Clinics & Services

Health Checks

If you are over 75 and have not been seen within the last year, or between 16 and 75 and have not been seen within the last three years you may request a consultation with either the nurse or healthcare assistant for a health check.

Baby clinics

On Tuesday afternoon our practice nurses give immunisations.

On Wednesday mornings (10-12) the health visitors run a walk-in clinic to weigh babies and give advice to the parents of pre-school children.

Cervical smear tests

Between the ages of 25 and 65 we advise our female patients to have regular smears either 3 or 5 yearly depending on age. This simple test can detect changes in the cervix (neck of the womb) that can sometimes lead to cancer if left untreated. Fortunately, if changes are detected treatment is nearly always simple and effective. Smears may have to be repeated either for technical reasons or because of minor changes which frequently return to normal. Smear tests are performed by our practice nurses.

Contraception

All the doctors provide contraceptive advice within their normal appointments as do our practice nurses. Intrauterine devices, both copper and the hormone-containing IUS (Mirena), can be fitted during certain sessions and some of the doctors fit diaphragms. Once a suitable contraception has been chosen you will be advised on what follow-up is needed and whether you should see the doctor or nurse.

Emergency contraception

If you think you may be at risk of pregnancy, please contact your doctor or the nurse as soon as possible. Emergency contraceptive pills can be taken up to 72 hours after unprotected intercourse but are more likely to be effective the sooner they are used. After 72 hours a coil can sometimes be used. Some chemists are able to sell emergency contraceptive pills without a doctor’s prescription. At weekends please contact Westcall

Pre-conception counselling

If you are planning a baby you are welcome to make an appointment with our practice nurses who can advise on folic acid supplements, arrange rubella testing and discuss your lifestyle. They may also suggest an appointment with the doctor, especially if you are on regular medication.

Maternity care

We work closely with the community midwife to provide a complete antenatal and postnatal service for hospital births. The doctors are not able to provide cover for home births although the midwives do. Minor surgery A variety of minor surgical procedures can be performed within the practice. Your doctor will advise whether your condition can be treated at the surgery.

Diabetic clinic

Regular review of diabetics takes place during the diabetic clinic. The aim is to monitor and co-ordinate the care of diabetes and protect against associated complications. Pleas ask reception to arrange this, they will often ask you to bring a urine sample or have tests prior to the clinic

 Asthma & COPD clinics

Review of asthma & COPD care is undertaken by our practice nurses who have diplomas in the management of the disease. They can arrange for your asthma medication & inhalers to be re-authorised.

Travel Vaccinations

We are a recognised yellow fever centre and offer comprehensive travel advice. If you are planning a holiday abroad you should check with us at least 8 weeks before you travel so that we can make the necessary immunisation arrangements. You may be denied access to some countries if you are not fully immunised.

Information about countries and vaccinations required can be found on the links below:

Europe & Russia	North America
Central America	South America
Carribean	Africa
Middle East	Central Asia
East Asia	Australasia and Pacific

It is important to make the initial appointment as early as possible  - at least 8 weeks before you travel - as a second appointment will be required with the practice nurse to actually receive the vaccinations. These vaccines have to be ordered as they are not a stock vaccine. Your second appointment needs to be at least 2 weeks before you travelto allow the vaccines to work.

To help us offer the appropriate advice, please fill out the online form before coming to see the nurse.

Travel Questionnaire

INTERPRETING SERVICE

We can provide this service at three days notice.

CHAPERONES

If you would prefer to have a chaperone present during an intimate examination please tell the Doctor. You can either bring a friend or we will ask a member of the staff (male or female as appropriate) to be present.

Work related immunisations

Employers, public and private have a duty of care to their employees.

The NHS does not provide routine occupational advice or health care services.

If your employer has asked you to obtain work related immunisations or reports such as Hepatitis A and B vaccination or fitness for work advice, please contact the surgery for information.

We may still be able to provide these services to you.