We carry out a full range of contraceptive services including fitting coils, diaphragms, emergency post coital contraception, depo-provera injections and implants which are done by Dr Owen and Dr Rafferty.  In addition to this regular check-ups are carried out for those who are on the pill. A regular cervical smear every three years is an important part of every woman’s health, as it helps prevent serious disease (It doesn’t hurt).  Please make an appointment with the practice nurse if you need one.

It is recommended that people over the age of 65 years and anyone with a heart or lung condition, diabetes or any other debilitating illness have a pneumococcal and an influenza vaccination once a year.  These vaccinations are usually carried out at the end of September.  If you need a flu vaccination then please contact reception around the beginning of September to book an appointment. We do follow government guidelines regarding these vaccination protocols 

There may be occasions when the doctor requests that you have a blood test, similarly you may have an illness or be on certain medication which requires you to have regular blood tests. Blood tests are carried out by the practice nurse or assistant practitioner and if you need a blood test please book an appointment at reception.   

If you have a family history of cardiovascular disease or diabetes you will be advised about these conditions.

The NHS Health Check is a health check-up for adults in England aged 40-74. It’s designed to spot early signs of stroke, kidney disease, heart disease, type 2 diabetes or dementia. As we get older, we have a higher risk of developing one of these conditions. An NHS Health Check helps find ways to lower this risk. Please contact the Practice to arrange an appointment.

Health Visitors

You can normally see the Health Visitors at their drop-in clinic; for further information please contact the Practice.

Health Visitors are all trained Nurses who have extra training and qualifications in child health. They are a fantastic source of information about child development and health, parenting strategies, breastfeeding, nutrition and community support. They also offer help with social, emotional and environmental issues that affect families.

Child health checks

Appointments are sent out automatically by the local health authority for routine child health checks.

The first will be with a GP at the Surgery when your baby is around 6 weeks old. You will be sent information about this and asked to make an appointment at your local Clinic or Practice.

You will also be offered routine health reviews for your child, with your Health Visitor, at 6-8 weeks, 8-12 months and 2-2½ years old.

Well Baby Clinic 

This is held at Clarendon Surgery every Thursday morning 9:30 – 12.00.  The doctor and Practice Nurse  are both there and can provide information, advice and support to mothers. This is a well baby clinic – if your baby is ill please make an appointment during normal surgery hours. Baby immunisations are also carried out during normal practice nurse sessions for those people who are unable to attend the baby clinic sessions.

When to immunise

Different vaccines are given at different ages to protect you and your child. Find out when these vaccinations are offered, and when and where they’ll be given:

Telling your GP and/or Midwife promptly will help to make sure you receive maternity healthcare that takes into account all your health needs and preferences. You can book an appointment with your GP or directly with your Midwife as soon as you know that you’re pregnant.

It’s best to see them as early as possible to obtain the information you need to have a healthy pregnancy, and because some tests, such as screening for sickle cell and thalassaemia should be done before you’re 10 weeks’ pregnant.

Screening Test For You and Your Baby | NHS

Midwife

The Midwife works with the Doctor to give care to women having a baby, both before birth and for ten days after the baby is delivered. Antenatal appointments are now generally provided by the Midwife at the Hospital or satellite clinic. For further information please contact your Practice.

The role of the midwife

A Midwife is a qualified nurse who has undertaken further training to provide and promote normal midwifery.

They help you to prepare for motherhood and promote good health for yourself and your baby by advising on the effects of drinking, smoking and good diet whilst you are pregnant.

The Midwife guides you through your pregnancy and endeavours to detect any problems and make relevant referrals if necessary.

Your antenatal care

When you first learn that you’re pregnant, get in touch with a Midwife or GP as soon as possible. Ideally this should be by 10 weeks of your pregnancy. Telling your GP and/or Midwife promptly will help to make sure you receive maternity healthcare that takes into account all your health needs and preferences.

One-to-one support for breastfeeding

Midwives, health visitors and local trained volunteer mothers (peer supporters) are there to help you get breastfeeding off to a good start. They can give you lots of information and support just when you need it.

If you need to speak to someone between midwife or health visitor appointments, you should find their contact details in your baby’s red book. Ask your midwife or health visitor to show you the page when you first get it.

You could also go to your local drop-in baby clinic to see a health visitor face to face.

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Useful Information

• The Breastfeeding Companion
  Video based resource designed to support every mother and her baby in making breastfeeding a comfortable and enjoyable experience
• Bliss
  Special care baby charity that provides vital support and care to premature and sick babies across the UK
• The Breastfeeding Network
  Breastfeeding support and information
• La Leche League
  Mother-to-mother support with breastfeeding
• The Lactation Consultants of Great Britain
  Help finding a lactation consultant near you
• The Twins and Multiple Births Association (TAMBA)
  Information about feeding twins and triplets
• The National Childbirth Trust (NCT)
  Charity that provides information and support on all aspects of pregnancy, birth and early parenthood, including breastfeeding.
• UK Association for Milk Banking
  Information about using donated breast milk if your baby is premature or ill, and how to donate breast milk

How partners can support breastfeeding

Women are much more likely to breastfeed for longer when they have their partner’s support.

Ways dads and partners can help with breastfeeding: