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.
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’ (see below) 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.
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 (where this information was sourced).
Before attending our Travel Clinic you will need to complete a pre-travel questionnaire. This will then be assessed by our Nurses and you will either receive a telephone call, an appointment or further advice from the Surgery.
The questionnaires are available from Reception or by downloading it here Pre-travel questionnaire
The following vaccinations are available on the NHS:
Private Vaccinations available to order:
If required please pay via cash or cheque.
Letters for Airlines
Your airline or holiday operator may ask you for a letter from your GP regarding your medications which your GP will be happy to provide.
Please note there is a £18 administration charge for these letters. We would also be grateful if you could provide as much notice as possible.
Please ring 01270 275949 after 14:00 for test results.
Your results cannot be given to another person due to confidentiality reasons, unless you have already requested this and it is recorded in your notes.
Most tests take approximately 2 working days to return, with specialised tests taking longer. X-ray and scan results are usually received by the practice 7-10 days after the test was performed. It is your responsibility to telephone for results, as we process large numbers of tests each day and are unable to telephone individual results.
Pharmacists play a key role in providing quality healthcare to patients. Working in the community, Pharmacists use their clinical expertise together with their practical knowledge to ensure the safe supply and use of medicines by patients and members of the public.
Many Pharmacies in the local area offer the ‘Think Pharmacy’ service. This service is an alternative to visiting your GP, making it easier for you and your family to get healthcare and advice on minor ailments at a time that suits you.
Your local Pharmacy can offer advice and if necessary, prescribe medication to treat the following ailments under the Minor Ailments service:
Pharmacists can also offer advice on common problems such as coughs, colds, aches and pains as well as healthy eating and stopping smoking.
You can talk to your Pharmacist in confidence, even about the most personal symptoms and you don’t need to make an appointment; most Pharmacies now have a private consultation area where patients can discuss issues with Pharmacy Staff without being overheard by other members of the public.
Consultations are always free and confidential, regardless of whether the Pharmacist gives you any medication.
This is different to the usual repeat prescription service we offer. It is most suitable for patients who take regular repeat medicines. If your GP thinks you will benefit from this service then can authorise an agreed number of electronic repeat prescriptions (up to a year) that you can collect directly from your Pharmacy without the need to contact or visit your GP Surgery for your prescription.
When you collect your last repeat prescription your Pharmacist will inform you and you must then contact your Surgery. You may be required to have an appointment for a review, or any blood tests due before the GP will authorise a further supply of prescriptions.
Your Pharmacy will not be able to set up a repeat dispensing arrangement for you without it being authorised by a GP.
Prescriptions take 2 full working days to process so please note the following when placing your order:
ORDER COLLECT
Monday → Thursday
Tuesday → Friday
Wednesday → Monday
Thursday → Tuesday
Friday → Wednesday
Future issues of prescriptions will be for 2 months. This is with the exception of controlled drug prescriptions. If you wish to discuss this please contact the Prescribing Team. Repeat prescriptions will be ready for collection at the Surgery or for sending electronically to your nominated Pharmacy after 2 full working days.
How to place an order for a repeat prescription:
Both of the above can be hand-delivered either using the post box located in Reception or by using the external post box outside of normal surgery hours.
Alternatively the completed prescription or hand-written list can be posted to:
Please note that our Receptionists and Prescribing Clerks are not allowed to take prescription requests over the phone. This is a safety issue as complex medical terminology can be misinterpreted when spoken over the phone.
Please order your prescriptions in time, allowing 2 working days for your prescription order to be processed… and remember, after receiving your prescription some Pharmacies can now take up to 4 days to prepare your medication for collection.
Occasionally the Doctor may request that you book an appointment to discuss your prescription request.
All patients receiving repeat prescriptions will need to be reviewed by a Doctor at least annually for monitoring and review of their medication.
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.
These charges apply in England only. In Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales prescriptions are free of charge.
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.
There is further information about prescription exemptions and fees on the NHS website
Do you need Physiotherapy?
You can now refer yourself directly to the Physiotherapy Service if you are aged 16 and over. This means you do not have to visit your GP first, unless you wish to do so, or have recently had an operation related to the problem area. This service is provided free by the NHS on your behalf.
Not sure if Physiotherapy is right for you?
Physiotherapy can be particularly beneficial if you are suffering from any of the following:
Physiotherapists specialise in the assessment and treatment of problems related to the bones, joints and soft tissues. The Physiotherapist will ask you more about your symptoms, perform a physical examination and then agree the most effective course of treatment to achieve your goals. The service offers a range of treatment modalities to include advice and education, manual therapy and exercise prescription. On referral to the service you will be asked to commit to attending all sessions and participate fully with the agreed treatment plan in order to achieve the best possible outcome.
To refer yourself please complete a self-referral form which is available at Reception.
What is Patient Access?
With Patient Access, you can now access your local GP Services at home, work, or on the move – wherever you can connect to the internet. What’s more, because Patient Access is a 24 hour online service you can do this in your own time, day or night.
You can:
Is My Information Secure?
All information that is sent to your Surgery via Patient Access is secure. Your personal details are encrypted and protected using the highest standard internet security, so it cannot be intercepted. Only you and your GP Surgery are able to see this information.
How Do I Register?
Either ask at Reception for a form, or download a copy of the Patient Online Registration Form
PLEASE NOTE THAT WE ARE UNABLE TO OFFER THIS SERVICE TO ANY PATIENTS UNDER 16 YEARS OF AGE.
As the Doctors are very busy we ask for your co-operation in attending Surgery whenever possible.
If you are too unwell or too immobile to attend, please telephone 01270 275949 before 10:00am Monday to Friday as this assists in the planning of Doctor visits in the early afternoon.
It is helpful if you can give the Receptionist an indication of the problem so that the Doctor can prioritise the urgency of the request. Always ensure there is a contact telephone number in case the Doctor wishes to speak with you prior to the visit.
Patients recently discharged from hospital, who need nursing follow up, will routinely be seen by the District Nursing Team.
Visits take place after morning surgery usually between 11:30 and 15:00.