Welcome to Queens Medical Centre

We are confident that our website will provide clear and concise help and give our patients the information they require in an easy and convenient format.  You can find a copy of our practice leaflet here: Queens Medical Centre Practice Leaflet .

You can use the website to book appointments and order repeat prescriptions. You will need a log on for this. Please contact reception for more details.

Further information about our Surgery is here.

Flu Vaccines - We have been made aware that patients have received letters asking them to call their surgery to book their flu vaccinations.  We have flu clinics scheduled and are inviting patients that are eligible and would ask that you do not call the surgery whilst we're experiencing such high demand on the telephones and we will make contact with you.

General Practice Data for Planning and Research (GPDfPR)

Type 1 Opt Out

The data in patient's medical records at GP Practices is used every day to support health and care planning and research in England, helping to find better treatments and improve patient outcomes for everyone. NHS Digital has developed a new way to collect this data, called the General Practice Data for Planning and Research.  

Patient’s names and addresses will not be sent and any other identifiable data (e.g. date of birth) will be replaced with codes so that it cannot be traced back to individuals. The data will be used for a variety of research and analysis projects, including: 

- Researching the long term impact of COVID-19

- Analysing healthcare inequalities.

- Research and develop cures for serious illnesses

NHS digital will protect your data and will not sell it on to marketing or insurance companies. 

We know how important your data is to you and understand that you may not want your data to be used in this way.

You can stop your data being sent to NHS digital by completing the Type 1 Opt Out form and returning it to your GP practice. This stops patient information leaving the GP practice for any reason other than direct patient care. NHS Digital are not setting a specific starting date for the collection of data.

To download the Type 1 Opt Out form, click on the PDF file below. Please ensure you sign the form before returning it to us.

Type 1 Opt Out Form

The National Data Opt Out

You can also stop your confidential patient information (collected from any health organisation) being sent from NHS digital to another organisation for any reason other than your own care and treatment (for auditing, resource planning etc.). This is the National Data Opt Out. To do this - patients need to go to https://www.nhs.uk/your-nhs-data-matters/manage-your-choice/ and opt out. This is something we cannot do for you in the surgery.

For more information on both data opt outs, please click here  

For a video explaining how the NHS uses patient data, click here

GP ACCESS

COVID-19 has changed the way we as a Practice provide services to you, and although we have remained seeing patients face to face on a medical need basis throughout the pandemic, the NHS has required us to provide more digital access.  We already provide eConsult and on-line access through the NHS App and SystmOne Online for the facility to make appointments, order repeat medication and view records.  We have embraced the technology of using SMS (text) services and email to communicate with patients and our GPs, Nurse Practitioners and Nurses are able to consult with you via video technology.

Our workload has increased hugely since this time last year and we are currently seeing an increase of approximately 19% in our workload. In order to try and meet this demand whilst we advertise for GPs and Nurse Practitioner we are utilising the services of Push Doctor. This is an innovative offering of an NHS Dr consulting with patients via video using Smartphone or Computer. Push Doctor are a renowned partner to the NHS providing services to over 5.7million NHS patients across the UK, and if you wish to know more about who they are and how they work please click on the link below.

If you agree to a GP contacting you this way we will send you a link to your mobile number from which you can log in to choose an appointment that suits you from 8am to 8pm, or you can access through their website.  And it's as easy as that!  Push Doctor, with your consent, have access to your records ensuring that they can see your health history and the treatment you are currently receiving.  They are also able to raise prescriptions, make referrals and provide sick notes.

https://www.pushdoctor.co.uk/surgery/queens-medical-centre

Covid vaccinations

At Queens, we have now finished vaccinating our patients in cohorts 1 - 9 for both 1st and 2nd doses. If you are eligible and wish to have a Covid-19 vaccine please go online to the National Booking Service or call them on 119 to make an appointment.

The National Booking Service offers appointments at the Barnstaple Leisure Centre, Arnold's Pharmacy in Westward Ho! and a Pharmacy in Lynton. If at first appointments do not show for North Devon please keep trying as the system is updated regularly.

If you have been unable to book an appointment via the National Booking Service for any reason please contact the Vaccination Support Team at the CCG (Clinical Commissioning Group, Local Health Authority) who will look for an alternative clinic for you or look into any queries you have. You can contact them via email d-ccg.devonvaccinationsupport@nhs.net or by phone 01752 398 836.

Advice on patients wearing face coverings in practices

The surgery has a legal responsibility to protect staff and patients from risks associated with COVID-19.  We have conducted our own risk assessment to determine necessary controls, and we ask that patients please apply a face covering before entering the surgery, when possible.  

Wearing a face covering is an added precaution that may have some benefit in reducing the likelihood that a person with the infection passes it on. Evidence shows a face covering can help in reducing the spread of droplets; it stops them from leaving the mouth and nose area and reduces the size of area in which they spread.

A medical grade clinical mask is not necessary. These need to be prioritised to clinical staff working in high risk areas. Instead, for patients who are visiting healthcare sites, a face covering is sufficient and there is guidance for people to make these at home with items they may already own.

Contaminated droplets can also be picked up from surfaces by touch and subsequently from touching the face. It is important people refrain from touching their face covering when wearing it, where possible, to avoid hand to mask transmission of the virus. Face coverings are not a replacement for social distancing. Regular hand washing remains an important action.

Quick eConsult links: 

For more information about eConsult, view this video:

For information on booking appointments online, download this leaflet and application form to complete and bring to Reception with the relevant i.d.:

• Patient Online Access

Barnstaple Alliance
The Barnstaple Alliance is a voluntary association of the four General Practitioner surgeries: Brannam, Fremington, Litchdon and Queens.
Whilst retaining our independent surgeries, we are working together on collaborative projects to improve and develop our healthcare services and care given to patients.  To find out more please visit our website: www.barnstaplealliance.co.uk/

Comments from Patients

"Last Thursday I was told by Sister Clare that I am type 2 diabetic. I was a little 'taken aback' at this and very shocked and tearful.
I am writing to say that she was, at once comforting and explained what would happen next and what I had to change in my life style.
Sister Clare was so understanding, (had tissues at the ready) was not in the least bit critical of my of how I came to be in this position. I am so grateful for her kindness, understanding and good advice.
Thank you Sister Clare.....I'm 'on it', see you next month."

"Thank you for your help today, 30/3/16, especially the very helpful receptionist and GP who called me (sorry, can't remember the name). I'm very grateful for the assistance you gave me when I was away from home and unable to see my own GP."

“Thank you all for looking after me so well!”

“Thank you for your friendly, kind and encouraging approach – it was worth moving back to Barnstaple to have such good care and services again!!”

“I am eternally grateful for your support a few years ago, given professionally and with such warmth and care."

"I have been coming in since August for an ongoing problem and the treatment I have received At Queens Medical Centre has been excellent! The receptionists do a thankless job and I think they are all wonderful, not a lot of people appreciate what they do."