The Medical Centre & The Old Bakery

We are a group of three full-time and one three-quarter time GPs.

Teaching
Three of the doctors in the practice have a doctor sharing their practice with them. These doctors are fully qualified but are in training at the start of their careers in general practice under the supervision of a more experienced doctor. You will probably find that they can offer you a more immediate appointment than can your own doctor and we hope you will consult them. If it is only your own doctor that you wish to consult, the receptionist will be able to arrange this but, because their teaching sessions take up time, you may have to wait for a day or two.

One aspect of our role as a training practice is to make video recordings of consultations. These are only done with a patient's written consent and you are quite at liberty to refuse. However, we would stress that all aspects of general practice, including training, are governed by rules of strict confidentiality. No examinations are filmed and the recordings are made for training purposes only and their use is strictly controlled.

As a training practice we undergo periodic assessment, when the quality of patients' records may be examined by a senior doctor. Confidentiality is maintained. However, if you do not want your notes examined please inform the receptionist or doctor.

Medical Students
Occasionally we have medical students with us as part of their studies. They will be observing general practice consultations only. You will always be asked for your permission for a student to be present at your consultation.

PRACTICE STAFF

The Primary Health Care Team
The doctors, nurses and other members of the team work together to provide the best possible care and treatment for patients in the light of current methods and practice. They meet frequently to discuss patients' clinical problems. Each member of the team is well aware of the expertise of his fellow workers and frequently seeks another opinion or their advice.

Practice Nursing Sisters 541444 or 863040
The practice nurses are available by appointment from Monday to Friday.

Secretary
In addition to providing support to the practice, her secretarial duties include arranging hospital referral appointments and liaison between the hospital consultants and your doctor. She is based at the Speldhurst Surgery - 01892 863040, between 9.00am and 4.00pm.

Receptionists
All our receptionists have been trained and many of them are very experienced and will be able to answer most of your queries. Anything you tell them will be treated in absolute confidence. If you are unsure whether to consult your doctor, nurse or health visitor etc, the receptionist will be able to advise you.

If you are in doubt about anything ask the receptionist. If she does not know the answer she will ask someone who does. A brief explanation of your problem may enable them to suggest the right person for advice, or offer the most suitable appointment. Please help them to help you.

Practice Manager
Mrs Gill Orrin is responsible for the day-to-day running of the surgeries. Should you have any complaints, suggestions or administrative queries then contact her at the Old Bakery Surgery on 01892 863040.

Attached Staff

District Nurses 517943
If you are house-bound and need nursing assistance, then your doctor can arrange for a community nursing sister to call. If you have been discharged from the hospital but still need nursing treatment at home, then the hospital will usually arrange for a community nurse to visit you.

Community Midwife Miss Anu Aron BSc
The midwife, in conjunction with your doctor, provides antenatal and postnatal visits. They and the health visitors hold preparation for parenthood classes. Urgent midwifery advice may be obtained by telephoning 823535.

Health Visitors 524673
The health visitors are qualified to promote health with all age groups, particularly children. They see clients at the Community Child Health Clinics. The health visitors are happy to offer advice and may be contacted between 9.00am - 5.00pm on 524673.

Community Psychiatric Nurse
Contact via your doctor.

Incontinence Advisory Nurse
Contact via your doctor.

Diabetic Liaison Nurse
Contact via your doctor.