We're now 20% bigger!

The practice list size has grown from around 700-750 permanent patients in April 2006 to just under 900 patients now.

To cope with the extra workload, we have extended the doctor's consulting times to allow up to 100 patients to see the doctor each week without having to 'double up'* any appointments.

We are also hoping to employ a technician to take bloods and do blood pressures. This will free up more time for patients to see the doctor and practice nurse.

Thank you to all the patients who have made the effort to come to the surgery instead of having a home visit. This helps us to be one of the few practices in the country that sees all patients the same day, while still allowing patients to book appointments in advance if they prefer.




* 'Doubling up' is when we squeeze two (or more) patients into an appointment slot. We do this to make sure that everyone can still be seen the same day without having to wait. However, this means less time for each patient, and often results in the clinic running late.

Free WiFi Wireless Internet Spot

The practice waiting room now has a free wireless internet access point.

If you have a wireless laptop, or a WiFi enabled PDA (such as the Palm TX), then you can use it to surf the internet or send/receive emails from the practice waiting room.

Simply select 'Strachur Medical - Public WiFi' from your wireless device to use the free service.

Like the internet, the WiFi spot is an open network. So don't send anything confidential (such as passwords or bank details) unless you are connected to a secure web page. Secure pages are indicated by https:// at the start of the address and a lock icon in your browser.

See here for more information on using WiFi.

Medication Reviews

We now have the automated medication review system up and running. It took a bit of time (there were several hundred patients with nearly two thousand medications that all had to be updated on the computer by hand).

This system will allow us to monitor patients on repeat medications more safely. The system will automatically remind you when you are due for a medication review. Medication reviews are usually done every six to twelve months, and they allow the doctor to check that you have had all the right monitoring done. This greatly improves the safety of repeat prescribing.

You should also notice that your repeat ordering form has been tidied up, making it easier to order your repeat medications.

The safest way to order your medication is to tick the boxes on your repeat order form, and to hand this in to reception. You can also post it to us at the address at the top of this webpage. Or you can fax it to us on 01369 860 225. Please try and avoid phoning in repeat requests if at all possible, as this is more likely to lead to mistakes and ties up the phone line and staff time.


Your medication will be ordered and checked, and will be ready to collect from the dispensary in 2 working days.

If you see a note on your repeat ordering form saying your medication review is due, then simply make an appointment to see the doctor for review before ordering any more medication.