Protection against tetanus and polio should be kept up to date. A full primary course with a booster at 15 should be followed by at least two boosters at 10 year intervals to protect throughout life.

Pre-pregnancy advice is offered by the doctors and midwife for those thinking of becoming pregnant. It is essential that you stop smoking, reduce your alcohol intake to a minimum, ensure an adequate daily intake of the vitamin folic acid in your diet, and check with your doctor about any medication you are taking. As a general rule don’t take any drugs, including those bought over the counter, in pregnancy, unless advised by your doctor. All pregnant women should attend the antenatal clinic as soon as possible.

Women aged 50 to 70 years will be offered a mammogram every three years, please discuss with your nurse or doctor.

Annual protection against influenza is offered to senior citizens and those at high risk, e.g., with chronic heart, chest, some breathing disorders, and diabetes.

NHSHealth Checks are available for patients aged between 40 and 74 who have not had a check in the last five years. This involves an assessment of your risks for developing heart disease and a simple examination, e.g., blood pressure, urine check and cholesterol level if appropriate. This is particularly important if you smoke, or have a family history of coronary heart disease at an early age (less than 60 years). Our practice nurses will give advice and follow-up support on giving up smoking, losing weight, lowering your cholesterol levels and following a healthy lifestyle.

Women between the ages of 25 to 65 will receive an invitation for a cervical smear test. This procedure should be performed routinely at three to five year intervals depending on age. Smears will be done more frequently where necessary.

If you think you may require any vaccinations relating to foreign travel you need to complete a travel risk assessment form and hand in to reception at least 6 weeks prior to departure. This will include which countries and areas within countries that you are visiting to determine what vaccinations are required.

There is further information about countries and vaccinations required on the links below: 

Europe & Russia	North America
Central America	South America
Carribean	Africa
Middle East	Central Asia
East Asia	Australasia and Pacific

Do you look after someone who is ill, frail, disabled or mentally ill? If so, you are a Carer.

We are interested in identifying Carers, especially those people who may be caring without help or support. We know that Carers are often “hidden”, looking after a family member or helping a friend or neighbour with day-to-day tasks and may not see themselves as a Carer.

We feel that caring for someone is an important and valuable role in the community, which is often a 24-hour job that can be very demanding and isolating. We believe Carers should receive appropriate support by way of access to accurate information on a range of topics, such as entitlement to benefits and respite care, as well as a listening ear when things get too much.

Carers are entitled to have their needs assessed by Adult Care Services. A Carers Assessment is a chance to talk about their needs as a Carer and the possible ways help could be given. It also looks at the needs of the person they care for. This could be done separately, or together, depending on the situation. There is no charge for an assessment.

If you are a Carer, this is an opportunity to let the practice know so that we can update our records and pass on your details to the Carers Service, who can provide relevant information and advice, local support services, newsletter and access to a telephone linkline. We can also refer you to Adult Care Services for a free Carer’s assessment.

If you think this could apply to you, please contact the surgery.

Woman aged between 25 and 65 are invited for a smear test. The test is simple and is used to detect cancer in the neck of the womb in its early stages while a complete cure is still possible. Please make an appointment with the practice nurse during normal surgery hours.