Stopping Smoking
There is a specialist smoking cessation service in Hartlepool. These services are not offered directly by GP practices. We hold details of drop in sessions available in vearious locations around the town - please ask one of our receptionists. The service can be contacted directly on 01642 383819 or via their website, www.northoftees-stopsmokingservices.nhs.uk .
Cervical Smear Tests
generally carried out by a Practice Nurse. Please inform the receptionist when you are making your appointment that you will be having a smear test. We follow the local policy which advises a smear every 3 years, from the age of 25, unless the cytologist recommends repeating the smear more often or is medically indicated.
Family Planning
Contraception. This is available from the Doctors in normal surgery times. Coils can be fitted in surgery usually by arrangement with Dr Heggs or Dr Shah. We also offer nurse based appointments for repeat prescription of the pill for women who are not having any problems.
Explanon (contraceptive implant) – fitting is done by Dr Heggs and Dr Shah by prior arrangement but we no longer remove implants. This is now done by the town wide "CASH" service upstairs in our One Life building..
Postnatal Checks
Doctors carry out postnatal checks in normal surgery hours.
Physiotherapy
This can be arranged through your Doctor. The appointment will usually be at Hartlepool hospital.
Baby Clinic
Our baby clinic is held on Tuesdays between 11.30am and 12.15pm. No appointment is necessary. This is for weighing, general advice, immunisations and minor ailments. Our Practice Nurses and one of the Doctors are present.
Please note that in order to cut waiting times we now carry out 8-week baby checks and first immunisations by appointment at our special development session between 09.45 am – 10.30 am.
Your Health Visitor will contact you regarding your child’s 3½-year check and you will receive a letter about pre-school booster injections.
Vaccinations
Children. It is important that your children are fully vaccinated. This may be performed at either our baby clinics or exceptionally by appointment with the Practice Nurse. In order to facilitate record keeping, it is helpful that immunisations are undertaken by us and NOT in community clinics.
If it is difficult for you to attend the surgery at the given times alternative arrangements can be made.
Adults - Are You Up To Date With Your Tetanus And Polio?
If you require routine vaccinations and travel immunisations please make arrangements to see the Practice Nurse. (See attached insert advice on immunisations).
Travel Information & Vaccinations
Available from our Nurses (by appointment only) during any of their clinic sessions (excepting Baby Clinics). Please ensure plenty of time before departure as some vaccinations may need to be given up to 12 weeks prior to departure. Most vaccinations are free of charge.
Minor Surgery
Minor skin lesions and warts can be removed in the surgery. Some lesions are unsuitable for treatment at the surgery and may need to be referred for sopecialist treatment. Treatment of warts is now done in normal GP clinics and we no longer run specialist wart clinics. Please mention if an appointment is made for wart removal so the receptionist can ensure that the GP concerned has the appropriate equipment ready.
Heart Disease Prevention
We are participating in a heart disease risk-screening programme. Depending on your risk factors you may be asked to come in for a short medical exam. Smoking cessation help and advice is provided in Hartlepool through the specialist Smoking Cessation Service. Please ask reception for details of drop-in locations or telephone 0800 0224332 for information and advice.
Practice Counsellor
Our counsellor, Barbara Norton, has sessions twice weekly. Your doctor can arrange an appointment.
Chronic Disease Management
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Respiratory disease (Asthma Emphysema, Bronchitis, COPD)
- Epilepsy
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Stroke
We aim to review all patients who fall into any of the above categories on an annual basis. You should receive a review letter with your prescription, requesting you to make an appointment with either a Nurse or a Doctor. We strongly advise you attend for your review as this may prevent complications.