Flu Vaccination

In accordance with the Department of Health Guidelines, we recommend an influenza vaccination for patients with asthma, diabetes, chronic heart, lung, kidney disease, residents of nursing and rest homes, expectant mothers and for everyone over the age of 65 years.

Diabetic Checks

The practice nurse run diabetic clinics and patients are encouraged to attend regularly with the aim of attaining the best possible control of their condition in order to prevent complications.

Contraception

Comprehensive, confidential advice is available for everyone regardless of age during normal surgery times. Prescriptions for oral contraceptives (the pill and the mini pill) can be given and contraceptive injections administered by the nurse practitioners or the practice nurse.

If you have been advised by the surgery to submit a contraceptive pill review please request a Contraceptive Pill Review form.

Chronic Obstructive Disease

You may know this condition as Chronic Bronchitis or Emphysema. It commonly affects smokers and causes symptoms of cough, breathlessness and wheeze. If you are worried you may have this condition please attend for a lung heath check.

If you are suffering from this condition you will likely be taking inhalers and you will be offered an appointment annually to review your condition and medication.

If you have been advised by the surgery to submit a COPD assessment, please contact the practice and request a COPD Assessment Form.

Cervical Screening Tests

Please inform the receptionist when you make your appointment that you will be having a smear test.

Smears are recommended every three years from the age of 25 until the age of 50, then every 5 years, until the age of 65, except when you have had a hysterectomy or when there is an abnormality requiring more frequent smears.

You will receive an invitation by computer typed letter.

However, you need not wait for the invitation before making your appointment.

Smears are not necessary after the age of 65 as long as you have had two normal smears in 10 years.

Blood Pressure Checks

All patients with raised blood pressure need their blood pressure measuring at least every 9 months.

The practice nurse and health care assistant run a clinic to monitor blood pressure and related problems.

If you have been advised by the surgery to submit your blood pressure readings on a regular basis please contact the practice to request a Blood Pressure Review form.

Asthma Reviews

The practice has a duty to review patients with asthma regularly.

If you are currently using inhalers for asthma you will be invited annually to attend the practice for an asthma review.

If you have been advised by the surgery to submit an annual review of your asthma symptoms, please contact the practice to arrange a review.

Antenatal and Postnatal Care

Patients may be seen by the doctor of their choice.

Antenatal care is principally conducted by midwife in co-operation with the practice and consultant obstetrician.

Baby clinic is run on a Wednesday morning by Dr Caulfield for all postnatal and 8 week baby checks.

Baby clinic appointments for postnatal and 8 week baby checks are sent automatically by the practice.

Nurse Clinics

The nurse practitioners are experienced nurses who have undergone advanced degree level training to enable expansion of the traditional nursing role.

The nurse practitioners are able to assess patients who present with simple or complex health problems and prescribe.

In this practice you may be offered an appointment with a nurse practitioner as an alternative to a GP.

Our practice nurses see patients with long-term problems, such as asthma, diabetes and high blood pressure.

In addition they perform cervical smear tests, ECG and other heart and lung tests and vaccinations

Please be aware that we do not offer the following nursing services at Brooklands Medical Practice:

Removal of sutures and stitches
Changing of dressings and wound checks

Please contact Forum Health treatment room on 0161 435 3694 to book an appointment.

The health care assistant’s role includes taking blood samples, performing ECGs, smoking cessation, weight management and undertaking blood pressure checks.