Clinics

As well as providing the full range of General Medical Services, all doctors offer maternity, contraceptive and minor surgery services. Rather than allot specific times for clinics, patients with, for example, asthma or diabetes, or who wish to discuss menopause problems or well person issues can be seen in any surgery. The exceptions are for child health surveillance and midwives' clinics which are held frequently. Full details are available from Reception.

Cervical Smears

Between the ages of 18 and 64, women who have been sexually active should have a smear test taken every 3 years. Please make an appointment with our nurse for this to be done.

Breast Awareness and Mammography

Every woman should know how her breasts look and feel. A general check, for example whilst showering or bathing, every now and then is very sensible. If any lumps or other changes develop, they should be reported to your doctor without delay. From 50 to 64, all ladies should have a mammogram performed every 3 years and the surgery helps the NHS Breast Screening Service in this.

Immunisations

A lot of infectious diseases are preventable by adequate immunisation and the surgery provides the full range of vaccines for children, travellers and workers in special situations.

For Children

2, 3 and 4 months Diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis, inactivated, polio, Hib, Men C and pneumococcal 12 - 15 months MMR (measles, mumps and rubella), Hib, Men C and pneumococcal 3 - 5 years Diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis, polio, MMR 13 - 18 years Diphtheria, tetanus, polio (usually offered at school)

For Adults

Tetanus
At the time of a dirty or deep wound or burn especially if treatment is delayed

Influenza, Pneumococcal Vaccine
Over 65s, diabetics, those with chronic chest, heart, liver or kidney disease.

For Travellers

We run a comprehensive Travel Clinic offering vaccination and advice on avoiding many foreign illnesses including malaria, typhoid, hepatitis, yellow fever, rabies and Japanese encephalitis.

For all these services, please ask reception to make an appointment for you to see our nurse though, for young children, appointments are sent automatically.

Non-NHS Services

Most of the work done in the surgery is available on the National Health Service but some aspects of health care are only available privately. If you require a medical examination for travel, employment or sporting activities, for example, or a report for legal or school purposes, then, because this falls outside of the NHS remit, a fee may be payable. Similarly, some travel vaccinations, the completion of forms for private medical insurance claims (eg for referrals and X-Rays) and certain other items, will attract a fee. A full list is displayed in the waiting room and reception will answer all queries.

Child Development Clinics

Schedule for Routine Checks

when... by... Birth Doctor (in hospital usually) 6 weeks Doctor in surgery by appointment combined with postnatal care 8 months Health Vistor in child clinic 21 months Health Vistor in child clinic 39 months Health Vistor in child clinic

Health vistors can be contacted on 01582 715 675 for Harpenden and 01582 833546 for Wheathampsted.

Childhood vaccinations are carried out in Harpenden on Mondays from 13.30 to 15.00 and in Wheathampstead during the Wednesday clinic.