Mammograms and Smears detect early treatable breast cancer and cervical changes which if neglected may become cancerous
The frequency of cervical smears varies from individual to individual and national screening policy is subject to change in the light of research. Currently it is Women between the ages of 25 and 64 (England) / 21 and 60 (Scotland) / 20 – 64 (Wales) / 20 – 65 (NI), are offered cervical screening at intervals defined nationally.
Currently, the cervical screening intervals are:
First call – Age 25
25 – 49 – Screened every three years
50 – 64 – Screened every five years
65+ – only screen those who have not been screened since age 50 or have had recent abnormal tests. Women aged 65 or over who have had 3 consecutive negative smears are taken out of the recall programme, or as specified in national directives for the various parts of the UK.
- Nationally, 3 yearly mammograms are advised between the age of 50 and 65 (although we would advise continuing beyond 65. You can arrange this by special request). Your doctor will automatically send you an appointment for these programmes which are largely carried out by nurses. Please check your arrangements if in doubt.
Some services provided are not covered under our contract with the NHS and therefore attract charges.
Examples include the following:
Medicals for pre-employment, sports and driving requirements (HGV, PSV etc.)
Insurance claim forms
Passport signing
Prescriptions for taking medication abroad
Private sick notes
Vaccination certificates
- The fees charged are based on the British Medical Association (BMA) suggested scales and our reception staff will be happy to advise you about them along with appointment availability.
Fit To Fly
We are able to assist with providing letters confirming patients are Fit to Fly, but cannot assist with letters requesting fast tracking through the airport queueing system.
- If you wish to avoid queuing you will need to arrange a Fast Track Priority pass through the airport.
Cancer care reviews are carried out with a member of the practice clinical team alongside a Macmillan Community Care Co-ordinator.
The review normally takes place within 6-12 months following diagnosis.
You may be asked to fill in a Holistic Needs Assessment prior to your appointment.
What is a Holistic Needs Assessment (HNA)?
A Holistic Needs Assessment (HNA) Concerns Checklist is a simple questionnaire that is completed by a person affected by cancer. It allows them to highlight the most important issues to them at that time, and this can inform the development of a care and support plan with their nurse or key worker. It usually takes about 10 minutes to complete.
More information and a link to a copy of the HNA concerns checklist can be found on the Macmillan website:
https://www.macmillan.org.uk/healthcare-professionals/innovation-in-cancer-care/holistic-needs-assessment
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.
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.
- Some travel vaccines are ordered on a private prescription and these incur a charge over and above the normal prescription charge. This is because not all travel vaccinations are included in the services provided by the NHS.
Further Information
The following websites will give you additional travel advice.