If you are planning to travel outside the UK you may need to be vaccinated against some of the serious diseases found in other parts of the world.

From 1st September, patients registered in this practice can obtain early morning, late evening, weekend and bank holiday appointments.

You MUST book ahead via your practice either in person or by phone.  You may be seen in a different location to this practice.

All routine appointments with a doctor, nurse or healthcare professional can be accommodated.  This will include chronic disease monitoring, NHS health checks and cervical smears.  Healthcare staff who see and treat you may be from another local practice.

We are unable to take blood samples at these appointments or provide health treatment, such as vaccines for foreign travel, where a payment would normally be required.

To find out more, ask the receptionist, or visit www.healthcollaboration.co.uk

Seven day GP services across South Tyneside – practice web site info

Even if you are under 16, the same confidentiality rules of our Practice apply to you and nothing will be said to anyone – including parents, other family members, care workers or tutors – without your permission. The only reason we might have to consider passing on confidential information without your permission would be to protect you, or others, from serious harm. We would always try to discuss this with you first.

If you are being treated elsewhere it is best if you allow the doctor or nurse there to inform the Practice of any treatment you are receiving. If you have any worries about confidentiality, please feel free to ask a member of staff. We offer a contraception clinic within the Practice where you can get completely confidential information (both male and female) regarding this important issue. The receptionist can make you an appointment with our Practice Nurse.

If you wish you can take advantage of our Internet booking system: you can use this link www.patient.co.uk. Please register with reception to enable you to use this service.

Certain minor surgical procedures are carried out by our Doctors. These include removal of small skin lesions and lumps, and treatment of ingrowing toenails. We also offer injection of certain joints. If you think you require this service you must make an appointment to see a Doctor first to discuss.

We run regular clinics to monitor patients with heart disease, angina, diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure, kidney disease, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. These clinics offer a full assessment on an annual basis, or more frequently if necessary, and are run by our Practice Nurses. It is important to attend when invited in order to achieve as good control as possible of your condition. You will also get the opportunity to discuss all aspects of your condition.

Our Practice Nurses and Health Care Assistants can give you help and advice on stopping smoking. Prescriptions for a variety of aids such as patches and tablets are available on the NHS. The Primary Care Trust also has Smoking Advisors available in the building at certain time to discuss Smoking Cessation with you.

Cervical smears are recommended for women every 3-5 years (or otherwise advised), between the ages of 25 and 65. These are important because they detect early signs of disease when it can be easily treated.

Primary Care Services Agency operate a recall system. You will be invited by letter when your smear is due, asking you to make a surgery appointment with our Nurse. Please inform the surgery if there are specific reasons for you not having a smear, or why you should not be included in the recall system. We will then inform the Primary Care Services Agency on your behalf.

Our contraceptive service covers the contraceptive pill, Depo provera injections and post coital contraception. Our Nurses can also provide reviews and routine prescriptions for Hormone Replacement Therapy.

Timetable

The Practice runs a baby immunisation clinic from 9.00am to 12 noon every Wednesday. Our Practice Nurse immunises babies and children up to the age of 5, according to the Government’s vaccination schedule. Your child will be sent an appointment to attend this clinic, as and when their vaccinations are due.

The Practice is committed to encouraging healthy living. Both our Practice Nurses are fully trained to offer advice on diet, lifestyle, and offer a ‘stop smoking’ service.

Also if you are aged between 40 and 74 without any existing health problems we can offer you a health check assessment with one of our Health Care Assistants.

What happens at the check?

This check is to assess your risk of developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease and stroke.

• The check will take about 20 – 30 minutes
• You will be asked some simple questions. For example, about your family history and any medication you are currently taking.
• We will record your height, weight, age, sex and ethnicity.
• We will take your blood pressure.
• We will do a simple blood test to check your cholesterol level.

What happens after the check?

We will discuss how we can support you to reduce your risk and stay healthy.

• You will be taken through your results and told what they mean. Some people may be asked to return at a later date for their results.
• You will be given personalised advice on how to lower your risk and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
• Some people with raised blood pressure will have their kidneys checked through a blood test.
• Some people may need to have another blood test to check for type 2 diabetes. Your health professional will be able to tell you more.
• Treatment or medication may be prescribed to help you maintain your health.

Even if you are feeling well, it is worth having an NHS Health Check so that we can work with you to lower your chances of developing these health problems in the future.