HEALTH CHECKS
All new patients are encouraged to have a health check within a few weeks of registering. If you are currently taking regular medications, including oral contraceptives, this health check should be conducted by a doctor, if not one of our Practice Nurses will be pleased to see you.
FAMILY PLANNING ADVICE
All our doctors offer family planning advice during normal surgeries. Like all our consultations this is fully confidential to women of all ages. Most methods are available, however, we do not fit the interuterine device (coil). Emergency contraception is available.
NURSING SERVICES
Our Practice Nurses are available for consultation by appointment most mornings and afternoons. Among the services routinely provided in our Treatment Rooms are dressings, leg ulcer care, ear syringing, urine testing, removal of stitches, travel immunisations and general advice on health matters.
WELL WOMAN CLINIC
Sister Val Bond and Sister Alex Williams offer advice on all aspects of women’s health as well as carrying out cervical smears. Clinics are run every Monday, Wednesday and Friday but a separate appointment can be made if these times are not convenient.
PHLEBOTOMY
We offer a blood taking service every morning from 8.40-12.00 and on Monday and Wednesday afternoons from 2.00 - 4.00pm. You will be provided with a slip by your doctor and it is important that you bring this (or your yellow book if you take Warfarin) to the appointment. If you need any further information on why the test is necessary please enquire beforehand.
ANTENATAL CARE and MIDWIFERY
If you think you are pregnant please see your GP who will provide an information pack and refer you to the Community Midwife. The Community Midwife co-ordinates all antenatal care for the practice. She sees expectant mothers in her antenatal clinic at the surgery on Wednesday morning and also at home. She will arrange all necessary tests and hospital appointments. The doctors also like to keep in touch with their pregnant patients and will see them with the midwife. Antenatal classes are run jointly with the Health Visitors.
The Community Midwife will often care for her patients in labour but obviously cannot always be available. Home deliveries for women at low risk of complication are managed by the Midwife at her discretion. Once your baby is born the Midwife will visit you both at home.
CHILDREN
Changes to national guidance mean that routine checks on older children are no longer carried out. If you have concerns about your child's health or development please consult your GP or Health Visitor.
A clinic for routine children's vaccination is held on Thursday mornings. You will be sent an appointment but if your child has missed a vaccination this can be done by arrangement.
HEALTH VISITORS
The Health Visiting team work in partnership with families to support them in the care of their children.
Following birth you can expect advice and information on immunisations, feeding, weaning and healthy eating, child development through assessments and common childhood illnesses. Help can be provided for children in special circumstances and on parenting issues such as behaviour, discipline and sleep problems.
The team will help promote a safe and healthy environment for children by advising on preventing accidents, dealing with family pressures, stress management and smoking cessation.Information on post natal groups, parent and toddler groups, pre-schools and local activities for children as well as other support groups and networks.
Home visits will be arranged shortly after the birth of your baby and clinics are run at the surgery. You can contact the Health Visitors by ’phoning 01962 734493.
DISTRICT NURSES
The District Nursing Team deliver skilled nursing care at home to those who are unable to attend the surgery. This covers all aspects of care including:
- Wound care;
- Post operative care following discharge from hospital;
- Care to help people maintain independence for as long as possible including advice on the provision of aids and equipment and liaison with other agencies such as Social Services;
- Care for those with life threatening conditions and support for their carers;
- Healthcare advice and promotion.
The team can be contacted on
01962 732345 during surgery hours. When the surgery is closed call on
0844 811 3060 and please advise the call handler that you wish to speak to a District Nurse.
MINOR SURGERY
This may be performed under local anaesthetic at the surgery if your doctor thinks it appropriate.
CHIROPODY
Chiropody is available by referral from your doctor for certain foot conditions.
OTHER CLINICS
We also offer clinics for those with diabetes, asthma, vascular disease and other chronic conditions.
SPEECH AND LANGUAGE THERAPY
Weekly clinic for pre-school children with Therapist Angie Humphries.