CLINICS AND SERVICES

Cervical Smear Tests
We prefer to do these tests ourselves. They can be carried out by either the Practice Nurse or a Doctor. 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.
Implanon (contraceptive implant) – fitting and removal service. Dr Heggs and Dr Shah offer this service by prior arrangement.

Antenatal Clinics
Antenatal Clinics are now on Tuesday afternoons. Please be sure to specify if this is your first visit for your current pregnancy.

Postnatal Checks
The doctor who referred you for your antenatal care usually carries out postnatal checks in normal surgery hours.

Physiotherapy
This can be arranged through your Doctor. The appointment will usually be at the Hospital, or in special instances the physiotherapist may visit you in your home

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, Health Visitor 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 10.15 am – 11.00 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.

You may also get your child immunised (by appointment) at any of our Nurse’s clinics.

Vaccinations

• Children. It is important that your children are fully vaccinated. This may be performed at either our baby clinics or by appointment with the Practice Nurse or Doctor if you prefer. 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.
  
  Click here to see our 'How to Protect Your Child' page
   

• 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 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.

We are a recognised Yellow Fever Centre and can offer vaccination against Yellow Fever for which a charge will be made to include injection and certification. Click here to see a list of fees for Non-NHS Services

Minor Surgery
Minor skin lesions and warts can be removed. Treatment at the monthly Minor Surgery Clinic can only be arranged by your General Practitioner as some lesions are unsuitable for treatment. Treatment is usually cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen. There may not be a clinic during very busy periods for example following a Bank Holiday.

Heart Disease Prevention
We are running a comprehensive heart disease risk-screening programme. You may be asked to come in for a short medical. We aim to screen all of our 15-75 year olds every 5 years. In the interests of your future health please treat these invitations as compulsory! Advice on weight reduction, smoking etc is still available from the Practice Nurse although in the interests of patient convenience they are no longer run as specialised sessions.

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.