to the building since then. I am putting in an early request to attend the 50th anniversary of the Whetstone premises in three years’ time. A number of patients have told me that they have been with our practice since its Clifton Road origins. It has been a great pleasure working with the patients, doctors, nurses and staff and I wish you all the best for the future. I was delighted to hear that Dr Greg Simmons will be joining our practice from September. I am looking forward to seeing more of my family and heading off to Wales fly fishing
Sister Brenda Hamilton
After 15 ½ years at Whetstone Medical Centre, I have retired from my job as Practice Nurse. I have hung up my rubber gloves! I have enjoyed my time there and have met some lovely people, both colleagues and patients alike.
I am now going to concentrate on my next career –hopefully that of my hobbies. I will; however be doing some work, albeit voluntary, with the RNLI (not on the boats I hasten to add!)as part of their fund raising team at Hoylake. Later in the year I intend to join the band of volunteers who look after the grounds of the National Trust properties (that should keep me fit!).
Dr Katherine Gregson
On 3rd June I took part in Chichester Triathlon alongside my whole family. I completed my sprint distance triathlon, which consisted of a 400m swim, 33km bike ride and 5km run, in 2 hours 17 minutes and 56 seconds. Those who know me will be aware thatI have never done anything like this before in my life and it was quite a challenge. In the six months I have been training, I have gone from never having done any running, swimming like an old lady and cycling only on family holidays, to being fitter than I have ever been in my life. I joined a running group took swimming lessons and cycled everywhere I could.It was an amazing experience which I will never forget and I am so glad that my family persuaded me to take part.
Over the same weekend, my husband did an Olympic distance triathlon and all three of our children took part in triathlons at different distances according to their ages. We raised over £1500 for a mental health charity which we support through our Church. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the staff and patients at Whetstone Medical Centre for your amazing support and encouragement. I couldn’t have done it without you.
Unfortunately I don’t have the time to devote to regularly training for events like this and don’t have any plans to take part in more triathlons at the moment. I do hope to keep up the running and plan to take part in a 10km run in the autumn to give myself something to work towards. I hope thatanyone who is thinking about trying some exercise for the first time might be inspired to give it a go. You won’t regret it!
WMC Appointment System
Following patient comments the partners have agreed an alteration to the appointments system meaning that there will be more appointments available to pre book in advance, this will commence on Monday 3rd September 2018:-
- Morning surgeries will all have fifteen routine appointments
- Five booked a week in advance
- Five booked 48hrs in advance
- Five book on the day
- Afternoon surgeries will have thirteen routine appointments
- Four booked a week in advance
- Four booked 48 hours in advance
- Five book on the day
Please be prepared to give the call handler details of your problem to enable them to direct you to the most appropriate service. You will need to provide a telephone/mobile number when booking a doctor’s appointment.
Patients may be advised to use the minor aliments service, (at the pharmacy) before seeing a doctor.
Medicines for self-care
Wirral CCG does not recommend the prescribing of medicines and treatments for minor, short-term conditions where self-care is the most appropriate route and where medicines and treatments are available to buy over the counter. Wirral CCG also does not recommend prescribing where there is insufficient evidence of clinical benefit or cost-effectiveness.
The medicines that patients are expected to buy and won’t be prescribed include:
Pain killers and topical pain relief for minor aches and pains
Oral antihistamines, nasal sprays and eye drops to treat allergies such as hayfever.
Antibacterial Eye Drops to treat simple conjunctivitis
Dental products such as mouthwashes, gargles and teething gel
Cough, cold and sore throat remedies
Health supplements e.g. Glucosamine
Vitamins that are not part of an on-going clinical need e.g. renal patients
Ear wax removers
Indigestion remedies and antacids for occasional use
Creams for bruising, tattoos, and scars
Haemorrhoid treatments
Oral rehydration sachets
Head lice treatments
Emollient, moisturisers and bath additives for simple dry skin conditions
Shampoos for simple dry scalp conditions such as dandruff
Cosmetic moisturisers such as Bio-Oil
Sunscreens
Wart and verrucae treatments
Antifungal treatments e.g. for athletes foot and thrush
Homeopathic remedies
For more information on self-care please contact the NHS choices website
Flu Jabs
If you are over 65 or have a chronic disease such as diabetes, asthma or heart condition you are strongly recommended to have a flu vaccination. Home visits are available for the totally housebound but must be authorised by a doctor.
Appointment will be available to book on Monday 10th September 2018, after 1pm for Tuesday 16th October 2018 onwards. Please speak to reception staff for more details?
Phlebotomy Service
Following feedback from Patients and GP Practices;Changes have been made to the way patients receive a blood test. You can choose to either to book an appointment or visit a drop-in centre.
Pre-bookable Appointments
These can be made via yourreception team. Please contact the surgery to make a pre-bookable appointment to be seen at Whetstone Medical Centre or a local venue to suit you. If your appointment is for a child please mention this when booking.
Drop-In Clinics
The following are clinics available for you to drop-in to have your test, without making an appointment. (Please make sure you have your booking number or forms with you)
Monday to Friday, 12.30 - 4.30pm
St Catherine's Hospital, Church Road, Birkenhead, Wirral CH42 0LQ
Eastham Clinic, 31 Eastham Rake, Eastham, Wirral CH62 9AN
Victoria Central Hospital, Mill Lane, Wallasey, Wirral CH44 5UF
PLEASE NOTE: Child blood tests are only undertaken at Victoria Central Hospital. This is due to the fact that all child blood tests need two staff members present and this is the only venue to guarantee this.
WMC Practice Team
Over the past 12 months Whetstone medical Centre has had a few changes in staff, due to retirement. I would like to introduce you to our new practice team:-
Doctors Team:-
Dr Katherine Gregson, (Senior Partner), Dr Anne Hayward, (Partner) and Dr Victoria Holbrook, (Partner)
Dr Gregory Simmons, (Partner) who has previously covered a maternity locum, and immigrated to Australia. Dr Gregory Simmons will be returning from Australia in September and joining us as a Partner.
Dr SivakumarSarangan, (Salaried GP), Dr AuroojSaleem, (Salaried GP) and Dr Michelle Wiggnall, (Salaried GP)
Dr Stuart Swain has been covering maternity cover.
Nurse Team:-
Sister Kathryn Sutton, (Practice Nurse), Sister Margi Hickey, (Practice Nurse), Sister Rachel McGoldrick (Locum Practice Nurse) and Kathryn, (Health Care Assistant)
If you would like more information on our Practice Team, please ask a member of reception for a booklet or vist our website on
Useful Phone Numbers and dates:
NHS Direct – 111
Out of Hour – 111
Whetstone Medical Centre:-
Monday 27th August 2018 – closed
DNA: Please remember to cancel your appointment if it is no longer needed! We had quite a few wasted doctors’ appointments in the last two-month June49, July41
If you have any suggestions or comments please address them to Anita Jones Practice Manager