Health Promotion

Preventative medicine including heart disease prevention is undertaken by all the doctors with the assistance of the practice nurses and health care assistants. There are a number of specific health promotion clinics available.

Diabetes

Run by Dr Ankrett and Sister Sara-Jane Eden.

Asthma

Run by Sister Sara-Jane Eden.

Coronary Heart Disease

Run by Sister Nicola Halls.

Cervical Screening

It is important for all women between the ages of 25 and 64 years to have regular cervical smears - appointment recalls will be sent out automatically at the appropriate intervals. This procedure can be performed by the practice nurses.

Pregnancy

If you are pregnant either contact the surgery to see or speak to a doctor or telephone Debbie Gower, the midwife at the Crowborough Birthing Centre on (01892) 664643.

Contraceptive Services

Each doctor is willing to provide full contraceptive services including post-coital contraception, and any doctor or nurse can deal with this during a routine surgery consultation. Anyone requiring an IUCD (coil) will be referred to Dr Morris who specializes in this field.

Immunisations

Appointments for routine childhood immunisations are sent out automatically by the Health Authority. Other immunisations, such as those for influenza, are also available, and our practice nurses will be happy to advise regarding all immunisations. It is extremely important that all children are immunised appropriately.

Flu Vaccination And Pneumonia Vaccine

An influenza vaccination is particularly recommended for patients with heart, lung or kidney disease, diabetes, residents of nursing and rest homes and retired people. Please contact the reception staff in October for details of the clinic dates and to make an appointment.

Mammography - Breast X-Ray

We advise all women to check their breasts regularly and report any abnormalities to a doctor. All women between the ages of 50 and 70 years will be invited to attend the breast screening unit for a mammogram. You will be notified of your appointment when the unit is in this area. We do urge you to take advantage of this offer. Screening does save lives.

Women outside this age range can have a mammogram where appropriate and if you are concerned please discuss this matter with a doctor.

Minor Surgery

Minor surgical procedures are carried out at Crowborough War Memorial Hospital.

Foreign Travel Advice And Immunisations

Our practice nurses will be pleased to give advice to those patients going abroad. Please allow adequate time in order for the vaccine(s) to be effective. Certain vaccines are chargeable - please ask the nurse for details.

Before You Go

Well before travelling abroad, check with your travel agent or the tourist office/embassy of the country you intend to visit on any special precautions you may need to take. At least two months before departing 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. Raw vegetables, salads and fresh fruit should be carefully washed in clean water. Again, if in doubt, stick to freshly cooked food.

Beware of the sun! Use a high factor sunscreen especially in the first few days of exposure. Children in particular should be closely monitored.

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 tell your doctor that you have travelled abroad and what countries you have just visited. If you have had treatment abroad tell your doctor. When donating blood tell the transfusion staff which countries you have visited.

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Further Information

There is further information about countries and vaccinations required on the links below

Europe & Russia	North America
Central America	South America
Carribean	Africa
Middle East	Central Asia
East Asia	Australasia and Pacific

Most travel vaccines are ordered on a private prescription and these incur a charge over and above the normal prescription charge.  This is because travel vaccination is not included in the services provided by the NHS and therefore is a chargeable service.

Travel Health Questionnaire

To help us offer the appropriate advice, please complete the form and hand it in at the surgery at least 1 week before your appointment with the nurse

Travel Questionnaire

Influenza And Pneumococcal Vaccine

In accordance with Department of Health guidelines, we recommend an influenza plus pneumonia vaccination for patients over 65 and those patients under 65 with diabetes, chronic heart, lung or kidney disease and residents of nursing and rest homes.

The influenza vaccination is generally available in October please contact the practice for details of clinic times etc.

The pneumococcal vaccination is available throughout the year. 

Medical Examinations

Medical examinations for special purposes, such as fitness to travel, pre-employment, insurance, driving medicals, fitness to undertake specialised sports and hobbies etc are not NHS services.  A fee will be payable.  Please contact the surgery to make an appointment.

Letters and Forms

Letters to employers, schools and universities (not statutory medical certificates), insurance claim forms, passport applications etc are not NHS services.

Travel Vaccinations

Some travel vaccinations although recommended are not available as an NHS service - the nurse giving travel advice will give you of details of any costs.

Details of the fees applicable are in Reception