Clinics

Smoking

It is never too late to stop smoking. if you are serious about stopping, your doctor will provide help and information about the local smoking cessation group. This will mean that you will get support from fellow smokers who wish to give up.

• Smoking kills over 100,000 people per year in the United Kingdom.

• Smokers are more likely to get ill and die earlier than non-smokers.

The smoking cessation group has a number of tips to help you stop:

• Plan your attempt to quit smoking.

• Pick a date and stick to it.

• Support from family and friends is vital.

• Reward yourself with ‘treats’ from the money you save.

• Always take one day at a time.

• Be positive

We will be able to advise you about Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT). NRT increases your chances of quitting successfully. These products are available on prescription.

Our practice nurses and health care assistants offer smoking cessation advice. You can make an appointment at reception. We will have the contact number for your local Smoking Cessation Group.

Call the NHS smoking helpline 0800 169 0169 Good luck!

Remember, it’s never too late to give up. Can You?

Alcohol

Some studies associate moderate alcohol intake, one unit per day, with less risk of heart disease. However, there are many effective alternatives to reducing heart disease without the addition of alcohol.

Alcohol is a drug that depresses the brain. We all know the cheeriness that can come with a first drink, but alcohol can actually cause severe depression. Alcohol has no vitamin or mineral content, but plenty of calories.

If you are a heavy drinker, alcohol will be doing damage to parts of the body you cannot see. Some long-term effects of drinking include:

• Liver Disease

• Obesity

• Depression

• High Blood Pressure

If you are pregnant, every time you have an alcoholic drink your baby is getting one too. If you have any questions your doctor will happily discuss individual queries.

If you are concerned about your alcohol intake or that of a relative or friend, the surgery will be able to advise you on a safe course of action.

Call Alcoholics Anonymous helpline on 0845 769 7555

Antenatal Care

Your antenatal care will be organised by your community midwife, Mrs Julie Grice. You may contact her through either of the main surgeries. You will be seen routinely by the midwife and a doctor is available for consultation as necessary.

Clinic Times:

The Croft 13.30 – 16.00 Friday

Meadowcroft 13.30 – 16.00 Tuesday

Baby clinic

The health visitors provide a well baby clinic at which all are welcome.

Clinic Times:

Barnham Village Hall 13.30 – 15.00 Wednesday

Yapton Village Hall 10.00 – 12.00 Thursday

Child Health Surveillance

Regular developmental assessments are held at The Croft and Meadowcroft or at home, by arrangement with the health visitor.

Childhood Immunisation

We believe in the interests of health promotion that all children should be fully immunised. Regular clinics are held at The Croft and Meadowcroft surgeries. You will receive an appointment when your child’s immunisations are due.

Contraceptive Services and Advice

Routine appointments are available with any of our doctors or practice nurses.

Cervical Screening and Women's Health

We would like to remind our lady patients that it is advisable to have a cervical smear three yearly up to the age of 49 years, and thereafter every five years to the age of 65. This is a simple procedure which is performed by the practice nurse and takes only a few moments. General health checks, such as blood pressure etc, can be made at the same time. Advice about breast checks, aimed at self-awareness, is also part of promoting good health care for women.

Minor Surgery and Cryotherapy

Please ask at reception for details of appointment times and clinics.

Counselling Service

A limited NHS service is available. Please ask a doctor for further details.

Physiotherapy Services

An NHS and private service is provided at Flintcroft Surgery, Walberton. Please ask at reception for further details.