Other Information
Norton Brook Patient's Support Group
The support group provides a transport service to the medical centre, South Hams Hospital, local opticians, dentists and chiropodists. Although drivers provide their time free, they are paid 40p per mile and any contribution patients make towards this is most welcome - ask the driver for an envelope. To book a car, telephone 856490 Monday to Friday 8.30 - 11.30am. Please give 24 hours' notice.
The group also provides equipment, not normally provided by the NHS, for the medical centre and this often prevents patients having to travel to Derriford or Torbay Hospitals for tests.
DIY Patient Information Room
We have now opened an information room where patients can access details about such diverse subjects as blood pressure, heart disease and healthy eating, as well as contraception, pre-natal care and STDs. This room
also has a self-check blood pressure machine for patient use. The machine is simple to use and will print out a recording of your blood pressure. If in doubt about your blood pressure reading, you can make an appointment
with one of our practice nurses for clarification.
Your Local PCT
The area served by Norton Brook Medical Centre is in the district covered by NHS Devon. They are responsible for ensuring you get all the services you need. For details of all primary care services in the
area, look at your PCT Guide to Primary Care Services at www.nhs.uk
The PCT also produces Your Guide to Local Health Services.
You can contact them at:
NHS Devon
County Hall
Topsham Road
Exeter
EX2 4QL
Tel: 01392 205 205
NHS Direct
NHS Direct offers free expert health information and advice 24 hours a day on 0845 4647 or at their website www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk, which also offers an enquiry service. For deaf people and those heard of hearing, a
telephone service is available on 0845 606 4647. If English is not your preferred language, you can choose to use a confidential translation service.
Accident And Emergency/999
Whatever the day or time, if you or someone else experiences severe chest pain, loss of blood or suspected broken bones, go to your nearest accident and emergency department or call 999.
Accident and emergency departments are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and can assess serious injuries and provide emergency treatment.
Zero Tolerance
We aim to treat our patients courteously at all times and expect our patients to treat our staff in a similarly respectful way. We take seriously any threatening, abusive or violent behaviour against any of our staff or
patients. If a patient is violent or abusive, they will be warned to stop their behaviour. If they persist, we may exercise our right to take action to have them removed from our list of patients, immediately
if necessary.
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 make available
routinely. This scheme is available from reception.
Other Local NHS Services
Call NHS Direct on 0845 4647 - for free expert NHS health advice and information 24 hours a day (calls charged at local rates).
Or log on to www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
In addition, the NHS Direct self-help guide 'Not Feeling Well?' is available at the back of all Thomson Local telephone directories, distributed in England from April 2004.
Your local pharmacist will be able to give you free health advice and you don't need an appointment. Many pharmacies operate extended hours on a rota basis.
For details call NHS Direct on 0845 4647.
NHS Devon is responsible for ensuring you get all the service you need. For details call 01392 205 205.
Referral Letter
If your doctor refers you for further treatment or to a hospital clinic, you are entitled to receive a copy of the referral letter on request. For reasons of confidentiality, copies can only be given to the patient and
not to friends or relatives. If, however, you would like someone else to have a copy, we will need your prior written consent.
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