Antenatal Clinics;  Our antenatal clinics are run by the practice Community Midwives. When you find that you are pregnant you will be offered an appointment with the midwife. The antenatal clinics are held both at Beech House and Wath Brow surgeries, usually on a Monday or Tuesday. The majority of your antenatal care is provided by the Community Midwives including the early dating ultrasound scan. A "woman centred" approach to care is given, as much as is possible, on an individual basis. Working closely with other members of the practice team the Community Midwives aim to give women and their families the support and advice needed before and after the birth of their baby.
Wart Clinics; Once or twice a month there is a wart clinic run by one our nurses who is experienced in treating warts verrucas and minor skin lesions which are suitable for freezing. If you have one of these skin problems please see one of the doctors initially to have the lesion assessed. Please note that we do not recommend freezing for young children as it can be painful. 
Hypertension Clinics;  A Practice Nurse with GP support holds these clinics at both Beech House and Wath Brow surgeries. If you have high blood pressure you will normally be asked to attend a clinic once or twice a year. The aim of these clinics is to ensure that if you have high blood pressure you receive a complete review of your condition including medication and lifestyle advice. Investigations include blood tests, height, weight, blood pressure and checking a urine sample. An electrocardiograph (ECG) may be taken and your eyes and heart may be checked by a GP. Lifestyle advice is given regarding smoking, diet, weight control and exercise.
Minor Operations;  Some of our doctors are experienced in performing minor operations to remove "lumps and bumps". These are usually done under local anaesthetic in the treatment room with the assistance of a practice nurse. If you would like a skin lesion removed please make an appointment to have it first assessed by one of the doctors who perform minor surgery
Cervical Smears; All women between the ages of 25 and 65 are invited for a cervical smear every 3 years unless there is a reason why it may not necessary eg the woman has had a hysterectomy. The recall scheme is organized by the health authority with a backup recall record held on the practice's computer.

For more details about cervical cancer screening follow this link:
http://www.cancerscreening.nhs.uk/cervical/index.html

 
Asthma Clinics;  Asthma clinics are run by one of our practice nurses who has had specialised training in the management of asthma. Asthma clinics are held at both our Beech House and Wath Brow surgeries. Help and advice is given on the use of inhalers and other medication with the aim of assisting patients in controlling their asthma. Patients with asthma are advised to attend the clinic at least once a year.

Follow this link for the National Asthma Campaign website: http://www.asthma.org.uk/index.php 

Diabetes Clinics;  Diabetes clinics are run at both Beech House and Wath Brow surgeries by two of our practice nurses who hold diplomas in diabetes care. Patients with diabetes who are looked after in the practice rather than hospital are invited to attend one of the diabetes clinics once every 3-6 months dependent on how well their diabetes is controlled. The purpose of the clinics is to monitor patient's diabetic control and give advice to help patient's manage their diabetes successfully. Regular checks are made to monitor the development of any of the complications of diabetes and to try and prevent the occurrence of complications.

Follow this link for the Diabetes UK website: http://www.diabetes.org.uk/home.htm
Childhood Immunisations; These are organised and usually given by our Health Visitors. The timetable for immunisations throughout is as follows:

2 months: Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Polio and HiB ; Pneumococcal vaccine

3 months: Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Polio and HiB ; Meningitis C.

4 months: Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Polio and HiB ; Meningitis C ;    Pneumococcal vaccine

12 months: Combined HiB/Meningitis C booster

13 months: 1st MMR ; Pneumococcal vaccine

4 years: Diptheria, Acellular Pertussis, Tetanus. Polio. 2nd MMR

14 -15 years: Low dose Diphtheria and Tetanus. Polio

For more details follow this link: www.immunisation.org.uk
Travel Vaccinations; If you are planning to travel abroad and think that you may need vaccinations please see one of our practice nurses in plenty of time to make sure that there is enough time to complete the course of necessary vaccinations. Please note that Beech House is a registered Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre

Follow this link to the Department of Health travel advice website: http://www.doh.gov.uk/traveladvice/
Ultrasound Examinations; Some years ago following the fundraising efforts of our staff and the local community the practice was able to purchase an ultrasound machine for use of our patients within the practice. This can often save a journey to the hospital for similar examinations. It is used by our midwives and usually once a week a radiologist comes to Beech House to perform ultrasound examinations eg for the detection of gallstones.
Postnatal Checks: Usually 6 weeks after the birth of your baby both mother and child will be sent an appointment to attend surgery for a check up with a doctor and with your Health Visitor. Your baby's weight, length and head circumference will be measured and the doctor will examine your baby to check their heart, hips, circulation etc. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss any concerns you have.

You yourself will be examined if necessary and you will be able to discuss such topics as contraception
Heart Disease Clinics; A Practice Nurse with GP support holds these clinics at both Beech House and Wath Brow surgeries. If you have heart disease you will normally be asked to attend a clinic once or twice a year. The aim of these clinics is to ensure that if you have heart disease you receive a complete review of your condition including medication and lifestyle advice. Investigations include blood tests, height, weight, blood pressure and checking a urine sample. An electrocardiograph (ECG) may be taken. Lifestyle advice is given regarding smoking, diet, weight control and exercise.

Follow this link to the British Heart Foundation website; http://www.bhf.org.uk
Well Person Checks; Our Practice Nurses are able to provide health checks for patients even if you are not ill. They can check your blood pressure, weight and, if indicated, certain blood tests.