Services available at the practice
Antenatal Clinic
The antenatal clinic is held on Friday afternoons between 1:45pm and 3:00pm. A community midwife and health visitor are present at the antenatal clinic. There is also an option to see the GP.
Contraception:
Comprehensive, confidential advice is available from all members of the practice during normal surgery times. The Practice Nurse or Nurse Practitioner will be able to provide a prescription for oral contraceptives (the pill and mini pill), and can administer contraceptive injections.
The fitting of coils and contraceptive implants (Implanon)is performed by prior arrangement with Dr Helen Steiner. Please ask at reception for an appointment.
Emergency Contraception:
Emergency Contraception can be effective up to 72 hours after unprotected intercourse. A coil can be fitted up to five days later and continues to provide contraception. If you require emergency contraception please contact the surgery as soon as possible.
Cervical Smear Tests:
All women between the ages of 25 and 64 are eligible for a free cervical screening test every three to five years. In the light of evidence published in 2003 the NHS Cervical Screening Programme now offers screening at different intervals depending on age.
The new intervals are:
| Age group (years) | Frequency of screening |
| 25 | First invitation |
| 25 - 49 | 3 yearly |
| 50 - 64 | 5 yearly |
| 65+ | Patients will only be screened if they
have not had a smear since the age
of 50 or have had recent abnormal tests |
You will receive an invitation by computer-typed letter. However, you need not wait for the invitation before making your appointment. We prefer to do these tests within the practice and either the practice nurse, nurse practitioner or a doctor can carry them out. Please inform the receptionist, when making your appointment, that you will be having a smear test.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT):
HRT is initiated by the Nurse Practitioner or a GP. The Practice Nurse or Nurse Practitioner carry out the follow-up appointments.
Respiratory Management Clinic:
If you suffer with asthma or require advice regarding chronic respiratory problems, please make an appointment to see one of the nurses with specialist training in the management of respiratory disease. The reception staff will advise you about the most appropriate healthcare professional to see regarding your respiratory problem. If you suffer from a chronic respiratory condition you may be invited to attend for assessment of your condition and treatment.
Smoking Cessation:
For professional Smoking Cessation advice please phone 'North Lancashire's Stop Smoking Service' on 0845 601 2186. With professional advice you will be offered up to 10 weeks nicotine Replacement Therapy on prescription. Alternatively ask for an appointment with the Practice Nurse.
Diabetic Management Clinic:
All diabetic patients will be reviewed by practice nurse Mandy or one of the nurse practitioners Wendy or Angela at least every 12 months to maintain and improve diabetic control. These clinics will be held monthly and patients will be invited to attend.
Minor Surgery:
Minor surgical procedures can be carried out at the surgery. Please make an appointment to see the doctor if you think you may need this service, which includes minor operations under a local anaesthetic and joint and soft tissue (muscle and tendons) injections.
Newly Registered Patients:
All newly registered patients will be asked to complete a quetionnaire and have a consultation with the nurse practitioner within one month of registering. Medical treatment is available from the date of registration.
Patients Aged 75 and Over:
If you are 75 years of age or over you should be seen by a member of the practice team, this can be done at the surgery if you are well enough to attend. If you are housebound a home visit will be arranged.
Non NHS Services:
Certain Services provided by your doctor are not covered by the NHS and you may be asked to pay a fee in line with BMA recommendations eg:-
- Pre-employment medicals
- Private medicals
- Insurance claims
- Private certificates
- Fitness to drive medicals
- Travel vaccinations
If you have any queries about fees or any other private medical services please discuss them with the receptionist or the practice manager.