We provide a full range of NHS services, which we are contracted to provide by NHS Devon ICB. These services include general medical services, maternity, contraception, minor surgery and child health surveillance services.

Patients, including new patients joining the practice, will be offered consultations for a health check as part of our programme of health promotion.

NHS Devon ICB is responsible for buying a range of community services on your behalf. It is important that services are commissioned which reflect the needs of the local community. Further information about NHS Devon ICB can be found here One Devon: NHS Devon Integrated Care Board responsible for the majority of NHS budget and services in Devon (icb.nhs.uk)

 

• Nursing Services

Our practice nurses are available by appointment. The nurses undertake wound care and dressings, removal of stitches, routine immunisations, also contraceptive advice, cervical smears, blood pressure and urine checks, advice on healthy eating, smoking advice and menopausal problems. They also perform well-person checks, provide advice and education on asthma, cardio vascular disease, and diabetes.

 

• For patients who have a medical condition that requires monitoring.

You will receive an invitation by telephone, text or letter asking you to make an appointment for the yearly review of your medical condition(s) including a review of the medication you are taking. This enables you to choose a day and time most convenient to you.

 

• Minor Injuries

We provide a quick, efficient service for cuts, falls, minor head injuries, burns, scalds and foreign bodies if they’ve occurred in the last 48 hours.

 

• Minor Surgery

The doctors perform a range of minor surgery procedures. A doctor or patient service team can advise you of the necessary arrangements.

 

• Private Services

The National Health Service provides most healthcare to the majority people free of charge, but there are exceptions: for example, medical reports for insurance companies.

It is important to understand that GPs are not employed by the NHS, they are self-employed and they have to cover their costs – staff, buildings, heating, lighting, etc – in the same way as any small business. The NHS covers these costs for NHS work, but for non-NHS work the fee has to cover the Doctor’s costs. In recent years, more and more organisations have been involving GPs in a whole range of non-medical work. Sometimes the only reason that GPs are asked to do non-medical work is because they are in a position of trust in the community, or because an insurance company or employer wants to be sure that information provided is true and accurate.

Examples of non-NHS services for which GPs can charge their NHS patients are:

Accident/sickness insurance certificates
Private medical insurance reports
Letters requested by, or on behalf of, the patient
Holiday cancellation claim forms
Referral for private care forms
Gun licences
Driving medicals

Examples of non-NHS services for which GPs can charge other institutions are:

Medical reports for an insurance company
Certain reports for the DSS/Benefits Agency
Foster/Adoption medicals

When a GP signs a certificate or completes a report, it is a condition of remaining on the General Medical Register that they only sign what they know to be true. In order to complete even the simplest of forms, therefore, the GP might have to check the patient’s entire medical record. Carelessness or an inaccurate report can have serious consequences for the GP with the General Medical Council or even the Police.

If you have several forms requiring completion, please present them all at once.

Please do not expect your GP to process forms immediately, where possible private work will be undertaken within 4 weeks of the request, however, it can take up to 12 weeks at peak times.

The fees charged are based on the British Medical Association suggested scales and our Private Work Administrator will be happy to advise you about them along with appointment availability.