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We are changing to a different computerised clinical system

From Tuesday 5th February until Wednesday 13th February we will be running a limited surgery only and will be unable to process routine repeat prescriptions. If you know that your repeat prescription will be due during this time period please request it early.

The change will not compromise our care for you, though it may cause some short term inconvenience. Please be patient with us during the changeover and the weeks following whilst we learn to use the new system.
(The dates quoted may change, we will keep you informed)

STAFF TRAINING

We will be closed for staff training on the following Wednesday afternoons:

2013

Wednesday 17 April
Wednesday 15 May
Wednesday19 June
Wednesday 17 July
Wednesday 21 August
Wednesday 19 September
Wednesday 16 October
Wednesday 13 November
Wednesday 18 December

PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION

We’re trying to make sure that the right treatment, advice, prescription, medication or appliance is given to the right person. To make sure that this happens we are now checking three forms of personal identification each time a patient is contacted.

* YOUR NAME
* YOUR DATE OF BIRTH
* YOUR ADDRESS

Alternatively we can accept your NHS NUMBER alone as this is a unique identifier relating only to you.

So when you make an appointment, when you arrive for an appointment, when you see the doctor or nurse or when a prescription is collected please have this information ready.

We are doing this for your safety.

I'm stranded abroad - how can I get more medication?

If you are running out of medication, see if it is available at a local pharmacy or go to a local hospital or doctor. If you need help finding one, contact your hotel reception, local tourist information or nearest British Embassy. If you are admitted to hospital, contact the British Embassy. Doctors or pharmacists may charge for consultations and prescriptions, so check if there are any costs involved.

If you have a prescription written by a UK doctor or dentist (whether it be NHS or private) it will be valid in the EEA or Switzerland. However, even with a prescription, UK citizens can expect to be charged by the dispenser or pharmacist for the medicines and the dispensing service. On return to the UK, you should be able to apply to your local health authority for a refund.

You can also access reduced cost, or sometimes free, necessary state-funded healthcare in the European Economic Area and Switzerland by presenting your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This could include dispensing a prescription issued by a local state healthcare professional. You will still need to pay any costs that a resident of that country would pay.

In all other countries, your UK prescription will not be recognised. Your travel agent or insurance company will be able to advise you on whether you can reclaim any costs involved.

If you don't know the name of the medication you are taking, or what the dosage should be, then it might be helpful to have someone fax or email this over. That way the local doctor or pharmacist will have all the relevant information to make decisions on what drugs to prescribe you.

The Foreign Office website has up-to-date information for travellers about flight disruption. For more information on foreign healthcare systems go to www.nhs.uk/healthcareabroad.