CLINICS

THE SERVICES WE OFFER

We offer all the usual services that would be expected in a general practice surgery. This includes contraceptive services, maternity services, cervical screening, child health surveillance and some minor surgery. We also provide services for immunisations and anti-coagulant (warfarin) monitoring.

It may be helpful for you to know about the following services in particular:

FAMILY PLANNING AND CONTRACEPTION

Our doctors and practice nurses give confidential advice to all age groups on family planning. This includes emergency contraception such as the "morning after pill" (which is effective up to 72 hours after).

All women of child-bearing age should have a blood test with the nurse to check their immunity to rubella (German measles).

YOUNG PEOPLE AND TEENAGERS

As a young person we will offer you advice and care whatever your age. You can make an appointment to see any of the doctors or nurses, not just the one with whom you are registered. The doctor or nurse might encourage you to discuss your health concerns with your parents but, whether or not you decide to do so, your consultation will be treated in confidence in the same way as any other patient.

CERVICAL SMEAR TESTS

These are offered routinely to women aged 25 to 64 years in accordance with the National Cervical Smear Screening Programme. Cervical cancer can be prevented by picking up the early signs at a smear test. If you have any concerns about having the test please speak to one of the nurses or doctors.

MAMMOGRAPHY

Mammography (breast screening) is offered every three years to all women between the ages of 50 and 70 years. If you are older than this but would like to continue being invited for mammography screening please telephone 01392 262600.

ANTENATAL (PREGNANCY) CARE

If you are thinking of starting a family it is a good idea to see your doctor or speak to a midwife before you conceive. A midwife from the Tower Midwifery Team may be contacted on 01626 324530. You should start taking folic acid tablets (400 micrograms daily) as soon as you plan to become pregnant and for the first three months of the pregnancy. Once you have become pregnant please book an appointment with your doctor and then to see the midwife, preferably before eight weeks. The midwife will discuss your choices and options for your antenatal care and delivery.

CHILD HEALTH SCREENING

A programme of child development checks is provided by the health visitors. We offer all the usual childhood immunisations. For information or advice about immunisations, please ask your health visitor, nurse or doctor, or visit www.immunisation.nhs.uk

ACCESS FOR THE DISABLED

We have made every effort to make access for the disabled as easy as possible. We have installed automatic doors at the entrance and there are suitable toilet facilities at ground floor level. As there is insufficient space for us to install a lift, the doctors who work upstairs are happy to see patients downstairs on request.

TRAVEL ADVICE

If you are travelling outside Europe we recommend that you visit www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk. You then need to make an appointment with the nurse, and bring the information pack to the appointment, so that the nurse can arrange the necessary preventative measures. Albany Surgery is an approved centre for Yellow Fever immunisation.

OTHER SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE PRACTICE NURSES

These include asthma and diabetes care, advice on the prevention of heart disease, and help with stopping smoking. All patients are welcome to book a 'well-person' check for a general health check-up.

SICKNESS CERTIFICATES

If you are absent from work for seven days or less you do not need a doctor’s certificate. Self-certification forms are available at reception to cover the first week of illness. A charge will be made for doctors’ certificates provided for periods of illness of seven days or less.

OTHER FORMS AND REPORTS

Your doctor will be able to complete forms and reports such as those concerned with employment, life insurance, medical examinations (eg driving medicals), holiday cancellation forms, passport and driving licence applications, etc. However, as these are not covered by the NHS, a charge will be made in accordance with the rates suggested by the British Medical Association. We do not endorse applications for firearms licences.