Clinical Information

Cervical Smears

The Cervical smear test is a screening test that is offered to all women between the ages of 25-65 years. Depending on your age the test is recommended every 3-5 years. We actively encourage all women to attend for screening as evidence shows the test to be an extremely effective way of detecting any abnormal cervical cells. Regular screening can identify early changes in the cells, which can sometimes precede cervical cancer. The test can be carried out at any time between periods and the laboratory will notify you of the result through the post. If you have any concerns or are worried about having the test done, our nurses are always happy to discuss it further with you in the privacy of the treatment room.

Doppler Test

A doppler test is a diagnostic test used to assess the arterial blood flow through the lower legs and feet. It works by sound waves that pass through the arteries detecting the pulse and flow of the blood- very similar in principle to that used by submarines detecting sounds through water! An appointment is made with the Practice Nurses and is usually performed at the end of either the morning or afternoon surgery, this is to allow for 'rest time' where the patient is laid down for approximately 20 minutes prior to the test being performed. The test is painless and there are no after effects. [top]

Immunisations

Immunisation is important for all young babies, children and adults to prevent the spread of communicable diseases. Vaccination schedules are constantly being assessed and developed to offer the best protection against these diseases and we are fortunate that through successful immunisation programs, it is extremely rare for us to see infectious diseases in modern medicine.

Below are the scheduled dates that are recommended for vaccination:

8 weeks:	Dip, Tet, Pertussis, Hib, Polio and Pneumococcal
12 weeks:	Dip, Tet, Pertussis, Hib, Polio and Men C
16 weeks:	Dip, Tet, Pertussis, Hib, Polio, Men C and Pneumococcal
12 months:	Men C and Hib booster
13 months:	MMR and Pneumococcal booster
3 years and 9 months:	Dip, Tet, Acellular Pertussis, Pol and MMR II
14 years:	Dip, Tet and Polio booster II
Adult:	Dip, Tet and Polio booster (if no record of 5 previous doses)

In addition to this schedule, occasionally booster vaccinations are necessary, such as in the event of a disease outbreak. Routine BCG vaccination is no longer given to every child but focused on those 'at risk' groups. These include babies born from overseas migrants and target groups within inner city areas such as London, where the highest incidence of disease is found.

For further information about vaccinations and the diseases they prevent, please follow the NHS link below.

www.immunisation.org.uk

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Ear Syringing

Ear syringing is not routinely performed, as it can exacerbate wax build up for future episodes as well as increase the risk of infection. However if it is necessary to syringe, the Practice Nurse will perform the procedure. She will firstly need to examine the ears to assess whether the wax requires softening with drops, or if there is an infection that requires treatment. Syringing can only take place once the wax has been softened to prevent trauma to the ear and minimise discomfort. [top]

Peak Flow Testing

This is the easiest and most accurate way of diagnosing and monitoring asthma symptoms. It involves blowing into a device to measure the volume of air expelled from the lungs and can be done at any time of the day or night. The results are recorded in a graph type diary and allow the patient to adjust their inhaler doses accordingly. [top]

Spirometry Testing

This is a diagnostic test that helps to give a more accurate diagnosis of whether a patient has asthma or a chronic lung disease. It is also valuable for monitoring how severe a chronic lung condition may be. Spirometry testing is available at both surgeries with Vicky, Polly or Karen. If you are to have a spirometry test we request that prior to your appointment you do not :

• Use a reliever inhaler for 4 hours prior to testing
• Smoke
• Drink alcohol
• Eat a large meal

Please read the downloadable Patient Information Leaflet for further information before attending for your appointment.

» Downlaod Patient Information Leaflet

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Pregnancy Pre/Post Natal

Any woman planning a pregnancy is welcome to attend the surgery to discuss it with the Practice Nurse. She can offer useful advice and health tips, ensuring that you are in the peak of health in preparation for the next 9 months! Once pregnancy has been confirmed an appointment is made at approximately 7-10 weeks with the Healthcare Support Worker to complete the relevant paperwork. This includes a referral to the Midwife who will be responsible for the majority of your care throughout the pregnancy.

We have two community midwives attached to our surgery:
Sue Wells, who looks after our patients at Hanway Road surgery and Jackie Luckett who looks after those at Stubbington Avenue surgery.

Generally the midwife will review you at the clinic on a monthly basis, until the latter stages of pregnancy when the appointments become more frequent. We ask that you bring a urine sample to each appointment, where you will have a general health check including blood pressure, weight and measurement of your baby's growth. After the birth of your baby the GP will initially visit you at home to check that both mother and baby are well. A postnatal appointment is then required 6 weeks after the birth, for both the mother and baby to have a final check up with the GP. [top]