Saxmundham surgery was first established in the Beeches in  1734, the surgery moved to its present single storey,  privately owned premises in 1984. We have 7 doctors, two  full time and five part time. The practice currently has  around 8800 patients registered, of which roughly 4800 are  dispensing. We are open from 8.00am - 6.30pm every  weekday and have a full time dispensary which will issue  medication to those who live more than one mile away from  a chemist.  We are a paper light practice which means that although we hold your paper  medical records, we rarely use them now. All of your information is stored on our  computer system and we employ medical summarisers to transfer paper notes  onto the computer when a new patient joins the surgery. This means that a GP  can see a patients medical history much more easily when treating them.   The practice has approximately 35 staff consisting of practice nurses, dispensary  staff, reception staff, practice managers, administration staff and three  housekeepers - so we are bursting at the  seams! As well as all the practice staff  we have a number of community staff  who work from the building. These include health visitors,  district nurses and community midwives. All staff within the  surgery work together to make sure patients receive the best  care possible.   There are a couple of policies that we feel patients should be  aware of when visiting the surgery:  Chaperone Policy   Saxmundham Health Group is committed to providing a safe, comfortable environment where patients  and staff can be confident that best practice is being followed at all times and the safety of everyone  is of paramount importance. Our chaperone policy adheres to local and national guidance and policy –  e.g.”NCGST Guidance on the Role and effective use of chaperones in Primary and Community Care  settings” and is advertised through patient information leaflets, newsletters and on notice boards.  If you require a chaperone, patients are encouraged to ask at the time of booking their appointment.  All staff are aware of, and have received appropriate information in relation to this chaperoning policy.  All formal chaperones understand their role and responsibilities and are competent to perform that  role.  Complaints  If you have any complaint or concern about the service  that you have received from the Doctors or staff  working for this practice you are entitled to an  explanation. Your complaint should be addressed to our  Practice Manager who will acknowledge receipt within 2  working days. We will then aim to investigate your  complaint thoroughly and respond to you within 10  working days.  Violent / Abusive Behaviour  Violent or abusive behaviour towards any member of  staff on the practice premises will not be tolerated and may result in removal from the practice list.  Freedom of Information   The Freedom of Information Act 2000 aims to ensure that public authorities, such as Saxmundham  Health Group, are open in the way they conduct their business. We have developed a Publication  Scheme which details all the information routinely made available to the public. Please contact the  Practice Manager for details of this scheme or access the FOI website on www.foi.nhs.uk  Data Protection   The Practice ensures strict adherence to the rule of medical  confidentiality. No medical information is disclosed without  appropriate authority.   Language Line   If you require an interpreter in your required language,  please inform the receptionist when you book your  appointment    Sax Quacks               Drs Havard, Evans, Murphy, Hamblyn, Dunn, Oates & Richards Saxmundham Health Information