I’m not registered with the surgery as I live elsewhere – can I still be seen as a patient?
In this situation you can be seen as a ‘temporary resident’. You will remain registered with your previous practice but details of any consultations or treatments you have will be passed on to your own surgery. If you are moving to an area for 3 months or longer, you should register as a patient in a local practice. If this applies to you, make sure you tell the surgery that you wish to be seen as a temporary resident when making the appointment.
Do I need a sick note?
You only need a “sick note” from your G.P. If you have been unwell and unable to work for seven days. For the first seven days your employer can not demand a sick note. They may ask you to self-certify (forms are available from the surgery, they may also be available from your employer or from the HMRC website). If your employer still requires a note before this time a private sick note may be issued by the doctor. There will, however, be a charge for this. The NHS web site has a lot more useful information on this topic.
What facilities does the surgery have for those with hearing, visual and mobility problems?
Please click here for further information on accessibility.
I’m not happy with the service I have received at Oldwell – what should I do?
Although we try to provide the best service possible, from time to time things do go wrong. Click here for information on how to make a complaint so that any problems or issues can, where possible, be rectified quickly. If you have had a good experience at Oldwell, positive feedback is always welcome and helps us to identify what we are doing well. Feedback on the surgery can be left on the NHS Choices web site.
I want access to my medical records – what do I need to do?
You can apply to view your medical records under the Data Protection Act (1998). To do this you will need to apply in writing to the surgery (address your request to the practice manager). You will then be offered an appointment within a maximum of 40 days. The NHS web site has more information on this topic.
Am I entitled to free prescriptions?
Certain groups of people are entitled to free prescriptions including: people over 60 or under 17 (under 19 if in full-time education), pregnant women and women who have had a baby in the previous 12 months. People with certain medical conditions or those with low incomes may also be entitled to free prescriptions (see the NHS web site for more details). If you do not fall into one of these groups you must pay the prescription charge (currently £9.15 per item). If you are on a number of regular medicines you can order a Prescription Prepayment Certificate by calling 0845 850 0030 which may save you money. Certain medicines such as prescribed contraception are free to everybody.
I’m going abroad for a few months – what should I do about my prescriptions?
If you are going abroad your GP can give you up to a three month supply of your usual medicines. If you are going to be away for longer than that you will need to either register with a doctor or buy the medicine from a pharmacy while you are abroad. Some countries have strict rules about what drugs can be brought into them so always check before you go, particularly in the case of controlled drugs such as morphine. Equally, if you are given any medicines while you are abroad, check it is ok to bring them back into the U.K. If in doubt, declare them at customs on your return. Check the NHS web site for more information.