How do I?

· How do I book an appointment?

 

You can book by phone, in person at reception or online. You can book up to six weeks in advance, and we encourage you to do so—this gives you a wide choice of appointment times, and allows us to reserve ‘same day’ appointments for patients with urgent problems. If you need to be seen on the same day, then please telephone as early as possible. Our phone lines open at 8am. Every morning we run a ‘book on the day’ surgery for urgent problems with a doctor and a nurse. You may be seen by either. Our highly-trained nurses can deal with most acute problems, however, if after assessing you, the nurse feels you should see the doctor they will arrange this promptly.

 

· How do I get my blood test results?

 

Please call for your blood test results. The majority of results are back within 2-3 working days after the sample was taken. The doctor or nurse who ordered your test will review the blood result and make a conclusion such as ‘normal, no further action, or ‘abnormal, please speak to doctor’. Please telephone reception and they will be able to give you this message. If you wish to discuss your results then you can do this with the doctor or nurse either face-to-face or by telephone.

 

· How do I get a medical certificate (‘sick note’)?

 

A doctor can issue a certificate for your employer only after 7 days of incapacity to work. You will need to see the doctor for the sicknote. If you have been unwell and off work for less than one week then you need to provide your employer with a self-certification form SC2 (or SC1 if you’re self-employed). You can download this form here. GPs are asked by the Benefits Agency not to issue a certificate for illness of less than 7 days’ duration. If your employer requires that you produce one in this instance then either the GP can charge for this or your employer should have their own service in place to assess and verify sickness absence.

 

· How much do I pay for a prescription?

 

At the time of writing, a prescription cost £7.20 per item. In short, you do not have to pay for prescriptions if you;

· Are under 16 years old (or under 19 and in full-time education),

· Are 60 years or older,

· Are medically exempt—you have one of the following conditions,

· Cancer,

· Underactive thyroid, adrenal, parathyroid or pituitary glands,

· Diabetes mellitus that requires medication,

· Epilepsy that requires medication,

· A permanent fistula (e.g. Tracheostomy, colostomy),

· Myasthenia gravis,

· A continuing physical disability that means you cannot go out without the help of another person,

· Are pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months,

· Are in receipt of benefits such as Income Support, Income-based Job Seeker’s Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance,

· Are entitled to, or are named on, a valid NHS Tax Credit Exemption Certificate

· Have a relevant war pension.

 

Further details are available from the Department of Health.

 

All contraceptives, and any medicine we give you directly (injections) are free.

 

If you do pay for your prescriptions, and need 14 or more items per year, then it’s cheaper to buy a prepay certificate. This is currently £104 for a year (or £28.25 for 3-months). You can pick up a form from the pharmacy, or order one online here.

 

· How do I register as a new patient / change my details?

 

Please speak to reception. If you are a new patient, you will need to complete a form. If you are already on medication from your previous practice then please bring the old repeat prescription slips to confirm your medications and doses, as it can take several weeks for your old notes to come through to us.

 

· How do I find an NHS Dentist in Towcester?

 

We’re pleased to say that the Bridge Dental Practice on Watling Street is now taking NHS patients, telephone 01327 358 214. There’s also Oasis Dental Care in Paulersbury (01327 358 668). You can get up to date information from the NHS Choices website or by phoning NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

 

Furthermore, there are two Dental Access Centres in Northamptonshire, which provide urgent care for people who do not have a regular dentist.  Call 01604 762217 (Northampton) or 01536 403400 (Corby) as close to 8.30am as possible for a same day appointment. 

 

If you need urgent dental care when dental surgeries are closed, contact Shams Moopen’s Dental Practice in Northampton on 077 7044 5650 between:-

9.00 am and 4.00pm at weekends and on Bank Holidays

6.30 and 10pm in the evening.  The evening service will be provision of telephone advice only.

 

If you have severe swelling, uncontrollable bleeding or have difficulty breathing you should go directly to the Accident & Emergency (Casualty) Department at the local Hospital.

 

Information about free NHS Dental care is available from dental surgeries or on the Department of Health website www.dh.gov.uk/helpwithhealthcosts

 

 

 

· How do I email my doctor or nurse?

 

I’ve avoided putting our email addresses on the website due to the annoyance of spam bots finding them and filling our inboxes with junk mail. If you want to email any of the staff then reception or your clinician will be able to give you the email address. Of course, please don’t use email to request urgent clinical advice or to request an appointment as the recipient may not be around at the time. Please also consider the lack of security regarding email before you begin a conversation involving your personal medical details.

 

· How do I get help with stopping smoking?

 

Smoking is a leading cause of heart disease, stroke and cancer and we’re keen to provide all the support we can to you when you decide to quit. Book in with one of the nurses for the stop smoking service, ideally before your quit date. We’ll provide one-to-one support and medication to help you. You can find more information and services at the NHS Smokefree website.

 

· How do I comment on this website?

 

Please contact Ben Burgess at the Brook Health Centre.

The Brook Health Centre

Swinneyford Road

Towcester NN12 6HD

Telephone: 01327 323900