The Doctors

Assistants

Drs David Morris, Fiona Whittingham and Marvin Ryles work at the practice as assistant GPs on a regular basis.

Registrar

We will, from time to time, have a registrar in general practice attached to the team. A registrar is a fully qualified doctor who is undergoing a period of general practice experience. Very occasionally, the registrar will wish to video-tape consultations as part of their educational process. Should this happen when you have an appointment, your consent will be sought and, if you prefer, filming will be suspended.

The Practice Team

Practice Manager

Mr Martin Cousins looks after the day-to-day management of the practice and co-ordinates the work of the other staff. He will be pleased to discuss any non-medical problems you may have, and is happy to receive any suggestions for improving the services offered.

Practice Nurses

In addition to the partners, services are performed at the practice by our team of nurses led by Sister Julie Hewitt. The team comprises:

Sister Julie Hewitt RGN BSc (Hons) Specialist Practitioner; Diploma in Asthma Management & COPD; Family Planning ENB901; Marie Curie Breast & Cervical Cytology

Sister Sharon Graham RGN BSc (Hons) Specialist Practitioner; PG Dip Travel Med; AFTM RCPS (Glasgow); ENB 928 (Diabetes); ENB 998 (Teaching & Assessing)

Sister Hayley Hopkins RGN BSc (Hons) Nursing; ENB928 Diabetes

Sister Helen McAlinden RGN BSc (Hons) Specialist Practitioner; Diploma in Critical Care; Diploma in Asthma Management

The nurses can help you with a range of problems which do not require a doctor. These include health checks, chronic disease management, immunisations, travel advice (and immunisations), cervical smears, ear syringing, dressings, nursing procedures, family planning advice, blood pressure checks, minor injuries and dietary advice. We also employ a health care assistant who can undertake a number of these tasks for the nursing team.

Please note that the nurses run an appointment system and appointments should be made by ringing 367891. Telephone advice is available from the nursing team on 352371 each day.

Office Manager

Vicky Davies is our office manager and is responsible for the smooth running of the reception office. She leads our team of receptionists and computer operators.

Receptionists And Computer Operators

Our team of receptionists will be your first point of contact with the practice. They will help you to use the services provided. They endeavour to do their best to provide an excellent service, on some occasions under difficult circumstances and great pressure. Please help them to help you. Our data entry staff are responsible for the registration of new patients and for the issue of repeat prescriptions.

Practice Secretary

Sharon Jobber deals with referrals to hospital, computer records and other secretarial work.

Other Staff

We also have teams of health visitors, district nurses and midwives attached to the practice.

Medical Students

Riverside Medical Practice also supervises final year medical students. As part of their training, they need to observe consultations and also undertake supervised consultations. Occasionally you may be asked if you would mind a medical student sitting in when you see a doctor. Your doctor will understand if you prefer that this does not happen.

Zero Tolerance

The Practice supports the government's NHS Zero Tolerance policy. Doctors and their staff have the right to care for others without fear of being attacked or abused. Any occurrence of abusive or violent behaviour on the practice premises directed towards the practice staff or other patients will result in the offender being removed from the Practice list.