Harlestone Road Surgery

PATIENT SERVICES

BOOKING AND ANTENATAL CLINICS

The surgery operates a booking clinic at each site. Routine antenatal care is provided by clinics run from Duston Medical Centre and the Camrose Centre. The Camrose Centre is a community-based centre where appointments are offered every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning.

If you think you are pregnant, you do not need to see the doctors first. An appointment with the midwife can be arranged directly, via reception. Most deliveries take place in the Barratt Maternity Hospital, some under consultant care and some at the GP unit. Following discussion with the midwife, some patients may choose to have a home birth.

ASTHMA CLINICS

The practice offers comprehensive respiratory management with trained asthma nurses. The broad aims of the clinics are to identify asthmatics and ensure the correct treatment is taken at the right time, thereby preventing serious attacks occurring. All asthmatics should try and see the nurse to review every six months.

PATIENTS WITH ASTHMA ON THE CORRECT MEDICATION SHOULD BE ABLE TO LEAD A NORMAL LIFESTYLE.

SMOKING CLINIC

The practice offers help and support to those who wish to stop smoking. Please make an appointment to see our nurses who are specially trained in smoking cessation.

BLOOD PRESSURE AND HYPERTENSION CLINICS

Patients with blood pressure problems are welcome to make an appointment with our practice nurses to have their blood pressure taken.

These clinics are held by the doctor and a health visitor at both surgeries. At various stages in your pre-school child's life you will have the opportunity to review your child's health and development with your health visitor and GP.

CORONARY HEART DISEASE (CHD)

The practice offers advice, treatment of review opportunities for management of this condition. Please make an appointment with our trained nurses.

CHILD IMMUNISATION CLINICS

The practice is part of a computerised scheme organised by the Northampton Health Authority; appointments are sent by computer for Harlestone Road Surgery and Duston Medical Centre. Harlestone Road Surgery clinics are on Tuesdays 9.30 - 11.00am and at Duston Medical Centre on Wednesdays from 9.30 to 11.00am. These surgery times may change, so please telephone the surgery to confirm times.

If you are unable to attend any appointment it is important to let your health visitor know so you can be offered another. It is only by ensuring that all are immunised that we can keep all children free of diphtheria, tetanus, polio, whooping cough, German measles (Rubella) pneumonia and mumps.

Please advise your health visitor if you are unable to attend for an appointment.

CERVICAL SMEARS

This is an early warning test which shows if there are any changes in cells from the neck of the womb (cervix) which might develop into cancer. The test is offered to all ladies between the ages of 25 and 65 and you should receive a letter from the Health Authority when your time to be seen is due. If you are unsure please telephone the surgery for further information. You will be recalled for repeat tests every three years (aged 25-49) and every five years (aged 50-65). We encourage ladies to have a health check at the same time as their three-yearly recall.

DIABETES

We encourage patients with diabetes to attend the diabetic clinic. The primary aim is to regularly monitor their health and prevent long term complications.

ALL DIABETICS SHOULD ATTEND THE CLINIC AT LEAST YEARLY. A clinic setting allows more time per patient and allows us to offer extra services.

FAMILY PLANNING

A comprehensive service is offered at both surgeries. In addition, we run a family planning clinic at our Duston Medical Centre, where you will be able to discuss all aspects of family planning and sexual health (a trained nurse is always in attendance).

EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION

The 'morning after' pill can be taken up to 72 hours after unprotected sex. However, it is more effective the sooner it is taken. Emergency contraception is prescribed by your doctor. When telephoning please say that you need emergency contraception.

VACCINATIONS

There are travel clinics at both surgeries. If you are going abroad on business or holiday there is a need to complete travel forms in order that the vaccines are in stock. If you need advice and immunisations please make an appointment with the practice nurse at either Duston Medical Centre or Harlestone Road Surgery. Please try to book in to see the nurse eight weeks before you travel. We now charge for some vaccinations so when booking your appointment, please ask for any costs. Unfortunately, vaccinations will not be given if you do not have the means to pay.

HOME NURSING

If you are confined to your home and cannot attend the surgery, the district nurses can provide the service to you. Please speak to the receptionist or your doctor.

MAMMOGRAPHY

The Northampton General Hospital offers a three-year routine mammogram screening for women over the age of 50 years. This is particularly important for the early detection of breast cancer.

Please make every effort to attend as it is obviously in your interest to do so.

MINOR OPERATIONS

These are performed in the surgery by the doctor. If you have a problem which may be suitable for a minor operation, you will initially need to see your own doctor who can arrange for minor operations to be performed in the surgery or in the hospital, if necessary.

NEW PATIENTS

All new patients are required to fill in registration details and are offered a simple health check. The practice strongly advises everyone to take advantage of this health check, normally with the practice nurse or the HCA (healthcare assistant). In addition, the health visitor sees all new families with pre-school children.

PARENTCRAFT

Parentcraft classes are run on a regular basis. Please book for these sessions with the midwife.