Practice Staff
Mr Nigel Meadows Practice Business Manager and Office Manager Mrs Karen Colson together with the Administrations Officer Miss Jo-Anne Tharby will be able to help you with any administrative problems you may have with the way our practice is run.
Reception staff
We pride ourselves on having a team of friendly, polite and helpful receptionists and secretaries who are fully trained to deal with patient needs. Their job is very demanding so please be patient.
Sid Valley Practice aims to give a friendly and professional service to all our patients. However if you have any concerns about any aspect of our service, please let us know by contacting our Office Manager, Karen Colson. In the majority of cases, concerns can be resolved quite easily. However, if you feel we have not dealt with the issues you have raised as you would wish, you can write to the Patient Advice and Complaints Team, NHS Devon, FREEPOST EX184, County Hall, Topsham Road, Exeter, Devon, EX2 4QL. Telephone 01392 207819 or Text them on 07789 741099. The PCT also operates a Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) which can often help resolve any problems before they become formal complaints. To speak to a PALS officer, ring 0845 111 0080 or e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Patients with particular needs
Both of our surgeries are accessible to patients using a wheelchair. We can arrange interpretation and translation services in person or by phone for patients who do not speak English. Please let us know if you need this service when booking your appointment.
Enquiries Desk
The Enquiries Desk is open Monday to Friday 9am — 1pm and 2pm — 4pm. The Enquiries Team are able to offer advice, support, give out test results and deal with non NHS work which is regarded as private and therefore usually incurs a fee. Click here for more information on fees.
Results will only be given to the specific patient to whom they apply. In the interest of confidentiality all patients must be able to identify themselves. We do not accept requests from relatives or friends without written consent. If tests are abnormal or further tests are required then an appointment with either a doctor or nurse will be offered, if appropriate.
We aim to treat our patients courteously at all times and expect our patients to treat our staff in a similarly respectful way. We take any threatening, abusive or violent behaviour against any of our staff or patients very seriously. If a patient is violent or abusive, they will be warned to stop their behaviour. If they persist, we may exercise our right to take action to have them removed, immediately if necessary, from our list of patients.
Non NHS Services
Certain services provided by your doctor are not covered by the NHS and you may be asked to pay a fee. Private medical examinations take time so please let the receptionist know the nature of the appointment so they can book the appropriate amount of consultation time. Please note all non NHS services fees must be paid prior to the appointment.
New Patients
New patients are allocated to a specific doctor from the Practice. Patients are encouraged to continue to see their own doctor for future problems. This policy, we think, fosters the doctor/patient relationship and improves continuity of care. We do ask patients to avoid registering on a Monday as this is normally our busiest day.
Patients from Overseas
Reciprocal Agreement
Patients from countries who we hold a reciprocal agreement with are eligible for free NHS treatment.
Non-Reciprocal Agreement
Patients from countries with which we do not hold a reciprocal agreement will be subject to a three-month period of private care fees. Whether or not you are entitled to have free NHS treatment is based on your country of residency and not on nationality or the past or present payment of UK taxes or National Insurance contributions.
Other health care services
Primary Care services not available at our practice are provided by Devon Primary Care Trust. Tel: 01392 356900.
Visitors to the area
Visitors may seek medical advice when away from home if their condition warrants it. They should make the same arrangements to see the doctor or nurse through reception where they will be asked to complete a Temporary Resident form.
Prescriptions
Regular prescriptions are managed with our repeat prescription system. Repeat prescriptions may be obtained by post, fax, on our website or by presenting the repeat prescription order form, with the appropriate items ticked, to the surgery or chemist. Previously prescribed medication that is not currently appearing on your repeat slip may be added and ticked. Please provide drug name, dosage and quantity. The reception staff are not allowed to take prescription requests over the telephone. This is a Surgery policy provided to protect both patients and staff. Your prescription will normally be available for you to collect within two full working days however we must ask that you allow 7 working days for it to be completed. Your prescription can also be sent to the chemist of your choice. Please ensure you only take 2 days supply of medication with you if you are admitted to hospital.
We aim to treat our patients courteously at all times and expect our patients to treat our staff in a similarly respectful way. We take seriously any threatening, abusive or violent behaviour against any of our staff or patients. If a patient is violent or abusive, they will be warned to stop their behaviour. If they persist, we may exercise our right to take action to have them removed, immediately if necessary, from our list of patients.