Chaperone

When the doctor needs to carry out an intimate examination, he/she will ask for a chaperone to be present. The chaperone will be a practice nurse or health care assistant, but if neither is available, a trained non-clinical member of staff will be asked. All members of staff understand the role of the chaperone and the doctor will explain the procedure to you. You have the right to refuse a chaperone if you so wish.

Fit Notes

There often seems to be some misunderstanding over when or why someone needs to obtain a medical certificate from his or her doctor. To qualify for SSP (Statutory Sick Pay), a medical certificate is no longer required for absences of seven days or less. If you are employed and absent from work due to ill health, you should obtain the DSS self-certification form (SC2) from your employer or at the reception desk, or use your employer’s own self-certification form, if available. Please note, however, that these are rules for SSP purposes only. An employer may apply more stringent rules for occupational sick pay purposes. If you are self-employed you should obtain a copy of DSS SC1.

Hearing Aid Batteries

Hearing Aid batteries are available from St Helens Medical Centre free of charge.