As some are already aware, I have taken the decision to leave Brookmill. For twelve years I have had an interest in dermatology. This has developed from private study, to a half-day a week at Leigh Infirmary, to the post of GPSI (GP with a Special Interest) in dermatology with Ashton, Leigh & Wigan PCT since 2005. I have decided to reduce my General Practice commitment in order to be better able to balance my two roles, GP and GPSI.
A common response, from patients I have spoken to about this, is "there'll be no-one left soon at Brookmill". This is certainly not the case; the remaining staff have clear plans to further improve and develop Brookmill Medical Centre. I leave Brookmill at the end of March, having joined the Practice over 16 years ago. I leave many good friends, both staff and patients.
Rachel Hilton
If you have visited the practice in recent months you will know there is building work underway at the rear of the surgery. This extension will give us two additional consulting rooms which are very much needed. Apologies for any disruption this may cause during your visit to the practice. It is worth noting that the car park is a staff car park only, and there is not enough space to accomodate patients cars as well, even more so at the moment as half the car park is taken up with the building work. Please park in the car park further down College Street or in the surrounding area.
Thank you
All the doctors and staff at Brookmill Medical Centre would like to wish everyone a merry Christmas and happy New Year!
When you have a blood test done at Brookmill Medical Centre, it is important that you ring the following week to ensure that the result has been received and to find out if any action is required. If the result is abnormal, one or more actions may be recommended, for example:
-a prescription
-a doctor or nurse appointment
-a repeat test
-other tests or a referral
The doctors do try and contact patients regarding any abnormal results, but often find that the telephone number we have on the records is out of date. So, please,
Appointments are now available for seasonal flu vaccinations. If you are over 65 or fall into one of the at risk categories listed below, please contact the surgery to make an appointment to receive your flu vaccination.
If you fall into one of the categories below you are considered at risk:
Over 65
Asthmatic (on regular inhaled steroids)
Diabetic
Heart disease
Chronic liver disease
Multiple sclerosis and related conditions
Hereditary and degenerative disease of the central nervous system
Main carer for the elderly or disabled
The details for the National Pandemic Flu Service have now been released. If you are concerned you may have symptoms of Swine Flu please telephone 0800 1 513 100 (Text-phone number is 0800 1 513 200), or alternatively go to www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu where your symptoms can be assessed and if necessary arrangements can be made for someone (a flu friend) to collect treatment on your behalf. The National Pandemic Flu Service should be your first port of call should you think you may be suffering from Swine flu. If you fall into any of the following criteria you are advised to contact the surgery rather than the pandemic flu line as they may refer you back to the doctor.
1. You already have a serious underlying illness
2. You are pregnant
3. You have a sick child under one year old
4. Your (or your childs) condition suddenly gets much worse
5. Your condition is still getting worse after 7 days (5 days for a child)
As from the 1st June the surgery opening hours will change as listed below:
Monday 8.30am - 6.00pm
Tuesday 8.30am - 8.00pm
Wednesday 8.30am - 6.00pm
Thursday 7.00am - 6.00pm
Friday 8.30am - 6.00pm