Other Services (by appointment)

All patients will be encouraged to lead a healthier lifestyle to maintain good health and to prevent the major illnesses that are preventable. In addition to general appointments the practice provides the following services and clinics for patients:

Minor operations and cryotherapy (for warts and verrucae)

Some minor operations are undertaken by the doctors on the practice premises after an initial consultation in the surgery. A number of minor surgery procedures are not covered by the NHS and your doctor will be able to advise you on this.

Minor Surgery

We accept incoming referrals from all Croydon practices as well as our own patients. Referred patients will receive a consultation appointment promptly. Appointment for procedure will then be arranged at the patient’s convenience within a week when possible. Referring GP practice is provided with written outcome together with histology results (if appropriate). Dedicated minor surgery suite. Refer using the Croydon Minor Surgery form (DXS) or by sending us a referral letter .

Diabetes Clinic

Currently we have over 1000 diabetic patients. Diabetes is becoming more prevalent (particularly the type two, adult onset variety, which is related to poor lifestyle and Obesity in many cases). It is vital to stabilise diabetes in order to avoid the complications of blindness, heart and kidney disease, strokes and amputation. Our diabetes nurses are specially trained to look after diabetes. We also offer advice, education and regular monitoring.

Tetanus Injections

If you have never had a full tetanus course or have had only part of a course, arrangements can be made to give you a full course of injections, it is now combined with diphtheria.

Flu and Pneumococcal Vaccinations

Sadly this common illness is not amenable to treatment once you have caught it. Unfortunately, it can prove fatal to some people. However, it is not all bad news. Each autumn, usually in October, the practice offers flu injections to patients who are over 65 years of age and those at greater risk because of a medical condition. This includes anybody who is a diabetic or has any heart, lung, kidney or immunity problems, or taking immune suppressant medicines (including steroids) long term. The injections are given by appointment at special sessions.

The practice also offers a single anti-pneumonia vaccination to those thought to be at risk and the over-65s. This will include anybody who is a diabetic or has any heart, lung, kidney or immunity problems. We also believe that people who have had their spleen removed should be vaccinated five yearly. Please enquire at reception for details.

Family Planning Services (pill, coil, implant etc.)

All the partners hold approved certificates in family planning. Advice on all aspects of contraception can be given by doctors and nurses.

We have a female specialist GP and Nurse who inserts/removes coils and inserts/removes implants in their clinics. Please book an appointment for a consultation at Reception.

We offer:

• Implants (last 3 years)
• Coils (last up to 5 years)
• Contraceptive ring
• Contraceptive pill
• Contraceptive Injections

Cervical Smear Tests

These are performed by our practice nurses by appointment. If you are a woman aged between 20-64, we strongly advise you to have regular cervical smears – three yearly between ages 25-50 and five yearly between 51-64. Cervical smear tests are intended to detect early changes that could lead to cancer of the cervix. Approximately 1000 women in the UK still die from cancer of the cervix each year. Early treatment can prevent these deaths. Regular cervical smears help us diagnose early problems that are easily treated and thus save lives. Please make an appointment with a practice nurse for a smear in the middle part of your menstrual cycle – ideally days 10-14.

Other services/clinics include;

• Advice on dealing with common minor ailments
• Heart disease and stroke prevention clinic
• Smoking cessation
• Ear syringing
• Suture removal and general nursing advice
• Well woman clinic
• Teenage Health
• Infertility investigations
• Full antenatal care and postnatal care (shared care – doctors/midwife)
• Blood tests and blood pressure checks
• Weight monitoring

Immunisations

Developmental checks and children’s immunisations are offered to children of all our patients. A guide to these vaccinations can be found on the NHS Choices website.

Services Outside The NHS

Not all services provided at the practice may be covered under the NHS. These services may include; Private certificates, Holiday cancellation certificates, Fitness to travel, BUPA, PPP claim forms, Insurance certificates for continued sickness and Letters (e.g. housing, schools).

The practice will charge a fee for the provision of these services in line with the recommended BMA rates.

Lists of fees are available to view in the reception.