Other Information

Medical Certificates

GPs are not obliged to provide their patients with sick certification for illnesses of seven days or less. Your employer should have a supply of self certification forms (SC1/SC2), which you should complete on return to work. If your employer requests a medical certificate for less than seven days illness this would require an appointment with a GP and would incur a private fee. These fees are payable at the time of consultation but might be reimbursed by your employer.

The practice charges for other non-NHS services including fitness to travel and fitness to exercise certification. A fee will also be charged for any investigations or tests required in order to provide such certificates.

VAT Registration

VAT will be charged as appropriate; a current list of fees and charges is available at reception. Our VAT number is 873-6695-39.

Travelling Abroad

When you are travelling abroad it is likely that you will need various vaccinations to ensure your good health and protect you from some diseases. Fees will apply for these, please contact the practice nurse who will discuss your requirements and advise you on appropriate vaccinations for the countries you are visiting. Appointments can then be organised to suit your travel arrangements.

Please allow plenty of time before your trip (6-8 weeks is recommended) as some vaccinations have to be given at specific intervals or take time to become effective. Swineshead surgery is a designated yellow fever centre.

Patients travelling abroad for more than three months, or moving abroad can be issued a prescription for up to three months' medication. If more than this is required, then a private prescription can be given for three further months. Medication supplied on a private prescription has to be paid for regardless of any NHS exemptions.

Training

The Swineshead Medical Group trains fully qualified doctors to become general practitioners under the supervision of Doctors Kelly, Whitfield and Alam. These doctors are valuable members of the practice team, bringing fresh ideas and new skills from their previous jobs. Please extend a warm welcome to them - they are Lincolnshire's future GPs. Some consultations may be recorded for training purposes, but patient consent is always obtained before this takes place.

Medical students, student nurses, student midwives, student district nurses and trainee health visitors are occasionally attached to the practice. Patients will be informed if a student is accompanying a GP during consultations or home visits.