CLINICS

Please note that all clinics are held at Ann Street Health Centre

Diabetic Clinic

This clinic is held on Wednesday mornings by appointment and is for assessing and monitoring diabetic patients normally seen at the hospital.

Healthy Woman Issues

The healthy woman clinic is held on Thursday afternoons from 3.00 to 5.45pm. If possible please make an appointment for the clinic. Coil fittings are available at the clinic, but check with reception as these need to be done by Dr Johnson.

Smear tests for women involve an examination of the cervix (neck of the womb) to check for changes which occur before cancer develops. These changes can be treated and cancer prevented.

We recommend that all women up to the age of 65 years should have regular smears, unless advised by a doctor. Smear tests are usually performed by the practice nurse and the recommended interval between smears is five years, unless there is a medical reason for more frequent tests. You should always check for your results but please leave this six to eight weeks after the test as this is how long it takes the laboratory to process them.

Breast cancer kills more women than any other cancer. It is more common in older women but, if the small changes are discovered early, there is a better chance of a successful recovery. The practice nurse will also give you information on breast examinations and instructions on how to examine your breasts at regular intervals.

Antenatal Clinic

Antenatal clinics are held on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons 2.00 to 3.00pm.

The midwife usually sees all the antenatal patients but can refer to one of the doctors if necessary.

Postnatal Clinic

This is run by one of our practice nurses on alternate Tuesday afternoons from 1.15 to 2.30pm. It provides an opportunity for all women to have a full health check six weeks after the birth of their baby.

Baby Immunisation Clinic

This clinic is held on alternate Tuesday afternoons from 1.30 to 3.00pm. The clinic is run by the practice's nursing team though there is a doctor available to give advice if needed. Babies and young children are immunised for whooping cough, diphtheria, tetanus, polio, Men C, Hib, measles, pneumonia, mumps and rubella. Appointments are usually sent by post. This is a VITAL contribution to your child's health and well-being, so please make sure you bring your child along.

Baby Clinic

The baby clinic is held on alternate Tuesdays from 1.30 to 3.00pm. In attendance is a doctor and a nurse who will carry out a full developmental check of your baby and give advice on any concerns you may have.

Cryotherapy And Joint Injections

Two of our doctors specialise in giving joint injections, which can save some patients having to go to the hospital. You should discuss this with your own doctor first.

In addition one of our practices nurses also does a cryotherapy session for removal of warts etc. Please see your doctor first to be referred to this clinic.

Other Clinics

In addition we also hold other clinics on a sessional basis, eg treatment for patients who are suffering from drug abuse. Referral to these other specialist clinics will be via your GP.

Influenza Vaccinations

It is recommended by the Department of Health that all patients over the age of 65 have a flu vaccination - this is a free service. This is also recommended for the following at risk groups, regardless of age:

Coronary Heart Disease

Diabetes

Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Immuno-suppressed patients

Our flu clinics are usually run from the beginning of October each year - please ask at reception for dates and times.

It is also recommended by the Department of Health that all patients over the age of 65 have a pneumonia vaccination. This vaccination can be given at any time of the year - please ask at reception for an appointment to see the practice nurse.

Travel Vaccinations and Advice

The nurses can advise you about which travel vaccinations you will need. Please make an appointment with the nurse at least eight weeks before you travel. Most of these vaccinations are free of charge but there are one or two for which we make a charge, as these are not covered by the NHS. Besides the full range of vaccinations the nurses can also give you general travel advice.

Counsellor

Our counsellor, Colton Reid, is based at Ann Street and is available to all patients of the practice who feel they need to discuss their problems at length. If you feel you would benefit from this service please see your doctor, who will refer you on to the counsellor if it is appropriate.