The Esplanade Surgery

CLINICS

A number of clinics are held within the practice. These are arranged at varying times to suit the needs of our patients. We provide contraceptive services and undertake various types of minor surgery. Maternity medical services can be provided by our doctors. Child surveillance is undertaken in the surgery by all doctors.

Well Person Clinic

Patients who have not seen a healthcare professional within the previous three years may request an appointment for this.

The clinics are designed to check apparently healthy people for a range of possible problems and are usually carried out by our health care assistant unless the patient requires cervical screening. Patients are offered blood pressure and urine checks, advice on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, for example, with regard to diet and exercise. Women are offered cervical smear examinations where appropriate.

CHD Clinic

Patients are usually invited to attend the coronary heart disease clinic or may have been advised to do so because they already have some type of heart or circulation trouble, or it may be thought that a particular patient may be at risk of illness in the future eg because of a strong family history of heart disease. Blood pressure, urine checks and, where indicated, blood tests will be taken, treatment will be monitored and any worries or problems in this area can be discussed.

Asthma/COPD Clinics

These clinics provide help with the care of asthma/COPD in terms of education, preventative measures, drugs and general management of the illness.

Diabetes Clinic

Most patients with diabetes are now managed in the practice. Dr Hughes and three of our nurses are qualified in diabetes care. Some (type 1 and pregnant women) patients may be referred to the Hospital Diabetes Clinic.

Family Planning

A full range of services is available including IUD fitting, implants and pre-sterilisation counselling. Access via doctor's appointment.

Anti-coagulation Clinics

We provide regular clinics to check Warfarin levels. These are undertaken by three of our practice nurses.

Stop Smoking

Our specially trained health care assistant offers counselling, help and support by appointment.

Antenatal

Baby Immunisation

Any time by appointment.

Influenza Vaccination

We encourage flu vaccination in early autumn for all patients over the age of 65 and those under 65 at particular risk with heart, chest, diabetes and other chronic conditions. The vaccination targets 'killer' strains of flu believed to pose the greatest threat in any particular year.

Pneumonia Vaccination

Our elderly patients are also encouraged to have a 'once only' vaccination against pneumonia.

Young Persons' 'Drop In Clinic'

This clinic, aimed specifically at 13 to 24 year-olds, is held every Wednesday between 3.00 and 6.00pm and is open to registered and non-registered patients alike. The clinic provides both general health and sexual health advice. No appointment is necessary - just ask at reception for Christine, our nurse who provides this service.

Patients With Terminal Illness

We work closely with the Hospice and other healthcare professionals to provide the best possible care to those patients who wish to spend their last days at home.

Carers

If you are the carer of a patient are yourself cared for by someone, we may be able to provide more help or support if we know. Please speak to the receptionist.

Children's Immunisations

We are totally committed to a policy of full immunisation for all children. Invitations will be sent to parents of all children in the practice when immunisations are due. The current schedule is:

If you have any queries with regard to immunisations please ask one of the practice nurses or your health visitor.

Cervical Smears

These are recommended routinely at three-yearly intervals from age 25 - 50. They are normally carried out by the practice nurses, but you may request a doctor if you prefer.

Tetanus

All adults who have not had a full primary course of three injections against tetanus are advised to do so. Adults who have not had the complete course of five injections (providing lifetime immunity) are advised to have a tetanus vaccination at 10-yearly intervals.

Travel Advice And Vaccinations

We offer health advice and some vaccinations free of charge. Certain vaccines (eg Yellow Fever, Rabies) have to be paid for. Please make an appointment with the nurse at least eight weeks before you travel.

Life Insurance, Pre-Employment, Driving And Other Medicals, Non NHS Certificates Etc.

Your doctor will be pleased to perform these services for you but they are not covered by the National Health Service and you will be charged the British Medical Association recommended fee.

Life assurance medicals and most pre-employment medicals are paid for by the company concerned. Please see the receptionist for an appointment, stating that it is for whichever medical examination you require, as extra time will be required.