We believe that it is sensible to prevent illness whenever possible and we recommend the following measures for adults, as well as the routine immunisations and development checks for children. We encourage our team to provide these in the practice and it helps our records if all preventive procedures are arranged through the practice.

Health Checks

We offer health checks for men and women as appropriate. In addition, we provide planned care for patients with asthma, coronary risk factors, diabetes, epilepsy, high blood fats, high blood pressure, thyroid disease and those taking long-term drug treatments.

Breast Examination

Women are encouraged to learn to be “breast aware”.

Cervical Smear

We suggest that women should have a smear of the cervix taken every three years between the ages of 25 to 49, and every five years from the ages 50 to 64. The tests look for pre-cancer signs and can be taken by your GP or practice nurse.

Flu Immunisations

For those advised to have this please contact the practice in October.

Polio Immunisation (by mouth)

For unprotected adults before travelling abroad.

Tetanus/Diphtheria

Immunisations as needed, if you are concerned or unsure see the Practice Nurse.

Hypertension

Hypertension is the term used to describe high blood pressure. The British Hypertension Society defines raised blood pressure as above the reading of 160/90.

The Nurses will monitor and perform the regular 6 monthly checks on patients with high blood pressure in accordance with the guidelines for the management of hypertension.

Aims:

• To reduce mortality and morbidity from raised BP.
• To maintain or improve the quality of life of the patient with raised BP.

Objectives:

• To educate patients about their medical problem and associated risk factors.
• To provide advice to promote and sustain a healthier lifestyle.
• To monitor the effect of treatment and arrange future reviews at each review.
• Take BP and pulse.
• Test urine specimen annually.
• Check weight and advise.
• Check smoking habits and advise.

NHS Screening Programme

Screening is a way of identifying apparently healthy people who may have an increased risk of a particular condition. The NHS offers a range of screening tests to different sections of the population. The NHS screening programmes currently offered in England are listed below please click on the following links to find out more:

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening

AAA screening is offered to men in their 65th year to detect abdominal aortic aneurysms (a dangerous swelling in the aorta). Men over 65 can self-refer.

• www.nhs.uk/conditions/abdominal-aortic-aneurysm-screening

Bowel Cancer Screening

Bowel cancer screening involves having tests to check if you have or are at risk of bowel cancer.

• www.nhs.uk/conditions/bowel-cancer-screening

Breast Cancer Screening

Breast screening is offered to women aged 50 to 70 to detect early signs of breast cancer. Women over 70 can self-refer.

• www.nhs.uk/conditions/nhs-screening

Cervical Screening

Cervical screening is offered to women aged 25 to 64 to check the health of cells in the cervix. It is offered every 3 years for those aged 26 to 49, and every 5 years from the ages of 50 to 64.

• www.nhs.uk/conditions/cervical-screening

Diabetic Eye Screening

Diabetic eye screening is a test to check for eye problems caused by diabetes.

• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/diabetic-eye-screening/

Eye problems caused by diabetes are called diabetic retinopathy. This can lead to sight loss if it’s not found early.

• www.nhs.uk/conditions/diabetic-retinopathy

The eye screening test can find problems before they affect your sight.

Pictures are taken of the back of your eyes to check for any changes.

If you have diabetes and you’re aged 12 or over, you’ll get a letter asking you to have your eyes checked at least once a year.