We are committed to looking after all your health needs.

Elswitha Hall, the building Caskgate Street Surgery calls home, has been a doctor's surgery since the turn of the 20th century. It is a Grade IIA Listed Georgian building which was built in approximately 1750.

In 1861 it was the birth place of Sir Halford John Mackinder, a noted geographer, administrator and explorer. In 1990 the surgery was extensively renovated and the new Mackinder Wing was built. We are committed to the principles of the National Health Service and each doctor tries to deal personally with their own patients.

Patient’s rights and responsibilities

As a patient you have the right to:

  • Be registered with a named doctor, all our patients have a named accountable GP, but remember that you may have to see any of our doctors.

  • Receive emergency care.

  • Receive appropriate drugs and medicines.

  • Be referred for specialist or second opinion if they and GP agrees.

  • See your medical records or a copy, subject to certain laws.

  • Know that by law, everyone working for the NHS must keep the contents of your medical records private. With these rights come responsibilities for the public. That means being: a) you must be courteous to staff at all times b) to ensure you are as prompt as possible for all appointments c) to be responsible for cancelling appointments in adequate time.

We respect your right to privacy and keep all your health information confidential and secure. It is important that the NHS keeps accurate and up-to-date records about your health and treatment so that those treating you can provide the best possible care. We have a fully computerised medical record system which means information about your healthcare is held on a secure server. You have the right to know what information we hold about you. Please ask the receptionist if you wish to see or obtain a copy of your record. If you are referred to a hospital specialist you are also welcome to request a copy of the referral letter.

We aim to treat our patients courteously at all times and expect our patients to treat our staff in a similarly respectful way. We take seriously any threatening, abusive or violent behaviour against any of our staff or patients. If a patient is violent or abusive, they will be warned to stop their behaviour. If they persist, we may exercise our right to take action to have them removed, immediately if necessary, from our list of patients.

Appointments to see or to speak to a clinician are given out from 8.00 am each morning.  The triage team will ask you some details as to the reason for the appointment so that they can direct your appointment to the most appropriate clinician.

Nurses based at our practice treat patients for a wide range of common conditions (e.g. minor injuries/illnesses, removing stitches, immunisations and so on). Our practice nurses are also specially trained to run routine clinics for certain conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease. (Each of our nurses specialises in a different area, so you need to book ahead with the most appropriate person). Our triage team will be able to advise whether a nurse appointment is appropriate.

We work closely with other healthcare professionals who are part of our Primary Health Care Team working in the community, such as the district nursing team, midwives and health visitors. If you have an illness or incapacity that means that you need nursing care in your own home, the district nurse will visit you. Patients who are likely to benefit from this service include the housebound, the elderly, people with a terminal illness, and those who have recently been discharged from hospital. District nurses provide wound care, palliative care, continence advice, health promotion advice and advice on coordinating care packages. If you move permanently into a care home locally, the district nurse may be able to continue your care. Your GP may also be willing to continue to care for you, or a number of GPs may provide services for the residents of local care homes.