All Services

Surgery Clinics

If you would like to book one of these clinics, please book your appointment online, or contact us on 0208 735 3550.

Clinics/Services
Asthma Clinic – This is run by the practice nurse in conjunction with the doctor, by appointment only. The annual review is provided to ensure that people with asthma are able to lead as normal and healthy life as possible. It includes a review of symptoms and control of asthma, lifestyle, peak flow readings and review of medication. Please bring all your inhalers and asthma medication with you to your appointments.
COPD Clinic – Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is the overall term used to describe a variety of illness including chronic bronchitis, emphysema and chronic obstructive airways disease. We advise all patients with COPD to attend an annual review prior to the onset of winter and further appointments when their symptoms become worse.
Diabetic Clinic – The aim of diabetes care is to enable people with diabetes to lead a normal and healthy life. We will invite all diabetics to have an annual review even if some care takes place at a hospital.  The annual review takes about 20 minutes and it is important to attend for this specific appointment even if you are being seen regularly here or hospital.
Baby Clinic and Child Health Development – The baby clinic is for well babies only and by appointment. The clinic is held on a Wednesday afternoon between 13:30 – 15:30 and is jointly run by doctor, nurse and a health visitor. We encourage all parents to attend with their children for development checks, weighing and advice. Babies aged 6 weeks will have their checks with a doctor.
Baby Immunisations – The clinic is held on a Wednesday between 13:30 – 15:30 by appointment. However we are also willing to immunise older children in ordinary surgery time if this is more convenient. Immunisations are given by our practice nurse according to Department of Health guidelines.
Family Planning Clinic – We offer advice on all forms of contraception. If you are considering having a coil fitted you will need to book a single appointment with Dr Coleman to discuss the suitability and timing of fitting. Double appointments are required for the fitting of a coil. Please be sure to tell the receptionist if you need a double appointment.  Please note that coils are not fitted in the evenings.  If you are unable to come to your appointment, please inform us as soon as possible so that someone else can use it.
Minor Surgery – Dr Coleman carries out minor surgical procedures by appointment.  She will be happy to advise you on this.
Antenatal/Postnatal care – Antenatal care is shared with the hospital. Postnatal examinations are done in the surgery at six weeks.
Travel Immunisations/Vaccinations– We aim to provide a full immunisation and preventative care service to ensure that your health is always protected when abroad. Our travel advice is provided by the experienced practice nurse. More information is available on the above tab.
Help to Stop Smoking – If you would like to stop smoking we can help you.There is a stop smoking advisor available in the surgery. Ask at reception for details.

Self-Referrals

Alcohol Services

The Alcohol Service (TAS) is a free and confidential alcohol service for adults, families, carers and affected others in the London boroughs of Hammersmith & Fulham, Kensington & Chelsea and Westminster.

They provide support to anyone affected by alcohol use. They will work together to create a support plan to help you achieve your goals, meeting at a convenient venue for you, such as your local GP practice. Whether you are looking to stop drinking or cut down, or you have issues with the drinking behaviour of someone close to you, the Alcohol Service can support you to make changes and improve your lifestyle.

How to refer: If you would like to refer yourself or someone else to the service you can call (Tel: 0800 0147 440) or email thealcoholservice.info@cgl.org.uk.

For more information please visit www.changegrowlive.org

Stop Smoking

Kick It offers a free stop smoking service to all local residents who are looking to quit and by seeing a specialist Kick It advisor you are 4 times more likely to quit than by going cold turkey. Kick It will provide you with six, free, weekly sessions of help and support to get you through the hardest part of quitting.

How to refer: Telephone 020 3434 2500 or email hello@kick-it.org.uk. For more information visit: www.kick-it.org.uk

Healthy Hearts

Working across Hammersmith & Fulham, Kensington and Chelsea, and Westminster, the Healthy Hearts team deliver exciting community based health improvement sessions including weight management, healthy cookery classes and physical activity sessions that could see you improve your heart and your general health and wellbeing.

How to refer: Telephone 020 3434 2500 or email hello@healthyhearts.org.uk.

For more information visit: www.healthyhearts.org.uk

Crisis Assessment & Treatment Team

The Hammersmith and Fulham Crisis Assessment and Treatment Team (CATT) is a multidisciplinary, community based mental health team that aims to provide a safe and effective home based assessment and treatment service.

The CATT team holds two key functions:

  • Accepts direct referrals from the Single Point of Access (SPA) that have been assessed as requiring Emergency (4 hours), Urgent (24 hour) responses and Routine plus (up to 7 days).
  • It provides an alternative to in-patient care/ hospital admission.

The service is available 24 hours per day; 365 days of the year for people with serious and/ or enduring mental illness who are experiencing a crisis of a nature or degree that would require admission in the absence of a crisis home based treatment team.

Location

Hammersmith & Fulham Mental Health Unit
Claybrook Road
London
W6 8NF

How to Self-Refer

Self-referrals can be made by those that have been under the care of the team before.
Telephone: 0300 1234 244 for the Single Point of Access.

Dementia Day Services

A number of day services for patients and carers are offered, including:

  • Dementia Adviser – Clients will be assigned a Dementia Adviser who will talk through their needs, and together will plan how to meet these needs.
  • Peer support groups – Groups provide a safe and supportive environment where clients can share their personal experiences of dementia with others who understand, as much as is possible, what they’re going through.
  • Day care and support services – Specialist day care and support services give dementia patients the opportunity to pursue their hobbies and interests, try out new activities, and socialise with others in a friendly environment outside of their home.
  • Singing for the Brain® – Singing for the Brain brings people together in a friendly, fun and social environment. Based around the principles of music therapy, the stimulating sessions include vocal warm-ups and singing a wide variety of familiar and new songs.

Location

Day Care Centre, St Vincent’s House
49 Queen Caroline Street, London, W6 9QH

How to Self-Refer

Self-referrals and referrals from professionals
Telephone: 0208 563 0001
Email: hammersmith-fulham@alzheimers.org.uk

Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) – Back on Track

Back on Track is a free and confidential psychological therapies service for anyone over the age of 18 living in Hammersmith and Fulham.

It offers psychological help to people with low level symptoms of anxiety or depressed, or those going through a stressful situation because of redundancy, illness or relationship difficulties. This is part of the improving access to psychological therapies (IAPT) programme.

The service is run in partnership with West London Mental Health Trust, Mental Health Matters and the West London Centre for Counselling.

How to Self-Refer

Telephone: 0300 123 1156 Monday to Friday, between 9am and 5pm.

Sexual Health & Contraception Services

Central North West London (CNWL) offer free confidential sexual and HIV services in London. There services include include STI testing and treatment (GUM), contraception, HIV and viral hepatitis testing, treatment and care.

How to Self-Refer

To make an appointment online please visit www.sexualhealth.cnwl.nhs.uk

Sexual Health Clinics (hosted by Chelsea and Westminster Hospital)

Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust provides a wide range of award winning sexual health and HIV services across London. People do not need their GP to refer them for care, nor do they need to live locally.

Their sexual health clinics offer testing for sexually transmitted infections (including HIV tests), contraceptives including the morning after pill (emergency contraception), condoms, pregnancy testing, Hepatitis A and B vaccinations, safer sex education and support/counselling.

Their main sexual health clinics are based at John Hunter Clinic for Sexual Health (located in St Stephens Centre next to Chelsea and Westminster Hospital), 10 Hammersmith Broadway (previously West London Centre for Sexual Health), 56 Dean Street in Soho, West Middlesex University Hospital and St Helier Hospital.

How to Self-Refer

Telephone: 020 3315 6699
Mon: 8:30am–5:30pm
Tue: 8:30am–5:30pm
Wed: 11am–5:30pm
Thu: 8:30am–5:30pm
Fri: 8:30am–5pm

Single Point of Access (SPA) – (West London Mental Health Trust)

The Single Point of Access (SPA) provides 24/7/365 access for WLMHT secondary care mental health. The service is for people experiencing a mental health crisis and delivers a 24/7 telephone support line for service users and carers. It is also the primary referral route for people requiring secondary care and includes a clinical advice service for GPs and other potential refers as well as a triage and sign-posting function.

All adult referrals are now made through the single point of access. The SPA will also signpost referrals for CAMHS referrals, Cognitive Impairment and Dementia Service and Primary Care Mental Health Services.

How to Self-Refer

For all urgent or emergency referrals, please:
Telephone: 0300 1234 244 so that your referral can be appropriately triaged.

Termination of Pregnancy Service (TOPs)

The purpose of this abortion service is to provide a choice of abortion methods which are timely and safe depending on the personal health, gestation and circumstances of the individual woman. This will help to reduce repeat abortions, unintended pregnancies, and promote better sexual health among women.

This service provides abortion services to women referred to any approved Provider, giving greater geographical access to women seeking abortion services. The Provider delivers the following pathways:

  • Up to 16 weeks gestation
  • Up to 24 weeks gestation

The providers of the service are:

  • BPAS
  • NUPAS
  • Marie Stopes
  • Chelsea and Westminster NHS Foundation Trust

How to Self-Refer

Referrals, including self-referrals, shall be conducted via a Central booking Service (CBS), where this exists.
Telephone: 03453 650207

MSK Connect

The service offers community based musculoskeletal (MSK) clinical assessment and treatment for those aged 16 and over. Specialties include:

  • Community MSK Physiotherapy services
  • Outpatient orthopaedic services
  • Outpatient rheumatology services
  • Chronic MSK pain management

How to Self-Refer

Self-referral is only available for routine physiotherapy cases. Patients cannot self-refer to the CATS (Tier 2) service or to the community rheumatology and pain pathways. Referrals to these services require a GP referral. Furthermore post-operative patients require a GP referral to ensure appropriate information is handed over to the physiotherapy service.

Telephone: 0203 795 3426

CAMHS Eating Disorder Service (West London Mental Health Trust)

The service offers assessment, diagnosis and intervention on a range of suspected and confirmed eating disorders including:

  • Anorexia nervosa
  • Bulimia nervosa
  • Binge eating disorder
  • Atypical anorectic and bulimic eating disorder

How to Self-refer

If you are concerned about an eating disorder, the service accepts self-referrals directly to CAMHS. If you are a parent or young person, you can call the service between 9am-5pm Monday to Friday. Telephone: 020 8354 8160 and ask to speak to the Duty Eating Disorders clinician who will discuss your concerns with you.

CIS – Supports adults with acute illness

The Community Independence Service brings together the skills and experience of different health and social care professionals to provide integrated care for patients who experience acute illness or need support to rehabilitate and improve independence.

The team includes nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, social workers, mental health workers, rehab assistants, healthcare assistants, carers, doctors, pharmacists and support staff. Besides phone advice and visits, they liaise with Emergency Deprtments and pre-admission units. They offer a ‘Rapid Response’ service for urgent assessment or a “Re-ablement” service for longer term problems, and accept referrals any health or social care professional, including based in secondary care.

Contact Details:

Telephone, single point of referral: 0300 033 0333
Website: www.wlmht.nhs.uk

CLCH

This site lists all community services provided by CLCH, plus contact details and referral information, including Single Point of Access.

Contact Details:

Website: www.clch.nhs.uk/health-professionals

Anti-Coagulation

Anti-Coagulation is a drug which can prevent life threatening conditions. However, it can be dangerous if people taking it are not monitored regularly and advised which dose to take. Recent changes have been made to the way we prescribe it.

When a patient requests a prescription for anti-coagulation, the doctor must check that the necessary monitoring has been carried out. We can no longer prescribe a anti-coagulation drug “as directed” and the specific dose must be stated on the prescription.

Nurse led Anti-Coagulation clinics

We run Nurse led anti-coagulation clinics for patients who are already classed as being stable on the drug.

Cancer Screening

We offer a range of clinics and services here at Ashchurch Medical Centre to help with cancer screening.

Macmillan Cancer Support

Have questions about cancer? Visit www.macmillan.org.uk or call 0808 808 000 free (Monday to Friday 9am – 8pm).

Bowel Cancer

Bowel cancer is a term used to describe cancer in the colon, rectum or the small bowel.

The symptoms of bowel cancer can include:

  • Bleeding from the back passage (rectum) or blood in your stools
  • A change in normal bowel habits to diarrhoea or looser stools, lasting longer than 4 to 6 weeks
  • A lump that your doctor can feel in your back passage or abdomen (more commonly on the right side)
  • A feeling of needing to strain in your back passage (as if you needed to pass a bowel motion)
  • Losing weight
  • Pain in your abdomen or back passage
  • A lower than normal level of red blood cells (anaemia)

Because bowel tumours can bleed, cancer of the bowel often causes a shortage of red blood cells. This is called anaemia and may cause tiredness and sometimes breathlessness.

Bowel cancer screening

How do I get a screening kit?

If you are aged 60-69 years, you will be sent your screening invitation automatically through the post. All you need to do is make sure that your GP has your correct address.

‘People aged 70 years and over or under the age of 60, who wish to be screened, should request a kit. Simply telephone the free helpline on 0800 707 60 60.’

Breast Screening

The National Breast Screening Programme was introduced in 1988 as an early detection service for breast cancer. It states that all women who are aged between 50 – 70 years of age will be routinely invited for free breast screening every three years. The programme is very successful and currently saves around 1,400 lives per year.

Breast screening aims to find breast cancer at an early stage, often before there are any symptoms. To do this, an x-ray is taken of each breast (mammogram). Early detection may often mean simpler and more successful treatment. When women are invited for their mammogram depends on which GP they are registered with, not when their birthday is.

The screening office runs a rolling programme which invites women by area. The requirement is that all women will receive their first invitation before their 53rd birthday, but ideally when they are 50.  If you are under 50 and concerned about any aspect of breast care, please contact the surgery to make an appointment with your GP.

Useful links:

Cervical screening test

Cervical screening, or smear test, is a method of detecting abnormal (pre-cancerous) cells in the cervix in order to prevent cervical cancer. The cervix is the entrance to the womb from the vagina. Cervical screening is recommended every three years for women aged 25 to 49 and every five years for women aged 50 to 64 or more frequently if smear results indicates abnormal changes.

Cervical screening is not a test for cancer; it is a test to check the health of the cells of the cervix. Most women’s test results show that everything is normal, but for 1 in 20 women the test will show some abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix.

Most of these changes will not lead to cervical cancer and the cells may go back to normal on their own. However, in some cases, the abnormal cells need to be treated to prevent them becoming cancerous.

Our nurses are qualified to carry out cervical screening and tests in the form of cervical smears. In order to have a cervical smear the patient must have received a letter requesting that they have a cervical smear and the appointment must please be made for when the patient is not menstruating.

These appointments typically take around 15 minutes. For any further information or to book an appointment, please call the surgery.

Useful links

Children’s Health

Childhood and Teenage Mental Health

While it is commonly believed that depression only effects adults, around 10% of children in Great Britain aged between 5 and 16 have a recognisable mental disorder; with about 4% of children suffering from an emotional disorder such as anxiety or depression.

The problem for many is that depression is difficult to spot and often regarded as teenage mood swings. However, if your child is appearing to have an extreme emotional response to a life event or has lost interest in activities which previously interested them they may be suffering from an emotional disorder.

If you are worried about your child’s mental health please visit your GP, who will be able to offer a range of support to help both you and your child. There are a range of talking therapies which are highly effective in dealing with both short term and long term depression, for more information on these therapies please view the NHS Talking Therapy Guide.

While it is commonly believed that depression only effects adults, around 10% of children in Great Britain aged between 5 and 16 have a recognisable mental disorder; with about 4% of children suffering from an emotional disorder such as anxiety or depression.

The problem for many is that depression is difficult to spot and often regarded as teenage mood swings. However, if your child is appearing to have an extreme emotional response to a life event or has lost interest in activities which previously interested them they may be suffering from an emotional disorder.

If you are worried about your child’s mental health please visit your GP, who will be able to offer a range of support to help both you and your child. There are a range of talking therapies which are highly effective in dealing with both short term and long term depression, for more information on these therapies please view the NHS Talking Therapy Guide.

Useful links

Childhood Immunisations

One of the most important things that a parent can do for their child is to make sure that they have all their routine childhood vaccinations. It’s the most effective way of keeping them protected against infectious diseases.

Ideally, children should have their jabs at the right age to protect them as early as possible and minimise the risk of infection.

Find out which jabs your child needs, when they need them, and what the benefits of each jab are.

Please call the surgery to make an appointment.

For more information please visit the websites below:

Useful links

Managing Chronic Diseases

We offer a range of clinics and services here at Ashchurch Medical Centre to help manage chronic diseases.

Chronic Heart Disease

The most common symptoms of coronary heart disease (CHD) are chest pains (angina) and a heart attack.

You can also experience other symptoms, such as palpitations and unusual breathlessness. In some cases, people may not show any symptoms before they are diagnosed.

Angina

If your coronary arteries become partially blocked, it can cause chest pain (angina). This can be a mild, uncomfortable feeling similar to indigestion.

However, a severe angina attack can cause a painful feeling of heaviness or tightness, usually within the centre of the chest, which may then spread to the arms, neck, jaw, back or stomach.

Angina attacks are often triggered by physical activity or stressful situations. Although symptoms of Angina usually pass within 10 minutes, you can alleviate the symptoms by resting or using a nitrate tablet or spray.

Heart attacks

If your arteries become completely blocked, it can cause a heart attack (myocardial infarction). Heart attacks can cause permanent damage to the heart muscle and, if not treated straight away, can be fatal.

If you think you are having a heart attack, dial 999 for immediate medical assistance.

Although symptoms can vary, the discomfort or pain of a heart attack is usually similar to that of angina but often more severe. During a heart attack you may also experience the following symptoms:

  • Sweating
  • Light-headedness
  • Nausea
  • Breathlessness

The symptoms of a heart attack can be similar to indigestion. For example, they may include a feeling of heaviness in your chest, a stomach ache or heartburn. However, these symptoms can also be accompanied by a pain that affects the arms (particularly the left arm), the neck and the jaw.

A heart attack can happen at any time, including while you are resting. If heart pains last longer than 15 minutes, it may be the start of a heart attack.

Unlike angina, the symptoms of a heart attack are not usually relieved using a nitrate tablet or spray.

In some cases, you may have a heart attack without any symptoms, called a silent myocardial infarction. This is more common in people with diabetes.

Heart failure

Heart failure can also occur in people with CHD when the heart becomes too weak to pump blood around the body, which can cause fluid to build up in the lungs that makes it increasingly difficult to breathe.

Heart failure can happen suddenly (acute heart failure) or gradually over time (chronic heart failure).

Useful links

Diabetes

Diabetes is a long-term condition caused by too much glucose, a type of sugar, in the blood. It is also known as diabetes mellitus.

There are two main types of diabetes, which are explained below:

Normally, the amount of sugar in the blood is controlled by a hormone called insulin, which is produced by the pancreas. The pancreas is a gland behind the stomach. When food is digested and enters your bloodstream, insulin moves any glucose out of the blood and into cells, where it is broken down to produce energy.

However, in people with diabetes, the body is unable to break down glucose into energy. This is because there is either not enough insulin to move the glucose, or because the insulin that is there does not work properly.

Our specialist diabetes team will provide you with support, regular reviews and the day-to-day care of your needs.

All Diabetic patients are entitled to an annual review. The Practice will normally contact you if yours is due. The review takes place in two parts – a data collection appointment and where appropriate, a follow up care plan appointment. If you feel you have been missed, or require a more urgent review, then please contact the Practice to arrange an appointment.

At the initial data collection appointment, your blood pressure, weight, urine, feet and well-being will be checked. It is necessary for you to bring an early morning urine sample with you. Following your initial appointment, a care plan booklet will be sent to you and if necessary, an appointment with your GP or one of our specialist nurses will be arranged.

For more information please visit the websites below:

Useful links

Hypertension

Hypertension relates to High Blood Pressure.

High blood pressure often causes no symptoms, or immediate problems, but it is a major risk factor for developing a serious cardiovascular disease (conditions that affect the functioning of the heart and the circulation of blood around the body), such as a stroke or heart disease.

Useful links

Respiratory

Our respiratory clinics are primarily intended for patients with Asthma and COPD.

Asthma is caused by inflammation of the airways. These are the small tubes, called bronchi, which carry air in and out of the lungs. If you have asthma, the bronchi will be inflamed and more sensitive than normal. Our practice nurses have specialist asthma qualifications. During their clinics they monitor your overall condition, offer advice, answer any queries and ensure your treatment is effective.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the name for a collection of lung diseases including chronic bronchitis, emphysema and chronic obstructive airways disease. People with COPD have trouble breathing in and out. This is referred to as airflow obstruction. Breathing difficulties are caused by long-term damage to the lungs, usually because of smoking.

Asthma and COPD Clinics

We hold clinics to diagnose and to help patients to manage their asthma or COPD.

We like to see all our patients who have been diagnosed with these conditions at least once a year, depending on the severity of your condition, we may invite you to come to the clinic more often in order to ensure we give you the care you require.

Useful links

Men’s Health

We offer a range of clinics and services here at Ashchurch Medical Centre to support men’s health and help maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Male Pattern Baldness

Male-pattern baldness is the most common type of hair loss, affecting 6.5 million men in the UK.

It generally starts with a little thinning of the hair, followed by wider hair loss, allowing more of the scalp to become visible.

For a few men, this process starts as early as the late teens. By the age of 60, most men have some degree of hair loss.

Some men aren’t troubled by this at all. Others, however, suffer great emotional distress associated with a lack of self-esteem and, in some cases, depression.

Useful links

Prostate Cancer

PROSTATE CANCER IS THE MOST COMMON CANCER IN MEN IN THE UK, WITH OVER 40,000 NEW CASES DIAGNOSED EVERY YEAR.

Prostate cancer usually develops slowly, so there may be no signs you have it for many years.

Symptoms often only become apparent when your prostate is large enough to affect the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the penis).

When this happens, you may notice things like an increased need to urinate, straining while urinating and a feeling your bladder has not fully emptied.

However, these signs do not mean you have prostate cancer. It is more likely they are caused by something else, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (also known as BPH or prostate enlargement).

What is the prostate?

The prostate is a small gland in the pelvis found only in men. About the size of a Satsuma, it is located between the penis and the bladder. It surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the penis.

The main function of the prostate is to help in the production of semen. It produces a thick white fluid that is mixed with the sperm produced by the testicles, to create semen.

Testicular Cancer

Although still rare compared to other cancers, testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men aged between 15-45 years with around 2,200-2,300 men being diagnosed each year. It is more common in Caucasian males.

If found at an early stage a cure rate of 98% is usually possible and even when testicular cancer has spread to other areas of the body cure can still be achieved. In fact according to recent research overall 96% of men diagnosed with any stage testicular cancer will be alive 10 years after treatment.

It is important to visit your GP as soon as you notice any lump or swelling on your testicle. Your GP will examine your testicles to help determine whether or not the lump is cancerous.

Symptoms

The earliest warning signs of testicular cancer usually include the following:

  • A change in size or shape of a testicle.
  • Swelling or thickening of a testicle.
  • A firm, smooth, initially painless, slow-growing lump or hardness in a testicle.
  • A feeling of testicular heaviness.

Useful links

Minor Surgery

Certain small surgical operations can be performed at the surgery. With minor surgery the recovery time is usually short and you will be back to your usual activities fairly quickly (depending on your procedure).

Before attending for minor surgery you will need to see a doctor for the diagnosis and then you will be given an appointment to attend for your procedure.

Please note we do not offer minor surgery for cosmetic purposes.

NHS Health Checks

Working together to improve your health

Everyone is at risk of developing heart disease, stroke, diabetes, kidney disease and some forms of dementia. The good news is that these conditions can often be prevented – even if you have a history of them in your family. Have your free NHS Health Check and you will be better prepared for the future and be able to take steps to maintain or improve your health.

Visit NHS Choices – Health Checks for further information.

Why do I need an NHS Health Check?

We know that your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease and dementia increases with age. There are also certain things that will put you at even greater risk. These are:

  • being overweight
  • being physically inactive
  • not eating healthily
  • smoking
  • drinking too much alcohol
  • high blood pressure
  • high cholesterol

Both men and women can develop these conditions, and having once could increase your risk of developing another in the future.

  • In the brain a blocked artery or a bleed can cause a stroke.
  • In the heart a blocked artery can cause a heart attack or angina.
  • The kidneys can be damaged by high blood pressure or diabetes, causing chronic kidney disease and increasing your risk of having a heart attack.
  • Being overweight and physically inactive can lead to type 2 diabetes.
  • If unrecognised or unmanaged, type 2 diabetes could increase your risk of further health problems, including heart disease, kidney disease and stroke.

What happens at the check?

  • This check is to assess your risk of developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease, and stroke.
  • The check will take about 20–30 minutes.
  • You’ll be asked some simple questions. For example, about your family history and choices which may put your health at risk
  • We’ll record your height, weight, age, sex, and ethnicity.
  • We’ll take your blood pressure.
  • We’ll do a simple blood test to check your cholesterol level.

What happens after the check?

  • We will discuss how you can reduce your risk and stay healthy
  • You’ll be taken through your results and told what they mean. Some people may be asked to return at a later date for their results.
  • You’ll be given personalised advice on how to lower your risk and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
  • Some people with raised blood pressure will have their kidneys checked through a blood test.
  • Some people may need to have another blood test to check for type 2 diabetes. Your health professional will be able to tell you more.
  • Treatment or medication may be prescribed to help you maintain your health.

Questions you may have

Why do I need this check? I feel fine!

The NHS Health Check helps to identify potential risks early. By having this check and following the advice of your health professional, you improve your chances of living a healthier life.

But don’t these conditions run in the family?

If you have a history of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, or kidney disease in your family then you may be more at risk. Taking action now can help you to prevent the onset of these conditions.

I know what I’m doing wrong. How can the doctor help me?

If you would like help, we will work with you to find ways to eat healthily, reach your healthy weight, be more active, cut down your drinking, or stop smoking.

If I am assessed as being at ‘low risk’, does this mean I won’t develop these conditions?

It is impossible to say that someone will or won’t go on to develop one of these conditions. But taking action now can help you lower your potential risk.

Will everyone has this check?

This check is part of a national scheme to help prevent the onset of these health problems. Everyone between the ages of 40 and 74 who has not been diagnosed with the conditions mentioned will be invited for a check once every five years. If you are outside the age range and concerned about your health, you should contact your GP.

Planning a Family

Antenatal care

Antenatal care is the care and help you receive from health professionals during the course of your pregnancy. It is important you take good care of your own health and that of your unborn baby during pregnancy.

As soon as you find out you are pregnant, you should get in touch with us to find out more information on the services and support that are available to you.

Useful links

Family Planning

Our family planning clinics offer free, confidential advice and information about contraception and sexual health.

We provide a range of services including:

  • Confidential advice about contraception
  • The combined oral contraceptive pill
  • The Progestogen-only pill
  • Progestogen injections
  • Limited supplies of free condoms
  • Free emergency contraception
  • Confidential advice about STIs
  • Cervical screening
  • Unplanned pregnancy advice
  • Free pregnancy tests
  • Pre-conception advice and fertility awareness information
  • Fitting and checking of caps, diaphragms, and coils (intrauterine devices, or IUDs)

Please book an appointment (through reception or via our online services) with your GP to discuss any of the above in more detail.

For more information please visit the websites below:

Useful links

Emergency Contraception

If you’ve forgotten to take your pill, your condom split or you’ve had unprotected sex in the last 72 hours then you may need emergency contraception, and the sooner you take it the better.

Emergency contraception is available free from Contraception and Sexual Health Services, some GPs (family doctors) and most pharmacies (chemists), even if you’re under 16.

If you’ve had unprotected sex or your condom failed, it is also really important to consider your risk for sexually transmitted infections and to think about your long-term contraception needs. Please phone the surgery to book an emergency appointment.

If you miss the 72 hours it is still possible to have an emergency coil fitted up to 5 days after unprotected sex. You can have an emergency coil fitted for free at your local sexual health clinic.

Neo-natal Checks

Some newborn babies are released from hospital without a detailed examination. If this is the case, our GPs are happy to perform the relevant checks, either in the surgery, or in comfort of your own home, depending on which is easier for you.

In most cases, the Practice will contact new mums to arrange for this to happen, on rare occasions where we are unaware of the birth, please feel free to give us a call and arrange an appointment or visit.

Postnatal Care

Postnatal care extends for between 6-8 weeks after the birth of your baby. During this period, routine checks are carried out by the health visitor and you and your baby’s recovery is monitored.

During your postnatal care you will find out about feeding, potty training, illnesses, safety and more. You will be able to ask your health visitor questions and request advice.

Useful links

Preconception Advice

If you are planning to have a baby or you need to know more information about how to look after yourself and your unborn baby, please book an appointment with your GP.

We can provide you with all the information you need to know to have a happy and healthy pregnancy.

Useful links