1. science
2. medicine
3. surgery

Map Of Our Practice Area
M5
HIGHBRIDGE
RIVER
PARRETT
A36
PAWLETT
COMBWICH
PURITON
WOOLAVINGTON
COSSINGTON
A38
CHILTON
POLDEN
CANNINGTON
A39
SPAXTON
CHEDZOY
ENMORE
BRIDGWATER
WESTONZOYLAND
GOATHURST
N. PETHERTON
MOORLAND
N. NEWTON
BROOMFIELD
A361
MIDDLEZOY
THURLOXTON
A38
TAUNTON
A361
M5
How To Find East Quay Medical Centre
Practice Booklets are published by Neighbourhood Direct Ltd. 01253 722142
East Quay
Medical Centre
East Quay, Bridgwater, Somerset TA6 4GP
Telephone: 01278 444666
Prescriptions: 01278 446006
Fax: 01278 440404
Information Booklet
Log on to www.eastquaymedicalcentre.com to:
• Order your repeat prescriptions
• Cancel an appointment
• Contact the practice manager
Dr Swindall, Dr Budd, Dr Goldie, Dr Gardiner
Dr Roberts, Dr O'Brien, Dr Aird and Dr Glendinning
Welcome to East Quay Medical Centre
East Quay Medical Centre is an innovative and forward thinking practice. We constantly
strive to provide up-to-date appropriate services for our patients.
The practice started out in Monmouth Street, and moved to East Quay in 1982 when
it won the ICI Pulse Practice Award for the conversion of the existing bus station. In
2004 we moved to our current premises further down East Quay and next to Focus.
We have been a GP training practice since 1979 and five of the partners are trainers.
We usually have two hospital doctors training to become GPs. They stay for either six
or twelve months to gain experience in primary care.
In 1992 we founded East Quay Health Limited, which is a non-profit making organisation
providing vasectomies and other minor operations for patients of East Quay and other
GP practices. It also provides private operations. More information on East Quay Health
Ltd can be found at www.eastquayhealth.com
In 1995 we were the first GP partnership in England to purchase a pharmacy. The
pharmacy is now owned by Rowlands who continue to provide chemist services to
the local community and also liaise closely with the doctors to provide a cohesive
service.
OUR NEW PREMISES
In February 2003 we found a bigger and better site to move to which was less than half
a mile from our existing location, had more parking space, was over double the size
of our existing building and would not only provide the extra accommodation needed
urgently but also future expansion space. It also provided the space to develop new
services and allow other healthcare professionals to work alongside the practice.
The Somerset Chiropody Service, the Somerset Dietetic Service and an NHS Dentist
have suites of rooms to base their services at the New East Quay Medical Centre. The
Somerset Carers Service continue to base their Bridgwater support worker with us.
We also have some complementary therapists at the centre. For an update on other
services available at East Quay please ask at the reception or visit our website.
For the latest information click to: www.eastquaymedicalcentre.com
USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS
East Quay Medical Centre....................................................................01278 444666
Repeat Prescriptions.............................................................................01278 446006
Rowlands Chemist................................................................................01278 423015
Health Visitors.......................................................................................01278 440413
Carers' Support Worker.........................................................................01278 431688
Somerset Primary Care Trust................................................................01935 384000
Bridgwater Hospital...............................................................................01278 451501
Musgrove Park Hospital........................................................................01823 333444
Samaritans............................................................................................01823 288998
Bridgwater Police..................................................................................01278 458161
Citizens Advice Bureau.........................................................................01278 455236
Social Security.......................................................................................01278 435100
Bridgwater Job Centre...........................................................................01278 429120
Social Services...................................................................................... 01278 431111
Community Nurses................................................................................01278 440417
ChildLine.................................................................................................... 0800 1111
Age Concern.........................................................................................01823 822113
RELATE.................................................................................................01823 275983
SHARE..................................................................................................01823 332277
Sign Post (information on any health or social service issue)................0800 317220
NHS Direct...................................................................................................0845 4647
WEBSITE
Our website features a number of online services to save you time.
Visit www.eastquaymedicalcentre.com to:
• Order your repeat prescription
• Cancel an appointment
• Contact the practice manager
We are continually updating our site and adding new information.
Please note that communication to the surgery by e-mail is not secure and we cannot
therefore guarantee confidentiality. For this reason we will not provide sensitive
information by e-mail and will instead respond by letter or telephone.
PRACTICE BOOKLETS
are specially prepared by
Neighbourhood Direct Ltd
A MEMBER OF THE OLDROYD
PUBLISHING G R O U P L T D
Keenans Mill, Lord Street, St Annes-on-Sea, Lancs FY8 2ER Tel: 01253 722142 Fax: 01253 714020
Website: http://www.opg.co.uk Email: [email protected]
for Drs Swindall, Budd, Goldie, Gardiner, Roberts, O'Brien, Aird & Glendinning of Bridgwater
COPYRIGHT WARNING: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be copied or reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in
any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording or otherwise without the prior written permission of the publisher.
The practice would like to thank the various advertisers who have helped to produce this booklet. However, it must be pointed
out that the accuracy of any statements cannot be warranted, nor any products or services advertised, be guaranteed or endorsed.
IT/LH/KS 5.08D03947R
TRANSPORT
Sedgemoor Community Transport is a non-profit-making organisation which provides
low cost transport to the surgery for people who are elderly or mobility impaired. A caring
volunteer will pick you up at your home at an agreed time, take you to your appointment
and return you at your convenience. To book a journey telephone 01278 434881, giving
as much notice as possible. A list of charges is also available from this number.
TRAVEL VACCINATIONS
We have produced a travel information booklet for patients who require travel advice
and vaccinations. If you are planning to travel, either visit www.eastquaymedicalcentre.
com to read the information and complete our online travel form, or ask for a travel
booklet from reception and complete the form inside, returning it to the practice nurses
at least one week before your appointment. Yellow fever vaccines are available at the
surgery.
VIDEO RECORDING
As a training practice there are times when you may be asked to allow your consultation
with a doctor to be recorded. This is done discreetly for training purposes only. The
tapes are confidential and will be destroyed after use. They are required as part of a
GP’s training programme and assessment.
We hope that you will feel able to allow your consultation to be recorded, but you may
of course refuse either before, during or after a consultation is recorded in which case
any material will be deleted immediately.
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION
– PUBLICATION SCHEME
The Freedom of Information Act 2000 obliges the practice to produce a Publication
Scheme. A Publication Scheme is a guide to the ‘classes’ of information the practice
intends to routinely make available. This scheme is available from the practice
manager.
Zero Tolerance
We strongly support the NHS policy of zero tolerance. Anyone attending the surgery
who abuses the GPs, staff or other patients be it verbally, physically or in any threatening
manner whatsoever, will risk removal from the practice list. In extreme cases we may
summon the police to remove offenders from the practice premises.
Patient Confidentiality
And Data Protection
We ask you for personal information so that you can receive appropriate care and
treatment. This information is recorded on computer and we are registered under the
Data Protection Act. The practice will ensure that patient confidentiality is maintained at
all times by all members of the practice team. However, for the effective functioning of
a multi-disciplinary team it is sometimes necessary that medical information about you
is shared between members of the practice team. More information on confidentiality
at East Quay is available from the practice manager, Rachel Stark.
For the latest information click to: www.eastquaymedicalcentre.com
yes
you can!
Come and join me and other members and start your
weight loss journey on THURSDAYS 9.30am and 11.15am
Bridgwater Sports & Social Club
(Cellophane Club)
Tel.
01278 6552446 or
Email. [email protected]
Will Organised Slimming Work For You?
Slimming groups have been in existence for several years now and can provide an
effective way for people to lose weight within a mutually supportive environment.
Membership of a slimming group will provide access to dietary advice, exercise advice
and a weekly weigh in. The group can also help members to lose weight and to learn
about healthy eating.
Slimming group diets have often been approved by dieticians and can offer help
where motivation or willpower is low. Many successful slimmers feel the key to losing
weight is education: learning about transforming eating habits, portion control and
understanding the part exercise plays in a healthy diet.
With healthy lifestyles and eating now a major concern for men and women alike,
following a supervised programme is far preferable to ploughing through the wealth
of information available nowadays. As the UK has one of the highest incidences of
heart disease in Europe and approximately 20% of the adult population are obese
or overweight, changing dietary habits and taking up exercise is now even more
important for our long-term health.
Thank you to all advertisers
ADVERTISING FEATURE
ADVERTISING FEATURE
Right to the point of the problem
SINCE opening Redlands Acupuncture in Topsham in 2006, John Wyn Parry has been aiming
to bring the best possible acupuncture treatments to the Exeter area, and some very positive
results are proving that he is doing just that as well as spreading awareness of the therapy.
A fully qualified and experienced acupuncturist, John completed a four-year degree course
in Oriental medicine acupuncture. He is a member of the British Acupuncture Council and
maintains their high standards of ethics, discipline and safe practice.
Acupuncture is a system of healing that has been practised in Eastern countries for thousands
of years and is used to treat people with a wide range of illnesses.
It focuses on treating the individual’s overall health and wellbeing rather than specific isolated
problems.
An area in which John specialises is infertility in both men and women. Whether the woman
wants to conceive naturally or if IVF is necessary, acupuncture has been found to increase
fertility significantly.
John explained that acupuncture works by stimulating the body’s natural ability to heal itself.
This means that hormone levels are harmonised, blood circulation is improved and healthy
growth of eggs and sperm is stimulated.
John is very passionate about his profession and is a committed acupuncturist, which is
reflected in the success he has had with his patients.
If you’re not sure whether acupuncture could help you, why not take advantage of John’s offer
of a free 30-minute diagnosis and consultation? He can be contacted on 01392 879144.
Thank you to all advertisers
SERVICES AND CLINICS
CERVICAL SMEARS
Smear tests are a form of cancer prevention. We advise all women under 65 years to
have this test every five years, and more often if necessary. The nurse or your doctor
can do them.
FAMILY PLANNING
All the doctors are happy to offer full family planning services including the contraceptive
pill, diaphragm, coil and contraceptive injections. They also offer pre-conceptual
advice.
MATERNITY CARE
Your doctor and the community midwife provide maternity care. All doctors are happy
to supervise deliveries at the local Mary Stanley Wing in Bridgwater Hospital or, where
appropriate, to supervise home deliveries. A separate leaflet is available on maternity
care; please ask at reception.
CHILD HEALTH SURVEILLANCE
Child health surveillance has changed - please contact the health visitor for the current
policy.
OTHER SERVICES
Our aim is to keep our patients fit and healthy. Prevention is far better than cure, and
many conditions can be prevented by a healthy lifestyle. More details and appointments
for the following clinics can be obtained at reception.
* Asthma And COPD
* Minor Operations
* Advice For Travellers (including yellow fever)
* Cervical Smears
* Diabetics
* Smoking Counselling
* Childhood Immunisation
* Hypertension
* Heart Disease
TEST RESULTS
We do not contact every patient with the result of each test. Unless there is a reason
for the doctor to contact you, your GP will ask for the result to be filed in your electronic
notes. The receptionists are able to look up results for you, although for reasons of
confidentiality they will not give your results to anyone other than you.
Results are available after 11.00am during weekdays only and you need to allow seven
days after your test before making an enquiry about the result.
For the latest information click to: www.eastquaymedicalcentre.com
PATIENT GROUP
In 2004 we formed a patient group that helps us to highlight and 'troubleshoot' problems,
informs of the development of new services and also fundraises for new equipment
and resources. We welcome new members. If you would like to join, or know more,
please contact Rachel Stark, practice manager.
REPEAT PRESCRIPTIONS
If your GP has authorised repeat prescriptions for you, they can be ordered in one of
the following four ways:
1) 2) 3) 4) On-line at www.eastquaymedicalcentre.com
By placing the tear-off portion of your last prescription into the prescription box in
reception
By posting the tear-off portion of your last prescription to the surgery
By telephoning the prescription desk on 01278 446006 weekdays only between
10.30am and 5.30pm
Prescriptions can be collected from the reception desk, or you can have them sent to a
pharmacy so that you can collect your medication directly from there. To do this, tell us
when ordering which pharmacy you would like the prescription to go to. We will record
this on our computer and all future prescriptions will be marked for that pharmacy until
you tell us otherwise.
We can pass your prescription through to our on-site pharmacy if you ask us to, but for
other pharmacies you need to ring the shop and ask them to collect them for you.
Requests made before 4.00pm Monday to Thursday will be ready for collection from the
reception desk or from our on-site pharmacy (if you have asked for your prescription
to go there) after 2.00pm two days later. Requests made by 4.00pm on Fridays will
be ready after 2.00pm on Tuesday. For example, if you order a repeat prescription on
Monday morning, it will be ready for collection on Wednesday after 2.00pm.
PRESCRIPTION REVIEWS
At the bottom of your slip is a 'review date'. This is when the GP needs to review your
on-going medication. You must call to speak to your GP near to your review date especially if you have a long-term condition such as asthma or diabetes.
Batch Prescriptions
If you are on medications that need monitoring of your blood or blood pressure, you
will be given a green or blue card at your review. Please keep the card safe and use
it to help you manage your condition. For certain medications where your condition is
stable your GP may offer you a batch prescription. This will provide you with a monthly
prescription without you having to order it every month from reception - instead you just
pick it up from your pharmacy. Provided you are on not more than four items of repeat
prescription medication and your condition is stable please ask your doctor about batch
prescriptions at your next medication review.
For the latest information click to: www.eastquaymedicalcentre.com
THE PRACTICE TEAM
THE DOCTORS
We are a group practice with four male and four female GP partners.
Dr Hilary Swindall MB ChB DRCOG FRCGP (Sheffield 1978)
Dr Jeremy Budd MA MB BChir DRCOG FRCGP (Barrister at Law) (Cambridge 1981)
Dr Alison Goldie MB ChB DRCOG DA FRCGP (Bristol 1980)
Dr Stephen Gardiner MA MB BS DRCOG FRCGP (London 1986)
Dr Susan Roberts MB ChB DRCOG MRCGP (Bristol 1985)
Dr Richard O'Brien BSc PhD MB BS DRCOG FRCGP (London 1987)
Dr Peter Aird BSc MB ChB DCH DRCOG MRCGP (Bristol 1991)
Dr Alexandra Glendinning MB ChB DRCOG DFFP MRCGP (Bristol 2000)
practice manager
Rachel Stark, practice manager, is responsible for all aspects of running the Medical
Centre.
SURGEON
We currently have two visiting surgeons who perform minor surgery on-site for East
Quay Health Ltd.
NURSE PRACTITIONER
The nurse practitioner has completed extensive specialist training in diagnostic
examinations, diabetes management and prescribing to enable her to see and treat
patients without the patient having to see the GP. When you ask for an urgent appointment
you may be seen by our nurse practitioner who will be able to diagnose and treat your
condition or refer you on to a doctor.
PRACTICE NURSES
Our team of practice nurses are available for routine consultations, by appointment,
Monday to Friday.
They carry out a wide range of services such as dressings, blood tests, vaccinations,
cervical smears and also run many of the health clinics.
We also have a nurse-run minor illness service which offers fast access to advice
on the following urgent minor illnesses:
* Flu
* Colds, sore throats and earache
* Upper respiratory tract problems
* Rashes
* Urgent children's complaints
Patients can help the GPs by using this service when appropriate, enabling more GP
appointments to be available for complex problems.
For the latest information click to: www.eastquaymedicalcentre.com
HEALTH CARE ASSISTANTS
Our health care assistants undertake a number of procedures including blood tests,
ECGs, blood pressure readings and audiograms. They also offer advice and support
to people who want to stop smoking.
Self Care
Avoiding contacting the practice for minor illnesses that you can manage yourself
means that we can increase our availability for more serious conditions and can expand
the range of services we offer.
You do not need to contact the practice for a simple cough and if you need further
advice please telephone NHS Direct on 0845 4647.�
RECEPTIONISTS AND OTHER ADMINISTRATION STAFF
Where possible, it is helpful to offer the receptionists an indication of your problem
when making an appointment. This information will help ensure that you are
given the correct type of appointment with the correct medical professional. Our
receptionists will arrange appointments and answer your queries in complete
confidence.
A number of our receptionists are trained to take blood pressure using our automated
blood pressure machine. Any patient can pop into the surgery without an appointment
to have their blood pressure checked. Some receptionists are trained to undertake
support to patients who want to quit smoking and 'new patient' checks and will take the
necessary patient history for our records. We hope to develop the role of our clinical
receptionists even further in the future.
The Medical Centre also employs secretaries, clerks and administrative/secretarial
trainees.
HEALTH VISITORS 01278 440413
Health visitors are trained nurses who have taken a health visiting qualification. Most
health visitors are also trained in midwifery or children’s nursing care. They are also
skilled in all aspects of supporting families in health-related areas. There are currently
three health visitors attached to the practice (two of whom are part-time) and two
nursery nurses.
Clinics are run every Monday afternoon at the Gardens Children's Centre. The Thursday
clinic is managed by Brent House health visitors and held at Victoria Park Community
Centre.�
COUNSELLORS
The practice employs counsellors who offer a service during most surgery weekdays.
They are trained to help patients with a range of family/personal/emotional problems
including depression, anxiety, stress, bereavement and relationships. There is also
a link with community mental health services for patients who may benefit from
specialist referral. Appointments are by referral from your doctor, or other clinicians at
the surgery.
For the latest information click to: www.eastquaymedicalcentre.com
PATIENTS' CHARTER
We aim to provide patients with the best quality care available. Our charter is a
statement of what you can expect from the practice and what we feel we can expect
from you in return.
1. You will be greeted in a polite manner at all times by the doctors, nurses and other
members of the practice team.
2. The surgery will be clean and comfortable as far as facilities allow.
3. You will be referred to a consultant acceptable to you when the doctor thinks
this is necessary.
4. You have the right to confidentiality at all times.
5. The doctors aim to see patients within 30 minutes of their appointment time. If
there is likely to be an additional delay, however, you will be told the reason by
the receptionists.
6. You can expect to be given an urgent appointment with a doctor - probably not
your registered GP - or with the nurse practitioner or practice nurse within one
working day.
7. You may have a copy of this booklet which contains information on the services
we provide for our patients.
8. You are able to see your medical records subject to the limitations of the law.
9. You may request a health check, carried out by the practice nurse, if you have not
consulted with your doctor in the last three years.
10. Complaints will be dealt with by the practice manager.
WITH THESE RIGHTS COME RESPONSIBILITIES
1. To treat all practice staff with the same courtesy you expect of them.
2. Ensure that you attend your appointment on time.
3. If you need to cancel your appointment, give as much notice as possible and
always let the practice know.
4. Requests for help or advice on non-urgent matters should be made during
surgery hours.
5. Do not request a home visit if you are fit to travel to the surgery. Home visits are
made at the doctors' discretion.
6. You should work with the practice to keep yourself as healthy as possible by
following advice from the doctors and staff.
7. You should not expect a prescription at every consultation.
8. Remember an appointment is for 10 minutes. If you feel you will need longer
than this, please ask for a double appointment.
9. Tell us if you change your address or telephone number.
10. After leaving hospital, ensure the doctor receives the discharge note given to you
by hospital staff as soon as possible.
11. We try not to keep you waiting, but emergencies do arise and have to be given
priority. We hope that in such an event you will be understanding and we are
always happy to make a further appointment if this is more convenient.
For the latest information click to: www.eastquaymedicalcentre.com
MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS AND REPORTS
Fees are charged for examinations and reports that are not covered by the National
Health Service. Examples of these are:
• Examinations and certificates for sporting activities
• Insurance and life assurance policy reports
• HGV licence medicals
• PSV licence medicals
Current fees are on display in reception. You are able to view any report written about
you, within the limitations of the law, but you need to tell us that you wish to see it.
Some of these reports are now subject to VAT. Ask at reception for more information.
MEDICAL RECORDS
To view information in your medical records, you need to make an appointment with
your registered doctor. With your GP's consent you may see any notes made since
November 1991 and/or have a copy made of those records. There is a charge for this.
Please contact the secretarial department on 01278 440408 for further information.
MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL
The Medical Research Council is a government-funded organisation that supports high
quality research with the aim of maintaining and promoting health.
East Quay is a member of the Medical Research Council's General Practice Framework
- a national group of general practices interested in research on many topics including
prevention of heart disease, long-term use of hormone replacement therapy, low back
pain, asthma, diabetes and assessment of elderly people.
If the practice takes part in a study, we might like to pass your name, address and age,
as recorded on our practice computer, to the Medical Research Council. If we do, the
information will remain confidential and be used only to select a sample of patients
whom we would then contact to ask whether they would consider helping with some
research. If we contacted you, you would be free to refuse to help without your medical
care being affected.
To choose the best sample, it is important that we are able to pass everyone's details
to the Medical Research Council. However, you are free to refuse permission for us to
pass on your details; if you wish to do so, please see your doctor.
NEW PATIENTS
Please complete our new patient health questionnaire and have your blood pressure
taken. When you are first seen your doctor will book a longer appointment to find out
about any current or past problems.
For the latest information click to: www.eastquaymedicalcentre.com
COMMUNITY NURSES 01278 440417
The community nursing team provide nursing care within the home for all house-bound
patients. We have five community nurses attached to the Medical Centre. Messages
and requests for visits can also be left with our receptionists.
COMMUNITY MIDWIVES
Our attached midwives provide antenatal, labour and postnatal care at home or in the
surgery. Messages can be left with our receptionists.
CHIROPODIST
The Somerset Chiropody Service has a team of chiropodists who treat NHS patients for
certain conditions. A leaflet explaining the service is available in the waiting rooms. If
you would like to see the chiropodist please contact the chiropody appointment desk on
01278 781810 to receive a form, otherwise collect a form from the receptionist here.
PHYSIOTHERAPIST
We have physiotherapy from the team at Bridgwater Hospital to treat patients with
muscular and joint problems. You can self-refer to this service by picking up self-referral
leaflets from reception.
GP REGISTRARS, F2 DOCTORS AND MEDICAL STUDENTS
We are an approved GP training practice. Doctors who wish to specialise in family
medicine join the practice for periods of up to a year. We also provide placements to
doctors who have already worked in practices before but who have had some time out
(for example working in a hospital) and want to return to working in a practice again. All
of these are fully qualified doctors and are with us to gain additional experience.�
CARERS’ SUPPORT WORKER 01278 431688
Based at East Quay Medical Centre, a carers' support worker is available to provide
information, advice and support to anyone who has caring responsibilities, whether for a
friend, relative or neighbour. This includes parents of children with disabilities. If you would
like to speak to the carers’ support worker, please telephone on the above number.
DIETICIAN
The practice has a visiting dietician. Appointments are by referral from your doctor.
Our opening hours are:
OPENING HOURS
Monday to Friday
8.00am to 6.30pm
Appointments can be made at the surgery or by telephoning 01278 444666 between
8.00am and 6.30pm.
In 2008 the practice may pilot longer opening hours; please ask at reception for more
information.
For the latest information click to: www.eastquaymedicalcentre.com
WHEN THE SURGERY IS CLOSED
When the surgery is closed please contact Somerset Out of Hours Medical Service
on 0845 408 8000 for urgent medical attention outside of surgery hours. A nurse will
deal with your call and either provide telephone advice or pass your information to an
appropriate healthcare professional who may arrange to see you in a treatment centre
or at your home if appropriate.
APPOINTMENTS
We operate a telephone triage system. If you wish to make an appointment please
telephone the surgery and your doctor will call you back to either arrange an
appointment with one of the doctors or nurses or deal with the problem over
the telephone. This system means you are helped more quickly and need fewer
visits to the surgery. You are also far more likely to speak to your own doctor
without having to wait for an appointment.
Our receptionists will ask the caller to provide a very brief indication of the
problem and a contact number and will then arrange for a GP to ring the patient
back. Calls received at the surgery in the morning will generally be dealt with that
morning. Later calls will be made in the afternoon or sometimes the following
morning. Urgent calls will be dealt with immediately.
We introduced this new way of working because we found that a large number
of patients who book to see their doctor can often have their problems attended
to by other members of the practice team such as our nurse practitioners or
practice nurses. Sometimes it is also helpful to arrange tests before seeing
patients, which can be decided on the telephone.
This is NOT the “Advanced Access” system that prevents patients booking an
appointment in advance!
If you are unable to attend your appointment we need you to contact
the surgery to cancel your appointment. You can also do this online at
www.eastquaymedicalcentre.com
BOOKING IN
When arriving at the surgery for your appointment you can check in, in one of two
ways:
1. Using our touch-screen self check-in system
2. By reporting to the reception
Our touch-screen self check-in system enables patients to book themselves in without
having to go to reception and helps to keep queues to a minimum, so please use it
whenever possible. It is so easy to use - like a cash machine!
For the latest information click to: www.eastquaymedicalcentre.com
CAR PARKING
We have a car park for patients calling at the surgery. There is considerable pressure on
parking spaces at busy times, so please avoid leaving your car for longer than is strictly
necessary. A bus service now operates to and from the medical centre approximately
every hour and 15 minutes every weekday. Collect a timetable for more information.
CERTIFICATES
Illnesses that last less than seven days do not need a medical certificate from the
doctor. Self-certificate (SC2) forms are available in reception or from your employer.
If you are ill for seven days or more (including Saturday and Sunday) and you intend
to claim sickness benefit, you will need to see your doctor for a medical certificate.
COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE
If you are unhappy with the service we provide, please tell us. We have a full in-house
complaints procedure as part of the NHS system for dealing with complaints. You can
obtain information about this by contacting practice manager Rachel Stark.
COMPLIMENTS
We also like to receive compliments! If you are impressed with any aspect of our service
or a particular member of staff please let us know by letter, telephone or by popping
in to see Rachel, the practice manager.
DISABLED PATIENTS
Our premises have been designed to meet all current requirements as established
under the Disability Discrimination Act.
HOME VISITS
Home visits are reserved only for those patients who, in a doctor's opinion, are unfit to
travel to the surgery. This is because we have access here at the surgery to specialist
equipment and investigations and this is where we are able to provide you with the best
care. If you do think you need a home visit please call the surgery before 10.00am.
You will be asked to leave your telephone number so that the doctor can contact you
if necessary. If you think an urgent visit is required, you will be asked to speak with a
doctor who will assess your problem.
HOSPITAL PRE-ADMISSION FORMS
Prior to any hospital operation or procedure the hospital will send you a form to be
completed by your surgery. This form asks for details of your present medication etc. A
GP appointment is not required - the receptionists are able to print off the information
needed from your medical record.
For the latest information click to: www.eastquaymedicalcentre.com
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To find out
more simply call
0800 612 1408
or email us at
[email protected]
WE all know how important those household jobs are but how difficult it can be to keep on top of them if you
are working full-time or have trouble getting around.
With many years’ experience behind her, Sharon Antoniou
of Dial-A-Maid offers a first class and professional
domestic cleaning and housework service.
Dial-A-Maid, based in Bridgwater, will tailor a programme
to precisely match your requirements.
From a minimum of two hours a week, they can take care
of shopping, ironing, vacuuming, dusting and virtually
any domestic chore. “We’ll even ice you a cake if you
wish,” said Sharon.
Each client’s needs are different and Dial-A-Maid are
proud of their ability to deliver a truly bespoke service
that is ultimately flexible.
Sharon is proud to say that clients invariably find that
much more has been achieved in the time allocated than
they dared to hope for.
Full public liability insurance up to one million pounds
is carried and they are fully police checked, enabling
householders to entrust their domestic chores to Dial-AMaid in complete confidence.
Contact Sharon on 01278 455141.
Choosing a Nursery School.
One of the results of our rapidly changing society
is that the need for good quality nursery education
has never been greater. As the number of nurseries
has increased so has the range of services on
offer.
Westonzoyland Road, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA6 5HT.
The Gardens Children’s Centre is a 50-place
Neighbourhood Nursery offering full day care
for children aged 3 months to school age.
Opening hours normally cover regular working
hours, so contrast and compare the facilities
available.
In a good nursery parents normally see their
children become more independent and notice
a great improvement in speech, eating, and co• Open year round from 8am to 6pm except for bank holidays ordination skills, thus making the transition into
and 4 staff training days each year
school a whole lot smoother.
• Full day care/half-days/sessional care
• All staff fully qualified Early Years workers
• Charges are kept as low as possible. Please contact us for a Security may be a consideration. Many nurseries
price list and session times
have regular police checks as well as CCTV. All
A family room within the centre is used for various
purposes, such as visits by midwife, health
visitors and toddler groups, speech and language.
nurseries are registered and regularly inspected by
Ofsted.
Free legal advice is also available (monthly drop-in session).
Establishments also need to meet certain stringent
criteria which cover the likes of care, learning, and
play, safety, health, food and drink, behaviour and
special needs, to name a few.
If you would like to look around please ring us to
arrange a visit and talk to our friendly and helpful staff.
Telephone 01278 457581
Thank you to all advertisers
ADVERTISING FEATURE
Maid to measure
Don't Be Late
For Your Appointment!
Call Chequer Cabs On
01278 42 58 58
• All cars wheelchair/pushchair friendly
• Discounted rates for longer trips
• Contract work accepted
www.chequercabs.co.uk
Chequer Cabs, providing a
safe, friendly & reliable taxi
service in and around the
Bridgwater area
23/1/08
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Join the NHS
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You know the feeling - you have been ‘a bit under the
weather’ for some time, and have finally got around to
making an appointment to see the Doctor. Do you really
feel well enough to drive to the surgery? Of course it is
vital to arrive in plenty of time for your appointment, and
not to arrive stressed as that could mask other symptoms.
So why not call a local taxi company? They will take you
door to door, get you there on time, and no worries about
parking the car either!!
Many older or disabled patients regularly use their
local taxi firm for all kinds of trips. They appreciate the
convenience and relatively low cost. Mums find a taxi has
many advantages for transporting all the paraphernalia
associated with keeping an appointment, at a fixed time,
and having to take a baby and/or a young child with
them.
Book online or get a quotation
for your journey on
GP ad 65x94mm.qxp:Layout 1
Let the taxi take the strain!
Of course, your local taxi firm is just as valuable when
the car has broken down or even going out for a meal
or other social occasion: going by taxi means you can
enjoy the evening without worries. Or that holiday with
an early flight and all that luggage? No problem! Door to
door - at your convenience - and no parking charges at
the airport. On all such occasions, you need reliability, and
that is where the local taxi firm with a good reputation
comes in.
Once you
have1 found a good reliable firm you will use
10:42
Page
them again on a variety of occasions.
Black Rock
Veterinary
Surgery
Open 24 Hours A Day
365 Days A Year
Morning Surgery from 9.00am
Evening Surgery from 5.00pm
Saturday Surgery from 10.00am
Vet Shop/Reception 8.00am – 6.00pm
Situated just off the A38
Near Pawlett Village
LOCAL TO YOU
Ham Lane, Stretcholt
Bridgwater 01278 684905
Prop: Mr M J Hayes BVetMed MRCVS
Thank you to all advertisers
Est. 1920
Directors: W.H. Biffen, J.W. Biffen
Independent Family Funeral Directors
Caring & Personal 24 hour Service
Tel: (01278) 423333 day
(01278) 425357 night
32 Wembdon Road, Bridgwater
"Small Enough To Care"
It is an important factor in causing:
➤
➤
➤
➤
➤
➤
Lung Cancer
Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema
Coronary Heart Disease
Arterial Disease in Limbs which can lead to Gangrene
High Blood Pressure and Stroke
In Pregnancy Smoking can cause the Retardation of a Baby’s Growth and Premature Birth
SMOKING CAN HARM OTHER PERSONS BY MAKING THEM “SECONDARY SMOKERS”.
IF YOU ARE A SMOKER CONSIDER THE POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCES OF WHAT YOU MAY
BE DOING TO YOURSELF AND TO OTHERS.
Thank you to all advertisers
ADVERTISING FEATURE
Modern styles, modern kitchens
WHETHER you are looking for a completely new kitchen or
just planning to update an existing kitchen with replacement
doors and worktops, there is something for everyone at
Kitchens 4 You’s extensive showroom. The company is
headed by Roger Andrews who has over 33 years' experience
in the business.
“We even have the largest choice of worktops in the
Bridgwater area,” explained owner and operator Roger. “We
provide products by several of the top manufacturers, and
make sure we only supply the best value for money kitchens
and accessories.”
These range from vinyl wrap to gloss finish and solid
wood. “Our worktops are made from either granite, which
is supplied by a local company, or solid wood,” said Roger.
"We now also supply a wide range of ceramic and porcelain
tiles, suitable for both walls and floors."
“We’re happy to just replace the doors, perhaps because the
old kitchen has seen better days or because the style looks
old-fashioned now.
“Kitchens can be ready for supply within a week, or four
weeks for made-to-measure. We deliver when it’s convenient
to our customers, too. If they want 5 o’clock, we’ll deliver
at 5 o’clock.”
"We fit all your kitchen fixtures and fittings, tiling, gas
and electrical work and all work is completed by qualified
personnel," added Roger.
Contact Kitchens 4 You on (01278) 431950. There is a 10
percent discount available on production of this
advertisement.