Melrose House Surgery
Dr. Lionel Dean, Melrose House Surgery
Dr Dean’s practice at Melrose Surgery is located at 73 London Road, Reading, RG1 5BS, bang opposite the main hospital entrance. The uniqueness of this practice is that it is the only single handed training practice in this training scheme. Dr Lionel Dean, the trainer, leads a small team of thoroughly professional and very amiable staff that makes this practice an excellent place for training.
The Practice has got a 5000+ list that comprises patients from all walks of life. There are patients from different parts of the world, with varied socio-economic backgrounds, giving ample opportunity to understand different cultures, belief systems and expectations. It provides a good mix of all age groups, giving an opportunity to gain experience in dealing with both acute and chronic conditions, drug and alcohol problems, medical complexities, and a lot of clinical and ethical dilemmas.
There is a lot of emphasis on continued medical education and clinical governance. Participation in educational and clinical governance meetings, audits and significant event analysis is encouraged. New ideas are not just appreciated, but also tried and implemented. Dr Dean is computer savvy and excellent with Emis, the operating system, hence there is a lot of emphasis on good record keeping and proper coding. It is a very forward looking Practice, striving to be a model Practice at all times.
Our Practice Manager, Ms Zoe Clarke, is very involved with commissioning and consortium work, and hence a very good resource to have. She is very approachable and happy to teach and discuss the latest developments affecting NHS. She is also very good at running audits and can teach the trainee how to run them.
The trainee gets a lot of flexibility with the rota, so that they can attend courses and clinics as they want to. There is also flexibility in clinic times. Tuesday is completely protected for VTS teaching and Thursday afternoon for teaching with Dr Dean. Dr Dean is available most of the time, but if he is on leave or away on a course, Dr Syed provides cover. Dr Syed has just become a trainer himself, which is another positive. Trainees are encouraged to go through the post, do prescriptions, home visits and be the duty doctor., and all this without burdening them beyond their capacity. One of the senior doctors is always available for advice.
The other members of the staff including practice and district nurses, midwife, receptionists and office staff are also very amiable and approachable. A smoking cessation clinic and drug and alcohol abuse clinic are also held once weekly. The Surgery provides a lot of enhanced services, so there is always an opportunity to learn and do a lot.
At Dr Dean’s Surgery, a wonderful learning journey is guaranteed, so come and take that journey!
Dr Nadeem Ahmed
Registrar 2010-2011