Chaperone Policy
This practice is committed to providing a safe, comfortable environment where patients and staff can be confident that best practice is being followed at all times and the safety of everyone is of paramount importance.
This chaperone policy adheres to local and national guidance and policy.
The chaperone policy is clearly advertised through patient information leaflets, this website and on notice boards.
Patients are encouraged to ask for a chaperone if required at the time of booking the appointment wherever possible.
All staff are aware of, and have received appropriate information and training in relation to this chaperoning policy.
All formal chaperones understand their role and responsibilities and are competent to perform that role.
Medical Certificates (Fit Notes)
Please complete a self-certificate (available from your employer) for the first seven days you are absent. If your employer insists on a doctor’s certificate for this period there will be a charge for this. After this period the doctor will issue a Department for Work and Pensions certificate. Please note that the doctor is unable to issue a medical certificate for any period of illness for which you have not seen a doctor from the start of the illness. If you have recently been discharged from the hospital, they are responsible for providing your fit note. IF you require an extension of a Fit Note, please submit an online consultation for this.
Carers
If you look after a relative/friend/neighbour or somebody cares for you, please let the practice know so that we can record - with consent - the details and put you in touch with support services if necessary.
Breastfeeding
We are happy for mothers to breastfeed their babies whilst on surgery premises. Please ask to be shown to a quiet area.
Private Fees
Certain services provided by the doctor are not covered by the NHS contract (various forms, certificates and medicals); consequently a charge will be made for these services. We no longer countersign passport applications.
GP Earnings
“All GP practices are required to declare the mean earnings (e.g. average pay) for GPs working to deliver NHS services to patients at each practice.
However, it should be noted that the prescribed method for calculating earnings is potentially misleading because it takes no account of how much time doctors spend working in the practice and should not be used to form any judgement about GP earnings, nor to make any comparison with any other practice.
The average pay for GPs working in Simmondley Medical Practice in the last financial year was £73,816 before tax and National Insurance. This is for 2 part time GPs and 1 locum GPs who worked in the practice for more than six months.”