Surgery clinics

NHS Advice on drinking recommends that men should not regularly drink more than 3-4 units of alcohol a day and women should not regularly drink more than 2-3 units a day, “Regularly” means drinking every day or most days of the week.

Websites

• Alcohol Misuse
• Where to find alcohol support
• Drinkaware
• Change Grow Live

Anti-coagulation is a drug which can prevent life threatening conditions. However, it can be dangerous if people taking it are not monitored regularly and advised which dose to take. Recent changes have been made to the way we prescribe it.

When a patient requests a prescription for anti-coagulation, the doctor must check that the necessary monitoring has been carried out. We can no longer prescribe a anti-coagulation drug “as directed” and the specific dose must be stated on the prescription.

We run nurse led anti-coagulation clinics for patients who are already classed as being stable on the drug.

We hold clinics to diagnose and to help patients to manage their asthma or COPD.

We like to see all our patients who have been diagnosed with these conditions at least once a year, depending on the severity of your condition, we may invite you to come to the clinic more often in order to ensure we give you the care you require.

We offer a range of clinics and services here at Ashville Surgery to help with cancer screening.

Macmillan Cancer Support

Have questions about cancer? Visit www.macmillan.org.uk or call 0808 808 000 free (Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm).

Bowel cancer

Bowel cancer is a term used to describe cancer in the colon, rectum or the small bowel.

The symptoms of bowel cancer can include:

• Bleeding from the back passage (rectum) or blood in your stools
• A change in normal bowel habits to diarrhoea or looser stools, lasting longer than 4 to 6 weeks
• A lump that your doctor can feel in your back passage or abdomen (more commonly on the right side)
• A feeling of needing to strain in your back passage (as if you needed to pass a bowel motion)
• Losing weight
• Pain in your abdomen or back passage
• A lower than normal level of red blood cells (anaemia)

Because bowel tumours can bleed, cancer of the bowel often causes a shortage of red blood cells. This is called anaemia and may cause tiredness and sometimes breathlessness.

Bowel cancer screening

How do I get a screening kit?

If you are aged 60-69 years, you will be sent your screening invitation automatically through the post. All you need to do is make sure that your GP has your correct address.

The programme is expanding so that everyone aged 50 to 59 years will be eligible for screening. This is happening gradually over 4 years and started in April 2021 with 56 year olds.

‘People aged 70 years and over or under the age of 60, who wish to be screened, should request a kit. Simply telephone the free helpline on 0800 707 60 60.’

You can find out more on the NHS website.

Breast screening

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer amongst women. A nationwide breast screening service is offered for the benefit of women aged over 50. All women aged between 50 and 64 will be invited for initial breast screening (mammography) every 3 years. Women aged 64 will be entitled to the service every 3 years on request.

The National Breast Screening Programme was introduced in 1988 as an early detection service for breast cancer. It states that all women who are aged between 50 – 70 years of age will be routinely invited for free breast screening every three years. The programme is very successful and currently saves around 1,400 lives per year.

Breast screening aims to find breast cancer at an early stage, often before there are any symptoms. To do this, an x-ray is taken of each breast (mammogram). Early detection may often mean simpler and more successful treatment. When women are invited for their mammogram depends on which GP they are registered with, not when their birthday is.

The screening office runs a rolling programme which invites women by area. The requirement is that all women will receive their first invitation before their 53rd birthday, but ideally when they are 50.  If you are under 50 and concerned about any aspect of breast care, please contact the surgery to make an appointment with your GP.

Information leaflets

Health promotion material – useful links (PDF)

Charing Cross Breast Screening – how to find us (PDF)

Information pack FAQs (PDF)

Cervical screening test

Cervical screening, or smear test, is a method of detecting abnormal (pre-cancerous) cells in the cervix in order to prevent cervical cancer. The cervix is the entrance to the womb from the vagina. Cervical screening is recommended every three years for women aged 25 to 49 and every five years for women aged 50 to 64 or more frequently if smear results indicates abnormal changes.

Cervical screening is not a test for cancer; it is a test to check the health of the cells of the cervix. Most women’s test results show that everything is normal, but for 1 in 20 women the test will show some abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix.

Most of these changes will not lead to cervical cancer and the cells may go back to normal on their own. However, in some cases, the abnormal cells need to be treated to prevent them becoming cancerous.

Our nurses are qualified to carry out cervical screening and tests in the form of cervical smears. In order to have a cervical smear the patient must have received a letter requesting that they have a cervical smear and the appointment must please be made for when the patient is not menstruating.

These appointments typically take around 15 minutes. For any further information or to book an appointment, please call the surgery.

Useful links

• NHS Choices – Cervical Screening
• Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust

Contraceptive advice is provided during normal surgeries by all doctors and two of the practice nurses. A full range of contraceptives, including condoms, are available.

All women under 50 years of age are advised to have cervical smear tests every three years and those over 50 years of age, every five years.

Our practice nurses and HCAs carry out routine monitoring of Diabetes, including blood tests. Please make an appointment for a review every 6 months.

Please note that the practice shares your diabetes related data with the Diabetic eye screening programme operated by Health Intelligence (commissioned by NHS England). This supports your invitation for eye screening (where you are eligible and referred by the Practice) and ongoing care by the screening programme. This data may be shared with any Hospital eye services you are under the care of to support further treatment and with other healthcare professionals involved in your care, for example your Diabetologist.

Our specialist diabetes team will provide you with support, regular reviews and the day-to-day care of your needs.

All Diabetic patients are entitled to an annual review. The Practice will normally contact you if yours is due. The review takes place in two parts – a data collection appointment and where appropriate, a follow up care plan appointment. If you feel you have been missed, or require a more urgent review, then please contact the Practice to arrange an appointment.

At the initial data collection appointment, your blood pressure, weight, urine, feet and well-being will be checked. It is necessary for you to bring an early morning urine sample with you. Following your initial appointment, a care plan booklet will be sent to you and if necessary, an appointment with your GP or one of our specialist nurses will be arranged.

If you’ve forgotten to take your pill, your condom split or you’ve had unprotected sex in the last 72 hours then you may need emergency contraception, and the sooner you take it the better.

Emergency contraception is available free from contraception and sexual health services, some GPs (family doctors) and some pharmacies, even if you’re under 16.

If you’ve had unprotected sex or your condom failed, it is also really important to consider your risk for sexually transmitted infections and to think about your long-term contraception needs. Please phone the surgery to book an emergency appointment.

If you miss the 72 hours it is still possible to have an emergency coil fitted up to 5 days after unprotected sex. You can have an emergency coil fitted for free at your local sexual health clinic.

All our doctors are trained in family planning and sexual health. You can also see the practice nurses. Please note that we do not fit coils or implants; however, this service is offered, by appointment, at the family planning clinic at the walk in centre at Parsons Green.

Our family planning clinics offer free, confidential advice and information about contraception and sexual health.

We provide a range of services including:

• Confidential advice about contraception
• The combined oral contraceptive pill
• The Progestogen-only pill
• Progestogen injections
• Limited supplies of free condoms
• Free emergency contraception
• Confidential advice about STIs
• Cervical screening
• Unplanned pregnancy advice
• Pre-conception advice and fertility awareness information

Please book an appointment (through reception or via our online services) with your GP to discuss any of the above in more detail.

For more information please visit the websites below:

Websites

• nhs.uk – Planning a Pregnancy
• nhs.uk – The Facts about Contraception

If you take Methotrexate regularly we will need to ensure that we have up to date blood test results for you before we can issue a prescription. If you are new to us, please discuss this with one of the doctors or nurses.

Certain small surgical operations can be performed at the surgery. With minor surgery the recovery time is usually short and you will be back to your usual activities fairly quickly (depending on your procedure).

Before attending for minor surgery you will need to see a doctor for the diagnosis and then you will be given an appointment to attend for your procedure.

Please note we do not offer minor surgery for cosmetic purposes.

Some newborn babies are released from hospital without a detailed examination. If this is the case, our GPs are happy to perform the relevant checks, either in the surgery, or in comfort of your own home, depending on which is easier for you.

In most cases, the Practice will contact new mums to arrange for this to happen, on rare occasions where we are unaware of the birth, please feel free to give us a call and arrange an appointment or visit.

Working together to improve your health

Everyone is at risk of developing heart disease, stroke, diabetes, kidney disease and some forms of dementia. The good news is that these conditions can often be prevented – even if you have a history of them in your family. If you are aged between 40 and 74, book an appointment to have your free NHS Health Check and you will be better prepared for the future and be able to take steps to maintain or improve your health.

Visit nhs.uk – Health Checks for further information.

Why do I need an NHS Health Check?

We know that your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease and dementia increases with age. There are also certain things that will put you at even greater risk. These are:

• being overweight
• being physically inactive
• not eating healthily
• smoking
• drinking too much alcohol
• high blood pressure
• high cholesterol

Both men and women can develop these conditions, and having once could increase your risk of developing another in the future.

• In the brain a blocked artery or a bleed can cause a stroke.
• In the heart a blocked artery can cause a heart attack or angina.
• The kidneys can be damaged by high blood pressure or diabetes, causing chronic kidney disease and increasing your risk of having a heart attack.
• Being overweight and physically inactive can lead to type 2 diabetes.
• If unrecognised or unmanaged, type 2 diabetes could increase your risk of further health problems, including heart disease, kidney disease and stroke.

What happens at the check?

• This check is to assess your risk of developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease, and stroke.
• The check will take about 20–30 minutes.
• You’ll be asked some simple questions. For example, about your family history and choices which may put your health at risk
• We’ll record your height, weight, age, sex, and ethnicity.
• We’ll take your blood pressure.
• We’ll do a simple blood test to check your cholesterol level.

What happens after the check?

• We will discuss how you can reduce your risk and stay healthy
• You’ll be taken through your results and told what they mean. Some people may be asked to return at a later date for their results.
• You’ll be given personalised advice on how to lower your risk and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
• Some people with raised blood pressure will have their kidneys checked through a blood test.
• Some people may need to have another blood test to check for type 2 diabetes. Your health professional will be able to tell you more.
• Treatment or medication may be prescribed to help you maintain your health.

Questions you may have

Why do I need this check? I feel fine!

The NHS Health Check helps to identify potential risks early. By having this check and following the advice of your health professional, you improve your chances of living a healthier life.

But don’t these conditions run in the family?

If you have a history of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, or kidney disease in your family then you may be more at risk. Taking action now can help you to prevent the onset of these conditions.

I know what I’m doing wrong. How can the doctor help me?

If you would like help, we will work with you to find ways to eat healthily, reach your healthy weight, be more active, cut down your drinking, or stop smoking.

If I am assessed as being at ‘low risk’, does this mean I won’t develop these conditions?

It is impossible to say that someone will or won’t go on to develop one of these conditions. But taking action now can help you lower your potential risk.

Will everyone has this check?

This check is part of a national scheme to help prevent the onset of these health problems. Everyone between the ages of 40 and 74 who has not been diagnosed with the conditions mentioned will be invited for a check once every five years. If you are outside the age range and concerned about your health, you should contact your GP.

Our HCAs and nurses provide blood tests throughout the week. Please note that they can only do tests that have been authorised by a GP.  For more information see our things I need to know before I have a blood test (PDF) leaflet.

Postnatal care extends for between 6-8 weeks after the birth of your baby. During this period, routine checks are carried out by the health visitor and you and your baby’s recovery is monitored.

During your postnatal care you will find out about feeding, potty training, illnesses, safety and more. You will be able to ask your health visitor questions and request advice.

Websites

• nhs.uk – Birth to 5 years old guide
• nhs.uk – Breastfeeding Guide
• Netmums – Information and support

If you are planning to have a baby or you need to know more information about how to look after yourself and your unborn baby, please book an appointment with your GP.

We can provide you with all the information you need to know to have a happy and healthy pregnancy.

NHS websites

• Before you try to get pregnant
• Pregnancy Care Planner
• See how your baby will develop
• Work out your due date

A range of sexual health services are offered at the surgery including:

• Contraception and contraception advice
• Emergency contraception and emergency contraception advice

If you need advice and support with a sexual health matter or you think you have a problem you would like to discuss, please call the surgery to make an appointment with your GP.

Sexual health services are freely available for everyone.

For more information please visit the websites below:

Website

• Family Planning Association: Sexual Health Advice
• British Pregnancy Advisory Service
• NHS – Sexual Health Topics

Studies have shown that the most effective method of giving up smoking involves the use of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) along with seeing a smoking cessation counsellor at regular intervals. Apart from NRT there is also the option of medication, namely Champix.

Patients can refer themselves directly to Kick It (a smoking cessation service) who will:

• Boost your willpower to stop smoking
• Concentrate your efforts by getting advice from someone who knows your medical background
• Help you feel that you’re not doing it alone
• Help you to cope when you are tempted to smoke
• Monitor improvements to your health so that you can see the benefits

Website

• NHS.uk – Smoking Cessation

Social prescribing is a way for GPs and practice nurses (and other health professionals) to refer people to a link worker. Link workers give people time, focusing on ‘what matters to me’ and taking a holistic approach to people’s health and wellbeing. They connect people to community groups and statutory services for practical and emotional support. Link workers also support existing community groups to be accessible and sustainable, and help people to start new groups, working collaboratively with all local partners.

For more information on what they do, go to  www.england.nhs.uk/personalisedcare/social-prescribing. If you would like to be referred to our new link worker, please talk to the GP.

This service is currently suspended.

If you have chronic obstructive airways disease it is important that you have spirometry done annually to monitor your lung function. We are able to offer this service at the surgery – please make an appointment with the practice nurses. 

Our nurses offer a travel clinic on Wednesday afternoon only.

Please note that we are unable to offer a full comprehensive travel assessment. This can be done at any local travel clinic. Just search online for ‘travel clinic’ and it should bring up details of nearest clinics. We are able to administer NHS vaccines if recommended by the travel clinic.

Please note we only offer the following vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Typhoid and DPT (Diphtheria, Polio, Tetanus).

For information on what vaccinations you may need visit the NHS travel vaccinations webpage. Please make an appointment at least 6 weeks before you travel.

We can carry this out here – please make an appointment with the nurses. You will need to bring your yellow book along to your appointment.

If you would like to know more about weight and diet advice, we offer a weight management clinic giving you advice on how to lose weight and stay healthy.

A range of options are available to support people with weight loss. To understand which of them may be the best fit for you please arrange an appointment with your GP who will be happy to discuss them with you.

One suitable option may be our Health Trainers (Health Care Assistants) who offer advice healthy eating, weight management and getting physically active.

Many doctors now believe that when it comes to your health, your waist measurement is important.

While knowing your body mass index (BMI) is a good way to decide if you’re overweight, it doesn’t tell the whole story.

BMI is a measure of how healthy your weight is for your height. You can work out what your BMI is by using the NHS Choices BMI healthy weight calculator.

If you have a high BMI, you’re likely to be carrying extra fat. But your health could be at greater risk depending on where you store that fat.

Having a large amount of tummy fat (compared to fat around your bottom or thighs) makes you more likely to develop diabetes and heart problems.

A healthy waist circumference for men is less than 94cm (37 inches), and for women it’s less than 80cm (32 inches).

Losing weight and keeping it off isn’t easy, but it has many benefits. You may only need to make small changes to your lifestyle to maintain a healthy weight.

If you’d like to find out more about how you can lose weight in a healthy way please book an appointment with one of our nurses.

For more general information about weight loss, please see the websites below:

Healthy Hearts

Working across Hammersmith & Fulham, Kensington and Chelsea, and Westminster, the Healthy Hearts team deliver exciting community based health improvement sessions including weight management, healthy cookery classes and physical activity sessions that could see you improve your heart and your general health and wellbeing.

How to refer

Phone
020 3434 2500

Email
hello@healthyhearts.org.uk.

Useful links

• Check your BMI
• 8 tips for healthy eating