Gynae Clinics
Dr Ruth Gwynne-Hellier holds a Family Planning and Gynae clinic every Tuesday afternoon. Dr Gwynne-Hellier is an experienced trainer/teacher therefore she may have another qualified doctor accompanying her being tutored in all aspects of family planning. Advice and a full range of contraceptive methods are provided, including pre-conceptual advice. There is also an emergency post-coital contraception service available. These clinics include appointments for implant insertions, (please remember to order the implant before your appointment as we do not hold them in the surgery) implant removals or changes, coil insertions and coil changes. Dr Gwynne-Hellier's clinics are held every Tuesday and are around a 4-6 week wait.
Please consult your doctor or practice nurse in normal surgery. For urgent contraceptive advice, speak to a doctor or nurse.
You could ask a doctor or the family planning nurse to call you back - you do not need to be examined. The emergency contraceptive pill is more effective the sooner you take it - within the first 24 hours is ideal. At weekends ring the surgery telephone number and you will be put through to an emergency doctor who will be able to help you.
All contraception given on a doctor’s prescription is free and you can take the prescription to any chemist. The emergency pill is chargeable on a NHS prescription or if you are 16 or over you can buy the emergency pill from the chemist.
Cervical Smears
We encourage women aged 25-49 to have a cervical smear every three years and women aged 50-64 every five years (or more frequently if indicated).
All women in these age groups will be automatically called and recalled; the cervical smear will be taken by one of our practice nurses.
Breast Screening
Breast screening is performed on women from 50-70 years of age, every three years. This is a national programme. Women will be automatically called and recalled and the examination will take place in a mobile examination unit based in the main towns, such as Haywards Heath and Burgess Hill.
It is important for all women in these age groups to attend for cervical and breast screening to ensure early detection of potential problems.
Maternity
All doctors have a shared care system with local hospitals. Antenatal clinics are held by the community midwifery team. Ask reception for details. We have a maternity clinic here at the surgery every Wednesday and can also book appointments for Fridays which are held at the Princess Royal Hospital.
Baby Clinics: Held at Nightingale Primary Care Centre
Full developmental screening is undertaken by each child's individual doctor and health visitor.
Childhood Immunisations
All babies receive their first set of immunisations at eight weeks of age, followed by second and third doses at four weekly intervals. These immunisations provide protection against diphtheria, tetanus, polio, whooping cough and haemophilus influenzae type b, pneumonia and meningitis C. Please contact Reception to book an appointment for your child.
Young Persons and Adult Immunisations
We recommend that all adults should have a tetanus booster every 10 years to a maximum of five. Any woman who may be thinking of having children should consider having a blood test to check that they are still protected against German measles (rubella).
Pneumococcal vaccines (protects against a major cause of pneumonia) will be offered to all patients over 65 and all patients at risk.
Flu Clinics Please phone to book an appointment if you are eligible for a flu vaccination.
Smoking Cessation
The practice has trained Smoking Cessation advisors that can support you in trying to quit. Please speak to the receptionist about appointment availability.
Minor Surgery
Certain surgical procedures are performed by Dr Nagendra at the surgery by prior arrangement. Please first consult with your doctor who will arrange a convenient time for you to attend. This may avoid an unnecessary visit to the hospital. Dr Nagendra's clinics are held every Thursday and appointments are around a 4-6 week wait.
Asthma Clinic
Please ask at reception for asthma appointments. Please remember to bring your current inhalers to your appointment.
Diabetic Clinic
This clinic is held weekly during normal surgery hours with all doctors and/or the practice nurse. Please contact reception for further details about the times of these clinics.
We are pleased to be able to offer all our patients the opportunity of checking their blood pressure and weight using the equipment in the waiting room located behind the screens. Instructions are available, please ask a receptionist to assist you. You can discuss your result with your GP/Nurse at your next consultation.