Preventative Medicine
Child Immunisations
All children should commence the vaccination programme from two months old. You will receive invitations to attend our child vaccination clinics. See our Immunisations page for detailed information regarding childhood vaccinations.
Cervical Cytology
Women between the ages of 25 to 65 will receive an invitation for a cervical smear test.
For ladies aged between 25 and 49 years, and have tested negative for HPV (samples taken from 1st July 2025), means they are at a very low risk of developing cervical cancer and will be invited at 5 year intervials. Ladies between 50 and 64 will be invited every 5 years.
First invitations are sent centrally by the Cervical Screening Department via the NHS App. If the first message is not opened within 72 hours, another message is issued. If the patient does not open the message within 72 hours a letter is issued.
All results will be communicated via NHS App, or letter if the patient has now downloaded the app. Any abnormal results will be sent via post clearly detailing next steps.
See this page on cervical screening at nhs.uk for further information.
Family Planning
A range of family planning is available at the surgery. We offer coil fitting and removal.
Health Checks
Patients are entitled to have cardiovascular risk screening under the NHS every five years from the age of 40-74. This comprises of a blood test and a consultation with the GP or practice nurse once the results are available. We will calculate your level of health risk taking into account your family history, smoking history, weight and blood pressure. We will recommend changes to reduce that risk.
Influenza
Annual protection against influenza is offered to patients over the age of 65 and those at high risk, e.g. with chronic heart, chest, some breathing disorders, and diabetes. See this Influenza vaccination advice at nhs.uk for further information.
Mammography
Women aged 50 to 70 years will be offered a mammogram every three years as part of the national screening programme.
See informaiton on breast cancer screening at nhs.uk for further information.
Pre-pregnancy advice
Pre-pregnancy advice is offered by the doctors and midwife for those thinking of becoming pregnant. It is essential that you stop smoking, reduce your alcohol intake to a minimum, ensure an adequate daily intake of the vitamin folic acid in your diet, and check with your doctor about any medication you are taking. See What is Preganacy Care at nhs.uk for further information. As a general rule don't take any drugs, including those bought over the counter, in pregnancy, unless advised by your doctor. All pregnant women should attend the antenatal clinic as soon as possible.
Tetanus & Polio
Protection against tetanus and polio should be kept up to date. A full primary course with a booster at 15 should be followed by at least two boosters at 10 year intervals to protect throughout life.
