Clinics

Health Promotion And Illness Prevention

A variety of free clinics is available to all patients. We can help with weight reduction, smoking cessation, cutting down on alcohol consumption, advice on exercise and stress reduction. We also offer general health checks in our well persons clinic and screening for blood pressure, heart disease and stroke prevention. Please arrange an appointment with the practice nurse.

Family Planning

Please see the doctor - we offer a full contraceptive service including coil fitting.

Maternity Care

We hold weekly antenatal clinics (Fridays 12.30 - 2.00pm) jointly with the midwives.

Cervical Smears

We recommend smear tests at three-yearly intervals for women between the ages of 25 and 49, and every five years for those aged between 50 and 64. Please tell us if you are not currently having these tests and an appointment will be given as soon as possible.

Counselling

A counsellor is available by appointment each Monday, Thursday and Friday. Please see the doctor for a referral.

Health Checks

Patients under the age of 75 should be seen at least once every three years.

If you are aged 75 or over, you should be seen annually either by your doctor, community matron, the practice nurse, the district nurse or the health visitor. This can be arranged at the surgery or, if that is not possible, a home visit will be arranged.

Travel Immunisations And Vaccinations

Please contact our practice nurse for advice; immunisations are usually free to the patients. Please make an appointment at least eight weeks in advance of your holiday to ensure adequate cover.

Flu Vaccinations

These are available in the autumn. Please contact reception. They are recommended for people over the age of 65 or those with long-term illness such as asthma, bronchitis, diabetes or heart problems etc. Vaccinations are also advised for registered careers. Pneumococcal vaccinations are also available all year round.

Minor Surgery

We provide a minor surgery service.

Other Medical Services

Private Fees For Non-NHS Work

Like any other profession, your GP is entitled to charge for the provision of a service. In our case, this applies to any work that does not fall under the umbrella of the NHS and includes private health care, insurance forms, passport applications, private sick notes, holiday cancellation forms and many others.

Laboratory Specimens And Tests

If you are asked to provide a specimen for analysis, please ask for a container from reception and ensure you have written your name and date of birth clearly on the container. The specimen container should be placed in the bag attached to the form provided. This must be done before 10.30am so that all specimens are ready for collection. Patients should telephone the surgery within two days for urine results, and five days for blood results.

Please note that patients who have been asked to have blood tests may go with their blood forms to the following places, at the following times:

Leigh Infirmary (7.00 - 9.00am) by appointment only. Tel 01942 483453. You can also turn up without an appointment if you go direct to the blood room between 8.30am and 2.00pm

Thomas Linacre Diagnostic Suite 7.30am-4.30pm Monday to Friday

Hindley Clinic by appointment only. Tel 01942 773151

Get To Know Your Local Pharmacist

Some medicines can, of course, be bought over the counter at your local chemist but there will be times when you will be prescribed drugs by your GP. Many of these are strictly controlled and can only be dispensed by a suitably qualified pharmacist.

Not only can your pharmacist dispense medication to you on a doctor’s instruction but they can also advise you independently when necessary, even saving you a trip to the surgery in many cases. For example, you might need help in choosing the right medicine for a particular condition, or you are not sure what is causing you a health problem or you just want advice on how to stay healthy. In all these cases, you will find that your pharmacist is an invaluable source of advice.

So get to know your local pharmacist and keep the telephone number handy; you can get advice over the phone if you wish. Remember too, if you are obtaining a new medication from your pharmacy, always say if you are already taking some other form of drug and be prepared to answer any questions put to you. This is to protect you from suffering a possible reaction to a particular drug or mixture of drugs.