Baby Clinic

Cervical Smear Tests

Appointments should be made with Nurse Valerie Steenson or with one of the female Drs.

The practice has a screening programme with automatic recall. Current recommendations state that women between 20 and 65 years, should have a smear test every 3-5 years. A smear test is a simple way of assessing the health of the cervix. Experts can check and recognize changes which suggest that cancer may develop in the future.

You may occasionally have your test carried out by either Nurse Steenson or one of the doctors. We will notify you of your result, whether normal or not, by letter. Occasionally you may be asked to have a repeat test. This can be for technical reasons or because there is a concern regarding some of the cells. The doctor may be instructed to repeat the test at intervals or refer you to gynaecologist for a closer examination or for colposcopy. Some patients do not take up the offer of cervical screening, despite repeated invitations.
If you have not responded to 3 invitations, we will send you a letter to sign, instructing us that you do not wish to take part in the screening programme.

You will be given the opportunity every 5 years to change your mind. If you have not received invitations and do not wish to have a smear test, please contact us in order to sign this declaration

Diabetic Clinic

Diabetes is a serious life-long health condition that occurs when the amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood is too high because the body can’t use it properly. If left untreated, high blood glucose levels can cause serious health complications. Effective diabetes care can only be achieved through working closely with your diabetes healthcare team – they are there to support you in self-managing your diabetes.

Asthma / COPD

Asthma is a common lung condition that causes occasional breathing difficulties. It affects people of all ages and often starts in childhood, although it can also appear for the first time in adults.

There’s currently no cure for asthma, but there are simple treatments that can help keep the symptoms under control so it doesn’t have a significant impact on your life.

Nurse Valerie Steenson has special training in the management of Asthma and COPD patient care. She holds regular clinics by appointment only on Wednesday morning, Thursday afternoon and Friday morning. You will be invited to attend an Asthma Review Clinic and Nurse Steenson will draw up a personal action plan. This will include information about your medicines, how to monitor your condition and what to do if you have an asthma attack.

COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)

COPD is the name for a group of lung conditions that cause breathing difficulties.

It includes:

• emphysema – damage to the air sacs in the lungs
• chronic bronchitis – long-term inflammation of the airways

COPD is a common condition that mainly affects middle-aged or older adults who smoke. Many people don’t realise they have it. Don’t ignore the symptoms. If they’re caused by COPD, it’s best to start treatment as soon as possible, before your lungs become significantly damaged.

Nurse Steenson will ask about your symptoms and whether you smoke or have smoked in the past. She can organise a breathing test to help diagnose COPD and rule out other lung conditions, such as asthma.

She may also:

• ask about your symptoms
• examine your chest and listen to your breathing with a stethoscope
• ask whether you smoke or used to smoke
• calculate your body mass index (BMI) using your weight and height
• ask if you have a family history of lung problems

You might also be asked to carry out a breathing test called spirometry or some other tests including a chest x-ray, blood test, ecg or peak flow test.

Non NHS Services

Fees Set by The British Medical Association

Some services provided are not covered under our contract with the NHS and therefore attract charges.

Examples include the following:

• Medicals for pre-employment, sports and driving requirements (HGV, PSV etc.)
• Insurance claim forms
• Passport signing
• Prescriptions for taking medication abroad
• Private sick notes
• Vaccination certificates

The fees charged are based on the British Medical Association (BMA) suggested scales and our reception staff will be happy to advise you about them along with appointment availability.

Travel Health Questionnaire

Travel Vaccinations

Find Information on Vaccinations Required

If you require any vaccinations relating to foreign travel you need to make an appointment with the practice nurse to discuss your travel arrangements. This will include which countries and areas within countries that you are visiting to determine what vaccinations are required.

There is further information about countries and vaccinations required on the link below:

• Travel Health Pro

It is important to make this initial appointment as early as possible – at least 6 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 travel to allow the vaccines to work.

Some travel vaccines are ordered on a private prescription, and these incur a charge over and above the normal prescription charge. This is because not all travel vaccinations are included in the services provided by the NHS.

NHS Health Checks Explained

A Health Check is a routine review designed to spot early signs of common health problems, before they become more serious.

Who Is Eligible?

Adults aged 40 to 74 without an existing diagnosis of certain conditions are invited for a free NHS Health Check roughly every five years. We’ll write to you when you become eligible.

What Happens at a Health Check?

The appointment usually covers your weight, blood pressure, and a simple blood test, along with a discussion about lifestyle factors such as diet, activity, and smoking. You’ll be given your results and, where relevant, advice or a referral for further support.