On-line booking- password changes:

We will be migrating to a new software system in May 2012. In order that your current password can be migrated to the new system, it must be 8 or more characters long and alphanumeric (contain at least one letter and one number). If your current password doesn't comply, please alter it now. Thanks

 

Change in Extended Hours

From 1stJuly 2011 we will be offering early morning appointments from 07:30, on Tuesdays (Dr Davison and/or Dr Costen)  and Fridays, (Dr Shelston and or Dr Costen). The late evening will be Wednesday, until 19:00, with Dr Andrzejowski, Dr Kitto and Dr Hickman

 

 

 

Urgent Access Clinics:

We have been running this system for around 18 months now. After 8 months, we polled 75 patients by questionnaire, about satisfaction with the system.

71% said they preferred it to the old system.

75% said the introduction of these clinics had improved their overall satisfaction with the Practice

The average waiting time to be seen was 39 minutes. However, we realised that a problem with the wording of our questionnaire meant that this could have been interpreted by patients as the time they waited from when they arrived, rather than the start of Urgent Access (if arriving before 10:30). Neverthelsss, it gives an estimate of how long you may have to wait. It is very variable depending on how many patients show up and how many Drs are on duty that day.

We are therefore continuing this system permanently, and may refine it as experience grows.

Please bear in mind that it isn't necessarily quicker to come along early, before 10:30. Not uncommonly, presenting in the last 15-20mins of clinic can mean your wait is shorter overall.

 

Heart Disease
Asthma & COPD
Cancer
Mental Health
Diabetes
Osteoarthritis
Pain

Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a preventable disease that was responsible for the deaths of 88,000 people in the UK in 2008 (British Heart Foundation CHD Statistics 2010). In all, 191,00 died from heart and circulatory disease in the UK. Death rates are highest in Scotland and North of England and lowest in the South of England. CHD is the biggest killer in the country.

British Heart Foundation - Vinne Jones' hard and fast hands-only CPR

British Heart Foundation - What is a heart attack?

There are more videos available on all aspects of BHF and heart disease on the BHF video site

 Audio MP3 Downloads

British Heart Foundation Now you can download and listen to podcasts free from the BHF - either on the move or in the comfort of your own home. We have a few examples below, there is a full list on the podcast page.

Controlling Cholesterol

Giving Up Smoking

Risk Factors & Heart Disease

Alcohol & Your Heart

"The British Heart Foundation is Britain’s leading charity fighting heart and circulatory disease – the UK’s biggest killer. The BHF funds research, education and life-saving equipment and helps heart patients return to a full and active way of life. The charity relies on donations to continue its vital work."

Home Blood Pressure Monitoring

The BHS recommends that only properly validated BP monitors be used both in the clinic and at home. All the monitors listed on their website have been clinically validated. This means that all the machines, regardless of their cost, give reliable readings when used correctly. Please note that added cost does not equate to added accuracy.

View a list of clinically validated BP monitors

Useful Links

CHD - Healthtalkonline
Healthtalkonline Healthtalkonline, an award-winning charity website, lets you share in other people's experiences of health and illness. An excellent resource compiled after interviewing a wide range of people suffering from heart disease.

CHD
An excellent resource with useful video, audio, images and references relating to CHD.

NHS Choices
Further information about symptoms, treatment, causes and prevention of CHD.

British Heart Foundation
Our vision is of a world in which people do not die prematurely of heart disease. We will achieve this through our pioneering research, our vital prevention activity and by ensuring quality care and support for people living with heart disease.

These links all come from trusted resources but if you are unsure about these or any other medical matters please contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

 
For quick medical advice online or on the telephone contact NHS DirectNHS 111 is a new service being introduced to make it easier for you to access local NHS healthcare servicesNHS ChoicesDepartment of HealthMy Surgery Website