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Training
We are a training practice and often have one or two doctors training in General
Practice working with us. He or she will be fully qualified and will have
worked for at least 3 years as a hospital doctor and is now gaining experience
in family practice.
We may also have doctors who are returning to General Practice after a break working at the practice. They are fully
qualified doctors and are able to deal with all problems.
Medical
Students
For three weeks a year we will have a Senior Medical Student from a local university with us who will be observing
family practice.
Appointments
The Reception Desk is open from 8.00am to 6.30pm weekdays only. Please telephone or
call at the surgery during these hours. For routine appointments we would appreciate as much prior notice as possible.
They can be booked up to about 6 weeks in advance. If you have more than one problem to discuss or you feel you are
going to need more time than usual when you see the Doctor or Nurse - please ask for a longer appointment so that
your consultation is not rushed.
If you are unable to keep your appointment please let us know so that it can be offered to another patient.
Urgent
Appointments
If you wish to be seen urgently and you do not have an appointment, you may be asked to wait until a doctor is available,
but you will be seen as soon as possible. We try to keep appointments after 6.00pm on weekdays
for urgent cases only.
Home
Visits
Please do not ask us to visit you at home unless you are genuinely unable to get to the surgery because of the severity
of your illness or symptoms. We are able to do one or two home visits an hour, whereas we are able to see 6 or
7 people an hour in the surgery. If you can get to the surgery you will be seen earlier, investigated more easily
and started on treatment sooner. Home visits are rarely necessary for patients suffering from coughs, colds or flu-like
symptoms. Children with fevers come to no harm being brought to the surgery.
If a home visit is essential because you are housebound or too ill to come to the surgery please telephone the surgery,
if possible, before 11.00am. Urgent visits will of course be made as soon as possible.
Emergencies
Nights/Weekends
When the surgery is closed (at night-time, weekends and public holidays) we
use the service provided by Swindon Primary Care Trust, based at the Great
Western Hospital, Swindon. Please telephone our main number (01793) 782207, to
find out how to get help with urgent or emergency problems. If you need to see a doctor at these times you may be requested to attend the out-of-hours centre in
Swindon (this is located at the Hospital, which is near the Common Head
Roundabout, off of the A419, before the junction with the M4 motorway). Patients whose medical problem prevents travel will of course
be visited at their registered address. If the medical problem is of a serious nature (e.g. chest pain or collapse
with loss of consciousness) it would be advisable to dial 999 and speak with the ambulance service first.
Accident
and Emergency Department
The nearest casualty department open 24 hours a day is the Great Western Hospital, Marlborough Road, Swindon, near J15 of the M4.
Telephone
Advice
The best time to speak to a doctor for non-urgent advice is between 3.30 and 4.00pm on weekdays (nurses 12.00-1.00pm).
You may be asked to hold on for the doctor or for the doctor to return your call later.
Tests
and Results
Please ensure that specimens requiring laboratory examination are received at the surgery by
midday.
Results of tests and X-rays can be obtained by phone or in person between
2pm and 4.00pm but can only be given to
the patient, or the parent of a child.
Dispensing
We are able to dispense to all our patients unless they live within one-mile radius of a chemist. The limit is not our
choice but the law of the land. If you are unsure whether you qualify please ask a Receptionist.
Repeat
Prescriptions
Repeat prescriptions can be given if they have been previously authorised by a doctor.
From April 2006, following
changes in Local and Government Regulations, we are obliged to issue
repeat medications in monthly quantities. This change is beyond our
control, and is the normal practice in all nearby doctors surgeries.
We will explain these changes before your next issue of medicines, and
will put in place methods to try to minimise any disruption caused.
It may be possible for us to issue "automatic" repeat prescriptions,
whereby you will be able to collect your medicines monthly without
contacting us each time, up to a limit chosen by your doctor.
For repeat prescription requests please phone (01793) 784440 between 8.30am and 12.30pm on weekdays, or fax the surgery
at any time on (01793) 784429. We have recently introduced a service
to order repeat request via the INTERRNET; ask at reception for details.Requests cannot be taken on the main surgery telephone line. Please allow 48 hours
between ordering and collecting your repeat prescription.
Help
with Prescription Charges
The following categories of people get free prescriptions - children, pregnant women, mothers with children aged 1 year
or less, patients aged 60 or over, patients on income support or family credit and patients with certain
disorders (e.g. epilepsy, diabetes, hypothyroidism). Please ask for advice if you are unsure.
You can also buy an advance "season ticket" for prescriptions which means that once the initial fee has been paid no
further charges are due. The certificate lasts either for 4 or 12 months. Please ask for the latest rates.
Non-prescription
Medicines
You are able to buy a wide range of popular medicines locally out of office hours, in the Newsagents, the Co-op and
the local shops.
Language
Problems
If you need, or if you hear of any person or family who needs to access any of the surgery's facilities, including seeing
a doctor or nurse, we are pleased to offer a comprehensive translation service. This service covers all the common
languages. Please ask the Receptionist for further details.
New
Patients
You may see any doctor that you wish. Before you register, you must complete the Green Card so that we have some
knowledge of your medical history whilst we await the arrival of your medical records. Please book a new registration
appointment as soon as you can. Please tell us if you have any special health needs or you care for a relative with
such needs. When you register you will need to sign the relevant section of the registration form if you qualify for
dispensing.
Change
of Personal Details
If you change your name, address or telephone number, please give full details to Reception, including your postcode.
Remember to tell us if details for other members of your family have also changed. If you move outside our practice area
you will be asked to find another doctor.
Sickness
Certificates
If you are absent from work due to illness for less than seven working days you will need to obtain a form SC1
(self certification form) from your employer. If after 7 days you are still unwell you will need to see a doctor
who may then issue a medical certificate.
For illnesses of less than 7 days, a private certificate can be issued if your company requires one. A fee is payable
for this item.
Hospital
Appointments
All the hospitals' clinics are run to tight schedules. If you are unable to keep either an outpatient appointment or
operation date please let the hospital know as soon as possible so that they can offer the slot to another patient.
Other Agencies
Support for those who need it is available from the Health Service, the
Social Services and voluntary agencies. The following list is not
comprehensive. Most agencies can be contacted directly. You may have to
contribute to the costs of the services:
Occupational Therapists
They give advice and help regarding walking aids, wheelchairs, hoists, bathing and toilet aids and can be contacted via
Social Services.
Home Care Assistants
They can provide help with basic personal care and in certain circumstances help with general household tasks.
Please contact Home Care Department at Abingdon Social Services on (01235)
554425 for further details.
The Private Sector
If you wish to receive private hospital care this can be arranged. Please inform the doctor at the
time of the decision to refer you on for further care.
Transport
Transport to hospital outpatient clinics is only available on strict medical grounds. If you require hospital
transport you will need to arrange this via the out-patient clinic that
you are due to attend.
Benefits Agency
Information about benefits can be obtained by telephoning (01793) 489600 for general advice or 0800 882200 for advice
for disabled people.
Keeping Healthy, Staying Healthy
Don't Smoke
- Not smoking is the best way of living longer and healthier. Don't let your children start.
Drink Less Alcohol
- Excess alcohol is linked with higher rates of cancer and accidents. Try to drink sensibly - less than 28 units a
week if you are a man, and less than 21 units a week if you are a woman (1 unit = ˝ pint of beer or 1 glass of wine or
1 measure of spirits).
Eat Healthily
- Try to reduce the amount of fats in your diet, especially the saturated fats found in meat, dairy produce, cakes,
biscuits and chocolate. Try to eat less sugar and salt. Try to eat more fresh fruit, vegetables, fish and
olive oil.
Exercise Regularly
- Exercise helps you to relax and should be enjoyable. Your physical and mental well being will improve.
Avoid Being Overweight
- And try to reduce it if you are overweight already.
Learn To Relax
- We all live with stress. Learn how to reduce it to tolerable levels and cope with it.
Take Care In The Sun
- Protect your skin by tanning slowly and sensibly. Skin cancer is becoming more common. Come and see us if you are
worried about any skin changes.
Take Care At Home & At Work
- Follow safety guidelines, drive safely and never drink and drive.
See Your Doctor
- If there is any unexplained change in your normal health, which lasts longer than two weeks.
Women
- Have a regular cervical smear test (we recommend every three years) and examine your breasts monthly for any changes.
WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT ALL ADULTS AGED 25 TO 74 ARE SEEN EVERY 3 YEARS IN OUR WELL-WOMAN OR WELL-MAN CLINICS
Cancer: Early Detection
Breast Cancer
- Examine your own breasts regularly. See your doctor if you think you have a lump or are aware of any changes in your breasts. Attend for breast screening when you are invited. If you are over 64 and wish to have breast screening please phone Oxford (01865) 225709 or (01865) 768022.
Cervical Cancer
- Attend for screening when invited. Report any abnormal bleeding especially after intercourse. If you have had
the menopause, report any bleeding to your doctor.
Bowel Cancer
- See your doctor if you have any bleeding from your bottom. Do not assume all bleeding is necessarily due to piles.
This is especially true if you are aged over 40. See your doctor also if you have any change in bowel habit, or any
abdominal pains, which are recurrent or persistent, especially if you are aged over 40, and especially if they are
accompanied by any change in appetite, weight or energy.
Stomach Cancer
- See your doctor if you have any new or recurrent indigestion type pains, especially if you are aged over 40, and
especially if accompanied by any change in weight, appetite or energy or by black sticky stools.
Testicle Cancer
- Examine your testicles regularly. If you notice any changes see your doctor.
Prostate Cancer
- See your doctor if you have to pass urine more frequently, or the stream is not as good as it used to be, or you have
trouble stopping or starting urination. This is especially true if you are over the age of 40.
Self Treatment Of Commen Illnesses & Accidents
Burns
- Immediately drench in cold water for at least ten minutes. If the area is small and there is no major blistering
or skin loss, no further treatment is needed. Otherwise, or if you are in any doubt, contact the surgery.
Chicken Pox
- The spots start as itchy red marks, which develop into blisters and then crust over. New groups of spots may occur
over any part of the body. Calamine lotion helps the itching, and paracetamol helps reduce any fever. The
patient is infectious until 3 days after the last spots have appeared.
Pregnant women, babies aged less than 1 year or anyone taking oral steroids should contact the surgery immediately for
further advice unless they are sure they have previously had chicken pox.
Children with a Temperature (Fever)
- We are aware of how worrying it is to have a sick child. If you are concerned about your child we will always
see him/her on the same day at the surgery. We do ask that you bring your child to the surgery rather than
requesting a home visit. A child will come to no harm being brought to the surgery, and can usually be seen
sooner. Your co-operation in this matter is greatly appreciated.
High temperatures are often part of minor illnesses, especially in children. Keep the patient cool by removing most
of the clothing and bedclothes. Use an electric fan if you have one - not directly onto the child. Give Paracetamol
syrup (e.g. Calpol) to children and Aspirin or Paracetamol tablets to adults. Give plenty of cool drinks. If a fever
persists despite these measures, or if the patient becomes very unwell, contact the surgery.
Colds, Coughs & Flus
- Unfortunately, we have no cure and antibiotics do not help. Go to bed, keep pleasantly cool, drink plenty of fluids
and take regular Aspirin or Paracetamol. If you become breathless, wheezy, develop a rash or become very unwell,
contact the surgery.
Dental Emergencies
- If you are registered with a dentist and require urgent dental treatment you should contact your own dentist.
If you are not registered with a dentist and require urgent dental treatment, you can telephone one of the
clinics below, during opening hours for an appointment:
Monday-Friday 5.15pm- 8.15pm Tel: (01865) 842609
Saturday 9.00am-12.00pm Tel: (01865) 201976
Sunday and Public Holidays 9.00am-12.00pm Tel: (01865) 201976
If you are liable for charges, you will be asked to pay the current NHS charge at the time of your appointment.
For help in finding an NHS dentist, telephone Oxfordshire Health Authority's 24-hour dental information service on (01865)
643966 or Wiltshire Health Shared Services on (0845) 7581926.
Diarrhoea & Vomiting
- This is common and usually gets better quickly without treatment. Drink plenty of water, a little and often, until
the symptoms improve, then gradually introduce small amounts of plain food. Contact the surgery if your symptoms
are severe despite these measures or they persist beyond three days. If your job involves handling food you must
stop work and see the doctor.
Earache
- In children is best treated with Paracetamol (e.g. Calpol) initially. If symptoms persist, please phone the surgery
and book the next available appointment.
Earwax
- Put in a few drops of warm olive oil two or three times a day for at least three days. If the ear still feels
blocked arrange to see the nurse for ear syringing.
Emergency Contraception
- Any women unexpectedly at risk of pregnancy is advised to see the Doctor within 48 hours after sex so that they can
take the "morning after" pill if necessary. It is possible under certain conditions to use another form of emergency
contraception up to 5 days after unprotected intercourse.
Hayfever
- If you suffer from hayfever please seek advice early in the season, before you get the symptoms, preferably in April
or May. If your previous treatment has helped, restart it then. If you have run out please ask for repeats.
Headlice
- They are common and do not mean your child is dirty - in fact they prefer clean hair! The recommended treatment is to
use a special lotion (not shampoo) available on prescription. There is no need to treat unaffected family members.
Nose Bleeds
- Sit down, leaning forward with your mouth open. Pinch the nose firmly just below the bony part for 10 minutes, without
getting up to see if the bleeding has stopped. If the bleeding persists after this time, consult the doctor.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases - The
Genito-Urinary Clinic at Swindon Hospital lets you to make your own confidential
appointments. Please telephone: (01793) 604494 or Oxford Hospital (01865)
246036.
Verrucas & Warts
- Most will disappear eventually without treatment. Unless they are painful or persist for more than eighteen months,
they are best left alone.
Special Categories Of Patients
Babies
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Bumps & Bangs -
Be careful not to leave a baby where he or she may fall. Contact the Doctor if your baby was knocked out, or is
abnormally sleepy, has vomited more than once, or if you are worried.
Coughs & Colds -
If the baby is well, no treatment is needed. If the baby is not feeding, or has difficulty breathing, contact the Doctor.
Children of smokers are more likely to get chest problems - if you would like help to stop smoking, please contact
the Doctor, Practice Nurse or Health Visitor.
Fevers -
Unless your baby is unwell with a fever there is no need to see a Doctor for the first day or so. Keep the baby undressed
in a cool room, sponge with tepid water, and give plenty of cool fluids and regular Paracetamol syrup.
Contact the surgery if the baby has a rash or is very drowsy or vomiting.
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Planning A Pregnancy
There is detailed written advice available about what to do before starting a family in order to make you as healthy as
possible and reduce risks for the pregnancy and baby. Please ask the Doctor or Nurse.
We advise all women to make sure that they are immune to German measles (Rubella) before they get pregnant. If you are
unsure a blood test will tell us.
Pregnant Women
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We usually see you for antenatal checks every 4 weeks until 28 weeks, then every 2 weeks until 36 weeks and then weekly
until the baby is born. The hospital will arrange to see you at about 16-18 weeks and at 36 weeks and sometimes at 28
weeks. If you are pregnant or hoping to become so, we advise:
- No Smoking - if you want help in stopping, please ask the Doctor, Practice Nurse or Health Visitor. Nicotine replacement therapy (gum, patches and lozenges) are available on prescription.
- A Healthy Mixed Diet - but: AVOID eating soft cheeses, raw eggs, unpasteurised milk, cook - chill foods, meat paté, raw meat, too much liver
- Drink Little Or No Alcohol
- Folic Acid - start taking it as soon as you know you are pregnant or as soon as you plan to be pregnant. Take 400mcg a day. Folic acid is available on prescription
- Regular Exercise - not aerobics or any form of exercise that you have not tried before
- No Drugs Unless Given By A Doctor
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Help Us To Help You
Complaints Procedure
All the doctors and staff aim to give you the best possible service. We take all comments, both positive and negative,
very seriously as this enables us to improve our care of patients and what we are doing right. Please put all your
comments in the books provided by the Reception staff.
We have a complaints procedure. We would be grateful if you could put the complaint in writing, preferably within 5
working days of the incident.
We will invite the complainant to address the problem with Dr Clements (or another partner) and the Practice Manager within
10 working days of receiving the complaint.
Friends of Shrivenham Surgery
We are a group of people who are trying to assist the surgery in the care of its patients. Our objectives are still
evolving, but we would like you to use us as your spokespeople. Anonymous comments on how you think the surgery might
be better run are welcomed.
Did you know that there are prescription collection services in Ashbury and Uffington?
Would your village like a collection service?
Lastly we need more "Friends" to help in our efforts to offer aid to patients which goes beyond that normally expected
of the surgery.
Please ask at Reception for further details.
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