The Town and its Environment Sandbach is situated close to the M6 motorway and is a market charter town within the Borough of Congleton. There are a number of historic buildings in the town, one of which comprises part of the Practice's premises. Public transport is generally good,with many residents commuting to neighbouring towns, including Crewe, Stoke-on-Trent and Manchester.
Historically the town's industrial heritage has been associated with the area's salt deposits. However, other significant industries have developed in Sandbach, in particular Hays Chemicals, E.R.F. and Foden Trucks. A large industrial estate is situated on the outskirts of the town accommodating a number of sizeable industrial units. Further industry is also located adjacent to the main road between Sandbach and Middlewich.
The Practice's premises, part of which consists of a 400 year old Tudor cottage, have been used as a Doctor's surgery since 1918. It became a Group Practice in 1961, when Doctors Drew and Olver joined with Doctor Milner. Since that time, the Practice has continued to grow and develop. The extension to the premises was completed in 1985. There is accommodation for six Doctors, three Practice Nurses, Physiotherapist, Dietician and administrative staff, however, there is now a pressing need for increased space as patient list numbers continue to grow at a steady rate.
The practice catchment area covers Sandbach and the surrounding district having the CW11 postcode, with the addition of Bradwall. Patients living within this area are welcome to register at the practice. New patients living outside this catchment area would not normally be accepted but would be invited to contact one of the neighbouring practices. This is a training practice for doctors entering General Practice.
The Partners
The current partners are:
The Practice Staff
The Practice Manager oversees 10 reception and clerical staff. In addition there are three Practice Nurses and a Physiotherapist. A part time Dietician, employed by Mid Cheshire Hospitals Trust, is also available for consultation in the Practice.
Practice Manager:
Office Manager:
Secretary:
Finance Secretary:
Nurses:
Fundholding Manager:
Family Planning. A full range of services is provided patients are invited to discuss their needs with their doctor or a practice nurse.
Cervical Smears. All doctors will take cervical smears. Two of the Practice Nurses are trained to take smears but, at present, their activities are restricted to women under 35. Patients above 35 are still routinely seen by a Doctor since a pelvic examination is considered advisable in such cases.
Immunisation. Regular monthly immunisation sessions are held and a computerised programme is in operation. Patients are recommended ten-yearly Tetanus immunisation, as well as being offered Hepatitis B if in certain "at risk" occupations. In addition, each Autumn, influenza immunisation is offered to patients, especially those at special risk. The practice nurses are also available to advise those planning foreign travel with regard to additional immunisations that may be required.
Clinics. The Practice Nurses run health promotion clinics which include Diabetes, Asthma, Stop Smoking and Well Woman. Part of the continuing development of the Practice's cervical cytology service is that all women who attend for a smear are also offered a Well Woman check. The Practice Nurses actively participate in health screening.
Physiotherapy. The Practice is one of the few to employ its own Physiotherapist, much of the equipment having been provided by donations from the local community.
Dietician. A Dietician is available at the Surgery at fortnightly sessions.
Due to limitations of space at the Practice, Child Health surveillance is currently carried out by the Partners using rooms at Platt Avenue Clinic, which are rented from Cheshire Community Healthcare Trust.
Alan Rickards
Fundholding Manager