Cervical smears can be arranged with a doctor or nurse. In conjunction with the Somerset PCT we operate a computerised system to call women between the ages of 24 and 49 for a smear every three years and women between 50 and 64 every five years.

Assessment, and advice is carried out by both doctors and health visitors. The key checks are as follows:

• 6 weeks Developmental check with the doctor.
• 6 to 9 months Developmental assessment and hearing rest with your health visitor.

Your health visitor will advise you about further routine checks.

Clinics for school-leavers, pre-school children and babies are currently held on Mondays.

You will receive notification of an appointment direct from the health authority. Please bring with you to the appointment your Personal Child Health Record (red booklet), your appointment card and your signed consent form.

If you are unable to keep the appointment please let reception know in good time beforehand.

Up to date information on child and other immunisations is available at: www.immunisation.nhs.uk

See also vaccinations page (click here)

We offer a complete service during routine appointments with your doctor. This includes arranging for the fitting of intra-uterine contraceptive devices.

Emergency and confidential advice is available at all times.

We are able to arrange most vaccinations required for foreign travel. Please consult the practice sufficiently early.

We need at least six weeks' notice prior to departure in order to carry out the mandatory checks required, allow an
appropriate interval between vaccinations if needed, and ensure that you are offered appropriate advice.

Please note that although many travel vaccinations are available from the surgery at no cost, some drugs such as for malaria prophylaxis have to be purchased by the patient from a pharmacist (some on a private prescription).

Our practice nurses will give advice where required.

See also Holiday travel (click here)

Various members of the primary health care team are involved in aspects of health promotion.

Topics covered Include:

• stopping smoking advice
• dietary advice
• sexual health
• mental health
• advice on alcohol consumption
• accident prevention
• exercise
• skin cancer prevention

A flu vaccination programme is undertaken between October and December each year. Patients aged 65 or over or those of any age suffering from a chronic condition such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, renal disease, or immmunosuppression are encouraged to attend for an annual vaccination.

Flu clinics will be advertised nearer the time and invitations sent out where appropriate. Special arrangements are made for those in nursing or long-stay residential homes.

Pneumococcal immunisation is recommended for children as part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule. A single dose is also recommended for adults aged 65 and over. Pneumococcal immunisation is also recommended for children and adults of any age who have certain diseases that put them at risk, e.g., asplenia or splenic dysfunction.

Doctors see patients for antenatal care during normal surgery appointment times.

Antenatal clinics are held by the midwife on Tuesday and Friday afternoons.

The midwife also arranges postnatal care of patients at home as required.

Our treatment room is fully equipped for minor procedures carried out under a local anaesthetic. Your own doctor will arrange minor surgery for you if required.

The practice also provides the following:

• Anti-coagulation monitoring (warfarin dose monitoring)
• Near patient testing (drug monitoring by blood testing)

Genita-Urinary Medicine (GUM) Clinics provide free testing & treatment. These are held at Musgrove Park Hospital

Taunton (Appointments) : 01823 252222

Health Advisor : 01823 332182

Staff are able to advise you whether a result is satisfactory or whether you should consult your doctor.

Please telephone reception between 2:00pm and 4:00pm for results.

All laboratory tests results are dealt with in strictest confidence.