Arrangements for 1st antenatal appointment

If you require a first time antenatal clinic appointment, you should telephone the Central Booking Line on 0141 232 4005.  You will then be given a "booking in" appointment at the Vale of Leven Hospital and an appointment for your 12 week scan at the Vale of Leven.

You should take a urine sample with you to your first appointment.  A white topped bottle can be collected from Reception at the surgery.

Subsequent Antenatal Appointments

These may be at the surgery on a Thursday afternoon or at the hospital.  You will be advised of where and when to attend by the Community Midwives, who can be contacted on   01389 754121, Ext 27275. 

Infant and Pre-school Immunisations

Infant and pre-school immunisations are given on Wednesday afternoon, by invitation.

2 months - Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (Whooping Cough), Polio, Hib (1st), Pneumococcal (1st), Rotavirus (1st)

3 months -  Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (Whooping Cough), Polio, Hib (2nd), Meningococcal C (1st), Rotavirus (2nd)

4 months -  Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (Whooping Cough), Polio, Hib (3rd), Pneumococcal (2nd) 

12-13 months - Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR), Pneumococcal (booster) Hib and Meningitis C (booster)

Between 3 years 4 months and 5 years - Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (Whooping Cough), Polio (pre-school booster), Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) 

Older Childhood Immunisations

12-13 years - (females only) Human Papilloma Vaccine (HPV) : 3 doses given at school

14-18 years - Meningitis ACWY, by invitation

Also, Freshers Programme - Meningitis ACWY recommended for those under 25 years attending University for the first time in Autumn 2015

13-18 years - Diptheria, Tetanus and Polio Booster (booster)

Tetanus Boosters

In most circumstances five doses of vaccine (including those in infancy) give lifelong immunity.

Flu Immunisation

Flu immunisation is recommended for patients age 65 and over.

It is also recommended for patients under the age of 65 with any of the following conditions:- heart, stroke, respiratory, liver and kidney disease; diabetes;and those whose immune systems are suppressed due to illness or treatments.

Our flu immunisation clinic takes place annually in October/November.  Please try and attend the designated clinic as this helps keep weekday appointments available for usual clinical work.

Pneumococcal Immunisation

Pneumococcal immunisation helps protect against an organism called pneumococcus, an organism which causes pneumonia.  It is recommended to the same patients for whom the flu immunisation is recommended (please see above).  Whereas the flu immunisation needs done annually the pneumococcal immunisation provides lifelong protection for the majority of patients.  There are a few patients (eg those with an absent or poorly functioning spleen) who should get this immunisation 5 yearly.  This immunisation can be given at the flu clinic but can also be given throughout the year. If you are eligible and want this immunisation please make an appointment.

Shingles (Herpes Zoster) Immunisation

There is a planned rollout of this immunisation over the next few years.

Currently the following patients are eligible:

• 70 year olds (born between 2 September 1944 and 1 September 1945 - both dates inclusive)
• 78 year olds (born between 2 September 1936 and 1 September 1937 - both dates inclusive)

If you are eligible and wish immunised please make an appointment with the Practice Nurse.

The following link will explain the vaccination and who is eligible https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/immunisation/vaccines/shingles-vaccine 

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure), Coronary Heart Disease, Stroke Disease, Kidney  Disease, Peripheral Vascular Disease

Our Practice Nurses run annual clinics for these conditions.

Patients are invited to attend the Health Care Assistant to get blood and urine tests and blood pressure measured. Patients are asked to return one week later to see the Practice Nurse to discuss the results of these tests, their health and medication.

Diabetic Clinic

Our weekly diabetic clinic is run by the practice nurses, with the involvement of each of the GPs.  We work closely with the local hospital specialist team and the district nursing team to offer a comprehensive service to our diabetice patients.

Respiratory Clinic

Our practice nurses are trained in caring for people with respiratory problems, both asthma and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).  Your doctor will refer you to the clinic if you have breathing problems, to ensure that you are having treatment tailor-made for your condition.  And if you have been admitted to hopsital, this clinic provides a venue for your follow-up.

Travel Vaccinations

Travelling abroad?  You may require further immunisation. 

Please note you must complete the travel form below at least six weeks before your planned travel, to enable our Nurses to give you the best possible advice.

Once you have completed the form, please send/hand in to the practice. When we have received this, the nurse will check your medical history and you will be contacted to make an appointment to discuss your travel needs and any vaccinations you may require. 

Our Nurses will advise you on how to stay healthy abroad as well as  dietary advice.

Yellow Fever Vaccinations

Please note that we are a Yellow Fever Centre, so all registered patients and non registered patients are welcome to get their Yellow Fever immunisations here. Please telephone for further details.

If you are planning a holiday, we recommend you visit Fit for Travel website, which contains lots of useful information.

TRAVEL FORM

Don't forget your EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) which lets you get healthcare in another EU or European Economic Area (EEA) state for free or at a reduced cost.

EHIC Online Application Form

Family Planning     

Our practice nurses offer a comprehensive range of family planning including contraceptive implants.  You do not need to be a registered patient at this practice to use this service. Please note that coil insertions and removals are at the local Sandyford Clinic rather than by ourselves.

Smear Tests                 

Smear tests are normally carried out by our Practice Nurses and you will be invited by letter, from the Health Board, when your smear test is due.  Smear tests should be carried out every three years, more frequently if the result is abnormal. The current age range for cervical screening is 20-60 years.  Currently we have carried out smears for over 80% of women in the Practice for whom a smear is necessary.  Is your smear due?  Appointments are available - please make one now. 

Smear Results

Please note that you will receive your smear result directly from the Health Board and not from the Practice.

Sexual Health

Sexual health advice can be obtained from our Practice Nurses.

Alternatively, advice is available from a Sexual Health Service called The Sandyford Services

http://www.sandyford.org/sandyford-sexual-health-services .

Click on the link to find lots of information regarding sexual health.

This link also gives guidance on how to access this service - they have a clinic at the Vale of Leven Hospital and also one in Glasgow (Sandyford Central), which is 10 minutes walk from Charing Cross Station.

You can also be seen locally at Victoria Integrated Care Centre, Helensburgh - 01436 655000 on Fridays 9-12noon and 1-4pm by appointment only

Helensburgh Sexual Health Clinic offers a wide range of reproductive, emotional and sexual health services:

• Testing & treatment for all sexually transmitted infections, free condoms & lubricant
• Contraception & emergency contraception
• Pregnancy testing

These services are completely confidential and are provided in a relaxed sensitive way.

Drug Misuse Clinic

We run a drug clinic for patients registered with the Practice, providing treatment and support for those trying to give up their addiction.