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Practice area and boundary

The practice covers an area of approximately 100 square miles between Hereford and Ross-on-Wye and we welcome new patients who live within the boundary.

Please let us know your new address and contact details if you move house.

Home Visits

Home visits can be arranged for patients who are too ill to come to the surgery. 
Please try to contact Reception before 10:30 am with information about the nature of the problem as well as your name, address and telephone number.

Telephone Consultations

If you would like to speak to a GP about a medical matter, please ask for a telephone consultation.  However, if it is a simple enquiry, please ask the Receptionist to pass on a message.

Test Results

To protect all patient data and respect confidentiality, test results will only be given to the patient to whom they relate.  If you wish to give permission for a relative to obtain your results, please do so in writing to the practice.
Please telephone after 11 am for test results.

Patient Rights

Confidentiality and Data Protection

Confidentiality codes of conduct apply to all health professionals as well as administrative and attached staff working within the practice.  Medical records are the property of the Department of Health.

Patient confidentiality is respected at all times.  This applies to electronic and paper records.   Personal information will not be disclosed without the patient’s permission (unless in exceptional circumstances).  Naturally, it is necessary to give relevant information for referrals to secondary care.  However, we are sometimes required to pass on electronic information relating to patient care and statistics, but this does not include any patient identifiable information. 

Access to Medical Records

The Data Protection Act allows you to see information held on your medical record.  If you wish to have a computer print out of your medical record, please request this in writing to the Practice Manager, but note that a Data Protection Fee will apply.

Complaints and suggestions

We constantly review our systems and welcome any suggestions that help us to improve the services we offer. 

However, if you do wish to complain, we will investigate it appropriately – please ask for a copy of the Complaints Leaflet at Reception or write to the Practice Manager.

PALS (Patient Advice and Liason)

Click for information about PALS. (PALS tel no has changed to 01432 383568 - they also have an answer phone for out of hours contact).

Patient Advice

Click to read health information from the Patient UK website

Information for Carers

  • Herefordshire Young Carers, Mortimer House, Holmer Road, Hereford HR4 9TA
  • Herefordshire Lifestyles, 41 Millbrook Street, Hereford HR4 9LF
  • Herefordshire Carers' Support, Canal Road, Hereford, HR1 2EA
  • ABLE (Access to Benefits Leisure and Employment), The Warehouse, Coningsby Street, Hereford HR1 2DY

Private Services (non-General Medical Services) and Fees

The clinical staff undertake certain private medical reports and examinations, including HGV medicals. (We do not undertake passport countersignature).  Please note that there is a fee applicable to such services.  Kindly ask at Reception for more information.

Travel Information

We are introducing a new approach to our travel service at the surgery and would like to inform patients how things will work.  When you phone the surgery regarding travel you will be asked to collect/access on line a pre-travel questionnaire, this allows the practice nurse to assess your specific travel needs.  Whenever possible please make initial enquiries 6-8 weeks prior to travel.  Download our pre-travel assessment form here, complete it and return to the surgery. travel assessment form.pdf

If you would like to access travel information vist the MASTA website

Training and Meetings

From time to time the practice undertakes staff training or has meetings which require the surgery to be closed for a short time.  We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.  However, if you need urgent medical attention, please telephone the surgery.

Family Planning Services

We offer a full range of family planning services.  You can also contact The Family Planning Clinic in Gaol Street, Hereford on 01432 378914

Stop Smoking Clinics

Stop Smoking Advice is available by contacting the surgery and making an appointment with our Smoking Cessation Advisor.  You can also contact the Hereford Stop Smoking Line on 01432 383567 or NHS Smoking Helpline on 0800 169 0 169

Loan of Equipment

We have blood pressure monitors and nebulisers that are available to patients on short term loan.  If you borrow equipment, please return it to Reception within two weeks and replace the used batteries.

Surveys

We conduct an annual survey in November to obtain patients’ views on access and services at the practice.  We are grateful to everyone who takes the time to complete and return these.  Click on link to view the Much Birch 2008/2009 patient survey

10 year survey

We have a 10 year survey. Click on link to view 10 year survey

Services

  • Diabetic Nurse Specialists
  • Minor Surgery
  • Extended Hours
  • Stop Smoking Clinics
  • Physiotherapy Direct
  • Counselling
  • Community Mental Health Services
  • Midwife
  • Health Visitor
  • District Nurses
  • Family Planning Services

Diabetic Information

Q: How do diabetic patients with sharps bins at home dispose of them once full?
A: Patients should ring the Council waste department (Tel 01432 260051) as this is classed as domestic waste and cannot be returned via NHS sites.

Emergencies

  • Chest Pain: 999
  • Accidents – Accident and Emergency: 01432 344555

 

 

 

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