Immunisations
It is very important that all children and babies are fully immunised. Illnesses such as diphtheria, tetanus and polio are thankfully rare now because of recent immunisation policies, but if contracted, can be crippling or even fatal. Whopping cough (pertussis) causes a very distressing illness with severe prolonged coughing which can lead to permanent lung damage or even occasionally brain damage.
The risk of vaccination, if indeed there is any, is minute and has certainly been overstated in the past. This unfortunately led to many parents deciding against the vaccination for their children and whopping cough epidemics resulted from this.
We strongly recommend that all babies have this vaccination along with their other baby injections (there are very few contra – indications). If you have any worries or queries about any aspect of your child’s immunisations, please feel free to discuss them with the doctor or the health visitor.
Flu and Pneumococcal Vaccinations
These are available every Winter from October onwards and can protect you from this nasty illness. It is available to everyone over sixty five years, but we especially urge all patients with chronic illness to have one (eg. Asthma, Heart Disease, Stroke, Respiratory Disease Diabetes).
Minor Surgery Services
Minor operations for warts, cysts and other problems not requiring hospital attention are under taken by both Doctors. If you require this service, please make an appointment with either Doctor for initial assessment.
Cervical Smears
We would like all ladies to have one of these done every three or five years dependent on age from age twenty four to sixty five years. The test is carried out by our Practice Nurse, by appointment. The smear test is quick and should be painless. The purpose is to detect any abnormal tissue cells in the cervix which could, if not treated appropriately, lead to cancerous changes. Most smear results are normal of course, but if all ladies undergo this valuable screening test regularly, cervical cancer could become a thing of the past.
Foreign Travel
Requirements for different countries continually change so discuss these with one of the practice nurses at least eight weeks before you depart so that a schedule immunisations can be arranged.
Maternity Medical Services
We hold antenatal/postnatal clinics every Wednesday morning from 10.30am by appointment. The clinics are run by the Community Midwife. Expectant mothers are advised to stop smoking and drinking for the sake of their babies. Regular attendance is important. The midwife can answer any problems and questions you have during pregnancy and after the birth of your baby.
Contraceptive Services
Contraceptive advice is available from both doctors. Advice on the issue of all forms of contraception including implants is available. If you need family planning advice, please book an appointment with either of the Doctors or with the Nurse.
Special Medical Examinations
Medical examinations for Life Assurance, HGV licenses etc, are undertaken by arrangement with either doctor. For an appointment, please contact the receptionists who will liaise with the Doctor to arrange a mutually convenient time.
