The Westerham Practice

PRACTICE STAFF

Mrs Margaret Hickmott-Stapley is our practice manager and may be able to help you with any administrative or non-medical matters. She is also available to discuss any suggestions or receive any complaints. She works full time in the practice.

We have three part-time practice nurses who are responsible for health promotion activities such as diabetic and asthma clinics, in addition to routine nursing duties.

Cervical smears, well men and travel or routine vaccinations may also be undertaken by them. They will be able to deal with minor problems (if you do not think you need to see the doctor) but they will refer you to a doctor if your condition requires this.

The nurses run travel clinics and you are advised, if possible, to seek their advice at least three months prior to your planned stay overseas.

We also have two highly skilled health care assistants who are able to take blood samples and perform other health checks under the supervision of the nurses.

A phlebotomist attends the surgery once a week at both Sundridge and Westerham, specifically for the taking of blood samples.

Other staff include receptionists, secretaries, dispensers, computer operators and clerks, who work behind the scenes to maintain records and appointments. The receptionists work at the direction of the partners so please remember they are not being 'nosey' if they ask you for some personal details; these enable the doctors to assess the priority of your problem. Please help them to do their job efficiently.

All our staff are trained in keeping all information strictly confidential. No information can be divulged to a third party without your consent in writing.

Other Members Of The Healthcare Team

District Nurses
The district nurses are attached to the practice and are available to give nursing care to patients in their homes, at the request of the doctors. They can be contacted on (01732) 862455 or messages can be left at the surgery.

Health Visitors
The health visitors are closely involved in the health care of patients, particularly children. They attend the baby clinic at the Sundridge surgery and at Westerham village hall on Thursday mornings. Messages can be left for them at either surgery or on (01732) 869825.

Midwives
They help to run the antenatal clinics at the two main surgeries and can be contacted at Edenbridge Hospital (01732) 869820.

Counsellors
They are available at the practice and patients are normally referred to them through the doctors. Messages can be left for them at the surgery.

Training Practice
The practice is accredited as training practice and hosts GP registrars and Foundation Year 2 doctors. From time to time a doctor training in General Practice or hospital medicine will be attached to the practice. He or she will be a fully qualified doctor who will be at a stage in their career when they are gaining further experience and skills in General Practice. The practice is also involved in the training of medical students. In all of these circumstances the doctor and students remain under the direct supervision of one of the partners. Your co-operation is greatly appreciated in helping us to train the next generation of General Practitioners.
Within the training experience at the practice it is sometimes necessary for your consultation to be video recorded. You will always be asked for your consent before this takes place and you have the right to decline without prejudice to your care.