The Practice Nurse or Healthcare Assistant can provide the following services.
You will be advised to see a GP for your illness, if needed.
Recent updates to chronic disease review invitation system:
We have changed the way we invite our patients with chronic diseases, so that hopefully it will make it easier to know when you will be invited and reduce the number of times we ask you to attend.
– By chronic disease, we mean Diabetes, Asthma, COPD, Stroke monitoring and Heart Disease.
Instead of asking you to see the nurse about separate conditions, we will invite you to attend for a nurse appointment each year in the month of your birth for a review of any of these conditions. So, if you suffer from 2 of these conditions, the nurse will review both conditions at the same appointment.
You are welcome to book appointments if you have any concerns at any other time and the nurse will arrange any follow up you may need before your next routine review. We hope this will make your review appointment procedure simpler and more effective.
– By chronic disease, we mean Diabetes, Asthma, COPD, Stroke monitoring and Heart Disease.
Instead of asking you to see the nurse about separate conditions, we will invite you to attend for a nurse appointment each year in the month of your birth for a review of any of these conditions. So, if you suffer from 2 of these conditions, the nurse will review both conditions at the same appointment.
You are welcome to book appointments if you have any concerns at any other time and the nurse will arrange any follow up you may need before your next routine review. We hope this will make your review appointment procedure simpler and more effective.
24hrs Blood Pressure Monitoring
Review carried out by: HCA
Frequency of review: Check with Practice
Appointment Duration: 10 min
Current status: Available
In some cases, your doctor may recommend 24-hour or ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM).
This is where your blood pressure is tested automatically around every 30 minutes over a 24-hour period using a cuff attached to a portable device worn on your waist.
ABPM can help to give a clear picture of how your blood pressure changes over the course of a day.
You should continue with your normal daily activities during the test, although you must avoid getting the equipment wet.
Frequency of review: Check with Practice
Appointment Duration: 10 min
Current status: Available
In some cases, your doctor may recommend 24-hour or ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM).
This is where your blood pressure is tested automatically around every 30 minutes over a 24-hour period using a cuff attached to a portable device worn on your waist.
ABPM can help to give a clear picture of how your blood pressure changes over the course of a day.
You should continue with your normal daily activities during the test, although you must avoid getting the equipment wet.
Cervical Smear
Review carried out by: Nurse
Frequency of review: Check with Practice
Appointment Duration: 10 min
Current status: Available
Cervical screening (a smear test) checks the health of your cervix. The cervix is the opening to your womb from your vagina.
It’s not a test for cancer, it’s a test to help prevent cancer.
All women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64 should be invited by letter.
During the screening appointment, a small sample of cells will be taken from your cervix. You’ll get your results by letter, usually in about 2 weeks. It will explain what happens next.
Frequency of review: Check with Practice
Appointment Duration: 10 min
Current status: Available
Cervical screening (a smear test) checks the health of your cervix. The cervix is the opening to your womb from your vagina.
It’s not a test for cancer, it’s a test to help prevent cancer.
All women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64 should be invited by letter.
During the screening appointment, a small sample of cells will be taken from your cervix. You’ll get your results by letter, usually in about 2 weeks. It will explain what happens next.
Dementia Review
Review carried out by: Nurse
Frequency of review: Check with Practice
Appointment Duration: 10 min
Current status: Available
The quality of care provided to patients with dementia can be improved by focusing on the following 6 key areas at this regular review.
This applies both to patients in the community and nursing home residents.
1. Medication Review
2. Mental Health
3. Physical Factors
4. Risk Assessment
5. Assessment of Carers Needs
6. Social Supports Review
Frequency of review: Check with Practice
Appointment Duration: 10 min
Current status: Available
The quality of care provided to patients with dementia can be improved by focusing on the following 6 key areas at this regular review.
This applies both to patients in the community and nursing home residents.
1. Medication Review
2. Mental Health
3. Physical Factors
4. Risk Assessment
5. Assessment of Carers Needs
6. Social Supports Review
ECG
Review carried out by: HCA
Frequency of review: Check with Practice
Appointment Duration: 10 min
Current status: Available
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a simple test that can be used to check your heart’s rhythm and electrical activity.
Sensors attached to the skin are used to detect the electrical signals produced by your heart each time it beats.
These signals are recorded by a machine and are looked at by a doctor to see if they’re unusual.
An ECG may be requested by a heart specialist (cardiologist) or any doctor who thinks you might have a problem with your heart, including your GP.
The test can be carried out by a specially trained healthcare professional at a hospital, a clinic or at your GP surgery.
Frequency of review: Check with Practice
Appointment Duration: 10 min
Current status: Available
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a simple test that can be used to check your heart’s rhythm and electrical activity.
Sensors attached to the skin are used to detect the electrical signals produced by your heart each time it beats.
These signals are recorded by a machine and are looked at by a doctor to see if they’re unusual.
An ECG may be requested by a heart specialist (cardiologist) or any doctor who thinks you might have a problem with your heart, including your GP.
The test can be carried out by a specially trained healthcare professional at a hospital, a clinic or at your GP surgery.
Heart Failure Review
Review carried out by: Nurse
Frequency of review: Check with Practice
Appointment Duration: 10 min
Current status: Available
You’ll have regular contact with your GP or care team to monitor your condition at least every 6 months.
These appointments may involve:
– talking about your symptoms, such as whether – they’re affecting your normal activities or are getting worse
– a discussion about your medication, including any side effects
– tests to monitor your health
It’s also a good opportunity to ask any questions you have or raise any other issues you’d like to discuss with your care team.
You may be asked to help monitor your condition between appointments.
Frequency of review: Check with Practice
Appointment Duration: 10 min
Current status: Available
You’ll have regular contact with your GP or care team to monitor your condition at least every 6 months.
These appointments may involve:
– talking about your symptoms, such as whether – they’re affecting your normal activities or are getting worse
– a discussion about your medication, including any side effects
– tests to monitor your health
It’s also a good opportunity to ask any questions you have or raise any other issues you’d like to discuss with your care team.
You may be asked to help monitor your condition between appointments.
Kidney Disease Review
Review carried out by: Nurse
Frequency of review: Check with Practice
Appointment Duration: 10 min
Current status: Available
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a long-term condition where the kidneys don’t work as well as they should.
It’s a common condition often associated with getting older. It can affect anyone, but it’s more common in people who are black or of south Asian origin.
CKD can get worse over time and eventually the kidneys may stop working altogether, but this is uncommon. Many people with CKD are able to live long lives with the condition. You’ll have regular contact with your care team to monitor your condition.
These appointments may involve:
– talking about your symptoms – such as whether they’re affecting your normal activities or are getting worse
– a discussion about your medicine – including whether you are experiencing any side effects
– tests to monitor your kidney function and general health
It’s also a good opportunity to ask any questions you have or raise any other issues you’d like to discuss with your care team.
You may also want to help monitor your condition at home – for example, by using a home blood pressure monitor.
Contact your GP or healthcare team if your symptoms are getting worse or you develop new symptoms.
Frequency of review: Check with Practice
Appointment Duration: 10 min
Current status: Available
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a long-term condition where the kidneys don’t work as well as they should.
It’s a common condition often associated with getting older. It can affect anyone, but it’s more common in people who are black or of south Asian origin.
CKD can get worse over time and eventually the kidneys may stop working altogether, but this is uncommon. Many people with CKD are able to live long lives with the condition. You’ll have regular contact with your care team to monitor your condition.
These appointments may involve:
– talking about your symptoms – such as whether they’re affecting your normal activities or are getting worse
– a discussion about your medicine – including whether you are experiencing any side effects
– tests to monitor your kidney function and general health
It’s also a good opportunity to ask any questions you have or raise any other issues you’d like to discuss with your care team.
You may also want to help monitor your condition at home – for example, by using a home blood pressure monitor.
Contact your GP or healthcare team if your symptoms are getting worse or you develop new symptoms.
Phlebotomy – Blood Test
Review carried out by: HCA
Frequency of review: Check with Practice
Appointment Duration: 10 min
Current status: Available
Blood tests have a wide range of uses and are one of the most common types of medical test.
For example, a blood test can be used to:
– assess your general state of health
– check if you have an infection
– see how well certain organs, such as the liver and kidneys, are working
– screen for certain genetic conditions
Most blood tests only take a few minutes to complete and are carried out at your GP surgery or local hospital by a doctor, nurse or phlebotomist (a specialist in taking blood samples).
Frequency of review: Check with Practice
Appointment Duration: 10 min
Current status: Available
Blood tests have a wide range of uses and are one of the most common types of medical test.
For example, a blood test can be used to:
– assess your general state of health
– check if you have an infection
– see how well certain organs, such as the liver and kidneys, are working
– screen for certain genetic conditions
Most blood tests only take a few minutes to complete and are carried out at your GP surgery or local hospital by a doctor, nurse or phlebotomist (a specialist in taking blood samples).
Spirometry
Review carried out by: Nurse
Frequency of review: Check with Practice
Appointment Duration: 10 min
Current status: Available
Spirometry is a simple test used to help diagnose and monitor certain lung conditions by measuring how much air you can breathe out in one forced breath.
It’s carried out using a device called a spirometer, which is a small machine attached by a cable to a mouthpiece.
Spirometry may be performed by a nurse or doctor at your GP surgery, or it may be carried out during a short visit to a hospital or clinic
Frequency of review: Check with Practice
Appointment Duration: 10 min
Current status: Available
Spirometry is a simple test used to help diagnose and monitor certain lung conditions by measuring how much air you can breathe out in one forced breath.
It’s carried out using a device called a spirometer, which is a small machine attached by a cable to a mouthpiece.
Spirometry may be performed by a nurse or doctor at your GP surgery, or it may be carried out during a short visit to a hospital or clinic
Smoking Cessation
Review carried out by: HCA
Frequency of review: Check with Practice
Appointment Duration: 10 min
Current status: Available
Many people don’t realise that their GP can help them quit smoking. Your doctor can do a lot, such as enrolling you in a “stop smoking” clinic, and prescribing nicotine replacement therapy, such as patches and gum, or stop smoking medication such as Champix.
Cigarettes are addictive, and self-control alone might not be enough for you to stop entirely.
Give yourself a better chance of success by using nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). This is available on prescription from your GP, from your local stop smoking service or from a pharmacist.
Frequency of review: Check with Practice
Appointment Duration: 10 min
Current status: Available
Many people don’t realise that their GP can help them quit smoking. Your doctor can do a lot, such as enrolling you in a “stop smoking” clinic, and prescribing nicotine replacement therapy, such as patches and gum, or stop smoking medication such as Champix.
Cigarettes are addictive, and self-control alone might not be enough for you to stop entirely.
Give yourself a better chance of success by using nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). This is available on prescription from your GP, from your local stop smoking service or from a pharmacist.
Weight Management
Review carried out by: Nurse/HCA
Frequency of review: Check with surgery
Appointment Duration: 10 min
Current status: Available
Frequency of review: Check with surgery
Appointment Duration: 10 min
Current status: Available
Asthma Review
Review carried out by: Nurse
Frequency of review: Check with Practice
Appointment Duration: 10 min
Current status: Available
A regular asthma review could help you keep free of symptoms and cut your risk of an asthma attack.
This is a great opportunity to talk to your GP about:
– Symptoms getting in the way of things you want to do
– Asthma attacks – whether you’ve had one, or you’re scared of having one,
– Medicines – how they help, and any side effects,
– Stop smoking advice and other ways to help you avoid asthma symptoms
Your asthma review is a check-up to see how well you’re managing your asthma, and to see if there’s anything more you and your GP can do to help you avoid symptoms.
Frequency of review: Check with Practice
Appointment Duration: 10 min
Current status: Available
A regular asthma review could help you keep free of symptoms and cut your risk of an asthma attack.
This is a great opportunity to talk to your GP about:
– Symptoms getting in the way of things you want to do
– Asthma attacks – whether you’ve had one, or you’re scared of having one,
– Medicines – how they help, and any side effects,
– Stop smoking advice and other ways to help you avoid asthma symptoms
Your asthma review is a check-up to see how well you’re managing your asthma, and to see if there’s anything more you and your GP can do to help you avoid symptoms.
Diabetes Review
Review carried out by: Nurse
Frequency of review: Check with Practice
Appointment Duration: 10 min
Current status: Available
Type 2 diabetes check-ups help to make sure your condition doesn’t lead to other health problems.
Every 3 months blood sugar checks (HbA1C test): Checks your average blood sugar levels and how close they are to normal. You have these checks every 3 months when newly diagnosed, then every 6 months once you’re stable. This can be done by your GP or diabetes nurse.
Once a year feet checks: Checks if you’ve lost any feeling in your feet, and for ulcers and infections. This can be done by your GP, diabetes nurse or podiatrist. Speak to your GP immediately if you have cuts, bruises or numbness in your feet.
Once a year eye check: Checks for damage to blood vessels in your eyes. Speak to your GP immediately if you have blurred vision.
Once a year blood pressure, cholesterol and kidneys checks: Checks for high blood pressure, heart and kidney disease. This can be done by your GP or diabetes nurse.
Frequency of review: Check with Practice
Appointment Duration: 10 min
Current status: Available
Type 2 diabetes check-ups help to make sure your condition doesn’t lead to other health problems.
Every 3 months blood sugar checks (HbA1C test): Checks your average blood sugar levels and how close they are to normal. You have these checks every 3 months when newly diagnosed, then every 6 months once you’re stable. This can be done by your GP or diabetes nurse.
Once a year feet checks: Checks if you’ve lost any feeling in your feet, and for ulcers and infections. This can be done by your GP, diabetes nurse or podiatrist. Speak to your GP immediately if you have cuts, bruises or numbness in your feet.
Once a year eye check: Checks for damage to blood vessels in your eyes. Speak to your GP immediately if you have blurred vision.
Once a year blood pressure, cholesterol and kidneys checks: Checks for high blood pressure, heart and kidney disease. This can be done by your GP or diabetes nurse.
Heart Disease Review
Review carried out by: Nurse
Frequency of review: Check with surgery
Appointment Duration: 10 min
Current status: Available
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a general term for conditions affecting the heart or blood vessels.
It’s usually associated with a build-up of fatty deposits inside the arteries (atherosclerosis) and an increased risk of blood clots.
The exact cause of CVD isn’t clear, but there are lots of things that can increase your risk of getting it. These are called “risk factors”. The more risk factors you have, the greater your chances of developing CVD.
The main risk factors for CVD are outlined below.
– High blood pressure
– Smoking
– High cholesterol
– Diabetes
– Inactivity
– Being overweight or obese
– Family history of CVD
– Ethnic background
If you’re over 40, you’ll be invited by your GP for an NHS Health Check every 5 years. Part of this check involves assessing your individual CVD risk and advising you how to reduce it if necessary.
Frequency of review: Check with surgery
Appointment Duration: 10 min
Current status: Available
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a general term for conditions affecting the heart or blood vessels.
It’s usually associated with a build-up of fatty deposits inside the arteries (atherosclerosis) and an increased risk of blood clots.
The exact cause of CVD isn’t clear, but there are lots of things that can increase your risk of getting it. These are called “risk factors”. The more risk factors you have, the greater your chances of developing CVD.
The main risk factors for CVD are outlined below.
– High blood pressure
– Smoking
– High cholesterol
– Diabetes
– Inactivity
– Being overweight or obese
– Family history of CVD
– Ethnic background
If you’re over 40, you’ll be invited by your GP for an NHS Health Check every 5 years. Part of this check involves assessing your individual CVD risk and advising you how to reduce it if necessary.
Medication Review
Review carried out by: GPs/Pharmacists
Frequency of review: Check with Practice
Appointment Duration: 10 min
Current status: Available
Getting your medication reviewed is not only important for you, but also allows the NHS to maintain a good level of service across the board.
By regularly reviewing your medication, you can help the NHS save a considerable amount in terms of wasted medication. Medicine reviews can be performed by both pharmacists and GPs.
Pharmacists can perform a Medicines Use Review (MUR) during which they can check how you are getting on with your medication. If your pharmacist feels that there are any changes that need to be made, you can then go on to book an appointment with your GP to have your prescription amended accordingly.
Frequency of review: Check with Practice
Appointment Duration: 10 min
Current status: Available
Getting your medication reviewed is not only important for you, but also allows the NHS to maintain a good level of service across the board.
By regularly reviewing your medication, you can help the NHS save a considerable amount in terms of wasted medication. Medicine reviews can be performed by both pharmacists and GPs.
Pharmacists can perform a Medicines Use Review (MUR) during which they can check how you are getting on with your medication. If your pharmacist feels that there are any changes that need to be made, you can then go on to book an appointment with your GP to have your prescription amended accordingly.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Review carried out by: Nurse
Frequency of review: Check with Practice
Appointment Duration: 10 min
Current status: Available
Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term condition that causes pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints. The condition usually affects the hands, feet and wrists.
There may be periods where symptoms become worse, known as flare-ups or flares. A flare can be difficult to predict, but with treatment it’s possible to decrease the number of flares and minimise or prevent long-term damage to the joints.
Some people with rheumatoid arthritis also experience problems in other parts of the body, or more general symptoms such as tiredness and weight loss.
See a GP if you think you have symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, so they can try to identify the underlying cause. Diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis quickly is important, because early treatment can prevent it getting worse and reduce the risk of joint damage.
Frequency of review: Check with Practice
Appointment Duration: 10 min
Current status: Available
Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term condition that causes pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints. The condition usually affects the hands, feet and wrists.
There may be periods where symptoms become worse, known as flare-ups or flares. A flare can be difficult to predict, but with treatment it’s possible to decrease the number of flares and minimise or prevent long-term damage to the joints.
Some people with rheumatoid arthritis also experience problems in other parts of the body, or more general symptoms such as tiredness and weight loss.
See a GP if you think you have symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, so they can try to identify the underlying cause. Diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis quickly is important, because early treatment can prevent it getting worse and reduce the risk of joint damage.
- The Practice will contact you at an appropriate time to book for the above-listed conditions. If the review is due and you have not received a call, please call the Practice.