FAMILY PLANNING SERVICES / CONTRACEPTION ADVICE

The Doctors and Practice Nurses are pleased to advise on all aspects of contraception.  Coils and Caps can be fitted by appointment.  The morning after pill / emergency contraception needs to be taken within 72 hours (most effective within 24 hours).  It is important to attend at the next available surgery to ensure maximum effectiveness There is a freephone advice line for emergency contraception on 0845 310 1334 9am-7pm otherwise you can contact NHS Direct-08454647 -24 hours.  We also offer Chlamydia screening to all ‘at risk’ patients.

 

Cervical Smears: We recommend that women between the ages of 25 and 49 years should have a smear every 3 years, and between the ages of 50 and 65 every 5 years.  Patients should receive a reminder to see the nurse if they have not had a smear in the last three or five years.

 

TRAVEL VACCINATIONS

At least 6 weeks before you travel please see the receptionist or Practice Nurse for advice on the recommended vaccinations for your destination, so that arrangements can be made for you to have the appropriate vaccinations.  We hold supplies of most vaccines.

 

INFLUENZA (annually) /PNEUOMOCCAL VACCINATIONS (single dose)

These are offered to all patients over 65 and any patient with asthma, diabetes or other chronic heart/respiratory/renal illnesses.  The ‘flu’ vaccinations usually become available in October.

 

PRACTICE NURSES

The practice nurses have clinics from 9.00am-10.00am and 4.l5pm- 6.00pm Monday to Friday (except Wednesday afternoons).  No appointment required.  We have 4 Practice Nurses working at the Medical Centre.  They offer a wide range of services: dressings, minor wounds - removal of stitches, ear syringing, travel vaccinations, blood pressure checks, blood taking (Please note many blood tests can only be taken in the morning), contraceptive care, cervical smears, breast self examination advice and advice on smoking, alcohol and weight.  They also run various sessions with appointments: Asthma, Diabetic, Hypertension, Quit Smoking, Well Woman/ Man/over 75 Health Check Clinics.

 

DISTRICT MIDWIFE / ANTE-NATAL CLINICS

The District Midwife holds weekly ante-natal clinics at the Medical Centre on Thursday mornings.  First attendance (newly pregnant) ladies are seen initially by arranging an appointment with the midwife usually for a different time.

 

DISTRICT NURSES

The District nurses provide nursing care and advice to housebound patients.  They are based here at Alsager Health Centre and can be contacted on 01270 275550.

 

HEALTH VISITOR

The Health Visitor can advise on the health and welfare of babies and children, the elderly and people with disabilities.  She runs the Child Health Development Clinics with the Doctor.  They are based here at Alsager Health Centre and can be contacted on 01270 275550.

 

PHYSIOTHERAPY

We have direct access to physiotherapy services here at Alsager Health Centre where there is a purpose built suite, and at Leighton Hospital.  We also have a District Physiotherapist for home visits.  The Doctor will refer you according to the nature of the problem and waiting times.

 

OTHER HEALTH CARE PROFFESIONALS

We have direct access to and can refer you when appropriate to the Community Mental Health Nurse, Stoma Care Nurse, Diabetic Liaison Nurse, MacMillan Nurse, Psychologist, Social Worker and Chiropodist.

 

SPECIALISED CLINICS / SERVICES

The Medical Centre offers the following services/ clinics.  They are run by the appropriate nurse and / or doctor.  An appointment is usually required, please enquire with the receptionist.

 

CHILD IMMUNISATION CLINIC

Every Tuesday morning.  You are welcome to discuss any point regarding vaccinations with the Doctors, Nurses or Health Visitor.  Immunisations can be given at other times by arrangement.

 

CHILD HEALTH SURVEILLANCE CLINIC

Wednesday mornings, held by the Doctor and Health Visitor to assess your child’s development.

 

PHLEBOTOMY / BLOOD TAKING CLINICS

The phlebotomist attends the health centre to take blood samples.  Details/ Appointments from Reception.

 BLOOD TEST RESULTS-please allow at least 3 working days for the results to be received and reviewed by the Doctors, after which you should contact/telephone the Medical Centre, ideally between 10.30am-12md, to see what action, if any, needs to be taken.

 

MINOR SURGERY

The Doctors are trained and equipped to perform a variety of minor surgical and cryotherapy (freeze) procedures.  We have access to a fully equipped operating theatre.

 

DIETITIAN

Tuesday mornings.  A trained dietician will be pleased to advise on weight reducing, low cholesterol, diabetic, coeliac, vegan and any other special diets.

 

COUNSELLOR

Counselling services are available here at the Medical Centre.  The Doctor may refer you for a course of treatment.

Specialist alcohol counselling is available.

 

ASTHMA or CHRONIC CHEST CONDITIONS (COPD)

We recommend all sufferers attend this clinic to help get the best control of their asthma/chest condition and be advised of how to respond to an exacerbation/attack.

 

DIABETES

We encourage all our diabetic patients to attend at least once a year for a full diabetic check-up at a clinic run jointly by the Doctor and Practice Nurse.

 

HYPERTENSION AND HEART DISEASE PREVENTION

Clinics run to help reduce heart disease and monitor control of blood pressure.  Patients between 60-75 (and 40-59 if you suffer from raised blood pressure or cholesterol) can be screened to see if they are at risk of heart disease and subsequently advised on how to reduce their risks – please ask at reception if you are interested.

 

PATIENT HEALTH CHECKS

Well Man/Woman (3-Yearly), New Patient (Invitation on Registering) And Over 75-yrs (annual)

Patients are welcome to request a health check by the Practice Nurse with screening and advice on healthy living and health problems for all ages (over 16 years).