Welcome
We are the oldest General Practice having being established in Ramsgate even before the NHS started in 1948.
With patients' needs at the heart of everything we do, our website has been designed to make it easy for you to gain instant access to the information you need. As well as specific practice details such as opening hours and how to register, you’ll find a wealth of useful pages covering a wide range of health issues along with links to other relevant medical organisations.
Get Well, Keep Well
Of course we’re not just here for when you are unwell. Our team of healthcare professionals and back-up staff offer a number of clinics and services to promote good health and wellbeing whatever your medical condition.
Helping you stay #winterwell
Helping you stay #WinterWell (kentcht.nhs.uk)
Join In
We hope you enjoy having a look around the site and familiarising yourself with some of the online features such as ordering a repeat prescription. Whatever your thoughts, be sure to let us know via our feedback function. Comments and suggestions are always a great way of helping us continue to enhance the way we look after you.
Access
Wheelchair access to the building is via our main entrance. We now provide 3 disabled parking spaces to the rear of the practice in the car park facility. If access proves difficult to any of our disabled patients please inform reception at your time of visit and we will look into any concerns raised on access.
Extended Hours
The Practice also provides additional appointments as part of the extended access scheme. Appointments are available by phone triage on Thursday and Friday evening between 06:30pm and 8pm
We may also be able to offer you appointments at other Practices during the week or offer an appointment at the Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Hospital with a clinician on a Saturday. These appointments may not be with a doctor from this practice but with your consent the clinician will have access to your electronic medical record.
For more information and to book please speak to a member of our Reception Team.
Minor Surgery is not currently available
On-site pharmacy
Please be advised the pharmacy sharing the building with the practice is not our pharmacy. They are an independent business to the practice.
All Patients - Your Named GP is Dr M D Cardwell.
Complaints Procedure
We aim to provide our patients with the best care we can and would like to hear from you if you think we have done something well, or if you have suggestions on how we could do something differently. Equally, we know that there will be times when our patients or their carers believe our standards are not of an acceptable level. We would encourage you to speak to whoever you feel most comfortable with – your doctor, a nurse, a receptionist, or manager, but if you prefer to give your feedback in writing, please use our postal address.
How to Complain
You can complain in writing, by email or by speaking to a member of staff. You should make your complaint within 12 months of the incident or within 12 months of the matter coming to your attention. This time limit can sometimes be extended if it is still possible to investigate your complaint.
Who can complain? Anyone can complain, including young people, a family member, carer, friend or your local MP can complain on your behalf with your permission.
What can I expect if I complain?
We will:
- acknowledge your complaint and investigate it properly
- keep you informed of progress and tell you the outcome
- treat you fairly, politely and with respect
- reassure you that your care and treatment will not be affected as a result of making a complaint
- offer you the opportunity to discuss the complaint
- take appropriate action following your complaint
Who can help with your complaint?
NHS England
If you have a concern or complaint about a GP or the practice, you can ask NHS England to oversee the management of the complaints process.
To take up this option please contact:
NHS England
PO Box 16738
Redditch
B97 9PT
Healthwatch
Healthwatch is an independent organisation who will listen to your views and share them with those with the power to make local services better.
You can call 03000 68 3000 to find details of your local branch.
The Advocacy People
The Advocacy People are an Independent Advocacy Service who are available to support you and represent your views when making a complaint – they can accompany you to meetings to discuss your complaint and provide support or an interpreter.
The Advocacy People, PO Box 375, Hastings, East Sussex TN34 9HU
If you remain dissatisfied with the response from the practice (or NHS England where your complaint was investigated by them) then you have the right to refer your complaint to the Health Service Ombudsman. They would require a clear statement of what issues remain outstanding.
The Parliamentary & Health Service Ombudsman Millbank Tower, Millbank, London SW1P 4QP