Clinics & Services

Diabetic Clinic

The diabetic clinics are run by Angela Toward, a practice nurse, Rita Swift, a Nurse Practitioner and Julie Bazley, a Community Specialist Practitioner in District Nursing. The purpose of these clinics is to support, educate, monitor and review people with diabetes thus reducing possible long term complications. Clients are usually reviewed every 6 months unless they are experiencing problems when earlier review will be advised. At each session the nurse will: 

1. Review your yearly blood test results : Kidney/Liver function Cholesterol results Thyroid test Blood count
2. Review your 6 monthly blood test: HBA1c
3. Ensure you are registered with a state registered podiatrist.
4. Review your annual retinal screening report (diabetic eye check).
5. Monitor your blood pressure.
6. Record your weight.
7. Discuss your smoking, alcohol and exercise routine.
8. Advise you about diet and refer you to a dietician if necessary.
9. Provide continuing education and up to date information on your condition.
10. Liase with your doctor about possible and appropriate medication.

At Saltash Health Centre we continually strive to maintain our high standards of care. We follow the national guidelines set by the National Service Framework, NSF, and Diabetes UK. We routinely audit our practice to ensure these standards are met. 

Asthma Clinic

The nurses are all trained to see patients who suffer from asthma on a regular basis. All patients have their own asthma nurse. The idea of the appointment is to check inhaler technique, take peak flow readings when the patient is well, assess control of the asthma, discuss possible triggers and give help and information to the patient and their family.

It is an opportunity to change treatments and inhaler devices as appropriate. It is hoped that the more the patient and their family understands asthma the better their control, and the fewer acute episodes they will experience. The frequency of clinic appointments varies depending on how the patient feels and their degree of control but we hope you feel free to make an appointment to see your asthma nurse at any time between regular checks.

Lipid Clinic

The lipid clinic is run by Tracy Clark and Mair Gammon, who are both Nurse Practitioners. You will be invited to attend the lipid clinic if you have any history of heart disease, stroke or circulation problems. Lipids is the term used for the different fats in your blood and it has been shown that the control of these can reduce your risk of further circulation problems occurring. You will be asked to have blood tests 7-10 days prior to the lipid clinic appointment.

The results of your blood tests will be discussed with you when you attend your appointment. The appointment will also involve: Height and weight check, blood pressure, lifestyle advise i.e. smoking, alcohol, diet and exercise, urine check and a medication review. If all is well you will be offered yearly appointments otherwise you will be seen more frequently until any problems are dealt with.

Hypertension Clinics

These are being run by our Nursing Team to ensure that people with high blood pressure are given the best treatment in the most convenient way.

COPD/Chest Clinic

This is run by Mair Gammon, Nurse Practitioner

Confidential Advice for Teenagers

Young people may come and discuss any worries they have regarding alcohol, smoking, drugs, contraception (including ‘morning after’ pills), pregnancy tests, or anything else, in confidence, with our Practice Nurse. They may phone and ask to speak to the Nurse Practitioner or just drop in and ask the Receptionist to make an appointment. (The Nurse Practitioner may be able to see them right away).

Family Planning

The practice offers a full family planning service. If you wish to take the “pill” any of the doctors or nurses in the practice will be happy to prescribe this for you if there are no medical contra-indications. For other methods of contraception such as coils and caps please make an appointment via the practice nurse to discuss these.

Child Health

We hold regular Children's Support Meetings as it is our aim to pick up issues early and support children and parents.  These meetings are attended by the GPs and other members of the Primary Care Team, eg Practice Nurses, Health Visitors, School Nurse and Midwives.

Test Results

In order to answer your queries more quickly we have a direct number to obtain test results.  This number is only for results:  01752 844922

This line is open for result enquiries Monday - Friday 10.00 am - 12.00 noon and 2.00 pm - 5.00 pm

Immunisation Aftercare for Children

If you have any concerns about the safety of immunizations please talk to your GP

Babies receive the following two immunisations at their 8-week check:

• Triple (DTP) and Hib and Polio immunisations (due at 2, 3 and 4 months) - The side effects are almost always mild. Your baby may become fretful and slightly feverish within 24-48 hours of the injection. Sometimes, the skin becomes red, sore or swollen around the place where the injection was given or a small lump appears and may take a few weeks to disappear.
• Meningitis C Vaccination (due at 3 and 4 months)  - Redness, swelling and tenderness around the site are common but usually mild. A fever is common in younger children.
• Pneumococcal Vaccine (due at 2, 4 and 13 months) - Swelling and redness where the injection was given which may last up to 24 hours. Another side effect maybe a slight fever and a little unwell.
• Hib/Men C (due at 12 months) - Pain, redness and swelling at the injection site. A fever, sleepiness, loss of appetite and irritabitlity are also side effects.
• MMR (due at 13 months) - A fever can develop. A week to ten days after the injection a rash can develop which should only last for 2 or 3 days. Some children get swollen faces or a mild form of mumps about 2-3 weeks after MMR. Any swelling will gradually go down, however none of these reactions are infectious,

These immunisations need to be repeated at monthly intervals until the course is completed.

Serious reactions to these vaccines are extremely rare. You might find it useful to keep this information with your child’s health record booklet.  

Preventative Medicine

We believe very strongly that prevention is better than cure and with this in mind, we run an active system of immunisation and vaccination, cervical smear testing etc.

We encourage patients over the age of 65, and those with asthma, heart or chest problems to have a 'flu immunisation each Autumn.  Elderly patients and those at risk are also offered immunisation against pneumonia.

If you are going abroad and require vaccination before travelling, you should consult the Practice Nurse who will arrange this and all necessary certificates.

Well Man and Well Woman clinics are available to all patients to detect early signs of illness and promote healthy living.