NHS Funding

We receive payment from the NHS in the form of NHS contract income and reimbursement for items that we require that are essential to the provision of medical services to NHS patients. Although our NHS contract is with the Department of Health, it is the West Wiltshire Primary Care Trust that is responsible for ensuring that we are paid correctly.

In 2001/2 we received a total of £1,293,400 from the NHS, which was made up of £904,337 income and £389,063 reimbursement. Our expenses resulting from providing medical services in 2001/2 were £830,110.

In addition, the costs of drugs resulting from the prescriptions we provide to our patients are drawn against a prescribing budget held by West Wiltshire Primary Care Trust and which the Practice cannot use for any other purpose. The sum spent on drugs prescribed by the Avenue Surgery Partnership in 2001/2 was £1,764,996.

Car Parking

We have limited car parking spaces within the surgery grounds and to the west of the building. Under no circumstances should patients or visitors use the east car park as this is for doctors some of who will be on-call for emergencies. If you are able-bodied we would be grateful if you would use the public car park opposite the surgery whenever possible. Please vacate your surgery parking space as soon as your visit is completed.

Computers

In accordance with modern practices we have installed a full computer system, which enables us to deal efficiently with appointments, registration, repeat prescription, hospital referrals and to run a recall system for certain groups of patients. All information held about patients on computer is completely confidential. We are registered under the Data Protection Act and comply with the Freedom of Information Act.

Hospital Appointments

When we refer a patient to a Hospital, such as RUH or Salisbury, the responsibility for the resulting appointment rests with the Hospital and not the Practice. We do not have access or control over the Hospitals' appointments systems and patients should contact the Hospital concerned with any queries with regard to their appointment.

Hospital Discharge

Whilst you are in a hospital the responsibility for your health care is transferred from the Practice to the hospital. When you are discharged from hospital you should be given 28 days supply of any medication . Please ensure you have this before leaving the hospital. We cannot process or replace a prescription issued by a hospital. The responsibility for your health care does not transfer back to the Practice until we have received written notification from the hospital of your discharge details. Please be aware that if you contact us after discharge from hospital and we have not received the written discharge information then there may be a considerable delay in the services we can provide to you. Such situations are outside our control and we request patience whilst our staff attempt to resolve the situation with the hospital's administration department.

Disabled Patients

The surgery has been designed to make access easy for the disabled. If a consultation is needed on the first floor, a lift is available, and of course practice staff are always there to help.

A hearing aid loop is installed in the main waiting rooms. Please adjust your aid to the T setting.