ABOUT US

In the beginning there was Dr Fisken and Pat Patterson (both now retired), then came Dr Knight followed by Sister Kate Wilson, who retired but has come back to help us with bloods etc (they’re the old-timers as opposed to the rest of us young-uns!)

The surgery was originally at West End but then it moved to Union Brae as it grew. The Union Brae site was purpose built in 1988. It has since been extended to house the whole primary health care team including the district nurses and health visitor.

The new building also incorporates a pharmacy or alternatively there are three other pharmacies in the town.

The Pedwell Way Surgery at Norham was originally a one-doctor practice (Dr Binnie) and was run by Pauline Coltherd (another old-timer!). The Union Brae doctors took over the Pedwell Way Surgery in 1989. It moved along the road to new premises in 1990 where it has been ever since. It is still run by Pauline who will be able to answer any of your queries and problems

We now have five doctors who work from both Union Brae and Pedwell Way and four practice nurses.

Hilary Ford is the Practice Manager and can be contacted on the main surgery number should you have any queries or problems.

To register with the practice come in to either of the surgeries and ask for a form at reception. After you have seen the GP who is taking on new patients you may be registered with the practice. On the form you will be able to say which GP you would prefer to see, however, you are registering with the practice rather than with an individual GP.

What You Can Expect From Us

This practice aims to provide you with the best possible treatment and advice at all times and to help you keep healthy. We work hard to provide the highest standards of care for you and your family.

• We treat all patients as people, not just medical problems. We respect your individual needs and listen to what you have to say. We try to understand your personal and family circumstances and respond to these appropriately.

• The Receptionists will try to be helpful and answer any questions you have. You can speak in private away from reception if you want to.

• All new patients are offered a health check when they join the practice which includes: blood pressure, weight and discussing any general health issues or concerns.

• Our appointment system enables you to book a routine appointment in advance (up to six weeks) with your own doctor. We also have emergency appointments available each day for people who have an urgent problem. These appointments cannot be pre-booked.

• You can expect to see a practice nurse within one day.

• We try to make sure you get the treatment you need as soon as possible. Emergencies will be dealt with immediately and other urgent but less serious problems will always be seen on the same day, though you may need to see another doctor.

• We always try to explain clearly and simply what is wrong with you and what we plan to do about it. We will explain as fully as possible any treatment we propose, possible side-effects and any other options before you make a decision.

• We aim to make sure you get the best possible care from the NHS. If you need to be referred elsewhere we will do our best to get you the care and treatment you need from consultants, specialist health services or other agencies. The GPs will offer you a choice of referral in line with the Government’s Choose and Book scheme. Ask at reception for a leaflet which gives more information about the different hospitals. You may also request a copy of any referral letter.

• We try to make your contact with the practice as easy and pleasant as possible. We aim to make sure you are seen promptly when you come to the surgery for an appointment. We let you have test results as soon as we can.