New Patient Health Checks
We would like to meet all new patients who have recently registered with the practice so that we can make a note of your past medical problems, current medication and future needs, as well as for example, checking your blood pressure. Usually the check is done by a nurse, but if you have ongoing medical problems it is generally more appropriate to make an appointment with a doctor.
Temporary Residents
If your visitors normally live outside the area and need to see a doctor we can provide this service.
Smoking Cessation
Advice and support are available from any of the clinical team. Nicotine replacement therapy and other medications are prescribable on the NHS and the benefits of stopping smoking are measurable (in health and financial ways) immediately. Feel free to make an appointment to discuss this. You may also self refer to local NHS smoking cessation services (free).
Contraception
The nurses and doctors are all able to advise on all aspects of contraceptive care. You should ask to see Dr Ferrier if you wish to have a coil fitted. We are happy to offer emergency contraception if needed- this does indeed qualify as an emergency and we will be happy to fit you in. Should contraception fail, all regular doctors at the surgery can be consulted with respect to termination of pregnancy requests to discuss the necessary referral. Local family planning and sexual health information can also be found here.
Chlamydia Screening
This year the government is backing a campaign to reduce the number of sexually transmitted diseases amongst 15-24yr olds. At the surgery we will be encouraging this group of patients to undertake a simple self administered test which will screen for chlamydia. Please take the opportunity to get yourself screened for this treatable condition that can have serious long term effects on health and fertility if ignored.
Cervical Smears
There is a computerised recall system for cervical smears which are generally taken every three years for women aged 25 -49 and every four and a half years thereafter unless there are problems. Either a doctor or a nurse can take a smear for you. It is as well to make a note of when your smear is next due. You will be informed of your result by letter.
Immunisations
Routine immunisations and travel vaccinations are performed by our practice nurses. The first baby immunisations are usually carried out at the post-natal check when the baby is 8 weeks old.
Diabetic clinic
These are run by Dr Allen and the nurses on a Wednesday morning twice monthly. All patients with diabetes are offered a check at least annually. Diabetic eye checks (also needed annually) are organised by the PCT. They will write to remind you that a check is due by one of their accredited optometrists; you may not choose whichever optician you like for this check. Their list is here. All diabetics should take a look at www.diabetes.org.uk for excellent advice on how to manage your diabetes.
Asthma clinics
These are run by the practice nurses in conjunction with Dr Purr & Dr Gee. We aim to see all asthmatic patients at least once a year.
Minor Surgery
Removal of "lumps and bumps" under local anesthetic, and freezing of warts and other lesions is carried out by Drs Allen, Purr and Gee. Please make an ordinary appointment first so that we can plan the best treatment. Unfortunately the PCT does not generally permit treatment of benign lesions which they class as cosmetic. Further information on their policies is available here.
Pregnancy care
This is usually undertaken by our community midwife (Ros Greensmith) on Tuesday afternoons from 2.15 - 4.30pm. Her contact details are here. If this is not convenient you can be seen in normal surgery hours. Most routine antenatal care occurs in the community, with ultrasound scans at the hospital (usually the Rosie Maternity hospital on the Addenbrookes site). The NHS currently does not offer nuchal scanning (a way of non invasively helping to assess the risk of Downs Syndrome using ultrasound between 11 weeks 2 days and 13 weeks 6 days gestation) but it is available locally for those who wish to pay for it and you may refer yourself. Information leaflets on local services are here, and nuchal scanning here.
Pregnant women are entitled to free NHS prescriptions and NHS dental care - the entitlement lasts until your baby is one year old. Details are here- if you think you are entitled but do not have an exemption card, please pop in to reception or dispensary and complete a form- we will then send it off for you.
Post natal examinations and baby checks
These are carried out when the baby is eight weeks old. The first set of immunisations can be given at the same time. Please ask for a "post natal appointment".
Child Health Surveillance
Regular developmental checks for children under five are done in conjunction with the Child and Family Nurses (previously called Health Visitors). At present the 6-8 week check and 8 month checks are done by a doctor at the surgery. Older children's checks will be arranged directly by the Child and Family Nurses. You are welcome to contact them directly for advice about any child up to age 16. They may be contacted on (01763) 262861.
Physiotherapy
We no longer have a physiotherapist in house as the PCT has suggested it is better to consolidate community physiotherapy services at Sawston Health Centre. If you feel that physiotherapy is needed please make an appointment to see a Doctor in the first instance, who will make a referral to the physiotherapist if appropriate. A drop in self-help physiotherapy advice service operates at Buchan Street Centre which you may use without a referral, or whilst you are on the physiotherapy waiting list. Domiciliary physiotherapy can also be arranged for the truly housebound.
We are lucky to have some excellent private (non NHS) physiotherapists in our practice area who offer a first class service; there are group practices in Haslingfield and Hauxton. You may self refer, but it is important to have discussed your plans with your doctor in advance if an insurance form will need completing.
Non NHS work (reports, certificates, insurance forms, etc.)
We have to make a charge for non-NHS services. Please ask the receptionist how much you will be asked to pay. Our current list of charges as of April 2009 is available at Reception.
Dr Allen also runs an aesthetic clinic specialising in the treatment of unwanted frown lines, lip augmentation, skin rejuvenation and excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), using Botox®, dermal fillers (eg Restylane) and glycolic peels. For further information on this service or if you would like to book a consultation then please contact him via the comments box here, or visit www.cambridgeskinclinic.co.uk
Counselling
It is often best to discuss things first with a doctor if you feel counselling may help, and in some cases we will suggest this as an appropriate course of action. Whilst we are lucky to have a counsellor at the surgery the doctors can refer to, other availability on the NHS does exist but is generally limited to those with specific problems and currently often involves a delay. Non-NHS organisations that provide counselling services locally include Centre 33 (for anyone under 26 and is free), Relate Cambridge or Royston (for relationship issues), and more general counselling is provided by The Cogwheel Trust, St Columba's Group Therapy or the Parkside Counselling Group. Details of some self-help books you may find useful are here.