Want to have your say? Take our Friends and Family Test , we would love to hear from you.

If you’re a patient at our practice you can now use the new NHS App, a simple and secure way to access a range of NHS services on your smartphone or tablet.

You can use the NHS App to check your symptoms and get instant advice, book appointments, order repeat prescriptions, view your GP medical record and more.

If you already use SystmOnline you can continue to use it. You can use the NHS App as well.

For more information go to www.nhs.uk/nhsapp

We are on Facebook! Follow us for up-to-date information and events: fb.me/siamsurgeryofficial

Can you help us to help you?

Our local population is growing fast and there is a huge demand for appointments, both with the doctors and the nurses. We have been looking at ways to improve appointment availability and have found many appointments are wasted each week because the patient is not booked in with an appropriate clinician. For example:

Not all doctors undertake joint injections
Not all doctors undertake minor surgery
Not all doctors undertake coil fitting
Some doctors have more specialised knowledge in particular areas
Not all nurses undertake travel vaccinations
Not all nurses undertake cervical screening
Some nurses have more specialised knowledge in particular areas

If you are booked with a doctor or nurse who is unable to deal with the problem for which you are attending, it is not only a wasted appointment for the doctor or nurse, but also a wasted visit for you as you may be asked to re book.

There are some procedures which cannot be undertaken if there is not a second nurse or a doctor on the premises, for example immunisations.

It helps us to know the reason for routine appointments where equipment needs to be prepared, for example, a particular injection may need to be collected in advance from a central storage area or may even be out of stock and need to be ordered.

We are aware some patients object to being asked the reason for their appointment, our receptionists have received comments such as ‘What has it got to do with you?’ ‘Why do you want to know are you a doctor?’

Please be assured, if your visit is for a medical problem which you do not wish to discuss with the receptionist, we quite understand and are more than happy for you to tell us you would rather not give the reason.

Please

Wherever possible provide the receptionist with a little information regarding the reason for your appointment

Help us to help you.

Summary Care Record

There is a new Central NHS Computer System called the Summary Care Record (SCR). It is an electronic record which contains information about the medicines you take, allergies you suffer from and any bad reactions to medicines you have had.

Why do I need a Summary Care Record?

Storing information in one place makes it easier for healthcare staff to treat you in an emergency, or when your GP practice is closed.

This information could make a difference to how a doctor decides to care for you, for example which medicines they choose to prescribe for you.

Who can see it?

Only healthcare staff involved in your care can see your Summary Care Record.

How do I know if I have one?

Over half of the population of England now have a Summary Care Record. You can find out whether Summary Care Records have come to your area by looking at our interactive map or by asking your GP

Do I have to have one?

No, it is not compulsory. If you choose to opt out of the scheme, then you will need to complete a form and bring it along to the surgery. You can use the form at the foot of this page.