Here are ways in which we can help...
 

	Cervical smears.  All women over the age of 25 are encouraged to have a smear test.  which is carried out 3 yearly until the age of 50, and 5 yearly beyond.  The practice will remind patients when this is due.  We  employ  trained nurses to run the smear clinic.  Doctors also take smears in surgery.  If you are in doubt whether your smear is due, just ask the receptionist.  About 86% of eligible women in our practice have had a smear in the last 5 years.  One of our nurses is also trained in Contraception and is available for her own consultations or telephone advice.
	Breast Screening.  Women between the ages of 50 and 64 are recalled every 3 years for a mammogram at the Jarvis Centre Mobile Mammography Unit.  This is sited next to the Ambulance Centre off Hawley Lane.  If anyone is concerned about the possibility of a breast lump they should attend their own doctor, and not just rely on a recent or forthcoming mammogram.
	Maternity Care.  The practice carefully monitors the health of all pregnant mothers.  As soon as you are pregnant come and see your own doctor.  Most women will these days do a home pregnancy test which is extremely reliable.  So long as the pregnancy is uncomplicated you will be cared for largely by the midwife team, led by our Practice Midwife, Sarah O'Bryan.  We work closely with our local hospital, Frimley Park, and scans are carried out at 12 and 20 weeks to detect the risk of Downs Syndrome and spina bifida, as well as other abnormalities.  The idea of 'team midwifery' is that you will hopefully be delivered by a familiar professional.  Any medical problems are assessed by your own doctor and you will have a post-natal examination about 6 weeks after examination, in the surgery.
	Child Development.  The practice is involved in monitoring the development and welfare of young children.  The Health Visitors visit shortly after a baby has arrived home, and they will co-ordinate  clinics etc.  The baby's own doctor will perform an examination in the surgery at about 6 weeks, prior to the vaccination programme.
	Childhood Immunisation.  The practice runs its own immunisation clinics and children will be recalled to these at the appropriate time.  The practice nurse will personally give the injections. This is the UK's immunisation program...

  

Age at vaccination	Vaccine
2 months	DTaP/IPV/Hib+pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV)
3 months	DTaP/IPV/Hib+MenC vaccine
4 months	DTaP/IPV/Hib+MenC+pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV)
12 months	Hib/MenC
13 months	MMR+pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV)
4 years	DTaP/IPV+MMR
13 - 18 years	Td/IPV        - at school

The MMR vaccine given at 13 months and again at 4 years is regarded as very safe and recommended   to protect against measles, mumps and rubella.

BCG  - this has now been discontinued except for those at risk

 

	Influenza Vaccination.   This is recommended each winter for those suffering chronic illnesses, such as diabetics, asthmatics and heart patients, and carers of  the chronically sick or disabled' and also to all those over 65.  The vaccination programme starts in October.
	Pneumovax Vaccination.  This is recommended for 'at risk' patients with asthma, ischaemic heart disease and diabetes, as well as those who have had a splenectomy or coeliac disease.  It gives 5 - 10 years of protection from Pneumococcal pneumonia.
	Cardiovascular Clinic.  Those patients with high blood pressure, angina or a stroke, are followed up closely by their doctor or nurse.
	Diabetic Clinic.  All diabetics in the practice are seen regularly, to improve control and hence prevent complications.
	Asthma Clinic.  All asthmatics are recalled at least once a year.  Their condition is assessed and the nurse is trained to improve inhaler technique.