Antenatal and Postnatal Care
Full supervision of pregnancy and postnatal period in conjunction with the community midwife.
You can self-refer your pregnancy to the Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust online. They will triage your referral based on the information you provide and the hospital will contact you to start your antenatal care.
Cervical Smear Tests
The practice participates in the National Cervical Cancer Screening Programme. We encourage all female patients between 25 and 64 years to have regular smear tests. These are important because they can detect early signs of disease, which may be easily treated. Appointments are with a doctor or a nurse.
Get a smear test – it’s worth it!
It might not be the most pleasant of experiences but regular cervical screening – or smear tests as some people call them – prevent three out of four cervical cancers from ever developing. This is because any changes to the skin cells in your cervix can be found and treated before they develop into cervical cancer.
If you get a letter asking you to book your test, it’s worth doing it straight away. Even if you had your letter a while ago you can still have the test – just ring us to book an appointment with a nurse.
The test is free on the NHS and if you are aged 25 or over you will get a letter sent to you every three years inviting you to have the test.
A smear test is totally private and only takes about five minutes.
Lots of women don’t like the thought of someone doing this test but it only takes a few minutes and it could save your life. If you are worried about pain or being embarrassed speak to your practice nurse first. She will be able to explain what is going to happen and how it might feel so you know what to expect. There are also some things you can do to make the experience work best for you:
- It’s almost always a female nurse or female doctor who does the test but you can always check when you ring to make the appointment.
- Try to relax – if you are tense it can be less comfortable. The nurse or doctor can help you to feel less nervous by explaining what they are going to do.
- Take your mum, a friend or partner in with you – the nurse or doctor won’t mind!
- The test only takes a few minutes but you won’t be rushed and you can ask the nurse or doctor to slow down if you are nervous or feeling uncomfortable.
If you have any unusual symptoms, such as bleeding after sexual intercourse or between periods, then don’t wait until your next smear test letter – you should visit your doctor to see if you need other investigations. More information about cervical screening can be found on the NHS website.
Child Health and Immunisations
We recommend full immunisation for all pre-school children. The doctors and the health visitors perform regular development and health checks.
We also carry out booster immunisations for school-leavers.
Counselling
Counsellors attend three times a week. Please talk to a doctor if you would like to see a counsellor.
Diabetic and Asthma Clinics
We encourage patients with these conditions to be actively involved in their own care. We offer advice and monitoring of the disease and access to specialist services when appropriate. Our practice nurses maintain registers of patients with asthma and diabetes and provide a comprehensive service under the supervision of the doctors. If you suffer from either condition please ask the receptionist to arrange an appointment with the nurse.
Family Planning Services
A full range of advice and family planning services is available from the doctors and practice nurses. Appointments can be booked through reception.
General Health Check-ups
Kingswood Surgery offer NHS Health Checks to people aged between 40 and 74. These checks help to assess the risk of developing heart disease, stroke, kidney disease or diabetes. By taking early action, you can improve your health and prevent the onset of these conditions.
The checks normally take around 20 minutes and is based on questions and measurements such as age, sex, family history, height, weight and blood pressure. We will also take a simple blood test to measure cholesterol level. Following the check, you will receive personalised advice about what you can do to stay healthy.
We are currently writing to patients who fall between this age group so watch out for your invitation.
Investigation Results Service
Please ring reception after 10.00am for your results. If you would like a more comprehensive explanation, the receptionist will book a telephone consultation either with the nurse or the doctor.
Midwife
The Midwife attends once per week and provides antenatel and postnatal care at the surgery. She can be contacted through the surgery for help and advice.
Minor Injuries
We provide a comprehensive first contact service in a range of minor injuries led by one of our practice nurses most days of the week. First aid treatment for burns and cuts can be provided (avoiding a trip to casualty). Ask at Reception for more details.
Minor Surgery
We provide a range of minor surgery services and joint injections.
Non-NHS Examinations
We are happy to undertake medical examinations for special purposes, eg elderly drivers, pre-employment, fitness to travel, insurance companies, solicitors etc. This work is outside the scope of NHS funding so a charge is therefore made. We can advise you of the appropriate charge.
Social Prescriber
A Social Prescriber attends one day per week. Connects people to community-based support, including activities and services that meet practical, social and emotional needs that affect their health and wellbeing. Includes connecting people to statutory services for example housing, financial and welfare advice. Can help patients complete forms such as benefits applications etc.
Travel Advice and Vaccinations
Travel Vaccinations are bookable through Yorkshire Health Network. Appointments can be booked through the surgery.