Clinics and Services
Long Term Conditions
Our team of expert nurses manage our patients with long term conditions such as:
– Diabetes
– Asthma – If you have been advised by the surgery to submit an annual review of your asthma symptoms please use this form
– COPD – If you have been advised by the surgery to submit a COPD assessment please use this form
– Hypertension
– Patients prescribed anti coagulation
– Stroke
– Coronary heart disease
– Prevention of coronary heart disease and other long term conditions
Minor Surgery
A wide range of minor surgery is performed by our doctors.
Please note: it is necessary to have a consultation with the doctor, to assess the condition, prior to booking any procedure.
Minor procedures performed at the surgery include:
– Cautery
– Joint injections (shoulders, knees, ankles)
– Tennis and golfer’s elbow injections
– Removal of lumps and bumps
– Removal of moles
Pregnancy and Children
Maternity care begins even before the pregnancy. Couples planning a baby are encouraged to make an appointment to discuss how to give their child the best start by making changes to their diet and lifestyle.
Finding Out You Are Pregnant
All newly pregnant women need to contact the midwifery service at Colchester General Hospital website at around 8 weeks. They will give you all the information you will need for your pregnancy.
Postnatal Care
All new mums are invited to attend a ‘post-natal’ check 8 weeks after delivery, at which time baby’s first child health examination is also conducted and you will be advised of your baby’s vaccination schedule.
Please note that contraception can be started at 3 weeks after delivery even if you are breast feeding. If you need contraception before your 8 week check please make a Family Planning appointment.
Your Baby
All children undergo a series of routine examinations in their first 5 years. Examinations are now conducted at:
– 8 weeks
– 3 years
– 4-5 years (pre-school)
Naturally, if there are any worries between these times, we will be happy to discuss them with you.
Childhood Immunisation Programme
Please see the NHS Website
Care Closer to Home
We realise that it is both inconvenient and can be difficult for patients to travel to access services, so where possible we offer outside agencies room to see patients at The Medical Centre. Unfortunately, space restricts these but currently we offer:
– Smoking cessation
– Lifestyle Advice
– Health in Mind
– Midwifery
– Podiatry
Contraception
We offer a range of contraceptives which includes barrier methods, injections and the contraceptive pill. Please book an appointment in our Family Planning Clinics where our nursing team will be happy to discuss all methods of contraception and help you find the best method for you.
Cervical Screening
The practice follows the National Programme for Cervical Screening.
Travel Vaccinations
If you require any vaccinations relating to foreign travel you need to complete a travel assessment form and our travel nurse will then contact you to discuss your travel arrangements. This will include which countries and areas within countries that you are visiting to determine what vaccinations are required.
There is further information about countries and vaccinations required on the links below:
Before booking an appointment please complete the travel questionnaire. We ask for this 12 weeks prior to the date you leave. Our nurse will check what vaccines you need and ensure these are in stock before contacting you with an appointment. Some travel vaccines are ordered on a private prescription and these incur a charge over and above the normal prescription charge. This is because not all travel vaccinations are included in the services provided by the NHS.
Travelling in Europe
If you are travelling to Europe the EU has published useful information for travellers on the European website.
Blood Tests
Please note the Phlebotomy Clinic offers blood tests by appointment only. Please contact Reception who will be happy to make an appointment with you.
Please note:
– For patients under 18ys, please make an appointment before 10:30am with Nurse Kerry Millar. We will issue a prescription for some cream to numb your arm at the site we take the blood from. Please make sure you apply this 1 hour before attending your appointment.
– Patients who are known to be difficult to bleed, please make an appointment via reception
Our blood tests are collected each day at 10:30am and 3:00pm to be taken to the laboratory so we cannot do blood tests after this time.
If you can not attend the surgery at these times. You can collect your blood forms and these can be taken to the Walk In Centre In Colchester. They complete blood tests between 07:00 – 14:00, Monday – Wednesday.
Non-NHS Services
Some services provided are not covered under our contract with the NHS and therefore attract charges. Examples include the following:
– Medicals for pre-employment, sports and driving requirements (HGV, PSV etc.)
– Other Medicals
– Insurance claim forms
– Prescriptions for taking medication abroad
– Private sick notes
– Vaccination certificates
– Referral letters for patients with private insurance
The fees charged are based on the British Medical Association (BMA) suggested scales and our reception staff will be happy to advise you about them along with appointment availability.