Services

fAMiLY PLAnninG

A full contraceptive and family planning service is provided by doctors and nurses who are very willing to discuss all aspects and methods of contraception with both or either partner confidentially.this service is available to patients of any age or sex.

eMerGenCY ContrACePtion

The morning after pill can be taken up to 72 hours after unprotected intercourse. An intra-uterine device (coil) may also be used under these circumstances. treatment should be received as soon as reasonably practicable.An appointment can be arranged by telephoning reception during normal surgery hours.

Ante nAtAL CAre

Patients are seen regularly during their pregnancy and are cared for by their midwife from the local Tavistock Midwifery team. If a pregnancy needs to be overseen b ya Consultant obstetrician, appointments can be arranged. The majority of pregnancies are totally normal and in that event a Consultant would not be required.

routine PreGnAnCY CAre

You will be offered a visit from your midwife in your home from 10 weeks to discuss screening tests, pregnancy plans and care and to arrange an ultrasound at 12 weeks and 20 weeks at derriford Hospital.

Your midwife will see you at regular intervals throughout your pregnancy depending upon your needs.

Antenatal Parentcraft Classes are held at tavyside Health Centre from 30 - 32 weeks of pregnancy

After your baby is born, your midwife will visit you as often as necessary in your home until you start to find your feet when you will be transferred to the Health Visitor.

iMMunisAtions

The Practice nurse immunises children under 5 years of age by appointment.

2 Months

Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio and Haemophilus influenzae type B (dtaP/iPV/Hib) Pneumococcal (PCV)

3 Months

Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio and Haemophilus influenzae type B (dtaP/iPV/Hib) Meningitis C (MenC)

4 Months

Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio and Haemophilus influenzae type B (dtaP/iPV/Hib) Pneumococcal (PCV) Meningitis C (MenC)

Between 12 and 13 Months

Haemophilus influenzae type B, Meningitis C (Hib/MenC) Measles, mumps and rubella (MMr), Pneumococcal (PCV)

3 Years 4 Months to 5 yrs

Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and polio (dtaP/iPV or dtap/iPV), Measles, mumps and rubella (MMr)

Girls aged 12 to 13 years old

Cervical cancer caused by human papillomavirus types 16 and 18

13 to 18 years

Tetanus, diphtheria and polio (td/iPV) and check MMR status

We strongly advise that you allow your child to have the injections unless there is a sound medical reason not to do so. Children who are behind in this schedule should catch up as soon as possible.Ask your HealthVisitor for advice.

AduLt iMMunisAtions

Adult immunisations are available by appointment with a Practice nurse in her normal surgery time.

Travel Immunisations

We offer the full range of foreign travel immunisation, including Yellow fever. However, you may need time to have a course (a series of vaccines works better if spread out in time), so try to come at least eight weeks in advance of your travel date.the Practice nurse can give you up-to-date advice enabling you to make appropriate appointments.

A charge is payable for some travel immunisations. Please see our travel Clinic notice board in our main reception area for the latest charges or ask at reception.

Following an nHs ruling, doctors are no longer able to prescribe anti-malarial tablets on an nHs prescription.the Practice nurse can advise you on which type is appropriate and it can then be purchased at any chemist.the usual course is taken at least one week prior to travelling, during your stay, and for four weeks after your return. Make sure you give plenty of notice.

The most important measures to prevent malaria are to avoid mosquito bites. use an effective insect repellent and in the evening cover yourself.While sleeping use mosquito coils or burners and impregnated mosquito nets.

In any hot country, it is important to protect your skin against burning by following the Australian advice of ‘slip’ on a shirt,‘slap’ on a hat and ‘slop’ on plenty of protective sun cream.

However, important though travel immunisation is as a measure to be taken to reduce all risk from travel overseas, it should be remembered that only 5% of health problems encountered by tourists are vaccine preventable. This is why it is important that all aspects of travel health risk are considered at your travel health appointment.

CerViCAL sMeArs

Smears are usually performed by the Practice nurse or by the doctor; the choice is yours.the test can detect cell changes in the cervix (neck of the womb), that can sometimes lead to cancer in the future. if the changes are present, treatment is nearly always simple, effective and of a minor nature. Local policy suggests a smear every 3 years for women under 50 years old and every 5 years once you are aged over 50 years.We would especially encourage women between 25 and 65 years of age to have this done. Patients who have had a total hysterectomy do not need a smear.Ask your Practice nurse if you are unsure.

WeLL Person CLiniC

If you are an infrequent visitor to the surgery, we suggest you may like to make an appointment with one of the nurses for a ‘well person check’.this will involve a check of your blood pressure, height and weight, and family history, also a urine test for diabetes.Women are advised about breast self examination.You may be asked to complete a form before attending these appointments. Please ask the receptionist when booking.

CrYotHerAPY CLiniC

The practice has a liquid nitrogen treatment spray, which is especially useful for the treatment of hand warts and other small skin lesions. If you have warts or other skin blemishes that you would like removed, please make an appointment to attend this clinic. Please ask at reception for details.

Minor surGerY

The practice has a fully equipped minor surgery facility and all doctors have training in this area. This is used for injections of joints, aspirations, removal of minor lumps and bumps and suturing of wounds.

Non NHS Services

There are several services, such as the signing of certain forms which are not covered under the national Health service, such as:

• Private Medical Certificates
• BUPA and private insurance forms
• Holiday insurance Claims
• Examinations for driving
• Passport verification
• Shotgun licence forms
• Sickness benefit forms

You will therefore be asked to pay for these services.A list of charges is displayed in the reception area.

A percentage of monies received from the completion of these forms will be donated to a nominated charity on a quarterly basis.

ALL nHs serViCes

At Tavyside Health Centre we are committed to providing all nHs services possible. if you are unsure if we provide a particular service, please ask.