Long term conditions are managed by the whole Surgery Team-G.P.s, nurses, nurse practitioners and our healthcare assistant.

We encourage patients to take an active role in helping to manage their own conditions, but it is important that the Surgery Team undertake regular reviews, even if you are seen at a hospital clinic.

You will receive written invitations to attend clinics on a timely basis, and members of our Team will encourage you to attend if at all possible. These reviews will help us all to manage your condition effectively and efficiently. We aim to adopt a patient centered approach in all our long term illness reviews. Please ensure you call and book an appointment with our trained reception staff and that you do not book online.

Some conditions may require blood tests, and it would be helpful if you could have these done approximately a week before your appointment. Certain medications also require regular blood test monitoring so we can safely continue to prescribe them at the effective dosage.

We thank you for your cooperation in helping to run our reviews proficiently.

Please also let your health care practitioner know if you have anyone who supplies care and support to you.

We do our utmost to see that patients suffering from the following receive regular screening to ensure optimum control.

Asthma

Having a regular check up gives you an opportunity to ensure that your asthma is being properly controlled, and gives you the chance to ask any questions you may have, such as identifying any triggers that may set off your asthma. The appointment will be for 20 minutes.

Above and beyond your routine review, you should make an extra appointment to see a G.P.or nurse if:

• you have had a serious attack
• you have had to go to hospital
• your peak flow drops
• your symptoms are getting worse.

Please bring all your inhalers to the review.

Diabetes

At your diabetic appointment (30 minute allocation) your nurse will review your blood test results, and together with you, will plan your care and management. The aim is to help you to understand your condition, and suggest any lifestyle changes that might be of value. The nurse will also check your weight. Uncontrolled high blood sugar levels can, over time, damage your body in many ways. We check urine to assess any damage to your kidneys, check blood pressure, and do a brief check of your foot pulses and sensation. Good foot care is essential for all diabetics. The health authority also run diabetic eye checks, and it is important that you attend these in addition to the Surgery run clinics.

Heart Disease

You will be called for review with the GP if you have any issues with any heart conditions.

Hypertension

Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to many complications involving the heart and general circulation. It is important for you to have regular blood pressure checks so that we van ensure that your blood pressure is maintained at a level appropriate for you. It may be necessary to alter dosages, and medication type according to response and the presence or absence of any side effects, so it is important to mention any of the latter at your appointment.

COPD

Your routine COPD review will last 20 minutes. A common cause of COPD is smoking, and if you do smoke, we will offer you help and support to stop; successfully stopping smoking may improve your symptoms, and stop your condition deteriorating. Above and beyond your review, if you experience any worsening of symptoms you should make an extra appointment to see your doctor. Please bring all medications to the review.

Other Services

Maternity

When you have found out about your pregnancy, you can speak to the receptionist and they will provide you with the initial pregnancy pack, where you will then be able to make an appointment directly with the Midwife.If you did want to see the GP to discuss your pregnancy then you are more than welcome to make an appointment with a GP. Your care will be the responsibility of the community midwife. It is ideal to register the newborn baby after the birth with the GP as soon as possible and we are encouraging parents to please make their first vaccination appointment at this time. The baby will have to have reached 8 weeks. The receptionists will work out the 8th week for you on registering your newborn to the surgery.

Post Natal Checks

It is advised that both mother and baby should arrange an appointment with the GP, for post natal and a 6 week baby check.

Well Woman and Well Man Clinics

Appointments are available with one of our nurses for checks to be carried out.

Contraception

Advice and services are available by appointment with either a GP or a nurse.

Minor Ops

Our nurses and/or doctors are able to carry out some minor operations such as excisions and cautery at the surgery.

NHS Health Checks

Once you have received your invitation for a NHS check, please contact the surgery and let the receptionist know and then they will generate a blood test form, as you need to have this done two weeks prior to your appointment.