Nursing Services and Clinics

The Advanced Nurse Practitioner role is a service which aims to compliment the Doctors, by seeing patients with minor illness to enable the Doctors to see patients with more complex concerns.

Our Advanced Nurse Practitioner can see and treat conditions such as:

• Coughs and Colds (flu like symptoms)
• Earaches
• Sore throats
• Temperatures
• Conjunctivitis
• Rhinitis
• Aches and Pains
• Skin rashes
• Eczema
• Allergic reactions
• Skin infection
• Vaginal discharge
• Urinary symptoms such as cystitis, blood in urine.
• Asthma and chest problems
• Diabetes problems
• Raised blood pressure

Please note this is simply an indicative sample of the most common conditions this list is not exhaustive.

If your baby is under 6 months and unwell they will need to be seen by a GP for conditions other than minor problems (i.e. Nappy rash).

For Mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, and low mood you will still need to make an appointment with a GP.

This is a baby clinic run by our Health Visitor and Practice Nurses.

Clinic Times

Weeping Cross Health Centre

Friday Weekly 1.30pm to 3.30pm

John Amery Drive Surgery

Monday Weekly 1.30pm to 3.30pm

Beaconside Health Centre

Thursday Weekly 9.30am to 11.30am

For enquiries, please contact the Health Visiting team on 01785 665125.

Growth Monitoring

Growth Monitoring Guide (Weight, Length and Height).

These are carried out by the Practice Nurses. Please inform the reception staff when you book your appointment that you require a smear. Our policy is to screen every woman in the practice:

• Aged 25 to 50 Three Yearly
• Aged 50 to 65 Five Yearly

(Unless the cytologist / consultant recommends repeating the smear more often)

If you are unable to attend during clinic times an appointment can be made for you during normal surgery times.

Why should I have a Smear Test ?

This is a method of preventing cancer of the cervix by detecting abnormal cells early on. For further information see What is cervical screening?

All patients who have a history of CHD / Angina / Heart Failure will be invited to attend an annual CHD assessment with one of our Practice Nurses. In addition to recording vital medical statistics, comprehensive advice will be given on lifestyle and support offered to patients enabling them to live an ordinary life as possible.

If you have COPD/chronic bronchitis/emphysema you will be invited for an annual check up. A lung function test will be done and your medication and symptoms reviewed.

This is for monitoring and the follow-up of diabetic patients.

Advice is available for over weight patients, patients requiring low fat diets and for general advice about healthy eating.

Vaccination is recommended each year for patients in high risk groups, e.g. Diabetics, Asthmatics, chronic chest problem, heart and kidney disease, patients with impaired immune systems and for everyone over the age of 65 years.

Influenza (Flu) and the Vaccination.

This clinic is for monitoring patients with high blood pressure.

The nurse is available to discuss all aspects of the Menopause, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and contraception. She can also provide check ups and repeat prescriptions for the above.

Both doctors and nurses offer contraceptive services. Guidance on the best method of contraception for you is given and these include the pill, contraceptive injections, caps and coils, or implants.

Emergency contraception is also part of the service.

Please make an appointment with the nurse for routine checks and follow ups.

Family Planning Resources.

Help with smoking cessation includes one to one consultations over an average period of twelve weeks. During this time, you will receive advice and support from one of our experienced practice nurses as well as undergoing nicotine replacement therapy.

Please also complete our Smoking Status form.

Our Practice Nurse is available for travel advice and immunisations. An appointment should be made at least 6 weeks prior to travel.

Please note the above clinic times may occasionally vary and we therefore advise you to check with Reception.

The Nurse will discuss with you your lifestyle and family history as well as carry out a brief medical examination.