Violence and Aggression Policy

The NHS operates a zero tolerance policy with regard to violence and abuse, and the practice has the right to remove violent patients from the list with immediate effect in order to safeguard practice staff, patients and other persons. Violence in this context includes actual or threatened physical violence or verbal abuse. In this situation we will notify the patient in writing of their removal from the list, and record in the patient's medical records the fact of the removal and the circumstances leading to it

Text Message Reminders

You can now register to receive information by text message on your phone.

We are offering appointments reminders, and also your doctor may notify you of the results of any tests you have at the practice.

If you wish to opt in for this reminder service please let the staff or your GP know that you are happy to receive information via SMS text message, and we can amend your record accordingly.  Alternatively you can email the practice at slmp@nhs.net - and provide your mobile number.  The reception staff will then enroll you for the reminder service.

Please note it is your responsibility to keep the practice informed of any changes to your personal details, to ensure we hold the correct mobile telephone contact details for you.

Urine Samples

There has been a change in thinking about the need for testing urine samples for routine reviews in the wake of more useful blood tests we now have available.

 In the future the nurses can advise you if a urine sample is required when you attend for review blood tests – you will not be asked routinely to bring one to your appointment.

This doesn't currently alter the need for urine samples if you think you have a urine infection or 'cystitis'. In these cases, please still bring a sample for testing.  White topped urine pots can be collected from the reception desk for this purpose.

We will no longer be asking new patients to bring a urine sample to their new patient check appointment at the practice.

Improving Access

All the staff and doctors at the South Lawn Medical practice want to make sure we communicate with our patients and visitors in the best possible way.

We are looking at developing our letters and leaflets to make sure we have them available in a range of formats so people can choose which they find easier to understand. 

For a range of  leaflets and advice in an "easy to read format" - you can visit http://www.easyhealth.org.uk/ .  They offer a range of leaflets and materials, many of which are free, and all are easy to download and use. Topics include food and excercise, managing health problems and conditions, and certain examinations and procedures.

They also have a range of health videos - all of which are free, which may help with more information about what to expect when you visit the doctor or the hospital.

Please do let the receptionist or doctor know if you would like them to print an easy read leaflet for you, or use it to explain your consultation.  If you would like a longer appointment with the doctor or nurse, please ask the receptionist when you book.  They will always do their best to help with these requests.

We have just published some useful videos online - these have been made at the practice and help demonstrate things like using an inhaler correctly, how to use the check in machine when you arrive for your appointment and other things you may find useful.  You can follow the link to the webpage here from here http://www.youtube.com/user/SouthLawnMed.

We offer an online system for ordering medication and booking apppointments, and we also offer an SMS (text messaging) reminder service for appointments.

Please speak to a member of the reception team if you would like any further help with accessing online services, or if you have any special needs with regards to how we communicate with you, and we will try our best to assist.

 Exeter Foodbank

Exeter Foodbank provide emergency food and supplies for patients within the area who are struggling to make ends meet. 

Vouchers for Exeter foodbank can be obtained from the Citizens Advice Bureau, or Devon County Council.  Unfortunately GPs at the Practice are not able to issue vouchers for the Foodbank, but you can visit the website for more information:  http://exeter.foodbank.org.uk/