Podiatry

Women’s Health

We offer a range of clinics and services here at Oldfield Family Practice to support women’s health and help maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Coil Fittings and Implants

Please call reception on 0208 578 1914 to arrange a coil fitting/implant or exchange

These procedures are performed by Dr S Sharma and Nurse S Haigh.

Breast Screening

The National Breast Screening Program 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 program 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 program 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.

Cervical Screening

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 10 minutes. For any further information or to book an appointment, please call the surgery.

Useful links

NHS Choices – Cervical Screening

Emergency Contraception

If you’ve forgotten to take your pill, your condom split or you’ve had unprotected sex and you don’t wish to be pregnant we would advise emergency contraception. The sooner you take it the better; ideally within 3 days of unprotected sex but sometimes up to 5 days after ovulation.

Emergency contraception is available free even if you’re under 16 from

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 attend the local Sexual Health/Contraceptive Clinics.

Emergency contraception is available as a tablet or a ‘coil’ (Intrauterine Device – IUD). The IUD is more effective. The healthcare professional you see will be able to advise you, depending on your preference, risk or pregnancy, medical conditions, medication and when your last period was.

More information about your choices is available from:

Emergency Contraception Guide
Contraception Guide

Vaccinations

We offer a range of clinics and services here at Oldfield Family Practice for all your vaccination needs and advice.

Child Vaccinations advice below:

Child Vaccination

Childhood Immunisations

One of the most important things that a parent can do for their child is to make sure that they have all their routine childhood vaccinations. It’s the most effective way of keeping them protected against infectious diseases.

Ideally, children should have their jabs at the right age to protect them as early as possible and minimise the risk of infection.

Find out which jabs your child needs, when they need them, and what the benefits of each jab are.

Please call the surgery on 0208 578 1914 to make an appointment.

Useful links
NHS Choice – Vaccinations for you and your family

Flu Vaccination

Seasonal flu is a highly infectious illness caused by a flu virus.

The virus infects your lungs and upper airways, causing a sudden high temperature and general aches and pains.

You could also lose your appetite, feel nauseous and have a dry cough. Symptoms can last for up to a week.

We offer ‘at risk’ groups the flu vaccine at a certain time each year to protect you against the flu virus.

You may be invited for a flu jab if you are:

  • over 65 years of age
  • pregnant

or have:

  • a serious heart or chest complaint, including asthma
  • serious kidney disease
  • diabetes
  • lowered immunity due to disease or treatment such as steroid medication or cancer treatment
  • if you have ever had a stroke
  • If you have any queries please contact the surgery.

For more information please visit the websites below:

Useful Links
NHS Choice – Flu and Flu Vaccine

Pneumococcal Vaccination

The pneumococcal vaccine (or ‘pneumo jab’ or pneumonia vaccine as it’s also known) protects against pneumococcal infections.

Pneumococcal infections are caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae and can lead to pneumonia, septicaemia (a kind of blood poisoning) and meningitis.

Read more about why the pneumococcal vaccination is needed.

Who should have the pneumococcal vaccine?

A pneumococcal infection can affect anyone. However, some people need the pneumococcal vaccination because they are at higher risk of complications. These include:

  • all children under the age of two
  • adults aged 65 or over
  • children and adults with certain long-term health conditions, such as a serious heart or kidney condition

Read more about who should have the pneumo jab.

How often is the pneumococcal vaccine given?

Babies receive the pneumococcal vaccine as three separate injections, at 2 months, 4 months and 12-13 months.

People over-65 only need a single pneumococcal vaccination which will protect for life. It is not given annually like the flu jab.

People with a long term health condition may need just a single one-off pneumococcal vaccination or five-yearly vaccination depending on their underlying health problem.

Travel Advice & Vaccinations

In order to assist us to make a full assessment of the potential risks to your health from your planned travel, we would ask that you complete this:

Travel Questionnaire

to allow our practice nurse to prepare.

To send your completed questionnaire to the practice either

hand your document in or

send as an attachment using econsult or email to nhsnwl.forms4mrp@nhs.net

We will then contact you within 7 days to book an appointment or discuss further

At your appointment we may ask the following questions to help us plan for your trip:-

  • When are you departing and for how long?
  • Where are you going, including the destinations within a country?
  • Where are you staying, e.g. backpacking, camping, hotels?
  • Are you planning to undertake any high risk activities?
  • Have you taken out travel insurance and have you informed the company of any existing medical condition?
  • If female and of child bearing age, is there any possibility you could be pregnant, or are you planning a pregnancy?
  • Do you have any medical conditions, or a history of significant medical illness? (these can influence the choice of malaria tablets we recommend)

It would help us greatly if you had some awareness of the travel problems that you may be at risk from on your trip before you come for your appointment.

Useful links
Fit for Travel
NaTHNaC

Planning a Family

We offer a range of clinics and services here at Oldfield Family Practice to support you when planning a family, from preconception advice to postnatal care.

Antenatal Care

Your Pregnancy, Your Choice

When you first learn that you’re pregnant you can either contact your GP, Midwife or self-refer to a maternity unit of your choice. Each maternity unit has a website with details on how to self-refer, advice and further information.

Useful Information, Advice, Resources and Contact Details:

Giving Birth in NW London Maternity Booklet
Giving Birth Maternity Leaflet – Easy Read
Maternity Bus Map

What is antenatal care?

Starting your antenatal care

How many appointments you’ll have?

Your first visit and booking an appointment

Later visits

Checking your babies development and wellbeing

Your maternity notes

Maternity Units in NW London:

Community Midwifery Contact Details:

  • West Middlesex University Hospital (WMUH)
    Address: Community Midwifery Office, Queen Mary Maternity Unit, West Middlesex University Hospital, Twickenham Road, Isleworth, Middlesex TW7 6AF
    Tel: 020 8321 2581
    Fax: 020 8321 6823
  • The Hillingdon Hospital (THH)
    Address: Community Midwifery Office, Queen Mary Maternity Unit, West Middlesex University Hospital, Twickenham Road, Isleworth, Middlesex TW7 6AF
    Tel: 01895 279472
    Fax: 01895 279 589
  • London North West Healthcare NHS Trust – Northwick Park Hospital (LNWHT – NPH)
    Address: Community Midwifery Office, 5th Floor, Maternity Unit, Northwick Park Hospital, Watford Road, Harrow, Middlesex HA1 3UJ
    Tel: 020 8869 2871 or 020 8235 4252
    Fax: 020 8869 5153
  • Imperial College Healthcare Trust (ICHT) – Queen Charlotte’s
    Address: Community Midwifery Office, Queen Charlotte’s and Chelsea Hospital, Du Cane Road, London W12 0HS
    Tel: 020 3313 5185
  • Imperial College Healthcare Trust (ICHT) – St Mary’s Hospital
    Address: Community Midwifery Office, Maternity Unit, St. Mary’s Hospital, Praed Street, London W2 1NY
    Tel: 02033126605 (Antenatal) or 02033121158 (Post-natal)

Family Planning

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
  • Advise 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.

Useful links

NHS Choices – Planning a Pregnancy
NHS Choices – The Facts About Contraception

Emergency Contraception

If you’ve forgotten to take your pill, your condom split or you’ve had unprotected sex and you don’t wish to be pregnant we would advise emergency contraception. The sooner you take it the better; ideally within 3 days of unprotected sex but sometimes up to 5 days after ovulation.

Emergency contraception is available free even if you’re under 16 from:

Contraception and Sexual Health Services

Some GPs (family doctors) –phone for an emergency appointment

Brook centres

Some Pharmacies (some will change)

Some Urgent care centres

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.

Click here to attend the local Sexual Health/ Contraceptive Clinics

Emergency contraception is available as a tablet or a ‘coil’ (Intrauterine Device – IUD). The IUD is more effective. The healthcare professional you see will be able to advise you, depending on your preference, risk or pregnancy, medical conditions, medication and when your last period was.

More information about your choices is available from:

Emergency Contraception Leaflet
Contraception Guide

Neo-natal Care

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 in the surgery. Please make an appointment online, or contact reception on 0208 578 1914.

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.

Postnatal Care

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. This is in the form of a 6-8 week baby check and a 6 week postnatal check for the mum. Please make appointments to see the Doctor for these. ​Once completed, you can book appointments with the nurse for your baby’s vaccinations. Please read our childhood immunisations page for more information.

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.

Useful links

NHS Choices – Birth to 5 years old guide
NHS – Breastfeeding Guide
Netmums – Information and Support

Preconception Advice

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.

Useful links

NHS Choices – before you try to get pregnant
NHS Choices – Pregnancy Care Planner
NHS Choices – See how your baby will develop
NHS Choices – work out your due date

Children’s Health

A guide to common,  childhood illnesses and conditions for parents and carers.

Your Child’s Health Leaflet

Birth To Five – Your NHS guide to parenting in the early years

Baby Essentials
Health and Development
You and Your Life

Planning a Family

We offer a range of clinics and services here at Oldfield Family Practice to support you when planning a family, from preconception advice to postnatal care.

Antenatal Care

Your Pregnancy, Your Choice

When you first learn that you’re pregnant you can either contact your GP, Midwife or self-refer to a maternity unit of your choice. Each maternity unit has a website with details on how to self-refer, advice and further information.

Useful Information, Advice, Resources and Contact Details:

Giving Birth in NW London Maternity Booklet
Giving Birth Maternity Leaflet – Easy Read
Maternity Bus Map

What is antenatal care?

Starting your antenatal care

How many appointments you’ll have?

Your first visit and booking an appointment

Later visits

Checking your babies development and wellbeing

Your maternity notes

Maternity Units in NW London:

Community Midwifery Contact Details:

  • West Middlesex University Hospital (WMUH)
    Address: Community Midwifery Office, Queen Mary Maternity Unit, West Middlesex University Hospital, Twickenham Road, Isleworth, Middlesex TW7 6AF
    Tel: 020 8321 2581
    Fax: 020 8321 6823
  • The Hillingdon Hospital (THH)
    Address: Community Midwifery Office, Queen Mary Maternity Unit, West Middlesex University Hospital, Twickenham Road, Isleworth, Middlesex TW7 6AF
    Tel: 01895 279472
    Fax: 01895 279 589
  • London North West Healthcare NHS Trust – Northwick Park Hospital (LNWHT – NPH)
    Address: Community Midwifery Office, 5th Floor, Maternity Unit, Northwick Park Hospital, Watford Road, Harrow, Middlesex HA1 3UJ
    Tel: 020 8869 2871 or 020 8235 4252
    Fax: 020 8869 5153
  • Imperial College Healthcare Trust (ICHT) – Queen Charlotte’s
    Address: Community Midwifery Office, Queen Charlotte’s and Chelsea Hospital, Du Cane Road, London W12 0HS
    Tel: 020 3313 5185
  • Imperial College Healthcare Trust (ICHT) – St Mary’s Hospital
    Address: Community Midwifery Office, Maternity Unit, St. Mary’s Hospital, Praed Street, London W2 1NY
    Tel: 02033126605 (Antenatal) or 02033121158 (Post-natal)

Family Planning

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
  • Advise 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.

Useful links

NHS Choices – Planning a Pregnancy
NHS Choices – The Facts About Contraception

Emergency Contraception

If you’ve forgotten to take your pill, your condom split or you’ve had unprotected sex and you don’t wish to be pregnant we would advise emergency contraception. The sooner you take it the better; ideally within 3 days of unprotected sex but sometimes up to 5 days after ovulation.

Emergency contraception is available free even if you’re under 16 from:

Contraception and Sexual Health Services

Some GPs (family doctors) –phone for an emergency appointment

Brook centres

Some Pharmacies (some will change)

Some Urgent care centres

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.

Click here to attend the local Sexual Health/ Contraceptive Clinics

Emergency contraception is available as a tablet or a ‘coil’ (Intrauterine Device – IUD). The IUD is more effective. The healthcare professional you see will be able to advise you, depending on your preference, risk or pregnancy, medical conditions, medication and when your last period was.

More information about your choices is available from:

Emergency Contraception Leaflet
Contraception Guide

Neo-natal Care

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 in the surgery. Please make an appointment online, or contact reception on 0208 578 1914.

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.

Postnatal Care

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. This is in the form of a 6-8 week baby check and a 6 week postnatal check for the mum. Please make appointments to see the Doctor for these. ​Once completed, you can book appointments with the nurse for your baby’s vaccinations. Please read our childhood immunisations page for more information.

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.

Useful links

NHS Choices – Birth to 5 years old guide
NHS – Breastfeeding Guide
Netmums – Information and Support

Preconception Advice

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.

Useful links

NHS Choices – before you try to get pregnant
NHS Choices – Pregnancy Care Planner
NHS Choices – See how your baby will develop
NHS Choices – work out your due date

Childs’ Health 6-15

www.nhs.uk/Childhealth

Children & Young People

CarePlace

CarePlace is London’s centralised source for care and community services, information and guidance. The directory contains thousands of useful services in London and beyond and gives you direct access to information about care and community services. It also contains a wealth of information and guidance on how to source local services and pay for them.
Website: www.careplace.org.uk

CAMHS

CAMHS are the NHS services that assesses and treat young people with emotional, behavioural or mental health difficulties. CAMHS support covers depression, problems with food, self-harm, abuse, violence or anger, bipolar, schizophrenia and anxiety, to name a few. The Ealing Children and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) is delivered by West London Mental Health NHS Trust.
Website: www.westlondoncamhs.nhs.uk

CGL Easy Project

The CGL EASY Project is a support service for young people using drugs and/or alcohol. Our team is made up of experienced drug and alcohol workers who specialise in working with young people.
Website: www.changegrowlive.org

Children and Family Directory

The Ealing Council directory will help you access a wide variety of local services, as well as advice to help you and your family make the most out of life in the borough Contact Details For further information and to access the directory please visit the
Website: www.ealingfamiliesdirectory.org.uk

ChildLine

Childline is here to help anyone under 19 in the UK with any issue they’re going through. Whether it’s something big or small, their trained counsellors are here to support you. Childline is free, confidential and available any time, day or night and you don’t have to give your name if you don’t want to.
Free Telephone: 0800 1111  
Website: www.childline.org.uk

Connexions

Ealing Council’s Youth and Connexions Service provides services to empower and inspire young people to make positive life choices. Our services are designed for young people in Ealing aged 13-19 years and up to 25 years for those with additional needs. The services provide opportunities for young people to:

  • Gain new skills and qualifications
  • Have a say in issues affecting them
  • Get advice and support to prepare for the future
  • Have fun and make friends

Telephone: 020 8825 5777
Email: youngealing@ealing.gov.uk
Website: www.youngealing.co.uk/connexions

Ealing 135 Group

Ealing 135 Group are a friendly local network run by and for parents and carers in the Borough of Ealing. They organise fun play sessions, action, song and rhymes classes, family fair days and open houses, nearly new sales and more!
Website: www.ealing135.org.uk

Ealing Music Therapy

Ealing Music Therapy provides a music therapy service to children in the Borough of Ealing who have special needs or any kind of difficulty.
Website: www.ealingmusictherapy.org

Emergency Duty Team

An emergency out of hours service operates across Children and Families and Adults Services providing a social work service through evenings, nights, weekends and holidays.
Telephone: 020 8825 8000 or 5000 (after 5pm and before 9.00am Mon-Fri and at weekends/public holidays)

ESCAN

Services for children with disabilities in Ealing are provided by a multi-agency service, ESCAN (Ealing Service for Children with Additional Needs). This is a joint initiative between London Northwest Healthcare Trust and Ealing Council. The service acts as a single point of information, providing improved access to referral, assessment and appropriate help for children and young people with disabilities in the borough.

Who can apply for these services?
Access and eligibility for the above services vary. For more information on how to contact the individual services telephone the customer contact centre.

Emergency referrals
All referrals must be made to the customer contact centre.

Telephone: 0300 123 45 44
Address: Carmelita House, 21-22 The Mall, Ealing, W5 6PJ
Website: ealinghelp.org.uk

FGM Project

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a procedure where the female genitals are deliberately cut, injured or changed, but where there’s no medical reason for this to be done. It’s also known as “female circumcision” or “cutting”, and by other terms such as sunna, gudniin, halalays, tahur, megrez and khitan, among others. FGM is usually carried out on young girls between infancy and the age of 15, most commonly before puberty starts. It is illegal in the UK and is child abuse. It’s very painful and can seriously harm the health of women and girls. It can also cause long-term problems with sex, childbirth and mental health. Help and support is available if you’ve had FGM or you’re worried that someone may be at risk.
Website: www.nhs.uk

PESTS

PESTS (Parents of Ealing Self-Help Training Scheme) is a play and support group for families with children with additional needs.
Telephone: 020 8571 9954
Website: http://www.pestscharity.org.uk

SAFE

SAFE can give you information and advice and help you to access the appropriate services and support to help before a manageable problem becomes bigger and more difficult to resolve. The team is made up of psychologists, therapists, counsellors, pupil/ school workers, family workers and other experts. They also have links with other support groups and services in Ealing to ensure you are given support within your community and the area where you live.
Website: www.ealing.gov.uk

SEND (Local Offer)

Every Local Authority must publish information about services they expect to be available in their area for children and young people from birth to 25 who have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND); and also services outside of the area which they expect children and young people from their area will use. This is referred to as the ‘Local Offer’.

The Local Offer will put all the information about education, health and care services, leisure activities and support groups in one place.

It has two main purposes:
• to provide clear, comprehensive and accessible information about the support and opportunities that are available;
• to make provision more responsive to local needs and aspirations.

Ealing’s Local Offer includes:

• Early years and childcare provision
• Links to SEND provision within all schools
• How to request an Education, Health & Care (EHC) Assessment & Plan
• Health services
• Leisure activities
• Social care services, including short breaks
• Other educational provision
• Training opportunities
• Travel for children and young people to places of education
• Preparing for adulthood (inc. housing, employment, support)

Website: https://www.ealing.gov.uk/info/201023/children_and_families_social_care/1187/safe_-_supportive_action_for_families_in_ealing/1

Your Child’s Health

A guide to common childhood illnesses and conditions for parents and carers.

Click here for Your Childs Health Leaflet
Book an Appointment
Cancel an Appointment
Request a Repeat Prescription

Register for Online Services

About Our Online Services

By registering for the online services you will be able to complete a variety of different tasks online rather than having to come in to the practice:

  • Book an appointment
  • View past and future appointments
  • Order recent and regular repeat medications
  • View your summary care records
  • Access test results

These online services are as safe as online banking as long as you keep your passwords secure, and you can access these services 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

How to Register for Online Services

  • In person
    If you are registered with the practice, simply pop along to the practice with your ID, and we will issue you with login details.
  • Via video call
    If you are registered with the practice, simply request a call and we will check ID via video call and we will issue you with login details.
Already Registered?

If you are already registered to use the online services, please visit Systm Online.

SystmOnline

Login to Online Services
Register for Online Services

Non-urgent advice: Having Problems?

Online Services @ NHS.UK

SystmOnline Support

Children & Community Centres

Children Centres

At a children’s centre, children under the age of five and their families can access information and services to ensure they get the best start in life. Services include:

  • Early education and childcare
  • Support and information for parents including, parenting, local childcare options and access to specialist services
  • Child and family health services
  • Help into work with links to Jobcentre Plus and training

Website: www.ealing.gov.uk

Community Centres

The council’s community centres are home to educational, social and recreational groups and cater for all ages.
Telephone: 020 8825 6066
Website: www.ealing.gov.uk

Supporting a Healthy Lifestyle

We offer a range of clinics and services here at Oldfield Family Practice to support and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Alcohol Advice

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.

Useful links

NHS Choices – Alcohol Misuse
NHS Choices – Where to find alcohol support
Drinkaware

Chlamydia Screening

Chlamydia screening is available from the surgery.

Simply ask at reception for a kit. It is a completely confidential service where you can send a urine sample in the envelope provided and receive the results easily.

Sexual Health

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

  • Contraception and contraception advice
  • Emergency contraception and emergency contraception advice
  • Testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as chlamydia, syphilis, gonorrhoea and genital warts
  • Testing and counselling for HIV and AIDS

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.

Useful links

Family Planning Association: Sexual Health Advice
British Pregnancy Advisory Scheme
Sexual Advice Association
NHS Choices – Sexual Health Topics

Smoking Cessation

If you’re trying to give up smoking, we can help. Studies show that your chances of success will be greatly improved if you get advice and support from health care professionals to help you stop smoking and if you don’t pay for your prescriptions then giving up is free.

  • The services we offer from the Practice can:
  • 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

Please call the surgery to arrange an appointment with our smoking cessation advisers.

Useful links

Gosmokefree
NHS Choices – Smoking Cessation

Weight Loss

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 who offer 1:1 sessions for people wanting to improve their health and change their behaviour. They can support individuals with 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.

Click here to work out your BMI using the 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.

Useful links

NHS Choices check your BMI
NHS Choices – 8 tips for healthy eating

Sickness Certificates

The NHS provides sickness certification only after seven continuous days of illness.  If you need a sick note to cover this period of sickness you should complete a Self Certification (SC2) form which is available from your employer or on the HMRC website.

Click here for HMRC website

Please visit the Direct Gov website for full information about fitness for work following a period of sickness. After this period a NHS certificate may be issued but you will need to contact the surgery as it may be necessary to discuss your request with your GP.

Do I need a note saying I’m fit for work?

No. You do not need to see your GP again to be ‘signed back to work’.

Non-NHS Work

Not all services at the practice are available under the NHS. Where patients request non-NHS items or services, a private fee may be payable in accordance with British Medical Association (BMA) guidance and in line with charges applied by other General Practice surgeries. Fees and charges for these services are shown below which may be payable in advance. Any questions in regards to these services, you can contact us on 0208 578 1914.

Private Services List & Fees

Fees Payable By PatientsThis will be completed in due course. In the meantime please ask at reception for fees charged
Medical ExaminationsFee
Full Medical Examination and Report
Drivers or Pilots vocational licences (e.g. LGV, PCV, Taxi, Pilots, etc.)
Fitness to drive for insurance purposes (e.g. Elderly or racing driver)
Employment or Pre-Employment medicals (e.g. Army, Police)
Sports Fitness/Fitness to participate in event
Full Medical Examination with report and opinions
Power of Attorney (examination & certificate)
Court of protection (examination & certificate)
Court exemption from attending as a witness on medical grounds
Employers examination
Legal aid report
Accident &/or Sickness Insurance Medical Examination
Includes Loan, Income and Mortgage Protection
Certificates, Forms & ReportsFee
Copies of insurance medical reports
(Requested by patient)
Coroner’s Report
ECG copy
Freedom from infection certificate
Claim Forms
Gym membership cancellation
Holiday insurance cancellation
Housing benefits report
Life/Health insurance claims forms (BUPA, PPP etc.)
Police witness report
School fees insurance form
Slimming club/health club certificate / questionnaires etc.
Ofsted report
Private sick certificate for employer, college etc.
Completing a DS1500 form
Public Carriage office form
Solicitors report (p/h)
MiscellaneousFee
Any simple letter to support Non–NHS information
(e.g. fitness to fly. To whom it may concern, housing, social services etc.)
Complex letter requiring extracts from medical records
Photocopying charges
Private prescription for travel aboard
Witnessing Power of Attorney
Other private extracts from notes
HIV testing, counselling & taking a blood sample
Additional saliva test/blood samples (upon examination)
Access to Medical RecordsFee
 Access to health records charge (whether copies are required or not)
Viewing records only – no copies required
(If records have been added to in the last 40 days, viewing is free)		 Fee 
 Records held only on computer
 Records held part on computer and part manually (paper)
 Records held manually (paper)
 Copies of health records required Fee
 Records held only on computer
 Records held part on computer and part manually (paper)
 Records held manually (paper)
Private consultations and testsFee
Private appointment with doctor
Private appointment with nurse
Any tests required (fee is in addition to private consultation fee)
Fees Payable by Other Authority/Organisation
Insurance Medical Reports / DVLAFee
Insurance General Practitioners report
Insurance Company – supplementary reports
DVLA Report (Series II pro-forma)VOC certificateCopy of visual fieldsVOC resting ECG
Solicitors – Forms & Reports / Copies of Medical RecordsFee
Copies of medical records – as per access to medical records
Letter providing information from patient records
(Fee depending on complexity of letter)
Local AuthorityFee
Lecture Fees
Adoption medical
Department of Works and Pensions (DWP)Fee
Disability living allowance formsDSA 1550 forms

Non-NHS Work

What is non-NHS work and why is there a fee?

The National Health Service provides most health care to most people free of charge, but there are exceptions: prescription charges have existed since 1951 and there are a number of other services for which fees are charged.

Sometimes the charge is because the service is not covered by the NHS, for example, providing copies of health records or producing medical reports for insurance companies, solicitors or employers.

The Government’s contract with GPs covers medical services to NHS patients but not non-NHS work. It is important to understand that many GPs are not employed by the NHS; they are self-employed and they have to cover their costs – staff, buildings, heating, lighting, etc. – in the same way as any small business.

In recent years, however, more and more organisations have been involving doctors in a whole range of non-medical work. Sometimes the only reason that GPs are asked is because they are in a position of trust in the community, or because an insurance company or employer wants to ensure that information provided to them is true and accurate.

Examples of non-NHS services for which GPs can charge their own NHS patients are:

  • accident/sickness certificates for insurance purposes
  • school fee and holiday insurance certificates
  • reports for health clubs to certify that patients are fit to exercise
  • private prescriptions for travel purposes

Examples of non-NHS services for which GPs can charge other institutions are:

  • life assurance and income protection reports for insurance companies
  • reports for the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in connection with
  • disability living allowance and attendance allowance
  • medical reports for local authorities in connection with adoption and fostering
  • copies of records for solicitors

Do GPs have to do non-NHS work for their patients?

With certain limited exceptions, for example a GP confirming that one of their patients is not fit for jury service, GPs do not have to carry out non-NHS work on behalf of their patients. Whilst GPs will always attempt to assist their patients with the completion of forms, they are not required to do such non-NHS work.

Is it true that the BMA sets fees for non-NHS work?

The British Medical Association (BMA) suggest fees that GPs may charge their patients for non-NHS work (i.e. work not covered under their contract with the NHS) in order to help GPs set their own professional fees. However, the fees suggested by them are intended for guidance only; they are not recommendations and a doctor is not obliged to charge the rates they suggest.

Why does it sometimes take my GP a long time to complete my form?

Time spent completing forms and preparing reports takes the GP away from the medical care of his or her patients. Most GPs have a very heavy workload and paperwork takes up an increasing amount of their time. Our GPs do non-NHS work out of NHS time at evenings or weekends so that NHS patient care does not suffer.

I only need the doctor’s signature – what is the problem?

When a doctor signs a certificate or completes a report, it is a condition of remaining on the Medical Register that they only sign what they know to be true. In order to complete even the simplest of forms, therefore, the doctor might have to check the patient’s ENTIRE medical record. Carelessness or an inaccurate report can have serious consequences for the doctor with the General Medical Council (the doctors’ regulatory body) or even the Police.

If you are a new patient we may not have your medical records so the doctor must wait for these before completing the form.

What will I be charged?

It is recommended that GPs tell patients in advance if they will be charged, and what the fee will be. It is up to individual doctors to decide how much they will charge. The surgery has a list of fees based on these suggested fees which is available on request.

What can I do to help?

  • Not all documents need a signature by a doctor, for example passport applications. You can ask another person in a position of trust to sign such documents free of charge. Read the information that comes with these types of forms carefully before requesting your GP to complete them.
  • If you have several forms requiring completion, present them all at once and ask your GP if he or she is prepared to complete them at the same time to speed up the process.
  • Do not expect your GP to process forms overnight: urgent requests may mean that a doctor has to make special arrangements to process the form quickly, and this may cost more. Usually non-NHS work will take 2 weeks.

Doctor’s Letter

You may require a doctor’s letter for various reasons e.g. fitness to travel or confirmation of medical conditions.  Please contact reception to make your request which will be dealt with in the most appropriate way.

If you are pregnant and require a doctor’s letter as proof of ‘permission to travel’ please be aware that many airlines require your doctor’s letter to be signed within 48 hours of international travel.

Please note that you will not be provided with a doctor’s ‘permission to travel’ letter if you are due in less than 30 days or if your pregnancy is considered high-risk.

NHS Health Checks

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. 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 Choices – 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 have 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.