The first training practice in Worsbrough was set up in 1743 by apothecary and surgeon Dr William Elmhirst (1721-1773) at Genn House, on Genn Lane. In addition to his fees for medicines, surgery, veterinary work and tooth-pulling, he earned extra income selling ‘fat oxen’ to a Barnsley butcher, and letting out property to one of his clients, a ‘constipated tallow-chandler’. The terms of an apprenticeship stipulated that those studying under him ‘readily and chearfully (sic) obey’ and conduct themselves ‘with all due diligence, honesty, sobriety and temperance’. Elmhirst met an untimely death when he was thrown from his horse at the nearby Hangman-Stone toll-bar.
Dr Herbert Arthur Luke Banham (1870-1954) trained at Sheffield School of Medicine and London, qualifying in 1896, and set up practice at Rockley Dene, Worsbrough Bridge. Dr Banham prepared and dispensed his own medicines (red mixtures for coughs, white for stomach upsets, clear for influenza). A groom was employed to transport him on home visits in a horse and trap. In 1930 he took on a new partner, Dr Jeannie Helen Ritchie from Scotland. The Scottish theme continued through the 1950s with a succession of Edinburgh graduates to the practice, which now relocated to The Hollins on Sheffield Road, and later to Knowle Road. Dr Gordon Lorimer Watt joined, succeeded by the Drs Murdoch (husband and wife). Dr David Durie and the Drs Stewart (again husband and wife) followed in the 1960s.
The practice moved again to a purpose-built Health Centre in the Elmhouse area, where it remained until 2004 when new premises were built off West Street, overlooking the Dove Valley; hence the new name Dove Valley Practice.
Research
We would like to advise patients of the Dove Valley Practice, that we participate in clinical research. This will not impact on patients directly but may mean that you are contacted regarding certain medical conditions.
Please be assured that no personal or medical information will be released without your consent.
E-Triage service
We have now gone live with our new online consultation service-Patient Triage. This is a great way for you to contact our practice for non-urgent medical or admin requests. It is very simple to fill out so please do give it a go if you need to contact us. Although the character count is limited on the form, please try to give as much specific and concise information as possible. We really think it is easier for most people than waiting on hold to speak to a receptionist but would love to hear your feedback. If you do not have access to the internet or find it difficult to use a computer or smartphone you can call reception instead.
You can access the new form at https://florey.accurx.com/p/C85007
DNA Policy
Please note that if you do not attend (DNA) for 3 booked appointments within a 12 month period you will be sent a letter advising you of this. If you DNA again afterwards you may be removed from the Practice list. Please also note that if you arrive more than 5 minutes late for your appointment you will be asked to re-book. Thank you.
NHS Accessible Information Standard
We support the NHS Accessible Information Standard, and endeavour to identify, share and meet any of our patients’ special communication requirements.
The accessible information standard aims to ensure that patients (or their carers) who have a disability or sensory loss, receive information they can access and understand, for example in large print, braille or via email, and professional communication support if they need it, for example from a British Sign Language interpreter.
Individuals most likely to be affected by the Standard include people who are blind or deaf, who have some hearing and/or visual loss, and people with a learning disability. However, this list is not exhaustive.
If you feel that this applies to you or someone in your care, please collect a form from surgery, we will then do our best to meet these needs.
iHEART Barnsley 365
iHEART Barnsley 365 is an NHS service available to anyone registered with a GP in Barnsley. The service is open for appointment booking between 6.30pm-10.30pm Monday to Friday and 10am-1pm Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays. Appointments can be booked via telephone between 4pm-6pm Monday to Friday and 8am-9.30am Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays.The telephone number to call is 01226 242419 www.iheartbarnsley.org.uk
Please ask the reception staff for details, pre-arranged appointments only.
Repeat prescriptions will not be available during this time.
Training
As an approved training practice your appointment maybe with:
- registrars
fully qualified doctors who spend six months per year with us prior to qualifying as a GP - foundation doctors
doctors who have just completed their hospital training and spend up to six months while they receive GP training from our doctors. You will be informed of this prior to your appointment.
Use of personal health information
The practice manages the confidentiality of your medical records in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998. Our Primary Care Trust may require some of this data for auditing and research purposes. You may request that your data is excluded from these audits and research at any time. Please speak with reception for more information.
Feedback
Our priority is to ensure that all of our patients receive the best service that is possible. We provide comment & suggestion forms in reception, please feel free to request one at any time. Just complete the form and return to reception.
For any complaints please request a complaint form from reception and email to [email protected]
Dove Valley Practice is a member of Barnsley Primary Care Network
