Preventative Medicine
Child Vaccinations
All children should commence the immunisation programme from two months old. You will receive invitations to attend our child clinics. Detailed information regarding childhood vaccinations.
Cervical Cytology
Women between the ages of 25 to 65 will receive an invitation for a cervical smear test. This procedure should be performed routinely at three to five year intervals depending on age. Smears will be done more frequently where necessary.
Family Planning
A full range of family planning is available at the surgery, including coil fitting and advice on safe sex.
Fear of flying
We often receive requests from patients, asking us to prescribe diazepam for fear of flying. In the past we have sometimes agreed to these requests, however there are a number of very good reasons why prescribing this drug is not recommended and having discussed and reviewed this policy, all the clinicians at Garstang Medical Practice agree that we can no longer prescribe diazepam for this purpose. Please see our Fear of Flying leaflet.
Health Checks
Health checks are available for patients over the age of 45 years who have not had a check in the last three years. This involves an assessment of your risks for developing heart disease and a simple examination, e.g., blood pressure, urine check and cholesterol level if appropriate. This is particularly important if you smoke, or have a family history of coronary heart disease at an early age (less than 60 years). Our practice nurses will give advice and follow-up support on giving up smoking, losing weight, lowering your cholesterol levels and following a healthy lifestyle.
Influenza
Annual protection against influenza is offered to senior citizens and those at high risk, e.g., with chronic heart, chest, some breathing disorders, and diabetes.
Mammography
Women aged 50 to 70 years will be offered a mammogram every three years.
Pre-pregnancy advice
Pre-pregnancy advice is offered by the doctors and midwife for those thinking of becoming pregnant. It is essential that you stop smoking, reduce your alcohol intake to a minimum, ensure an adequate daily intake of the vitamin folic acid in your diet, and check with your doctor about any medication you are taking. As a general rule don't take any drugs, including those bought over the counter, in pregnancy, unless advised by your doctor. All pregnant women should attend the antenatal clinic as soon as possible.
Shingles Vaccination
There is a vaccine available on the NHS that helps reduce your risk of getting shingles and reduces the severity of symptoms if you develop the disease. Shingles can be very painful and tends to affect people more commonly as they get older. And the older you are, the worse it can be. You are eligible for the shingles vaccine if you:
Are aged 70 or 78 years old
Were previously eligible but missed immunisation
People aged 80 years and over are not eligible for the vaccine because it becomes less effective as you get older. Please contact our reception team on 01995 607399 to book your appointment. Further information about the Shingles vaccination.
Tetanus & Polio
Protection against tetanus and polio should be kept up to date. A full primary course with a booster at 15 should be followed by at least two boosters at 10 year intervals to protect throughout life.
Travel Immunisations
Please visit Fit for Travel. Our Practice Nurses are able to give NHS vaccinations. Information regarding Travel Immunisations.
