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Frequently Asked QuestionsBelow are some of the questions we are often asked. If you do not see what you are looking for here, then please feel free to ask next time you see the Doctor. See also the Link Page for some useful sites where you can find more information. How do I find out more about my illness ?If your doctor has diagnosed a particular illness or condition for you, particularly a long term or serious one, it is possible that on the first occasion you may not have fully understood all that he has told you or you may want to know even more and ask further questions. If so, don’t hesitate to ask to see him again for a further explanation (if necessary ask for a longer appointment) and go prepared with a list of questions. Take your partner or a friend with you if this is helpful. The practice nurse and the pharmacist also have numerous leaflets available and you may like to ask them first. Where can I get help and support ?If you have been diagnosed as suffering from a particular condition – cancer, asthma, heart problem and so on – it is often helpful to get in touch with one of the hundreds of voluntary societies, locally or nationally, which offer information and support. Some of these are listed in the Guernsey Evening Press and the surgeries also have some information. You can also contact the Citizens Advice Bureau (phone number is in the directory) or search the reference section of the Guille Alles Library. You can also contact the officers of the PPG or the committee members of your particular surgery. They may be able to put you in touch with a fellow patient suffering the same condition or who has experienced a similar operation. Don’t be put off if you don’t get the information you want from your first contact. The number of self help groups is vast and constantly changing so you may have to approach more than one source. What do I do if I have to go to the UK from treatment ?Please ask your surgery where helpful advice on travel grants and procedures is available. Do remember that if you are now going to the UK form Private Medical Treatment, the HSSD (Social Security Authority) will no longer pay any of the costs towards this. Please check with them or the surgery first if you have any concerns. How do I change my doctor ?If you are not happy with your Doctor and wish to change, you are free to see another Doctor in the Practice if you wish. If you wish to change to another practice you should go to the Practice you would like to register with and they will give you some forms to fill in. They will have to contact your previous Practice to carry out a few administrative checks, and there is a small fee to cover the cost of coping and sending your notes to your new Practice. Can I request a home visit ?If you feel that you need a home visit there is always a Doctor on call 24 hours a day. Please do not request a visit if you can possibly get to the surgery. A Doctor will always visit if your medical condition requires it, so it is up to you to be as clear and precise about your symptoms or those of the patient. If you feel that you cannot get to the Surgery, then please try and give as much notice as possible so that we are able to schedule in any visits. Whilst we will try and give some indication of the time you can expect to be seen, please remember that these are only approximate. What about calling the doctor at night ?If you are sufficiently worried, do not hesitate to call the Duty Doctor during the night. Most people go through agonies of indecision about whether or not to phone at night-time. Anxieties are always greater and more acute in the small hours of the morning. It may be that some advice will be all that is needed and then you may be better to be seen at the surgery the following morning. It is not easy to outline the symptoms which indicate the need to call a Doctor at night time, but remember your child’s health and well-being are your responsibility. If you are concerned you should call a Doctor. You may find it helpful to discuss the situation with the doctor. He may not need to visit, but will give advice over the telephone. If your concern turns out to have been ill-founded, it does not mean that you have wasted the Doctor’s time. It is best for you to trust your judgement and feelings. The Doctors will appreciate your genuine concern. On Emergency calls it is helpful to give the Doctor all the details you can over the phone and to be as precise as possible, mentioning any past illnesses, since you may not be speaking to your own Doctor on a night call. If the Doctor does not come out, take his advice but do not hesitate to phone again if you feel the need. Can I get a second opinion ?When a doctor is unsure of the diagnosis he may refer you to another doctor. He will also do this if he feels a specialist opinion is required. Do not hesitate to emphasise your worries and explain your reasons for seeking a second opinion. The doctor will be anxious to reassure you and calm your peace of mind. What do I do if things go wrong ?All the Staff at the Healthcare Group aim to provide the best possible service to all our patients 24 hours a day. We hope that you will be satisfied with the level of service you receive. If something does go wrong or if you feel that you have grounds to complain, then in the first instance you should contact the Practice Manager. Please either write or phone the Rohais Health Centre. We take all complaints very seriously, and they are all fully investigated. You will receive a written response to your complaint as soon as it has been dealt with. If you still feel that you have not been well treated then please let the Practice Manager know and they will advise you on what to do next. Complaints about the charges or fees should be addressed in the first instance to the accounts department. Can I get Dietary advice ?Yes. The Practice Nurse will always be available to help and there are also Look After Yourself (LAY) courses. Details of these can be obtained from the surgery or from the Health Promotion Unit. You may also be offered an appointment with the Dietician. What can I do about unused drugs ?Rather than throwing them away or flushing them down the toilet, you can return them to the dispensary. Don’t leave them in the cupboard for someone to take by accident. Can I have a friend or a Nurse present during a physical examination by the Doctor ?If any patient feels embarrassed or uneasy about the idea of a physical examination, they can always ask for someone else to be present. If you wish to make such an arrangement it is helpful to say so when you telephone for an appointment. You can also specify when telephoning for an appointment if you wish to see a male or female Doctor. How do I see a specialist ?If your General Practitioner feels that you should see a specialist, he will refer you to the appropriate Doctor. You can only see a specialist on the advice of your own Doctor. How can I find out about Living Wills ?If any patients are interested in expressing their wishes in a Living Will the surgeries have some information and the doctors are happy to discuss the matter. What happens when I come out of Hospital ?Patients who return home after a spell in hospital are recommended to let their doctor’s secretary know that they are home, especially if they would like a home visit or an appointment at the surgery. There is sometimes a delay in information reaching the Practice or the doctor, particularly from hospitals outside the island. What do I do in an emergency ?If someone is seriously ill, then you should call for an Ambulance. You can dial 999 or 112 and then pass all the necessary details to the operator. It may also be useful to call the Surgery and we can then pass any relevant details onto the Accident and Emergency Department or the doctors at the hospital. It is useful to put all the patients medication in a bag and take that with you, which will also be of some help. There is also useful First Aid information printed in the telephone directory and it is always sensible to study this carefully in case you are faced with an emergency. |
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