Monkspath Surgery

CLINICS

General Practice Services

Under a contract with Solihull Primary Care Trust, which began in April 2004, the practice provide services which are defined as:

• Essential - the management of patients with treatable illnesses, care of the terminally ill, and care of patients with chronic diseases.

• Additional - cervical screening, contraceptive services, child health surveillance, maternity services, minor surgery, immunisations.

• Enhanced - essential or additional services delivered to a higher specified standard eg extended minor surgery. The PCT will commission those enhanced services that it considers appropriate for local need.

Any patient who has not been seen at the practice in the previous three years can request a review (for patients over 75 years of age an annual review can be requested).

Non-NHS Services

There are some services, which are not covered by the NHS, for which the doctor will make a charge in line with BMA recommendations, including completing private health insurance forms, passport forms, medicals for pre-employment, HGV etc. These fees are reviewed on a regular basis and a list is available at reception.

If you have any doubts about any of the immunisations please speak to either your doctor or one of our health visitors.

General Health Advice

Don’t Smoke!

Smoking is the most important risk factor as far as your health is concerned. It is important not to smoke cigarettes in particular, but any smoking is bad for you. Heart disease, cancer (of various types, not just the lung), asthma, bronchitis and many other conditions are caused or worsened by smoking.

Non-smokers are put at risk by smokers too. The children of smokers have much more illnesses, such as asthma and chest and ear infections, than those in non-smoking households. Babies still in the womb grow more slowly and are more likely to be miscarried if their mothers smoke. Giving up is difficult but it is well worth the effort. The practice nurses are trained smoking cessation advisers and will be happy to support anyone trying to stop smoking.

Alcohol

It is important to moderate your intake. The recommended limits for men are 21 units and for women 14 units per week. It is sensible to have at least three alcohol free days during the week.

Diet

A well balanced diet is essential for good health. For most people, this means eating at least five portions a day of fresh fruit or vegetables together with plenty of fibre as well as less animal fat and sugar. Too much red meat is not desirable but fresh fish containing protein, vitamins and minerals is a good alternative.

Weight

Obesity contributes to many conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and strokes. The practice nurse can tell you the most desirable weight for you and how to achieve it. If this includes a weight-reducing diet, please remember that this may well mean staying on a diet, not just to achieve the weight loss, but to maintain it.

Sun Screen

It is very important when going on holiday or on sunny days in this country to wear sun block to prevent the development of skin cancer. Weather reports now tell you when you are at risk of burning. A high factor sun block provides most protection.

Exercise

Regular exercise is very beneficial. Cycling, swimming, jogging or even brisk walking are all ideal.

Cervical Smears

Between the ages of 25 and 60, women who are or have been sexually active should have a smear test taken every three to five years. Please make an appointment with our nurse for this to be done.

Breast Awareness And Mammography

Every woman should know how their breasts look and feel. A general check, for example whilst showering or bathing, every now and then is very sensible. If any lumps or other changes develop, they should be reported to your doctor without delay. Mammograms are offered to eligible women by the NHS Breast Screening Service, usually every 3 years.