How can the Nursing Team help?

The nurses see patients by appointment only. They are able to do cervical smears, immunisations including travel vaccines, some dressings, blood tests, ear syringing.

In addition they play a vital role in the management of patients with diabetes, respiratory disorders eg asthma & emphysema and also Coronary Heart Disease. They also offer a smoking cessation clinic.

The Nurses assist the Doctors in minor operations and can chaperone if requested and also advise in cases where “morning after” contraception may be required.

Antenatal Care

Once pregnancy has been diagnosed an appointment will be made with the midwives at reception. The midwives carry out a weekly antenatal clinic on Wednesday afternoons.

Cervical Smears

Will be carried out by the Practice Nurse. You will be notified by Eastern Support Services of the need for a cervical smear. Between the ages of 25-49 this is carried out every 3 years and 5 yearly thereafter until the age of 64.

Continence advice

Is available at the practice by appointment. It is possible to self refer or ask the Practice Nurses or your GP.

Contraceptive Advice

At present this is provided by your GP but our Practice Nurses are able to advise if you have any queries.

Breast Screening

You will be notified by post of an appointment for breast screening. You will receive first call on your 51st birthday and then every 3 years until the age of 70.

Chiropody

Chiropody services are provided at the Downham Market Health Centre by referral from your GP.

Crossroads for Carers 

A relief service for carers is run from the Downham Market Health Centre. Telephone 01366 385312 (Co-ordinator is Tracey Hewitt)

Dietician

The dietician attends at the surgery. Appointment is by referral by a member of the practice team.

District & MacMillan Nurses

You will be introduced to these services by your Doctor if necessary. They can be contacted on 01366 385219

Health Visitors

Are primarily involved in the care of pre-school children and they can be contacted on 01366 389247.

Immunisations

Once a child is registered with the practice you will receive notification for child immunisation.

Social Services

May be contacted on 01553 669300

If you require any vaccinations relating to foreign travel you need to make an appointment with the practice nurse to discuss your travel arrangements. This will include which countries and areas within countries that you are visiting to determine what vaccinations are required.

There is further information about countries and vaccinations required on the links below

Europe & Russia	North America
Central America	South America
Caribbean	Africa
Middle East	Central Asia
East Asia	Australasia and Pacific

It is important to make this initial appointment as early as possible - at least 6 weeks before you travel - as a second appointment will be required with the practice nurse to actually receive the vaccinations. These vaccines have to be ordered as they are not a stock vaccine. Your second appointment needs to be at least 2 weeks before you travel to allow the vaccines to work.

Most travel vaccines are ordered on a private prescription and these incur a charge over and above the normal prescription charge. This is because travel vaccination is not included in the services provided by the NHS and therefore is a chargeable service.

To help us offer the appropriate advice, please fill out the online form before coming to see the nurse.

Travel Questionnaire

If you are travelling to Europe a very useful booklet has been published with advice and guidance to help you get the most out of your holiday. To visit please click:- http://ec.europa.eu/publications/booklets/eu_glance/86/en.pdf (this is a large document and may take a minute or two to view)

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