Administrative issues

I am a new patient how do I get registered with a new doctor? - You can either apply online by clicking here and filling in a registration form or come to the surgery and do it. It is helpful if you can bring your old NHS card with you.

I am a new patient how do I get my repeat prescriptions? - If you are on regular medication it is wise to see the doctor and go over your medical history. Bring all your medication with you.

I am a new patient when will my medical notes be transferred from my old GP ? This process occurs automatically when you register with the practice but is not quick. We expect to see the patients notes come through in about 6 to 8 weeks after registration.

Getting help

How do a borrow a wheelchair? - The Red cross runs a loan service for a minimal charge - their contact number is in the phonebook section of this web site. Equipment can be tried at the Red Cross Centre, Aquis House, 211 Belgrave Gate, Leicester,     LE1 3HT (tel 0845 330 2681)

How do I get some crutches or a walking stick? - You need to be assessed to make sure that you are getting the right size and type of appliance. This is done by the physiotherapist. You will need a referral from the doctor so you will need to see him/ her first.

My aunt is having difficulty in cooking now where do we organise meals-on-wheels?- If she is having trouble with cooking there are probably other things that she also has trouble with around the house. She would be best served by having a comprehensive assessment of her abilities and disabilities. This is organised by the Social services department . Phone Market Harborough Social services if you aunt is living in Leicestershire or Warwickshire Social services if she is resident across the border. Alternatively make an appointment to talk to one of the doctors about your concerns.

How do I get a bath nurse for my mother? - There are no bath nurses provide this facility. District nurses and home helps are not allowed to do this task. In this situation it is helpful to contact social services and ask for an assessment from the community team.

How do I get a disabled badge for the car? - You need to apply to county hall to get a "Blue badge". Forms are available at the Lutterworth council service shop ( near the Greyhound pub). You need to have a permanent disability which severely affects your walking ( less than a 100 yards) to get a badge. The county council charges £ 2-00 to process the form which requires you to also provide a current passport sized photograph. After completing the form you need to leave the completed form, photograph and stamped envelope at the surgery for the doctor to countersign. We will then post it on to Leicester.

How do I apply for Attendance allowance or disability living allowance? - Social services will send you the appropriate forms if you contact them. Attendance allowance is for retired people and disability living allowance for younger people. To qualify for the benefit you have to demonstrate that you require help from others to function at home. The form is quite big and difficult to fill in and we have found that the citizens advise bureau or social services have been willing to help people complete it ( see phonebook). Also have a look at the the web links page for more information about resources for the disabled or contact the carers development officer ( see phonebook).

Clinical issues

Do I really have to go to Leicester or Rugby if I have an injury? - If you have a minor injury you can attend the casualty at the Lutterworth cottage hospital which is open between 7 a.m and 8 pm daily. We may send you on to the bigger hospitals if you need an x-ray or there is a chance that the injury is more complicated than it seems.

Why do I have to wait so long to see the doctor in the morning surgery? - Most patients like being able to see the doctor on the day of their illness without having to book an appointment but we recognise that the waiting times can be long especially on some days such as Monday morning. Although we have three doctors and two practice nurses on the clinical teams there are no rooms in the health centre to accommodate them all! We hope that if and when a new health centre is approved for Lutterworth we will be able to address this issue properly. Until then you will have to bear with us.

Do you run a children's clinic in the morning for emergencies? Unfortunately we do not run this service at the moment simply because of lack of space- we only have two consuting rooms available. Because of the general demand for consultations we have two doctors doing surgeries in the morning. We intend to expand on this if and when new premises become available with more consulting rooms.

When do I need to ring for my blood test results? - Generally we will ring you if there is a problem with your blood tests. If there are specific issues the doctor will ask you to ring at a specified time.

Can I get my repeat prescriptions picked up? - Yes you can appoint a relative to pick up a prescription for you. Alternatively all of the local chemists can also do this for you. Please note that you will still need to attend for your regular check ups with the doctor or nurse. Your medication review date is printed on the right hand side of the prescription paper.

I need to cancel my holiday because of ill health. How is this done? - It is vital that if you get ill you see the doctor and ask whether you will be likely to be fit for travel. Notify the travel agent and insurers as soon as possible if you are not able to travel. Ask them to send you a holiday cancellation form. Fill it in and sign it and then hand it into the surgery for the doctor to complete the medical part of the form. A charge is made for this service.

Can I refer myself to an NHS physiotherapist? - No you have to go through the doctor to do this.

My friend was raped she does not want to go to the police, what should she do? - It is vital to get help and support after such a terrible trauma. She can always come to see a doctor or nurse at the surgery. Alternatively we have found the services of Juniper lodge very good ( see phone book). Support is available for men who have been raped as well as women. Juniper lodge will not see people under 16 years of age. Younger people are best served by coming to the surgery.

Although people are frightened to go to the police they would be pleasantly surprised by the kindness and courtesy shown towards them by specially trained police officers.

Complaints

I wish to make a complaint about how I was treated at the surgery- Although we try our best to look after our patients things do occasionally go wrong. It is always best to get the problem sorted as soon as possible. We have a practice complaints procedure. Please click here for the link to get a printable complaint form. Fill it in and send it to the surgery. You should get a response complaint within a few days of our receiving the form.