CLINICS

Diabetes Clinics

These are run by Rachel Paton, the nurse practitioner and Marj Robertson, practice nurse. Appointments are by invitation only. If you have diabetes you will be referred to the clinic by your doctor or practice nurse.

Antenatal clinic

Antenatal appointments are to be made with a GP in routine surgery. First appointments and postnatal appointments require a double appointment. Please inform the receptionist at time of booking.

Baby clinic

The baby clinics are run by a doctor and health visitor for child development checks and immunisation and also allow an opportunity to discuss other problems, eg sleeping, feeding and child health worries. Eight week checks are held on Thursday afternoons with the doctor and practice nurse. Mothers should make the appointment at least one week ahead and the baby MUST be 8 weeks or just over. We will not immunise under 8 weeks old.

Asthma Clinic

Asthma check appointments are to be made routinely with a practice nurse. Please make a double appointment.

Family planning/teenage sexual health

Each doctor provides this service and will be happy to discuss individual needs. Anyone requiring an IUCD (coil) will be referred to family planning.

Please make routine appointment with the practice nurse for contraceptive care.

Well women clinics

The practice nurses do smear testing and will discuss women's health issues. Postnatal checks are done by GPs only. Please inform the receptionist if you require a smear/postnatal appointment.

Minor surgery

Please book a routine appointment with a GP to discuss further management of minor surgical procedures.

Non-NHS examinations

The doctors are happy to carry out private medicals including those for adoption/fostering. There is limited availability for these appointments and patients will be put on a waiting list.

Counselling

Elif Bingol is our practice-based counsellor and patients are referred to her appropriately following an appointment with a doctor or Rachel Paton.

Patients over 75 years

If you are aged 75 or over you should be seen annually. Please contact the surgery for appointment details.

Travel immunisations/Vaccinations

Please make an appointment at least four weeks in advance of your holiday to ensure adequate cover. Please inform reception when booking your appointment that it is for travel as this requires a longer appointment. Travel immunisations are only administered by practice nurses.
The Greyswood Practice is an authorised Yellow Fever vaccination centre.

Flu vaccination

An influenza vaccination is particularly recommended for patients with heart, lung or kidney disease, diabetes, and residents of nursing and rest homes. These patients will receive a letter in September, which will include dates of the flu clinics held at the surgery. Housebound patients or those in nursing homes will be visited by a doctor or district nurse throughout October.

IMMUNISATIONS

Children

The current recommended schedule is:

Influenza and Pneumonia Vaccine

In accordance with Department of Health guidelines, we recommend an influenza plus  pneumonia vaccination for patients with diabetes, chronic heart, lung or kidney disease and residents of nursing and rest homes. The vaccination is available in October; please contact the practice nurse for further details.

TRAVEL ADVICE

Our practice nurses will be pleased to give advice to those patients going abroad. Please allow adequate time in order for any vaccine(s) to be effective. Certain vaccines are chargeable - please ask at the time of booking.

Before you go

Well before travelling abroad, check with your travel agent or the tourist office/embassy of the country you intend to visit on any special precautions you may need to take. At least two months before departure discuss any vaccination requirements with the practice nurse. Pack a small first aid kit containing adhesive dressings, insect repellent, antiseptic cream and water purification tablets etc; ask at the pharmacy.

When Abroad

Check on the quality of the drinking water. If in doubt either drink only bottled water or use purification tablets. Avoid ice in drinks as this may well have been made from suspect water. Raw vegetables, salads and fresh fruits should be carefully washed in clean water. If in doubt stick to freshly cooked food. Beware of the sun! Use a high factor sunscreen particularly in the first few days of exposure. Children in particular should be closely monitored in this respect. In hot climates, drink plenty of non-alcoholic drinks. If you are not passing water regularly you are not drinking enough.

On your Return

If you fall ill, don't forget to tell your doctor that you have travelled abroad. If you have received treatment abroad, tell your own doctor on return. When donating blood, tell the transfusion staff which countries you have visited.