Other Information

Specimens
If you are asked to provide a specimen, please bring it (in the sterile leak-proof container provided) to the surgery before 12 noon for dispatch to the laboratory. Do make sure the container is clearly labelled with your full name and date of birth. Please leave all samples with the nurses.

Education and Training
For many years we have been a training practice. We undertake the postgraduate training of young doctors when they have completed a minimum of three years working in a hospital after qualifying and are then required to undertake a year of specialised GP training before becoming principals in their own right. The surgery closes for staff training approximately once a month (dates are posted in advance on the surgery door).

Non-NHS Examinations
Medical examinations for special purposes (eg elderly driver insurance, HGV/PCV/taxi medicals, pre-employment medicals etc) can be arranged by contacting the surgery. Please note, all non-NHS work is chargeable. For more information on fees please enquire at reception.

Access to Medical Records
An application for access to a medical record may be made by:
i) The patient.
ii) a person authorised in writing to make the application (such as a solicitor or insurance company).
iii) a person having parental responsibility for a child; any person appointed by a court to manage the patient's affairs.
iv) where a patient is deceased, the patient’s personal representative or any person who may have a claim arising out of the patient’s death.
There are some cases where access to a medical record may be partly or wholly excluded. Further information on access to medical records can be obtained from the practice manager.
Patients' details are held in writing and also on computer. We are registered under the Data Protection Act.

Telephone Calls to the Surgery
Our '0844' telephone number is charged at BT’s standard Lo-call rate (currently 4.2 pence per minute). However, if you have a provider other than BT please check with that provider as the rates may vary. Calls to the surgery from a mobile phone will also vary in price.

NHS Direct - Tel: 0845 46 47
NHS direct is a 24 hour nurse-led, confidential helpline providing advice and information on:
i) What to do if you’re feeling ill
ii) Health concerns for you or your family
iii) Local health services
iv) Self-help and support organisations

Walk-in Centres
There are drop-in nurse-led clinics available at the Healthy Living Centre (Hesters Way), Cassin Drive, Cheltenham GL51 7SU.
For more details contact the Healthy Living Centre on 548299.
The nearest drop-in centre with full facilities, eg dentists and nurses, is in Bristol.
The address of this is: City Gate Access Centre, 33 Broad Street, Bristol BS1 2EZ. Tel: 0117 906 9600.

Finding a Dentist
If you need to find a dentist in your local area, you can call the Gloucestershire Dental Helpline on 01452 318858 or call NHS Direct on 0845 4647.