Patient Newsletter: Summer 2025

Welcome To The Team

• Dr Hussain
• Dr Ibezim
• Dr Ekone- ST1
• Emma- Nurse
• Lili- Nurse

 

Planned Afternoon Closures For Protected Learning Time

• Thursday 14th August 2025
• Wednesday 24th September 2025
• Wednesday 15th October 2025

Useful Phone Numbers

• Gravesend Community Hospital – 01474 360500
• Darent Valley Hospital – 01322 428100
• Medway Hospital – 01634 830000
• Maidstone Hospital – 01622 729000
• Gravesend Health Visitors – 01474 357449
• Gravesend Ellenor Hospice – 01474 320007
• Age Concern – 01474 532936
• Social Services – 01474 328664
• Kent Police – 01622 652430
• Change , grow, live (CGL) (West Kent Recovery Service) – 01474 566659
• Out of Hours Service – 111
• Gravesend Pharmacy– Northfleet – 01474 357709
• Mind – 01322 291 380 or the DGS Mind website / Help - Kent & Medway
• Insight Healthcare – 0300 555 5555 or their website
• Samaritans – 116 123 

Join our Patient Participation Group (PPG)

A PPG is a group of people who are patients at the surgery and want to help it work well as it can for patients, doctors and staff. The purpose of a PPG is for practice staff and patients to share decision making in the running of the practice. If you would like to join the PPG please see our PPG page.

A few words from Dr Hussain

I joined Springhead immediately after completing my GP training. At first, I was a little sceptical and nervous about working independently in a new surgery, unsure of what to expect. However, from the moment I arrived, I was greeted with warmth, compassion, and a truly supportive environment. The smiling faces and helpful attitude of every team member made my transition smooth, and I quickly began to feel part of the team.

Thanks to the encouragement and guidance from my colleagues, I gradually built up my confidence and am now working as a fully independent GP. It’s been a great journey of professional growth, and I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to develop my skills within such a collaborative and patient-focused setting.

One of my main areas of interest is diabetes, which stems from my background in endocrinology and my long-standing involvement in the care of diabetic patients. Springhead has given me the platform to combine both my interests in education and clinical care. I’ve been actively involved in debrief sessions with trainees and have also started running a dedicated diabetes clinic, with one session each week specifically for patients with diabetes.

This work has allowed me to collaborate closely with our diabetes nurses and provide more-timely, comprehensive care to our patients. we are able to offer prompt, in-house management. This approach not only improves patient outcomes but also helps prevent complications associated with poorly controlled diabetes.

The feedback from patients has been incredibly positive, which is always encouraging. Hearing that they feel respected, listened to, and well cared for motivates me to keep improving the way I consult and treat. It’s fulfilling to know that we’re making a real difference in our patients' lives.

Overall, my experience at Springhead has been both rewarding and enriching. I’ve grown as a clinician, learned to work more independently, and have truly become part of a team that is committed to excellent patient care—while also prioritising staff wellbeing. I look forward to continuing this journey and contributing further to our shared goals

A few words from Dr Ibezim

As I mark six months in my role as a General Practitioner, I want to take a moment to sincerely reflect on this amazing journey here at Springhead Surgery and share a few insights from the first day I walked into these premises. 

My first day was full of excitement and mixed feelings, not so sure of the kind of reception I will receive especially from the patients. I previously have worked in several surgeries, but each environment has its own peculiar nature which I looked forward to exploring. These six months have therefore been rewarding, a whirlwind of learning both clinical and personal. Managing a wide range of conditions, from everyday ailments to complex chronic diseases has enhanced my ability to delivering a much better service to all. I have also continued my development on listening carefully, asking the right questions and providing not only medical care but emotional support when necessary. 

One of the most rewarding aspects of this journey is developing relationships with patients and fellow colleagues. And I want to state here that it’s an honour to be part of this noble team, however, the journey hasn’t been without its challenges. But with each challenge comes growth. This has thought me more valuable lessons, enhanced my confidence, efficiency, and better clinical judgement. 

I am excited of what lies ahead, exploring special interests, improving my skills and continued avocation of patient centred care. I am immensely grateful for the support from the entire team and patients who have made these first six months memorable. Thank you all for being part of this amazing journey and looking forward to many more exciting years ahead.

What would you like to see in our next newsletter?

Do you have some ideas about what you think we could include in our next newsletter?

Share them with us by contacting the practice.

Did you know? 

We have a BP machine in our reception area. You are welcome to pop in when it’s convenient for you. This also logs your height and weight and all data is then transferred into your records. 

New Appointment Model

We are working on a new appointment model to enhance our capacity and ensure timely access for more patients.

Published: Aug 12, 2025