SIR ALEC BEDSER 1918 - 2010

We were all deeply saddened to hear of the death of Sir Alec Bedser on 4th April after a short illness. Sir Alec's illustrious career as one of England's finest cricketers is well known to many, but as one of Woking's most respected residents he also played a massive role in supporting local charities. A long time patient and trustee of Hillview, Sir Alec was responsible, along with his twin brother Eric, for raising very large sums of money in support of equipping our new surgery building.

We will always remember him, not just for his sporting success, but also for his unfailing generosity, courtesy and a dry sense of humour. It was a privilege to have known him. He will be greatly missed.

STAFF NEWS

Nikki Mallinder, our Practice Manager, is currently on Maternity Leave. Until Nikki returns we are indebted to Lorraine Knapp, who currently manages Southview Surgery, for stepping into her shoes and doing both jobs!

NEW ARRIVALS

We're pleased to announce that Dr Artthy Sivakumar and Dr Harpal Marwaha have joined the Practice until August 2010 as part of their GP training scheme. In addition, Dr Susannah Daniel, who spent four months with us last year, returns in April for a sixteen month training period.

SWINE FLU VACCINATION CLINICS

We are currently awaiting delivery of our first batch of swine flu vaccines. The first clinics for those in the "at risk" groups ONLY with be running on 13th, 14th and 28th November at Hillview. These clinics will be by appointment only, so please contact reception to arrange a time. Remember to use the link on our home page if you require further advice on swine flu and vaccination.

INFLUENZA VACCINATION

Seasonal influenza vaccine is now available for all patients over 65 years, as well as those at special risk owing to conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, lowered immunity and chronic lung, kidney, liver or neurological disease. Please contact the surgery for an appointment with our nurses. We understand that the separate "swine flu" vaccine will become available, initially to those at special risk, later in October.

EXTENDED HOURS

From March 1st 2009 we are offering late evening surgeries on some weekdays, together with alternate Saturday morning surgeries. These surgeries are for pre-booked, routine appointments ONLY. Access to the surgery will be via an entryphone system and the building will remain closed for all other services during these periods. The telephones will be diverted to Thamesdoc, our out-of-hours provider, in the usual way. Please contact reception if you wish to book an appointment.

BROKEN BONES

This is the time of year when we ask everyone to take extra care on icy roads and pavements. Unfortunately Dr Evans has not heeded his own advice, sustaining a comprehensive leg fracture in a freak ski-ing accident just before Christmas. Thankfully he is back home and recovering well, but he will be out of action for another month or so, returning to work in February. Please wish him well if you spot him hopping around the local area!

Installation of new car park barrier

The new car park barrier is now operational. The system allows free entry, but exit requires a 4-digit code to be entered in the adjacent keypad. This code is available from reception, and will change at regular intervals. We're lowering the hedge alongside the exit to improve visibility for drivers, and installing posts to prevent parking on the kerb beside the hedge so that traffic flow can be improved.

New Consulting Room 

If you've visited us recently, you may have noticed some internal building works at the rear of the waiting room. We are building a new consulting room to cater for the increasing numbers of GPs in training passing through Hillview from the St Peter's Vocational Training Scheme. We'll try to keep any disruption to a minimum while this work is completed.

ONLINE SERVICES

You are now able to order your repeat prescriptions online using the surgery EMIS medical system.

Click here for more information.