NHS screening

The NHS offers screening, free of charge, to identify pre-existing health problems of which you may not be aware, nor be exhibiting any symptoms. 

The NHS screening may be as part of a national programme for specific demographic groups or may be opportunistic screening when a patient discusses a related problem with their GP.

Further information on NHS Screening Services

Cervical Screening

Cervical screening (a smear test) checks the health of your cervix, which 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. The sample is tested for changes to the cells of your cervix. 

Finding abnormal changes early means they can be monitored or treated so they do not get a chance to turn into cervical cancer. 

Approximately 2 weeks after screening, you will get your results by letter.

To arrange a cervical screening appointment, please telephone the Practice.

  • Cervical screening saves 5000 lives a year. It is not a test for cervical cancer, it is a screening test to detect abnormalities in the cells of the cervix at an early stage.
    Try not to put off cervical screening. It’s one of the best ways to protect yourself from cervical cancer.

When you receive an invitation to cervical screening from the Practice, please, don’t ignore it. It takes just a few minutes and could save your life.

  • First time being screened, or nervous? tell the Nurse/Doctor, and try to relax and distract your mind
  • Worried about discomfort? Ask the Nurse/Doctor to use a smaller speculum
  • Feeling embarrassed? Wear a skirt to your appointment as you can keep this on during the procedure
  • Don’t want to go alone? Take a friend with you, to keep you company in the Waiting Room, and be there for you after the screening
  • Undergone FGM/cutting in the past? Tell the Nurse/Doctor
  • Not sure what to expect? Go to jostrust or call 0808 802 800

Download or view a Smear Test Guide

Having a smear test

Further Information about cervical screening from NHS UK

Non NHS Services – Chargeable

The National Health Service provides most healthcare to the majority of people free of charge, but there are exceptions. GPs are self-employed and are contracted to provide NHS general medical services for their patients.

Sometimes, GPs are asked to provide additional services which fall outside their contract and in these circumstances, they are entitled to make a reasonable charge for providing them.

Examples of Non-NHS Services include the following: 

  • Medicals for pre-employment, sports and driving requirements (HGV, PSV etc.) 
  • Insurance Claim Forms 
  • Prescriptions for taking medication abroad 
  • Private Sick Notes 
  • Vaccination Certificates 

The fees charged are based on the British Medical Association (BMA) suggested scales and Practice Reception Staff will be happy to advise you about them along with appointment availability. 

FAQs

The National Health Service provides most healthcare to the majority people free of charge, but there are exceptions: for example, medical reports for insurance companies.
It is important to understand that GPs are not employed by the NHS, they are self-employed and they have to cover their costs – staff, buildings, heating, lighting, etc – in the same way as any small business. The NHS covers these costs for NHS work, but for non-NHS work the fee has to cover the Doctor’s costs.

In recent years, more and more organisations have been involving Doctors in a whole range of non-medical work. Sometimes the only reason that GPs are asked to do non-medical work is because they are in a position of trust in the community, or because an insurance company or employer wants to be sure that information provided is true and accurate.
– accident/sickness insurance certificates
– certain travel vaccinations
– private medical insurance reports
– statements of fact relating to general health e.g. for children’s dance classes
– letters requested by, or on behalf of, the patient
– holiday cancellation claim forms
– referral for private care forms
– medical reports for an insurance company
– some reports for the DSS/Benefits Agency
– examinations of occupational health
Time spent completing forms and preparing reports takes the GP away from the medical care of his or her patients. Most GPs have a very heavy workload – the majority work up to 70 hours a week – and paperwork takes up an increasing amount of their time, so many GPs find they have to take some paperwork home at night and weekends.
When a Doctor signs a certificate or completes a report, it is a condition of remaining on the Medical Register that they only sign what they know to be true. In order to complete even the simplest of forms, therefore, the Doctor might have to check the patient’s entire medical record. Carelessness or an inaccurate report can have serious consequences for the Doctor with the General Medical Council or even the Police.
– If you have several forms requiring completion, present them all at once.
– Do not expect your GP to process forms overnight.

New Medicine Service (NMS)

The first time you are prescribed a medicine to treat a long-term condition, you may be able to get extra help and advice about your medicine from your local Pharmacist through a free scheme called the New Medicine Service (NMS).

Further information about the New Medicine Service (NMS) is available from NHS UK.

District Nurses

District nurses have been at the front line of health care in the community for many years. 

If you can’t leave your home due to poor health, problems getting around or a long-term condition, your district nurse is here to help.

District Nurses carry out many roles for housebound and older patients, including:

  • General nursing procedures and investigations
  • Post-surgery care
  • Assessment of patients’ needs
  • Care for terminally ill patients
  • Loaning of equipment
  • Looking after wounds and leg ulcers
  • Educating patients about self-care

Hepatitis B Immunisation

GPs do not provide an occupational health service as part of their NHS responsibility nor can they provide this service to you even if you are willing to pay for it.

Under Health and Safety Regulations, your employer or University/College has a duty to provide a safe working environment, and should provide this vaccination.

  • GPs are not obliged to provide the hepatitis B vaccine on the NHS if you’re not thought to be at risk.

We advise you to contact your employer or University/College and refer them to this page on our website. They will be able to make arrangements with an occupational health provider for the provision of any immunisation which you may require following an appropriate assessment.

Further information about Hepatitis B from NHS UK

NHS Health Check aged 40 – 74

The NHS Health Check is a health check-up for adults in England aged 40-74.

It’s designed to spot early signs of stroke, kidney disease, heart disease, type 2 diabetes or dementia. As we get older, we have a higher risk of developing one of these conditions. An NHS Health Check helps find ways to lower this risk.

Please contact the Practice to arrange an appointment. It only takes around 20 minutes!

Further information about the NHS Health check from NHS UK.

Child Health Checks

Fellrose Baby Clinic will be on a Friday morning between 9.30am – 10.30am and Pelton Baby Clinic will be held on a Tuesday morning between 9am – 11am. You will be contacted by the Child Health Department with details of your appointment.

  • The first will be with a GP at the Surgery when your baby is around 8 weeks old.

Please do not bring ill children to this clinic.

You will also be offered routine health reviews for your child, with your Health Visitor, at 6-8 weeks, 8-12 months and 2-2½ years old.

Please ensure you attend these appointments to ensure your child is immunised and protected.

Health Visitors are all trained Nurses who have extra training and qualifications in child health. They are a fantastic source of information about child development and health, parenting strategies, breastfeeding, nutrition and community support.

They also offer help with social, emotional and environmental issues that affect families.
Immunisations are given by our Practice Nurses or other Healthcare Professionals in accordance with the NHS vaccine schedule.
Different vaccines are given at different ages to protect you and your child. Find out when these vaccinations are offered, and when and where they’ll be given: When to immunise

Warfarin Clinic

If you are on Warfarin medication you will be asked to attend the surgery for regular check- ups. These are held on a Friday afternoon at Pelton.

  • Please contact reception for further information or to book an appointment.

Baby Clinics

Fellrose Baby Clinic will be on a Friday morning between 9.30am – 10.30am and Pelton Baby Clinic will be held on a Tuesday morning between 9am – 11am.

You will be contacted by the Child Health Department with details of your appointment.

  • Please contact reception for further information.