The Partners - Page 3
Consultations - Page 4
Clinics - Page 8
Staff - Page 11
Minor Illness - Page 14
Useful Numbers - Page 18
The Partners
Our premises have suitable access for disabled persons and parking is available.
This practice is accredited by the Royal College of General Practitioners.
Dr Alasdair Ritchie
M.B.Ch.B (Glasgow 1986),
M.R.C.G.P.
D.R.C.O.G.
Dr Carolyn McGhie
M.B.Ch.B (Glasgow 1999),
M.R.C.G.P.
D.R.C.O.G.
D.F.S.R.H.
Dr Anne M Williams
M.B., B.S. (London 1981),
M.R.C.G.P.
D.C.H.
D.R.C.O.G.
TEL: 0141 883 8838
FAX: 0141 810 1511
www.thurstonroadsurgery.scot.nhs.uk
Email: receptionGP52024@nhs.net
Consultations
Consultations are by 10 minute appointment.
If you feel your problem is particularly complex or it involves several problems, please ask for a double appointment with the nurse or doctor.
If there are no appointments available and you need to be seen urgently, or you have a baby or young child who needs to be seen urgently, you will be given an emergency appointment time to attend the surgery.
For emergency appointments you may not be able to choose which doctor to see.
The doctors and nurses normally finish morning surgery by midday and should be available to speak to you if you need telephone advice at that time.
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Emergency Cases
These take priority at all times.
In an emergency please telephone 883 8838. If the surgery is closed a message will advise what to do.
Out of Hours Emergencies
Phone 616 6200 between 8am and 8.45am on weekday mornings to connect you to the Glasgow Emergency Medical Service (GEMS) for advice. After 6pm and at weekends call NHS 24 on 111.
Cancellations
If you are unable to keep your appointment for any reason please let us know as early as possible so that we can reallocate the time to another person.
Home Visits
These should only be requested by patients who are too ill to be brought to the
surgery. Please telephone before 10.00 am if possible. The receptionist will ask for details of your illness so that the doctors can plan their visits.
Repeat Prescriptions
Please allow 48 hours for your prescriptions (excluding weekends and bank holidays) to be ready. Please put your request in writing, by letter, fax, or email, or place it in the box at Reception.
If your prescription cannot be collected, please enclose a stamped addressed envelope to enable us to post it out to you. Our email address is receptionGP52024@nhs.net
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CONFIDENTIALITY
The confidentiality and security of your personal information are regarded with the utmost importance by the Practice. Measures are taken to protect your confidentiality.
All staff working in the practice are bound by a strict code of confidentiality.
The Data Protection Act also gives you important rights about how your personal information is used. Further details can be found on the Health Rights Information.
Scotland website: www.hris.org.uk
Even if you are under 16, nothing will be disclosed to another person, including parents, other family members, care workers or tutors, without your permission. Only in exceptional circumstances, e.g. to protect you or someone else from serious harm, can confidentiality be broken and we would always try to discuss this with you first.
SELF-REFERRAL
Podiatry
You can now refer yourself to podiatry. Telephone: 347 8909 or ask for an information leaflet at reception.
Physiotherapy
You can now refer yourself to physiotherapy. Self-referral forms and an information leaflet are available at Reception.
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HELP US TO HELP YOU
Your assistance with the following would not only be a great help to us but will enable us to provide a higher level of service to all of our patients. Remember to tell us, as soon as possible, if you are unable to attend your appointment.
- Allow 48 hours for repeat prescriptions.
- Only ask for a home visit if you are too ill to be brought to the surgery.
Patients Charter
This was issued in 1991 and explains what the NHS can do for you, and your entitlements.
A copy is available in the surgery if you wish to see it.
Patients Comments
We produce an occasional newsletter about the practice which is available in the waiting room.
Suggestions or comments are very welcome and should be put in writing and left in the comments box in the waiting area. The practice operates a complaints procedure. A patient information leaflet outlining our complaints procedure is available from reception. If you are dissatisfied with any aspect of the service we provide, please let us know.
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Clinics
In addition to our normal consultations we offer the following clinics and appointments can be made at reception.
Minor Surgery
Some procedures (such as removal of ingrown toe nails or cysts) can be carried out at the surgery by arrangement with Dr Ritchie. Please see your usual doctor to discuss this.
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Wart Clinic
Staff nurse Janis Sherridan offers monthly wart treatment clinic normally on the afternoon of the last Wednesday of the month.
Well Woman Service
Sister Lockie provides well woman checks, cervical smears, preconception/pregnancy and menopausal advice. A range of family planning advice is also available. Drs Ritchie, McGhie and Dr Farmer also provide family planning advice and emergency contraception during normal surgery hours. The Practice Nurses give advice on routine problems and also carry out smears in their surgeries. Coil insertions and contraceptive implants are available at local family planning clinics.
For advice on natural family planning and conception awareness please make an appointment to see Dr Anne Williams. Dr Williams does not provide artificial contraception Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Management
We have an active health promotion programme.
Our practice nurses carry out annual reviews for patients with
chronic diseases e.g Heart Disease, Diabetes, COPD, Asthma, Stroke.
Travel Advice
Please remember to find out if you need immunisation to protect you whilst you are abroad. A travel questionnaire is available from reception to help our nurses give you the correct advice. Please give us as much notice of travelling as possible.
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Counselling Services
A range of counselling services is available from the Wellbeing Team including advice/guidance, one-to-one counselling, group sessions and evening classes.
Contact the Wellbeing Team on 577 7729.
For addiction problems we have the services of a counsellor, Jane Reid, on alternate Friday mornings. Jane works for the South West Community Addiction Team.
Please ask your doctor if you wish more information on any counselling services.
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Practice Staff
The Partners
Dr A Williams joined the practice in 1990.
Her interests include Paediatrics, Dermatology, Natural Family Planning and Ethics.
She previously worked in Peru. She is a Director of SCHB. (Scottish Council on Human Bioethics)
Dr A Ritchie has been at Thurston Road
since 1993. His interests include Dermatology, Respiratory Medicine and Psychiatry and communication skills. He is our Retainee Supervisor. He previously worked in Australia.
Dr C McGhie joined the Practice in 2014,
having worked in General Practice since 2005. She gained extensive experience whilst working in Australia and has a particular interest in Woman’s Health. She is our Foundation Year 2 Doctor Supervisor.
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The Admin Team
Practice Manager
Louise Steele has significant experience in managing a large GP Training Practice.
She has a certificate in First Line Management gained with the Institute of Leadership and Management and Medical Defence Union of Scotland. Louise is responsible for the day to day running of the Practice.
Our reception staff:
- Lynne McGall
- May Taggart
- Lesley Blevins
- Claire Johnstone
- Christopher McCloy
- Lesley Forsyth
- Kerry Roberts
The Medical Team
Trainee Doctors
Thurston Rd is a training practice and as such takes FY2 doctors and GP trainees on rotations for between 3-12mths.
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Practice Nurses
Sister Donna Lockie and Staff Nurse Janis Sheridan provide a range of services including health promotion, medical checks, blood tests, vaccinations, ear syringing, dressings, diet, travel advice, family planning, preconception advice and routine cervical smears.
Nurse-led clinics for annual reviews for patients with chronic diseases are also carried out by Sister Lockie. Appointments are available daily and can be made at reception in the usual way.
Health Visitor
Gail McCormish, our health visitor, promotes health education and provides advice on the care of babies and under-fives.
Tel: 0141 351 8444
District Nurses
Our District Nurse, Sister Nancy Bain, and Staff Nurse Andrea Freel provide a fullrange of nursing care in the home.
Tel: 0141 892 2561/2563
Medical Students
Occasionally we may advise you that medical students from Glasgow University are training with us and will be present in the consulting room. However, you have the choice and if you would prefer them not to be present please let us know at the time of booking your appointment
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Information on managing minor illnesses Many minor illnesses such as colds and stomach upsets can be managed simply at home without consulting a doctor. Most get better themselves given time. Treatment will not shorten these illnesses and can only deal with the symptoms. Often your pharmacist can advise you on simple remedies. Antibiotics do not help viruses and may cause more problems.
BACK PAIN
This is a very common problem. The spine supports the whole weight of the upper body and often suffers
from strain or posturalproblems.If you have backpain be sensibleand take it easy fora few days.
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Watch your posture; sit upright with a supportfor the small of the back.Bed rest is no longer advised, in fact gentleactivity will help.Simple painkillers, such as paracetamol,will often ease the pain and allow you tostay mobile. If the pain is persistent afterseveral days or is severe, then consultyour doctor for further advice.
BURNS
Apply lots of cold water to the affected area as soon as possible. Continue this until
the pain eases. It might take as long as 15 minutes. If the skin is broken or the burn is over a large area – contact your doctor or practice nurse for advice.
CHICKENPOX
This is a common childhood viral illness with a rash. After a few days of a mild illness (like a cold) little red marks appear which change into small blisters, which then turn into crusty spots. Over 3 or 4 days, the rash continues to “come out” and goes through these different stages. Once all the spots are dry and crusty it is no longer infectious. Usually one week off school is all that is needed.
Adults who are affected or pregnant women, should seek advice from their doctor.
COLDS
There is no cure! These are caused by viruses.
Runny noses and catarrhal coughs are not much fun. A cold usually lasts 5-7 days but can linger for 2 or 3 weeks. On average adults have 1-3 per year. Children often have 6 or more colds per year.
Take plenty of drinks, and use paracetamol for a headache, sore throat or temperature.Cough medicines and steam inhalations can be bought at your pharmacist (chemist). Antibiotics do not help.
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DIARRHOEA
ADULTS:
Usually diarrhoea will settle over a few days by simply cutting out some solid foods, taking a light diet such as a little toast, and making sure you take extra fluids, eg drinks of water or diluting squash.
Your pharmacist can prescribe antidiarrhoeal tablets such as “imodium” or loperamide if necessary.If your symptoms are not settling contact your doctor or practice nurse for advice.
CHILDREN:
Young babies need a careful check if they have diarrhoea. Again extra fluids are usually needed and cut out solid food, although now we usually do not advise stopping milk feeds. Indeed if you are breastfeeding extra feeds may be required.
Rehydration sachets for babies are available from the pharmacist.
Do not give children antidiarrhoeal medicine.
If the diarrhoea persists in a baby and you are concerned, please contact your doctor or health visitor for advice.
FLU
Influenza is a viral illness occurring in the winter causing a temperature, dry cough, muscle pains and headache. For a few days you will need to rest, take plenty of fluids and regular paracetamol. The whole illness may last up to a week, and occasionally longer.
From October to February each year, we offer free flu vaccinations to those aged over 65 and those in at-risk categories such as chronic diabetes, heart or chest diseases. If you are under 65 and think you may be in an at-risk category, please ask one of our receptionists or one of the Nurses to check if you are eligible for a free flu vaccination.
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GASTROENTERITIS
This is usually a virus, which causes a combination of diarrhoea, temperature, vomiting and stomach pains. Treat it as for diarrhoea, but you will need to take small amounts of drinks more frequently to avoid dehydration. Young babies or toddlers may need the rehydration fluids mentioned under “diarrhoea”, again small amounts given frequently. If your child is particularly unwell or weak please contact your doctor or nurse for advice.
NOSEBLEEDS
Stay calm and don’t panic. These usually seem more alarming than they are.
- Sit quietly in a chair leaning forward.
- Firmly pinch your nose just below the bone for 10 – 15 minutes. It is the pressure, which stops the blood flow and allows a clot to form.
- Try not to blow the nose. If the bleeding fails to stop, contact your doctor or nurse for advice.
MINOR CUTS AND GRAZES
Wash the wound thoroughly with water and a little soap. To stop bleeding, apply a clean handkerchief or dressing firmly to the wound for five or ten minutes. Cover with a clean dry dressing.
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Useful Numbers
Thurston Road Surgery 883 8838
Health Visitor 810 4845
District Nurses 892 2561/63
QEUH (Yellow Team) Midwives 201 2256
Queen Elizabeth Uni Hospital 201 1100
NHS Helpline (general info) 111
Drinkline (alcohol helpline) 0300 1231110
National Drugs Helpline 03001236600
Quitline (smoking cessation) 0800 002200
Smoking Cessation (local) 0800 0285208
Wellbeing Service 232 2555
Sandyford Pollok 531 6807
Chiropody/Podiatry Direct 636 8421
Glasgow SW Carers Centre 440 5316
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Out of Hours Emergencies:
Weekdays after 6pm and at Weekends:
NHS 24: 111
Weekdays between 8am and 9am:
GEMS: 616 6200