Specialist Referrals

The practice uses the computerised 'Choose and Book' system for referring patients to hospital specialists on the NHS. Under this system the doctor referring you will discuss your referral with you and offer you a choice of hospitals. Eastern Cheshire Primary Care Trust has prepared a booklet which includes a lot of useful information about local hospitals. Copies are available at the reception desk.

There is also some comparative 'performance' information available at the Dr Foster website www.drfoster.co.uk under the 'Information for the Public' section.

Carers

The practice maintains a register of carers. If you wish your details to be added to the register please contact the General Manager on 01625 531707.

Ambulance and Transport Requirements

Patients requiring non-emergency ambulance transport should contact Mersey Ambulance Service on 0845 148 1733. Local "community cars" transport can be booked through reception.

Medical Advice

Pharmacists
Pharmacists are qualified to give good advice about the availability and use of over-the-counter medicines. They can also advise on self-care medications to deal with mild symptoms.

You can count on your local pharmacist to help you with any questions you might have about your medical conditions or treatments. Pharmacists are available to assist you without an appointment, up to six days a week. As highly trained health care professionals, they adhere to the same rules of privacy and confidentiality as your doctors. This extensive training makes them experts about your medications. So, when you need information, help and understanding about making the most of your medicines, ask your pharmacist.

Some factors to consider when taking medications include allergies, medical history and possible interactions between medications or with food and supplements. Keep your pharmacist informed about any changes in your personal medical profile, and share information about any over-the-counter (OTC) medications, herbal remedies, vitamins, or dietary supplements you might be taking.

Self Medication
Before buying a medicine tell the pharmacist:
• Who it is for - if it is for a child, state the age
• What the symptoms are
• How long the symptoms have been present
• What treatment, if any, has been tried already
• What other medicines are being taken fo any other ailment
• If the patient is pregnant or breast feeding
• If the patient is sensitive or allergic to asprin of any other medications

If you are taking OTC medication then please let your GP know so that this infomation can be entered into your clinical notes.

NHS Direct
NHS Direct is a telephone service available to the general public where you can get advice on how to deal with medical problems Telephone 0845 4647 or visit nhsdirect.nhs.uk

Citizens Advice Bureau
The Macclesfield Citizens advice bureau holds surgeries on the first Tuesday of each month. Appointments can be booked in advance (1.00 and 1.45pm or there is a drop in option for the second half of the afternoon 2.30 to 4.00pm). These surgeries are intebded to fgive support to people in difficulty and might include advice on housing, benefits entitlement, where to go for assistance.