Dr. T Safdar

The Surgery, Central Clinic, Hall Street, Dudley,

West Midlands, DY2 7BX

Telephone (01384) 253616

Fax (01384) 253332

Appointments (01384) 364010

Practice

Information

Leaflet

Introduction

Welcome to Dr Safdar’s Surgery based at Central

Clinic. We hope that you find this leaflet useful.

Please keep it in a safe place, perhaps near a

telephone for easy future reference. The aim of our

Primary Care Team, which comprises all of the staff

listed later on, is to provide the best possible service

for your health needs. We are a Personal Medical

Services (PMS) General Practice with an equivalent

of two full-time General Practitioners. We have a

PMS contract with the Primary Care Trust. The

practice provides general medical care and referral to

appropriate health care professionals where deemed

necessary. At present, we do not undertake any

teaching or training of health care professionals or

persons intending to become health care

professionals.

The practice moved to the current premises in 2001

after having been located across the road at Dixons

Green since the end of the 19th

Century. The move

was to enable us to provide a better standard of care

with increased facilities. There is ample space for

parking of cars and good access for the disabled.

The practice operates an appointment system to see

all the different health care professionals at the

surgery. If you wish to see a specific health care

professional, please mention this at the time of

making your appointment.

Appointments can be made by telephoning the

surgery appointment line on (01384) 364010 during

surgery hours or by coming to the reception. We

would recommend using the telephone to make

appointments to check that an appointment is

available at your preferred time. We will endeavour

to fulfil your request, although this will depend on

the appointments that your chosen health care

professional has available for the date and time that

you request.

Patients between the ages of 16 and 75 and those

aged 75 years and over, who have not been seen by a

doctor or a nurse for any reason during the last three

years, will be offered a consultation if requested by

the patient. We are constantly seeking to improve the

services that we offer. If you have any constructive

comments about improving the practice, please feel

free to leave your suggestions in the box in the

reception area.

Surgery Hours Opening Hours Doctor Consulting Hours

Mon – Fri 08.00am- 18.30pm 8.40 am – 12 pm

Then 3pm- 6 pm

Extended hours Tuesday evening from 6.30pm– 7.30pm

At all other times, including weekends, bank

holidays, evenings and Wednesday afternoons, the

surgery is closed.

The doctors are on-call for emergencies between

12pm and 3pm Monday to Friday afternoon. The

Primary Care Trust is responsible for providing

medical care outside of our opening hours. To

contact the Dudley GP Out-of-hours service please

ring 0300 555 4566, If you telephone the surgery

when we are closed a recorded message will advise

you of this same number to access the Dudley GP

out-of-hours service.

Should you require simple advice at any time, NHS

direct are available by telephone on 0845 4647, or

NHS Direct online can be accessed via the internet at

www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk.

Out-of- Hours Arrangements

If you need urgent advice or treatment, the recorded

message on the practice answer-phone will be

reached by any patient calling the practice telephone

number 01384 253616 outside practice opening

hours. The recorded message gives out the telephone

number 0300 555 4566 which is the Dudley GP Out-

Of-Hours service which is operated by Primecare.

Dudley Borough Walk-in Centre

The patients also have a choice to attend the Dudley

Walk-in Centre located at Holly Hall Clinic,

Stourbridge Road, Dudley. DY1 2ER.where they

have access to NHS doctors and nurses for their

convenience.

The centre is open from 8.00am to 8.00pm daily 7

days per week and can be contacted

on: 0330 123 9225

Primary Care Trust

Our local PCTs are:

Dudley Primary Care Trust

St Johns House.

Union Street,

Dudley.

DY2 8PP.

Telephone: 01384 322002

Sandwell PCT

Kingston House

438 High Street

West Bromwich

B70 9LD

Telephone: 0845 155 0500

Members of Staff

The Doctors

Dr. T Safdar (male) MD MRCGP DRCOG DFSRH

Dr Therun Nassa (female)

Dr. Maryam Almassi (female)

Dr. Hena Begum (female)

The Staff Team

Practice Manager Victoria Walters

Reception Staff Georgina Walters

Jayne Hill

Linda Watkins

Barbara Hemmings

Jade Worwood

Uzma Gondal

Practice Nurse Sister Helen Marriot

Child Immunisation Sister Jacqueline Jones

District Nursing Team Marion Fice

Lead by

Physiotherapist Fiona Evans

Pharmaceutical Advisor Arfaan Sultan

Community Midwife Sue Harris

Attached to practice

Health Visitors Based at Netherton Health

Centre

Mental Health Worker (CPN) Erica Boyjoo

General Information

Attending Your Appointment

Should you make an appointment to see any member

of the team you should turn up and be on time. This

will help us run to schedule and not keep people with

later appointments waiting. It will also ensure we do

not waste any appointment slot.

On arrival at the surgery you should book in using

the automated system or make your presence known

to a member of the reception staff. If you arrive late

for your appointment you may not be seen. Should

you not be able to attend any appointment please

inform reception immediately. If you miss an

appointment without notifying the reception you will

receive a written warning. Regular offenders may be

removed from the patient list.

Change of Name, Address or Telephone Number

Please let us know if your personal details change. If

you move outside the practice boundary area you

should register with a doctor local to your new

address.

Complaints or Suggestions

Our practice aims to provide a friendly and

professional service to all our patients. However, if

you have any concerns about any aspect of our

services, or indeed wish to congratulate and praise

any particular aspect, you could write to practice.

If you would rather speak to someone in person, ask

to speak to Mrs Vicky Walters – Practice Manager.

Alternatively, please feel free to talk to any member

of staff that you feel comfortable with and they will

try assisting you. In the majority of cases any

concerns or problems can be resolved quite easily:

but if you feel that we have not dealt with the issues

that you have raised you could write to:

The Parliamentary & Health Services Ombudsman

Millbank Tower

Millbank

LONDON.

SW1P 4QP.

Confidentiality

All our staff respect and observe the strictest rules of

confidentiality. All information held within the

practice is confidential and covered by the Data

Protection Act. Your records, and the information

contained therein, are kept in our lockable filing

system and, increasingly so, stored securely on our

computer systems. People who have access to your

records are members of the surgery staff. Relevant

information is shared with other health care

professionals when the matter in hand (such as

referring to a consultant) requires it. Access to your

records can also be obtained for insurance companies

or legal firms, provided that you have given your

written consent to the company for us to release the

information required.

You have the right to see your health records as per

the Data Protection Act. Should you have any

problems or queries, please do not hesitate to contact

the practice managers.

Filling in of Forms

Should you require a member of staff to fill in any

form please hand it in a reception or post it to the

surgery. You do not need to make an appointment to

see the doctor. If you need the form to be posted

back to you please enclose a stamped addressed

envelope. There may be a charge depending on the

type of form. A list of the relevant charges is

available at reception.

Home Visits

If you are genuinely unable to visit the surgery

because of illness or disability, please telephone the

surgery before 11 am, if possible. This helps the

doctors to plan their visits more efficiently.

How to Register as a New Patient

To register you will need to apply at reception supplying

your name, address and your medical card. Your

registration will depend on your address lying

within the catchment area and the practice list being

open. New patients will then be asked to complete a

health questionnaire and are encouraged to have a

simple medical examination that we can provide the best

care for your needs.

Language

The language spoken at the surgery is English. For non-

English speaking patients an interpreter service can be

arranged, please give plenty of notice if you require this

service.

Practice Area

Generally we only accept new patients living within the

practice boundary area as shown in the back of this

leaflet. If you have any doubts, please ask at reception.

If the list is closed we may decline to accept new

patients.

Non-NHS Fees

Unfortunately the NHS does not cover all services that

are provided by GPs. A list of fees for services not

covered by the NHS is available for inspection at

reception. They are based on the fees recommended by

the British Medical Association.

Zero Tolerance

We operate a zero tolerance policy. Any patient found

to be physically or verbally abusive or aggressive to a

member of staff will be removed from the patient list

and will need to register with another doctor.

Repeat Prescriptions

Please request repeat prescriptions by handing in your

repeat prescription slip two working days in advance

of when you require your prescription.

This enables the prescriptions to be printed, checked

and then signed by the doctors. The repeat

prescription slips can be handed directly to the staff

when the reception is open, posted through the surgery

letter box or posted to the surgery. If you require the

prescription to be posted back to you, please enclose a

stamped, addressed envelope. It would help us if

people did not request their repeat medications at the

same time as consulting the doctor, as this can cause

considerable delays for other patients and can cause

decreased efficiency of our computer systems.

Results

Please telephone during surgery hours for the results of

any tests or investigations that were organised for you

by the surgery. Different tests and investigations take

different times to be processed. Please ask if you are

unsure as to when results may be expected.

Certain results may not be disclosed over the telephone,

particularly if the doctor wishes to speak to you

personally, or if an appointment is required. Results are

only given to the patient concerned or, if appropriate, to

the parent or guardian in order to maintain

confidentiality.

Disabled Access

The practice has suitable Disabled Access and is

accessible to patients using a wheelchair.

The practice does not discriminate on the grounds of

age, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability

or political belief.

Sickness Certificates

Form SC1, “Self Certificate Claim Form for Sickness

Benefit (Including Invalidity Benefit)”, for the self-

employed, unemployed and those patients who have

special medical treatment (dialysis, radiotherapy,

chemotherapy and plasmapheresis) is available from the

surgery.

If you are an employee, your employers may ask you to

complete their own self-certificate form or Form SC2,

“Employer’s Statement of Sickness”, of a period of

illness of less than 7 days.

All claimants who have been sick for more than 7 days

should see the doctor to obtain a sick note (Medical

Certificate) either on, or the day before, the expiry of the

period of self-certification.

Please note that a fee is payable should a private sick

note be required.

Telephone Advice

If you have a query or problem which is felt may be

dealt with over the telephone, the reception staff may

direct you towards the appropriate member of staff or

agency.

If the problem is not an emergency, you may be asked to

leave a message so that the appropriate person can call

you when they are free, rather than interrupting

consultations or delaying surgeries.

Data Protection with Data Protection Act 1998. The

practice is approved data controller. The practice will

only use the personal data for the provision of healthcare

and will not pass any information onto third parties

without your expressed consent. However, disclosure of

personal data will be allowed under special provisions

within the Criminal Justice. Act to prevent or highlight

criminal activity to appropriate authorities.

To obtain a copy of your health record, please apply in

writing to the practice and send your subject access

request for the attention of Practice Manager.

Discrimination

The practice will not tolerate any discrimination

regardless of age, sex, marital status, pregnancy, race,

ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, religion or

belief.

Patient Feedback on NHS Choices

From October 2009 the public can post online feedback

about their experience of visiting GP practice on the

NHS Choices website.

Staff Roles and Contacts

Doctors

The Doctors are responsible for providing general

medical care. They liaise closely with all other

members of the Primary Care Team as well as

arranging referrals to secondary care or other health

care professionals as deemed necessary.

To make an appointment, please telephone the

appointment line on (01384) 364010 during surgery

hours. If you wish to speak to the doctor, please

contact via the reception staff by attending in person,

or telephoning (01384) 253616 during surgery hours.

A message will be passed to the doctors and they will

contact you when they are free to do so.

Practice Managers

Ensures the practice runs smoothly. Concerned,

amongst other things, with the financial and staffing

aspects of the surgery. Contact the Practice Managers

if you should have cause to complain about any aspect

of the surgery.

Contact via the reception, by attending in person or

telephoning (01384) 253616 during surgery hours.

Reception Staff

The reception staff are integral to the running of the

whole practise. They are the first point of contact,

either over the phone or in person for accessing a wide

range of health care professionals.

They deal with booking appointments, requests for

repeat prescriptions, blood results and telephone

queries. In many instances they will be able to direct

you to the most appropriate health care professional or

team to deal with your request. Contact via the

reception, by attending in person or telephoning

(01384) 253616 during surgery hours.

Practice Nurses

The practice nurses provide information on many

aspects of health care. At the surgery she carries out

changes of dressings, travel and influenza

vaccinations, runs clinics for patients with particular

conditions and performs many other minor procedures.

To make an appointment, please telephone the

appointment line on (01384) 364010 during surgery

hours or, for advice, contact via the reception staff by

attending in person or telephoning (01384) 253616

during surgery hours.

Childhood Immunisation Clinics

The practice strongly recommends that all children are

immunised according to the nationally standard

schedules. The GP surgery provides Child Health

clinics on every Thursday afternoon between 4 00pm

6.00pm

Child Health Surveillance Clinics

Child Health Surveillance is a programme of care

initiated and provided by the professionals with the

aim of preventing illness and promoting good health

and development. The GP practice provides Child

Health Surveillance clinic on every Thursday between

4.00pm to 6.00pm. If your child is sent an

appointment and you cannot attend, or you have a

query about the appointment, you need to contact the

child health records team at Falcon House, Dudley

who send out all appointments across Dudley on

behalf of GP practice. Their telephone no is 01384

361546. They will cancel this one and arrange another

one for you. If you require any information, please

contact surgery.

District Nurses

The District Nurses provide professional nursing care

to patients who are housebound. Following

assessment they will prescribe appropriate nursing

care, obtain nursing equipment, liaise with other

health care professionals and give support and advice

to relatives and carers. The role includes health

promotion, care of the chronically ill, wound and

continence management, care of patients following

early discharge from hospital and terminal care.

Contact via the reception, by attending in person or

telephoning (01384) 253616.

Physiotherapist

The physiotherapist provides advice and exercises for

a wide range of medical conditions. She does not see

patients at their own request, a referral from the

Doctor must be made.

Pharmaceutical Advisor

Provides up to date prescribing information to help

support the medical team. The pharmacist takes part

in reviewing patient’s medications and forming

prescribing protocols for the practice.

Community Midwives

The Midwives provide care and support or you and

your family during pregnancy, childbirth and the

early postnatal period. The midwives run antenatal

clinic, parent craft classes and support groups.

Contact via the reception, by attending in person or

telephoning (01384) 253616.

Health Visitors

Health visitors provide advice and information on all

aspects of health care. They have access to a wide

variety of information and services that you may find

useful.

To contact telephone Central Clinic on (01384)

366466

Clinics and Other Medical Services

Antenatal Clinic

The antenatal clinics are run by the community

midwives every week. This service runs on an

appointment only basis.

All the doctors provide antenatal and postnatal care

in close conjunction with the community midwives.

Contraceptive advice

The doctors at the surgery can give you advice about

all contraceptive needs. Certain procedures, such as

coil insertion, should be arranged through the Central

Clinic.

Cervical Smear Tests

It is recommended that all sexually active women

between the ages of 25 and 65 should have a cervical

smear test every 3 to 5 years. The Health authority

will send a reminder when your smear test is due.

This service is provided with the practice nurse and

at the Central Clinic.

Other Clinics

There are specialised clinics for patients suffering

with coronary heart disease, diabetes, high blood

pressure or asthma. These clinics help provide

emotional support, symptom control, and regular

check-ups to ensure you are being adequately treated

and to make sure any complications are identified.

The practice nurse usually runs these clinics, contact

reception for further details.

General Health Advice

For all patients

Travel Abroad. Please ask at reception for advice

on vaccinations and medications you may require

before any foreign travel. Your local pharmacist

may also be able to give you advice. Ensure you

arrange everything in plenty of time.

Anti-tetanus Vaccination. The anti-tetanus

vaccination is recommended to be given every 10

years.

Health Checks. Those patients with particular

conditions will need regular check-ups. For

everyone between the ages of 18 and 75 we would

advice a routine check up every 3 years especially if

there is a family history of diabetes, glaucoma,

cataracts, or high blood pressure, stroke or heart

attacks occurring before the age of 55. For patients

aged over 75 we would recommend yearly check –

ups.

General dietary advice. Try to eat a balanced diet.

Have 5 portions of fruit or vegetables a day and

avoid fried or fatty foods or those containing large

amounts of sugar.

Use sweeteners as a sugar substitute. Try to avoid

adding extra salt to your diet and increase the amount

of fibre you eat. Take regular exercise.

Safe Sex. Using condoms can help prevent the

spread of AIDS and HIV as well as other sexually

transmitted diseases.

Alcohol. Alcohol should be taken only in

moderation. Current advice is less than 21 units per

week for men and less than 14 units per week for

women. 1 unit is equal to ½ pint of normal strength

beer or lager, one small glass of wine or one single

pub measure of spirits.

Smoking. Smoking is dangerous and bad for your

health. Smoking has many consequences for your

health, including the following list

Increased risk of cancer of the mouth, tongue,

throat, lungs and stomach.

Raised blood pressure so increasing the risk of

strokes and heart disease.

Chest problems such as chronic cough, catarrh

and phlegm, increased number of chest

infections, pneumonia, breathlessness and

emphysema.

Problems with circulation leading to angina,

diseases of the legs causing pain and gangrene

of the feet and toes and impotence.

Irritation of the stomach causing indigestion,

poor appetite, ulcers and stomach cancer.

Loss of vision

Inability to taste

There are substantial risks to others who do not

smoke from inhaling the smoke from other people

(“passive smoking”). This includes you children,

family and friends.

Should you wish to give up smoking you can discuss

the various options with the doctors / nurses and / or

contact one of the support services.

For Women

Cervical Smears. It is recommended that sexually

active women between the ages of 25 and 65 have a

smear test every 3-5 years. The Health Authority

will send you a reminder when your test is due.

Breast screening/mammograms. All women over

the age of 50 will be eligible for a mammogram

every three years to screen for breast cancer. You

will receive your first appointment before your 53rd

birthday.

Breast Awareness. We would encourage all women

to be “Breast Aware” and know the shape and feel of

their own breasts. Routine taught examination is not

necessary. We would urge any woman who feels

there is a change in her breast/breasts to see the

doctor.

Menopause. The symptoms of the menopause can

be distressing and disrupting. Please make an

appointment to talk to one of the Doctors if you

would like to discuss the options available for

alleviating these symptoms.

Rubella. All women of child bearing age should be

immunised against Rubella (German Measles), this

lessens the possibility of this infection affecting your

pregnancy and the health of the developing baby.

Planning to conceive. If you are considering having

a baby and have had no problems with previous

pregnancies you should take 400micrograms of Folic

Acid daily before trying to conceive and continue

this until your 12th

week of pregnancy.

For Men

Testicular cancer. Check your testicles regularly

for lumps. Should you have any cause for concern

make an appointment to see the Doctor.

Urinary Symptoms. Should you have difficulty in

holding or passing urine, pass more urine than usual

or pass urine more frequently you should report these

symptoms to your doctor.

For Parents

It is important for your children and for the sake of

other children that you child is immunized properly.

Speak to the health visitors at the Central Clinic

should you have any queries.

Please see the Doctor if you have any of the

following symptoms. Tell friends or relatives to see

their own Doctor if they have any of these symptoms.

Pain in the eye, blurred vision, blood in the

white of the eye.

Pain and tenderness over the temple (in those

aged over 55).

Deafness/giddiness.

Frequent nose bleeds.

Hoarse voice lasting over 3 weeks.

Couch lasting more than 4-6 weeks.

Coughing blood.

Symptoms of indigestion lasting over 2 weeks.

Vomiting blood.

Unexplained weight loss.

Alteration in bowel habit

(constipation/diarrhoea or both) lasting 4

weeks.

Passing blood in the urine or bowel motions

Difficulty holding or passing urine or passing

more frequently (especially in men aged over

50).

Loss of blood from the vagina after the

menopause.

Suspicious lumps or moles on the skin,

especially if they are enlarging or bleeding.

Useful Contact Numbers

Age Concern Dudley 01384 359736

Brierley Hill 01384 265064

Alcoholics Anonymous General Office 01904 644026

Local Office 01384 482929

Alzheimer’s Disease Society

Dudley Branch 01384 295355

Aquarius 01384 261267

(Alcohol counselling service)

Benefits Shop 01384 812639

(Advice and help with benefits)

Birmingham District Family Mediation

0121 233 1999

(Provides help for families to negotiate their own

solutions when divorcing or separating)

Cancer support 01384 231232

Care and Disability Advice Line 08080486486

Care Direct 0800444000

(Help and information for the older person)

Citizens Advice Bureau 01384816222

Central Clinic, Hall Street 01384366466

(Family planning advice and child health services)

Childline 08001111

(Confidential advice for children)

Crossroads 01384262464

(Support and information for carers)

Cruse Dudley 01902 662105

(Bereavement Counselling)

Domestic Violence Unit 0121 626 8078

Dudley Primary Care Trust 01384 366111

Frank (Drugs Information) 0800776600

HIV and AIDS Help Line 01384243220

Home Start Dudley 01384 458891

(Provides support for families with children under 5)

MIND 0845 7660163

(Mental health information)

Marie Stopes 08453008090

(Advice and information on unplanned pregnancy)

National Schizophrenia Fellowship 0121 236 4268

NHS Direct 08454647

PALS (Patient Advice & Liaison Service)

08000730517

Parentline 08088002222

Parkinsons Disease Society 01384 863557

Rape & Sexual Assault Counselling

01384 366273

RELATE Dudley Branch 01384 257392

(Relationship counselling)

Russell’s Hall Hospital 01384 456111

Samaritans National 08457909090

Local Branch 01384 78111

Senior Line 08088006565

(Welfare benefits advice for older people)

Sexual Health Clinic 01384 244820/1

(Based at the Russells Hall Hospital. Provides free

advice and counselling, including HIV testing.)

Shelter Housing Aid & Advice Service

0121 236 6668

Victim Support 01384241511

The Warehouse Dudley Drugs Project

01384 480058

West Midlands Autistic Centre

0121 426 4225

West Midlands Lesbian and Gay Switchboard

0121 622 6589

What? Centre 01384 379992

(Advice, information and counselling for young

people)

The Area Covered by the Practice

(see black outline)