Norton Brook Medical Centre

Other Information

Norton Brook Patients' 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 removes the necessity of 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 Health Authority
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 the Guide to Primary Care Services at www.nhs.uk

NHS Devon 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 via 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.

In addition, the NHS Direct self-help guide 'Not Feeling Well?' is available at the back of all Thomson Local telephone directories.

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.

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.

Pharmacies

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.

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.