Clinics

The practice nurse offers appointments:

Childrens Immunisation Clinic

Health Visitor's Well Baby Clinic

Antenatal Clinic

WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY and FRIDAY each week 1.30 - 4.15pm, by appointment only.

Postnatal Clinic

By appointment only.

Minor Surgery

By appointment only.

Child Development Clinic

These appointments are for “six week” checks only. The health visitors from Foster Street perform checks at other stages of development.

Phlebotomy Clinic

MONDAY each week 9.30am - 12.30pm by appointment.
TUESDAY to FRIDAY each week 8.10am - 12.30pm by appointment.

HEALTH PROMOTION

Our nurses have received specific training in such areas as asthma, diabetes, smoking, alcohol, heart disease prevention, weight reduction, hypertension and the menopause and are happy to offer advice and practical help to those patients who wish to ensure that they improve or maintain their health.

FOREIGN TRAVEL

For up-to-date information on vaccinations which may be required for your destination, information can be obtained from www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk or ring the MASTA Travellers Helpline on 09068 224100 (a service validated by the London School of Tropical Medicine); a charge will be made. In order to allow time for full vaccination courses you should make an appointment with the practice nurse at least six weeks before travel - she will also be able to offer advice on precautions you should take to ensure a happy holiday.

CHILDREN'S IMMUNISATIONS

There are very few conditions where immunisations are contraindicated and we strongly recommend that all our children should have them.

CHILD SURVEILLANCE

We offer this service to children who are registered with the practice. Your child is offered developmental checks at intervals before school age.

The health visitor may carry out some of these checks on her own or with the doctor. This will enable you to discuss any problems and ask any questions about your child's development and behaviour. Once registered, your child will be called for check-ups at the recommended times.

CERVICAL SMEAR SCREENING

Cervical cancer is a common and serious disease. Having regular cervical smears can detect problems at an early stage before any cancer develops and these can be easily treated and cured.

The health authority recommendations are as follows:

• Women under the age of 25 years will no longer be called for screening, although those who have already had a smear will be recalled in the usual way ie after three years. This means that some women will have two smears before they are 25.
• Women between the ages of 25 years and 49 years will continue to have smears every three years.
• Women who are aged between 50 years and 65 years will eventually move to an interval of five years rather than the present three years. However, those who have had a smear in the last three years and who therefore have a recall date should retain this, moving to the five years after their next smear.

Our nurses can do the smear by appointment (between 10th and 20th day of cycle). Abnormal smears are reported to the patient as soon as the results are known.

ADVICE TO PREGNANT WOMEN

1. Eat foods high in foliate before and during pregnancy.

2. Take folic acid (0.4 - daily), starting ideally two to three months before pregnancy and until the twelfth week. This treatment is available over the counter, therefore see your pharmacist for advice.

3. If you have a family history of spina bifida or neural tube defect or are an epileptic on treatment, you may need a higher dose of folic acid and should see a GP.

Please note that although liver is a rich source of foliate, pregnant women and those intending to become pregnant are advised not to eat liver or liver products because of the risk of possible adverse effects from consuming excess vitamin A.

BREAST SCREENING

The NHS Mobile Breast Screening Unit invites ladies between 50 and 65 years of age for routine screening on a three-yearly basis, thereafter by request only.

CONTRACEPTIVE SERVICES

We provide a full range of contraceptive services and advice. Dr Downing will also do cap and coil fittings. The emergency pill must be taken within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse. In certain cir cumstances, emergency coil fitting can be performed up to five days after the episode of unprotected intercourse. We also offer Chlamydia screening and sexual health consultations.