Other Information

Medical Examinations
All medicals for insurance, HGV licences, driving, elderly drivers etc can be arranged with reception. These are not covered by the NHS and a fee will be payable.

Freedom Of Information - Publication Scheme
The Freedom of Information Act 2000 obliges the practice to produce a Publication Scheme. A Publication Scheme is a guide to the 'classes' of information the practice intends to routinely make available. This scheme is available from reception.

Your Local Primary Care Trust
The area served by The Black Country Family Practice is in the district covered by Sandwell PCT.
Sandwell Primary Care Trust is responsible for ensuring you get all the services you need.
For details of all primary care services in the area contact Sandwell PCT at
Sandwell PCT
Kingston House
438 High Street
West Bromwich
B70 9LD
0845 155 0500

Other Local NHS Services
As well as our practice, there are many other local NHS services you can contact for health advice, information or treatment. Before you do, remember that you can treat many minor ailments such as colds, coughs and indigestion by keeping a well stocked medicine cabinet at home.

We suggest you keep the following:
* Paracetamol and aspirin (children under 16 and people with asthma should not take aspirin)
* Mild laxatives
* Anti-diarrhoeal medicines
* Rehydration mixture
* Indigestion remedy (for example, antacids)
* Travel sickness tablets
* Sunscreen - SPF15 or higher
* Sunburn treatment (for example, calamine)
* Tweezers and sharp scissors
* A thermometer
* A selection of plasters, non-absorbent cotton wool, elastic bandages and dressings

REMEMBER
Keep the medicine chest in a secure, locked place out of reach of small children
Always read the instructions and use the suggested dose.
Watch expiry dates - don't keep or use medicines past their sell-by date.
Take all unwanted and out-of-date medicines back to the pharmacy.
Never take medication that has been prescribed for someone else.

Your Local Pharmacist
Your local pharmacist will be able to give you free health advice at any time - you don't need an appointment. Many pharmacies operate extended hours on a rota basis. Call NHS Direct for details (see below).

NHS Direct
NHS Direct offers free expert health information and advice 24 hours a day on 0845 46 47 or at their website www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk which also offers an enquiry service. For deaf people and those hard of hearing, a textphone service is available on 0845 606 4647. If English is not your preferred language, you can choose to use a confidential translation service.