Health Promotion
The aim of promoting health is to try to identify risk factors at an early stage and prevent them from causing ill health. For this reason we will ask about drinking and smoking habits and measure your blood pressure and weight from time to time. This is especially wise in people with a family history of heart disease, diabetes or stroke. Our nurses run special clinics to address these issues.

Maternity
Antenatal clinics are held at the surgery. Doctors provide shared care with midwives to look after maternity patients.

Medical Examinations
Medical examinations for special purposes, such as fitness to travel, pre-employment, insurance, driving medicals etc are undertaken by special appointment. A fee will be payable. Please contact the surgery to make an appointment. Fees are clearly displayed in the reception area.

Influenza and Pneumonia Vaccine
In accordance with Department of Health guidelines, we recommend an influenza plus pneumonia vaccination for patients with diabetes, chronic heart, lung and kidney disease, residents of nursing and rest homes and all patients over 65. The vaccination is available in October; please contact the practice nurse for further details.

We also recommend that, where appropriate, patients over 65 receive a pneumonia vaccination. Please ask the practice nurses for advice.

Travel Advice
Our practice nurses will be pleased to give advice to those patients going abroad. Allow adequate time (minimum of two weeks) in order for the vaccine(s) to be effective. Certain vaccines are chargeable - please ask at the time of booking.

Before You Go
Well before travelling abroad, check with your travel agent or the tourist office/embassy of the country you intend to visit for any special precautions you may need to take. At least two months before departure discuss any vaccination requirements with the practice nurse. Pack a small first aid kit containing adhesive dressings, insect repellent, antiseptic cream and water purification tablets etc; ask at the pharmacy.

When Abroad
Check on the quality of the drinking water. If in doubt either drink only bottled water or use water purification tablets. Avoid ice in drinks as this may well have been made from suspect water. If in doubt stick to freshly cooked food.
Beware of the sun! Use a high factor sunscreen particularly in the first few days of exposure. Children in particular should be closely monitored in this respect. In hot climates, drink plenty of non-alcoholic drinks. If you are not passing water regularly you are not drinking enough.

On Your Return
If you fall ill, don’t forget to tell the doctor that you have travelled abroad. If you have received treatment abroad, tell your own doctor on return. When donating blood, tell the transfusion staff which countries you have visited.

Children's Immunisations
The current recommended schedule is: