Cervical Smears

Smears are normally performed by a nurse. The test can detect cell changes in the cervix (neck of the womb), that can sometimes lead to cancer in the future. If the changes are present, treatment is nearly always simple, effective and of a minor nature.

We recommend a test every 3 years for patients aged between 25 and 49 years and then 5 yearly – you will be called at the appropriate time. Patients who have had a total hysterectomy do not need a smear.

Ask your GP or the practice nurse if you are not sure.

Children’s Immunisations

The children's immunisation clinic is held on Wednesday. Parent/Carers will receive a letter inviting you child for the scheduled immunisations which are due. If you can not attend a clinic date, please speak to a member of reception staff and they will arrange a suitable time for this with a nurse.

The current schedule for immunisation can be found at www.immunisation.nhs.uk/Immunisation_Schedule

Complementary Medicine

For some years the GPs at West View Surgery have worked closely with private complementary practitioners. This allows our patients a choice of therapies to complement their conventional medical care.

Our new premises provide sufficient space for a number of private complementary therapists to actually practice at West View. Because they are private practitioners it is necessary for them to charge a fee for the treatment, although some costs may be covered by medical insurance. We would emphasize, however, that some of the treatments are available, free of charge, elsewhere within the NHS.

The following complementary therapies are endorsed by doctors:

• Acupuncture

• Classical Homeopathy

• Complex Homeopathy

• Chiropody

• Herbal Medicine

• Osteopathy

• Physiotherapy

• Psychotherapy, Counselling and Hypnotherapy

• Reflexology

• Therapeutic Massage and Aromatherapy

There are leaflets and further information on all of the above available at reception. These will provide details of the individual therapies and how they may help you, together with the charges for consultation and treatment, or if you prefer you may discuss their suitability with your doctor.

Emergency Contraception

(“Morning After Pill & Morning After Coil”)

Hormonal contraception may be possible up to 72 hours after unprotected intercourse or if an “accident” occurs with other methods and even a little longer if a coil is used. Please contact the surgery during normal hours and have this treatment as soon as is reasonably possible. The morning after pill may also be available free of charge at the chemist. Please contact the chemist.

Family Planning and Contraception

The practice offers a full contraceptive and family planning service. Please make an appointment at reception for one of the doctors or the practice nurses.

Hypertension, Coronary Heart Disease, Asthma and Diabetes Clinic

If you have high blood pressure, coronary heart disease or diabetes you will need regular follow-up and much of this will be with the nurse according to protocols worked out with the doctors. This will be at least every 6 months. Please ask for the appropriate appointment (e.g. a diabetic appointment) for routine check-ups.
Asthma Checks

Please make an appointment with a nurse annually.

Immunisations

The practice nurse immunises children under 5 years of age on a Wednesday afternoon between 1.00 pm - 2.30 pm, and at other times by appointment.

Adult immunisations are also by appointment with a practice nurse, in normal nurse surgery.

Minor Surgery

Dr Havers and Dr Scholte perform minor surgical procedures which include many things such as the removal of certain skin cysts, moles and other skin lesions and ingrowing toe nails.

All the doctors perform injections of arthritic joints but not necessarily all joints.

If you have a concern regarding any of the above conditions, the first step would be to arrange a consultation. Referral to the most experienced practitioner can then be arranged from there. Due to changes in local provision, there are a number of benign skin conditions that will not be removed on the NHS, if deemed to be cosmetic in nature.

Stop Smoking Advice

There are advisors available for Stop Smoking Advice. The initial visit will take approximately 30 minutes and subsequent visits can be booked for 10 minute slots. The advisors follow the B&NES Stop Smoking Programme for which there are nicotine replacement therapies available as well as Champix.

Please speak to a member of reception staff, a GP or a nurse for information on the programme.