Mains Medical Centre

CLINICS

CERVICAL SMEARS

We offer cervical smear tests to all our ladies every three years between the ages of 20 and 60.
You are strongly advised to have regular smear tests.

SURGERY FOR MINOR AILMENTS

Two of our practice nurses run the minor ailment clinic, for which role they have received specialised training. The sessions are held twice daily (except Wednesday and Friday afternoons) as "short appointments" suitable for uncomplicated cases such as:

Short appointments are also considered suitable for patients requesting a Final Certificate or for treatment of a recurrent problem where the diagnosis has already been established.

MATERNITY

Antenatal clinics are held at the surgery. Doctors share-care maternity patients. Women can choose where they give birth. The community midwives are all attached to Royal Alexandra Hospital and will care for you both in the hospital and at home.

FAMILY PLANNING/TEENAGE SEXUAL HEALTH

Each doctor provides this service and will be happy to discuss individual needs. The doctors and practice nurses also provide teenage sexual health information. Any young person seeking advice in these matters will be afforded the same degree of confidentiality as patients over the age of 16.

MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS

Medical examinations for special purposes, such as fitness to travel, pre-employment, insurance, driving medicals etc are undertaken outside normal surgery hours. A fee will be payable. Please contact the surgery to make an appointment. Fees are clearly displayed in the reception area.

IMMUNISATIONS

Children

The current recommended schedule is:

2 months (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis), Polio, Hib (Haemophilus) & Pneumococcal - two vaccinations 3 months   (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis), Polio, Hib (Haemophilus) & Men C (Meningitis) - two vaccinations 4 months   (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis), Polio, Hib (Haemophilus), Men C (Meningitis) & Prevenar/Pneumococcal - three vaccinations 12 months   Hib (Haemophilus) & Men C (Meningitis) - one vaccination 13 months   MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) & Prevenar - two vaccinations 3 years+   Pre-school booster (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Polio) & Pertussis, Hib (Haemophilus) & Men C (Meningitis) & MMR ( Measles, Mumps & Rubella) - three vaccinations 13 - 15 years   Booster - Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio

INFLUENZA AND PNEUMONIA VACCINE

In accordance with Department of Health guidelines, we recommend an influenza plus pneumonia vaccination for patients with diabetes, chronic heart, lung or kidney disease and residents of nursing and rest homes. The vaccination is available in October; please contact the practice nurse for further details.

TRAVEL ADVICE

Our practice nurses will be pleased to give advice to those patients going abroad. Allow adequate time in order for the vaccine(s) to be effective. Certain vaccines are chargeable - please ask at the time of booking.

BEFORE YOU GO

Well before travelling abroad, check with your travel agent or the tourist embassy of the country you intend to visit on any special precautions you may need to take. At least two months before departure discuss any vaccination requirements with the practice nurse. Pack a small first aid kit containing adhesive dressings, insect repellent, antiseptic cream and water purification tablets etc; ask at the pharmacy.

WHEN ABROAD

Check on the quality of the drinking water. If in doubt either drink only bottled water or use purification tablets. Avoid ice in drinks as this may well have been made from suspect water. Raw vegetables, salads and fresh fruits should be carefully washed in clean water. If in doubt stick to freshly cooked food.

Beware of the sun! Use a high factor sunscreen particularly in the first few days of exposure. Children in particular should be closely monitored in this respect.

In hot climates, drink plenty of non-alcoholic drinks. If you are not passing water regularly you are not drinking enough.

ON YOUR RETURN

If you fall ill, don't forget to tell your doctor that you have travelled abroad.

If you have received treatment abroad, tell your own doctor on return.

When donating blood, tell the transfusion staff which countries you have visited.

HEALTH PROMOTION

The aim of promoting health is to try to identify risk factors at an early age and prevent them from causing ill health. For this reason we will ask about drinking and smoking habits and measure your blood pressure and weight from time to time. This is especially wise in people with a family history of heart disease, diabetes or stroke.