Medical Services

Asthma & diabetic clinics

Our practice nurses hold regular diabetes and asthma clinics. Advice from the practice nurses may be obtained at any time by appointment or by telephone.

 

Breast Screening

The NHS Breast Screening Programme offers breast screening to all women over the age of 50. You should automatically be called for screening when you reach the age of 50 but if you have any concerns you should discuss these with your GP.

 

Carer Support

If you give up your time, without pay, to look after a family member, a friend, or a neighbour who is ill, frail, or has a disability, then you are a carer.

You may be a parent carer, a young carer, or care for an older person.

You and the person you care for can get help, advice, and support from many health and social care professionals and voluntary support groups in Somerset.

If you would like further information about support for carers please contact Somerset Direct. Their address and telephone number is given below.

 

Tel – 0300 123 2224.

Alternatively you may wish to discuss this with you GP who is able to make a referral on your behalf.

 

Cervical cytology

Cervical smears can be arranged with a doctor or nurse. In conjunction with the Somerset and Dorset Health Authority we operate a computerised system to call women between the ages of 24 and 49 for a smear every three years and women between 50 and 64 every five years.

 

Child health

Assessment, and advice is carried out by both doctors and health visitors. The key checks are as follows:

• 6 weeks Developmental check with the doctor.
• 6 to 9 months Developmental assessment and hearing rest with your health visitor.

Your health visitor will advise you about further routine checks.

 

Child immunisations

Clinics for school-leavers, pre-school children and babies are currently held every Tuesday morning.

You will receive notification of an appointment direct from the health authority. Please bring with you to the appointment your Personal Child Health Record (red booklet), your appointment card and your signed consent form.

If you are unable to keep the appointment please let reception know in good time beforehand.

See up to date information on child and other immunisations at NHS Immunisation (the most comprehensive, up-to-date and accurate source of information on vaccines, disease and immunisation in the UK).

See the Immunisations page.

 

Counselling service

We offer an in-house counselling service which is provided under contract to Somerset Primary Care Trust. If you need the services of a counsellor please discuss this with your doctor.

 

Family planning

We offer Family Planning advice during routine appointments with your doctor.

Emergency and confidential advice is available at all times.

 

Foreign travel

We are able to arrange most vaccinations required for foreign travel. Please consult the practice sufficiently early.

We need at least six weeks' notice prior to departure in order to allow an appropriate interval between vaccinations if needed, and ensure that you are offered appropriate advice.

Please note: although most travel vaccinations are available from the surgery some drugs such as for malaria prophylaxis have to be purchased by the patient from a pharmacist (some on a private prescription). Please note travel advice, vaccinations and drugs for prophylaxis against infection are not free of charge on the NHS. Please ask at reception for an up-to-date list of fees.

Our practice nurses will give advice where required.

See the Holiday travel page.

 

Health promotion

Various members of the primary health care team are involved in aspects of health promotion.

Topics covered Include:

• stopping smoking advice
• dietary advice
• sexual health
• mental health
• advice on alcohol consumption
• accident prevention
• exercise
• skin cancer prevention

 

Influenza & Pneumococcal immunisations

A flu vaccination programme is undertaken between October and December each year. Patients aged 65 or over or those of any age suffering from a chronic condition such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, renal disease, or immmunosuppression are encouraged to attend for an annual vaccination.

Flu clinics will be advertised nearer the time and invitations sent out where appropriate. Special arrangements are made for those in nursing or long-stay residential homes.

Pneumococcal immunisation is recommended for children as part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule. A single dose is also recommended for adults aged 65 and over. Pneumococcal immunisation is also recommended for children and adults of any age who have certain diseases that put them at risk, e.g., asplenia or splenic dysfunction.

 

Maternity

Doctors see patients for antenatal care during normal surgery appointment times.

Antenatal clinics are held by the midwives at Glastonbury Library.

Post natal and 6 week baby checks are carried out by the GP at the surgery.

 

Minor surgery

Our treatment room is fully equipped for minor procedures carried out under a local anaesthetic. Your own doctor will arrange minor surgery for you if required.

 

Other services

The practice also provides the following:

• Anti-coagulation monitoring (warfarin dose monitoring)
• Near patient testing (drug monitoring by blood testing)

 

Test results

Staff are able to advise you whether a result is satisfactory or whether you should consult your doctor.

Please telephone reception between 2:00pm and 4:00pm for results.

All laboratory tests results are dealt with in strictest confidence.