What clinics run at a GPs?
In this article we will describe what clinics run at a GPs.
This varies from practice to practice. Here are some common clinics. Check with your local practice to see if they run there.
Antenatal. This clinic is run by a midwife. If you become pregnant, you will be given an appointment at which the midwife will ask you a few questions and carry out some general health checks. You will be seen regularly throughout your pregnancy by a midwife. Your pregnancy does not need to be confirmed by a doctor prior to you booking your first appointment with a midwife. The first appointment should ideally be at 8 weeks.
Child Health and Immunisation. All babies are invited for a 8 week postnatal (post-birth) medical check with a doctor. Immunisations start at 8 weeks. NHS immunisation information can be found here.
Contraception and Family Planning. There are various forms of contraception and you may be able to discuss the different options with any clinical staff at your surgery.
Health Check. You may be able to book a NHS Health Check if you are aged between 40 to 74 years and are not already on a disease register. You will be helped to understand your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, diabetes or kidney failure; and the adjustments required to reduce such risk and ensure longer healthier lives.
Long Term Conditions (eg Asthma or COPD / Heart Disease / CKD / High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) / Diabetes). Review appointments may be available with the clinical staff in your surgery and the receptionist will advise you who looks after each condition.
Minor Surgery. A doctor may able to remove a variety of superficial lumps but this does not include anything for cosmetic reasons. You should book a routine appointment to discuss first.
Smoking Cessation. Counselling and medication is available to help you stop smoking. For online information, advice and support contact www.smokefree.nhs.uk or call Smokefree 0300 123 1044.
Structured Medication Reviews are provided by the clinical pharmacist within your surgery. They will spend time going through your current medication and can make any changes necessary.
Travel. If you are travelling abroad and think you may need to be vaccinated – for Diphtheria/Tetanus/Polio (DTP); Typhoid; Cholera or Hepatitis A+B. Any other vaccinations may be charged for and a Travel Clinic will do these for you. You need to ensure vaccinations are arranged at least 6 weeks before travel. Please speak to your practice nurse about these.
Vaccinations will be offered at your surgery for example the Flu vaccine, Shingles vaccine etc, but often these depend on other health conditions you may have, and your age. You will be invited for these at certain times of the year. Flu vaccinations usually start Late September each year.
Weight. A weight clinic may help you lose weight by offering a weight management programme. The government have provided Health and Wellbeing Coaches locally and you can get referred directly to them. Speak to your receptionist.
Summary
We have described what clinics run at a GPs. We hope it has been helpful.
