The Pikes Lane Centre

HEALTH PROMOTION/ILLNESS PREVENTION

Our nurses are happy to offer advice on weight reduction, stop smoking, cutting down on alcohol and other general lifestyle issues. We offer general health checks including blood pressure screening and cholesterol checks to those at risk.

We also run asthma, heart disease, stroke prevention and diabetic clinics. The aim of these clinics is to try and keep you well and prevent complications.

Please arrange an appointment with the practice nurse at the reception desk.

PATIENT SCREENING

All patients over the age of 75 can request a health screening consultation. A home visit can be arranged if you are unable to come to the surgery. Patients aged between 16 and 75 who have not been seen in the preceding three years can request a health screening consultation.

NEW PATIENT MEDICALS

All new patients registering with the practice will be invited to attend the surgery for a general health check with the health care assistant. This allows us to assess your general level of health and summarise any medical problems you may have.

NON-NHS MEDICALS/EXAMINATIONS

Medical examinations for special purposes, eg, elderly drivers, insurance medicals, HGV drivers, taxi drivers, etc can be arranged by reception. A fee as recommended by the BMA is payable for these examinations.

FAMILY PLANNING

Please make an appointment with your doctor. We offer a full contraceptive service including coil fitting and the 'morning after' pill.

Please note that the 'morning after' pill must be taken within 72 hours (ie three days) of unprotected intercourse. However, the sooner it is taken the more effective it is likely to be.

Please make an appointment at the next available surgery.

You will be fitted in as an emergency if necessary.

CERVICAL SMEARS

Cervical smears help us to prevent you from developing cervical cancer. We recommend smear tests at three year intervals or sometimes less. You will be invited to attend for your smear. Remember the smear test is for your benefit. Smears are usually done by the practice nurses unless otherwise requested.

MATERNITY CARE

An antenatal clinic is held by the midwife on Friday mornings. Try to see your doctor early in your pregnancy and you will be given an appointment.

WELL BABY CLINIC - Tuesday 2.00 - 3.30 pm

You will be invited to bring your child to the well baby clinic for a developmental check when they are six weeks and eight months old.

Both the doctor and health visitor will be available and no appointment is necessary to be seen.

Please bring your child's health record with you when you attend.

Please note that this clinic is for well babies. If your child is unwell and you would like him/her to be seen, please make an appointment in a normal surgery.

When your baby is 18 months old, the health visitor will arrange an 18 month developmental check with you at home.

CHILDHOOD IMMUNISATIONS

Immunisations prevent your child catching diseases that could make him/her seriously ill.

We recommend the full programme of immunisations for all pre-school children.

You will receive a postcard from the Health Authority inviting you to come to the surgery with your child.

Please bring your child's health record with you when you attend.

FLU IMMUNISATIONS

These are available in the Autumn. Please contact the reception for details.

We recommend flu immunisations for people over 65 and people with long term illness, eg, asthma, bronchitis, diabetes, heart problems etc.

MINOR SURGERY

A minor surgery service is available for some minor surgery operations, eg, wart removal, thus avoiding the need to go to hospital. Please see your doctor.