Old Mill Surgery is a long established, single-handed practice which  operated from purpose-built premises in Old Mill Road shopping parade from 1988 until September 2007 when we moved to our new premises at Chelston Hall, further up the hill in Old Mill Road. We aim to provide personal, friendly, family orientated medical services. A full range of maternity, contraceptive services, minor surgery, child development and immunisations are all provided. All new patients are encouraged to see Dr Hutchinson when joining the surgery for a health check and to review their medical needs.

DR PAUL FRANKLIN HUTCHINSON BM DRCOG FPCert MRCGP
Qualified in 1980 from Southampton University. He undertook his vocational training in Torbay and worked for 8 years in a local group practice before his appointment to Old Mill Surgery in January 1994. His medical interests include asthma, quality assurance, family centred medicine, bereavement and medical education. Paul is married with four children. He enjoys time spent with his family, cycling and takes an interest in environmental issues.

Swine flu Information Updated 2nd July.

As of 2nd July, new cases in the UK were recorded as 520, and a total of cumulative laboratory confirmed cases of 7447. 198 of the confirmed cases are in the South West.

Treatment approach announced for pandemic flu. As of 2nd July 2009,  the Government has announced that the UK is moving to a treatment phase to manage the current pandemic flu outbreak. 

As a result GPs will now diagnose cases on the basis of clinical observation rather than laboratory testing. Everyone who has flu-like symptoms will be assessed by a doctor and may be given antivirals to manage their illness. Routine swabbing of suspected cases will now stop, and the Health Protection Agency will no longer trace close contacts and provide antivirals to limit spread.

It is still important to be aware that if people are diagnosed with swine flu they should stay at home while they have symptoms, to avoid spreading the infection as much as possible.

There are various measures that people can use to reduce the spread of infection. General infection control practices and good respiratory hand hygiene can help to reduce transmission of all viruses, including the pandemic flu. This includes:
Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when possible.

• Maintaining good basic hygiene, for example washing hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of virus from your hands to face or to other people.
• Disposing of dirty tissues promptly and carefully.
• Cleaning hard surfaces (e.g. door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product.
• Making sure your children follow this advice.

People who think they have swine flu should first go online and check their symptoms on www.nhs.uk, or call the Swine Flu information line on 0800 1 513 513. They can then call their local GP who will be able to provide a clinical diagnosis and appropriate advice on treatment over the phone.

For people belonging to a high-risk group it is particularly important that they start taking antivirals as soon as possible. High-risk groups include people with long-term conditions, those over 65, children under five and pregnant women.

To See more information about the Pandemic situation and current approaches to the situation, please go to our "Latest News" page.

To view the Health Protection Agency website with further details, click here.