Other Information

Education And Research

We video record some of our consultations to assist in the education of doctors and medical students, and we take part in medical research. All video-taped consultations will be erased at a patient’s request and, in any case, within six months. Such tapes are used for the teaching of consultation techniques and for examination purposes. Your permission is always sought should we wish to include you in this part of our work; participation is in no way compulsory.

Violent Patients

Violence against staff working in the NHS is a crime. This practice has a zero tolerance of violence against its staff and any incident where staff are abused, threatened or assaulted will result in the patient being reported to the police and no longer allowed to receive medical services from this practice.

NHS Direct

Tel 0845 4647. or visit www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk for all information regarding information on all primary medical services for patients.

Primary Care Trusts

Contact details for health authorities in this area are:

Berkshire West Primary Care Trust, 57-59 Bath Road, Reading RG30 2BA.
Telephone: 0118 950 3094

Thames Valley Primary Care Agency, 7/9 Cremyll Road, Reading RG1 8NQ
Telephone: 0118 918 3333.

Local Walk-in Centre (FOR MINOR INJURIES ONLY)

Abingdon Hospital Minor Injuries Unit, Marcham Road, Abingdon. Tel: 01235 208730. Opening hours 10.00am-10.30pm, seven days a week.

Patients’ Commitment To The NHS

The NHS will work better if you use the service responsibly.

• Do what you can to look after your own health, and follow advice on a
healthy lifestyle.

• Care for yourself when appropriate, eg treat yourself at home for common
ailments such as coughs, colds and sore throats.

• Give blood if you are able, and carry an organ donor or special needs card
or bracelet.

• Listen carefully to advice on your treatment and medication. Tell the doctor
about any treatments you are already taking.

• Keep your appointment, or let the GP, dentist, clinic or hospital know as soon
as possible if you cannot make it. Book routine appointments in plenty of time.

• Return any equipment that is no longer needed.

• Pay NHS prescription and any other charges promptly. Claim financial benefits or
exemptions from these charges correctly.

Remember that you may express a preference of practitioner.

Teaching

We are privileged to have been accepted as a practice to train doctors wishing to specialise in or experience General Practice. GP Registrars join us for one year periods. Medical students also occasionally sit in with the doctors. In the teaching of doctors and students, it is necessary for the participants to have access to patients’ medical records, on the computer and in letters. Your permission to allow this is always sought.

You may also encounter community nursing and health visitor postgraduate students as the practice is a centre for community nurse teaching.