Other Information

Understanding and Communication

• Practice staff will offer a high standard of courtesy and advice. Please extend the same level of courtesy and politeness to the practice staff as you would expect to receive.

• Wherever possible we will provide a facility for confidential conversation between patients and the reception staff.

• People involved in your care will give you their names or wear name badges to ensure that you know who to contact.

• Practice records will be kept secure and confidential at all times.

• You have the right to see your health records kept from 1st November 1991, subject to any limitations of the law. There is a fee payable for this and you must put your request in writing. We are registered in accordance with the Data Protection Act.

• You will be treated as an individual and be given courtesy and respect at all times, irrespective of your ethnic origins, religious beliefs, personal attributes or the nature of your health problems.

• We sometimes have medical students sitting in on consultations with the doctors, for educational purposes. Please tell us if you wish to see the doctor alone.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases - HIV/AIDS

Mayday Hospital's Department of GU Medicine and Sexual Health offers a free, confidential service for the diagnosis and treatment of all sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/Aids. The clinics are run on a walk-in basis, no appointment is necessary. For clinic details please telephone 020 8401 3002.

Thinking Of Starting a Family?

If you are thinking of starting a family, it is better to check the following items first:

Rubella Status

Have a blood test taken to ensure you are immune to rubella (German measles). If you are not protected, immunisation may be offered before you get pregnant to reduce the risk of foetal abnormality.

Folic Acid

It is now recommended that all women wishing to become pregnant and in early pregnancy should take 400mcg folic acid daily to reduce the risk of spina bifida. Supplies are available from your local chemist.

Treating Minor Illnesses

Many conditions get better on their own or can be treated successfully at home. Your pharmacist may be able to help you with this and advise about medicines you can buy over the counter.

Cold And Flu

Cold and flu are viral illnesses which cannot be treated with antibiotics. Treatment consists of taking recommended doses of paracetamol for the temperature and aches and drinking plenty of fluids. If your symptoms worsen or if you have a pre-existing medical condition, you should contact the surgery.

Diarrhoea And Vomiting

Diarrhoea and vomiting may be caused by a viral infection or occasionally food poisoning and normally stops within 24 hours. Some children will vomit when they have a temperature. The best treatment is to rest and eat nothing for 24 hours but drink plenty of fluids, little and often. Products like Dioralyte and Rehidrat, which can be made into a drink, are available from the chemist. As the stomach settles try eating bread, toast, potatoes or plain biscuits before gradually returning to a normal diet. Diarrhoea and vomiting in small babies and young children should be treated with caution and the doctor/health visitor will be happy to advise you regarding treatment.

Backache, Sprains And Strains

Many acute strains and backaches will respond to a few days' rest with paracetamol taken for the pain. If the symptoms persist - make an appointment with the doctor.

Insect Bites And Stings

Most of these need no treatment. Antihistamine tablets can be obtained from the chemist without prescription and will relieve most symptoms. An icepack is also helpful.

Nosebleeds

Sit in a chair (leaning forward with your mouth open) and pinch your nose just below the bone for about 10 minutes. Avoid hot drinks or hot food for 24 hours. If symptoms persist consult your doctor.