Your GP will discuss with you and, if appropriate, your carer why a referral is being recommended.
You are usually referred because your GP wants a specialist’s help in deciding how best to treat your condition or they do not have the equipment at the surgery for the required tests and investigations.
If your GP needs to refer you to a consultant-led service for a physical or mental health condition, in most cases you have the right to choose which hospital you go to.
If you do not express a preference, your GP will tend to refer you to a local hospital near where you live that is part of the local healthcare system.
For more information on referrals information please see here.
Physiotherapy Self Referral
Online MSK physiotherapy self-referral and digital assessment
Vita Health Group have launched a new website with features that should improve the patient pathway, these include:
Digital assessment – using a new digital chatbot ‘Phio Access’, patients can enter their symptoms and receive an immediate management plan or signposting where indicated. All questions and outcomes have been validated by the clinical team and are reviewed by a clinician within their treatment pathway.
Online self-referral – easier and quicker access to a telephone Physiotherapy assessment where that is the preferred route.
Please visit the new website for management of their MSK issues at vita health group
We offer a range of clinics and services here at Summercroft Surgery for all your vaccination needs and advice.
Childhood Immunisations
One of the most important things that a parent can do for their child is to make sure that they have all their routine childhood vaccinations. It’s the most effective way of keeping them protected against infectious diseases.
Ideally, children should have their jabs at the right age to protect them as early as possible and minimise the risk of infection.
Find out which jabs your child needs, when they need them, and what the benefits of each jab are.
Please call the surgery to make an appointment.
For more information please visit the websites below:
Babies receive the pneumococcal vaccine as three separate injections, at 2 months, 4 months and 12-13 months.
People over-65 only need a single pneumococcal vaccination which will protect for life. It is not given annually like the flu jab.
People with a long term health condition may need just a single one-off pneumococcal vaccination or five-yearly vaccination depending on their underlying health problem.
Travel Clinic
Travel Vaccinations
We are now offering NHS travel vaccines from Tuesday 1st August 2023 these are:
Tetanus/ Polio
Hepatitis A
Typhoid
Cholera
Please allow 6-8 weeks prior to travelling.
You need to complete an online/paper form, this can be printed from the website or a paper copy can be collected from reception.
The form will be reviewed by a Practice Nurse, who will contact you to book an appointment if needed.
If your require vaccine that are not part of the NHS vaccine programme, the Practice Nurse will advise you how to access these.
While it is commonly believed that depression only effects adults, around 10% of children in Great Britain aged between 5 and 16 have a recognisable mental disorder; with about 4% of children suffering from an emotional disorder such as anxiety or depression.
The problem for many is that depression is difficult to spot and often regarded as teenage mood swings. However, if your child is appearing to have an extreme emotional response to a life event or has lost interest in activities which previously interested them they may be suffering from an emotional disorder.
If you are worried about your child’s mental health please visit your GP, who will be able to offer a range of support to help both you and your child. There are a range of talking therapies which are highly effective in dealing with both short term and long term depression, for more information on these therapies please view the NHS Talking Therapy Guide.
One of the most important things that a parent can do for their child is to make sure that they have all their routine childhood vaccinations. It’s the most effective way of keeping them protected against infectious diseases.
Ideally, children should have their jabs at the right age to protect them as early as possible and minimise the risk of infection.
Find out which jabs your child needs, when they need them, and what the benefits of each jab are.
Please call the surgery to make an appointment.
For more information please visit the websites below:
Some newborn babies are released from hospital without a detailed examination. If this is the case, our GPs are happy to perform the relevant checks at the surgery.
In most cases, the Practice will contact new mums to arrange for this to happen, on rare occasions where we are unaware of the birth, please feel free to give us a call and arrange an appointment or visit.
Vaccinations
We offer a range of clinics and services here at Summercroft Surgery for all your vaccination needs and advice.
Childhood Immunisations
One of the most important things that a parent can do for their child is to make sure that they have all their routine childhood vaccinations. It’s the most effective way of keeping them protected against infectious diseases.
Ideally, children should have their jabs at the right age to protect them as early as possible and minimise the risk of infection.
Find out which jabs your child needs, when they need them, and what the benefits of each jab are.
Please call the surgery to make an appointment.
For more information please visit the websites below:
Babies receive the pneumococcal vaccine as three separate injections, at 3 months and 12-13 months.
People over-65 only need a single pneumococcal vaccination which will protect for life. It is not given annually like the flu jab.
People with a long term health condition may need just a single one-off pneumococcal vaccination or five-yearly vaccination depending on their underlying health problem.
Surgery Clinics
If you would like to book one of these clinics, please book your appointment online, or contact us on 01689 861098.
Clinics/Services
Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
Services for Carers
Childhood Vaccines
Chlamydia Testing
Chronic Kidney Disease
Contraception
Diabetes
Fit Notes
Flu Clinics
Heart Disease
NHS Health Checks
Nursing Services
Pregancy Care
Respiratory Disease
Tests and Results
Travel Immunisations
Weight Management
Smoking Cessation
Cervical Smears
Antenatal Clinic
Zoladex Injections
Pneumococcal Vaccination
Sexual Health, Family Planning, and Contraceptive Services
Osteoporosis Care and Prevention
Private Services List and Fees
SUMMERCROFT SURGERY
Private Fee Charges
SERVICE
FEE
Payable by:
HOLIDAY & TRAVEL REPORTS
Fitness to Travel Certificate
£ 35.00
Patient
Holiday Cancellation Certificate
£ 70.00
Patient
Freedom from Infection Certificate
£ 35.00
Patient
International Certificate of Vaccination
£ 35.00
Patient
DRIVER MEDICALS
HGV/PCV Medical
£135.00
Patient
Taxi Driver/Other Occupational Driving Medical
£135.00
Patient
Racing Driver
£135.00
Patient
OTHER MEDICALS/REPORTS/CERTIFICATES & FORMS*
Private Letter/To Whom it May Concern Letter
£ 30.00
Patient
Sports Medical
£135.00
Patient
Medical Examination for Insurance purposes
£135.00
Insurance Co.
Army – full medical, GP appointment needed
£135.00
Army
Army – medical questionnaire/form
£ 55.00
Army
Medical Report in respect of homelessness application
£ 45.00
Patient
Private Prescription
£ 35.00
Patient
DNA Paternity Test (blood test using supplied kit)
£ 85.00
Patient
Child – Fitness to Perform (10 minute appointment with GP)
£ 45.00
Patient
Fostering Report
£110.00
Agency
DVLA Paperwork
£ 45.00
DVLA
INSURANCE REPORTS
GPR Reports
£150.00
Insurance Co.
GPR Extra Info
£ 55.00
Insurance Co.
Private Medical Insurance Claim (Simple Form)
£ 70.00
Patient
Private Medical Insurance Claim (Complex Form/Report)
Ofsted Form (payable by patient or employer, not Ofsted)
£ 85.00
Patient
Retirement Pension Form (Factual statement; NO opinion of fitness).
£ 70.00
Patient
ADOPTION & FOSTERING
Adoption Medical (30 mins per Adoption Parent/Patient)
£135.00
Patient
Adoption Report
£ 85.00
Patient
NHS Health Checks
If you are between 40 and 74 years old you may be invited for an NHS health check.
The aim of the NHS Health Check is to give you and us a clearer picture of your health and to assess your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, kidney disease or type 2 diabetes; the check is carried out by the practice nurse.
When making an appointment for an NHS health check please inform the receptionist so that the appropriate length of appointment time may be allocated (40 minutes).
The check involves a brief discussion of your past medical history, your lifestyle and any relevant family history; a few routine tests will be carried out by the nurse during your appointment.
These include a cholesterol test, a blood pressure check and a measurement of your weight ,height and waist circumference.
There will be time during your appointment to discuss your results and you will be offered personalised advice on how to maintain or improve your health, as well as whether you should have any further tests, or if you need to see a doctor.
Working together to improve your health
Everyone is at risk of developing heart disease, stroke, diabetes, kidney disease and some forms of dementia. The good news is that these conditions can often be prevented – even if you have a history of them in your family. Have your free NHS Health Check and you will be better prepared for the future and be able to take steps to maintain or improve your health.
We know that your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease and dementia increases with age. There are also certain things that will put you at even greater risk.
These are:
being overweight
being physically inactive
not eating healthily
smoking
drinking too much alcohol
high blood pressure
high cholesterol
Both men and women can develop these conditions, and having once could increase your risk of developing another in the future.
In the brain a blocked artery or a bleed can cause a stroke.
In the heart a blocked artery can cause a heart attack or angina.
The kidneys can be damaged by high blood pressure or diabetes, causing chronic kidney disease and increasing your risk of having a heart attack.
Being overweight and physically inactive can lead to type 2 diabetes.
If unrecognised or unmanaged, type 2 diabetes could increase your risk of further health problems, including heart disease, kidney disease and stroke.
What happens at the check?
This check is to assess your risk of developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease, and stroke.
The check will take about 20–30 minutes.
You’ll be asked some simple questions. For example, about your family history and choices which may put your health at risk
We’ll record your height, weight, age, sex, and ethnicity.
We’ll take your blood pressure.
We’ll do a simple blood test to check your cholesterol level.
What happens after the check?
We will discuss how you can reduce your risk and stay healthy
You’ll be taken through your results and told what they mean. Some people may be asked to return at a later date for their results.
You’ll be given personalised advice on how to lower your risk and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Some people with raised blood pressure will have their kidneys checked through a blood test.
Some people may need to have another blood test to check for type 2 diabetes. Your health professional will be able to tell you more.
Treatment or medication may be prescribed to help you maintain your health.
Questions you may have
Why do I need this check? I feel fine!
The NHS Health Check helps to identify potential risks early. By having this check and following the advice of your health professional, you improve your chances of living a healthier life.
But don’t these conditions run in the family?
If you have a history of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, or kidney disease in your family then you may be more at risk. Taking action now can help you to prevent the onset of these conditions.
I know what I’m doing wrong, how can the doctor help me?
If you would like help, we will work with you to find ways to eat healthily, reach your healthy weight, be more active, cut down your drinking, or stop smoking.
If I am assessed as being at ‘low risk’, does this mean I won’t develop these conditions?
It is impossible to say that someone will or won’t go on to develop one of these conditions. But taking action now can help you lower your potential risk.
Will everyone has this check?
This check is part of a national scheme to help prevent the onset of these health problems. Everyone between the ages of 40 and 74 who has not been diagnosed with the conditions mentioned will be invited for a check once every five years. If you are outside the age range and concerned about your health, you should contact your GP.
Minor Surgery
Certain small surgical operations can be performed at the surgery.
With minor surgery the recovery time is usually short and you will be back to your usual activities fairly quickly (depending on your procedure).
Before attending for minor surgery you will need to see a doctor for the diagnosis and then you will be given an appointment to attend for your procedure.
Cancer Screening
We offer a range of clinics and services here at Summercroft Surgery to help with cancer screening.
Bowel Cancer
Bowel cancer is a term used to describe cancer in the colon, rectum or the small bowel.
The symptoms of bowel cancer can include:
Bleeding from the back passage (rectum) or blood in your stools
A change in normal bowel habits to diarrhoea or looser stools, lasting longer than 4 to 6 weeks
A lump that your doctor can feel in your back passage or abdomen (more commonly on the right side)
A feeling of needing to strain in your back passage (as if you needed to pass a bowel motion)
Losing weight
Pain in your abdomen or back passage
A lower than normal level of red blood cells (anaemia)
Because bowel tumours can bleed, cancer of the bowel often causes a shortage of red blood cells. This is called anaemia and may cause tiredness and sometimes breathlessness.
Bowel cancer screening
How do I get a screening kit?
If you are aged 60-69 years, you will be sent your screening invitation automatically through the post. All you need to do is make sure that your GP has your correct address.
‘People aged 70 years and over or under the age of 60, who wish to be screened, should request a kit. Simply telephone the free helpline on 0800 707 60 60.’
Macmillan Cancer Support
Have questions about cancer? Visit www.macmillan.org.uk or call 0808 808 000 free (Monday to Friday 9am – 8pm).
Breast Screening
The National Breast Screening Programme was introduced in 1988 as an early detection service for breast cancer. It states that all women who are aged between 50 – 70 years of age will be routinely invited for free breast screening every three years. The programme is very successful and currently saves around 1,400 lives per year.
Breast screening aims to find breast cancer at an early stage, often before there are any symptoms. To do this, an x-ray is taken of each breast (mammogram). Early detection may often mean simpler and more successful treatment. When women are invited for their mammogram depends on which GP they are registered with, not when their birthday is.
The screening office runs a rolling programme which invites women by area. The requirement is that all women will receive their first invitation before their 53rd birthday, but ideally when they are 50. If you are under 50 and concerned about any aspect of breast care, please contact the surgery to make an appointment with your GP.
Cervical screening test
Cervical screening, or smear test, is a method of detecting abnormal (pre-cancerous) cells in the cervix in order to prevent cervical cancer. The cervix is the entrance to the womb from the vagina. Cervical screening is recommended every three years for women aged 25 to 49 and every five years for women aged 50 to 64 or more frequently if smear results indicates abnormal changes.
Cervical screening is not a test for cancer; it is a test to check the health of the cells of the cervix. Most women’s test results show that everything is normal, but for 1 in 20 women the test will show some abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix.
Most of these changes will not lead to cervical cancer and the cells may go back to normal on their own. However, in some cases, the abnormal cells need to be treated to prevent them becoming cancerous.
Our nurses are qualified to carry out cervical screening and tests in the form of cervical smears. In order to have a cervical smear the patient must have received a letter requesting that they have a cervical smear and the appointment must please be made for when the patient is not menstruating.
These appointments typically take around 15 minutes. For any further information or to book an appointment, please call the surgery.
Annual reviews – Long-term conditions and Medication
We try to review long- term medical conditions and medication a minimum of annually. We aim to do this in the month of your birthday as it’s easy for us all to remember.
We will write to you or contact you approximately 8 weeks prior to your birthday so you can start organising your check-up.
This will involve seeing the practice nurse and you may also need to have blood test or blood pressure check depending on your health conditions and medication. It is better if you have your blood test before you see the nurse and check your blood pressure readings if possible.
If you have a blood pressure machine at home please do morning and evening reading (2 readings 1 minute apart) for 7 days and bring these readings to your appointment.
If you have one or more of the following conditions you will need to have a blood test before your appointment:
Diabetes
Chronic Kidney Disease
Heart Disease
Heart Failure
High Blood pressure
Peripheral Artery Disease
Stroke/ TIA
Rheumatoid Arthritis
If you have other long term health problems or are taking regular tablets please speak to the receptionist when you make your appointment as you may need blood tests for these as well; our receptionist will be able to organise for you to get the necessary blood test form.
There are many medicines we prescribe that require regular blood monitoring and it is essential that you have these when asked, in order to enable us to continue to prescribe them safely and without undue delay.
If you forget to organise your check up on receipt of your initial contact from us we will try to remind you again.
Occasionally some patients wish to opt out of having their clinical review. We would strongly advise you not to do this. However if you decide to do this then you should speak to the receptionist and let her know so we can remove your details from our invitation list.
Even if you opt out of seeing the nurse, we will still require you to have regular monitoring of your blood if you are on certain medications. This is because with some types of medication we cannot ensure your safety unless you have your blood checked. We will not be able to routinely authorise your medication if we do not have the required up to date blood tests.
What you need to do now
Ring the surgery and make an appointment for you clinical review with the nurse.
Organise with the receptionist a blood test if you have one of the above conditions.
Ask the receptionist if you need a blood test due to the medication you are taking.
We look forward to hearing from you and seeing you soon.