In addition to routine doctors appointments Minster Health also offers many speciliast health care services.

Family Planning and Contraception

We view contraception as an important contribution to the health of our patients and i s available from both nurses and doctors. All consultations are strictly confidential. Emergency contraception is available but it is important that you contact us as soon as possible.

The emergency pill is effective if taken within 72 hours and a coil can be fitted up to 5 days afterwards.

Infants and Children

The service is run by the health visiting team, which consists of Janet Marriner Kate Reader and their assistant Sheila Robson.

We believe that children's immunisations are very important, and are happy to explain our attitudes if anybody would like to discuss any issues in great depth.

The vast majority of the team's time is taken up with baby checks and supporting new parents.

Travel Advice

Practice Nurses run the travel clinic, which includes:

• Advice on what vaccinations are needed.
• General advice on issues such as mosquito protection, water hygiene etc.
• Vaccinations, including yellow fever
• Travel packs

Please allow yourself plenty of time as some vaccination schemes may take several months to give complete protection.

Some vaccinations have to be paid for.

Malaria prophylaxis tablets are available from the Chemist or on a private prescription ­- the Nurse will advise you.

Health Checks

Health checks by the nurse are available to all patients, especially for people aged over 75 years.

Cervical Smear tests

These are offered every three years to women between the ages of 25 and 49 years and then five yearly until 65 years of age. They reduce the risk of cancer by detecting changes in the cervix before cancer develops.

Mammograms

All women aged between 50-65 years are offered an X-ray screening service to detect breast cancer. York District Hospital runs this service and sends invitations on a three-year programme. Women over 65 years of age can continue having mammograms if they so wish by contacting the breast screening unit direct.

New Patients

All newly registered patients are asked to complete a questionnaire so that we have as much information as possible. Our health care assistants will check your blood pressure and ask for a urine sample for routine testing.

If there are any abnormal results, or if you have any concerns, you will be offered a follow up appointment.

Minor Surgery

We offer a wide variety of minor surgery procedures including joint injections, toe nail surgery and the removal of skin lesions etc.

You should discuss this with your Doctor before booking a special appointment.

Maternity Care

Joanne, our midwife is in charge of the service: Women can choose to see the Midwives or Doctors, or both during their pregnancy. If you become pregnant, you will need to see the midwife for a booking appointment. She will discuss your general health and how you will be cared for during the pregnancy.

If you need a pregnancy test either see the Practice Nurse or leave a message with the reception staff who will arrange for the nurse to leave a bottle and a form for you to collect.

Couples planning to have a baby may see the Doctor, Midwife or Practice Nurse for advice. All women trying to conceive should take folic acid tablets as this can reduce the risk of spina bifida.

Counselling

Depending on you problem, we can refer you to see either Lyn, who deal with long term problems such as anxiety or bereavement, or Ian who works closely with the psychiatric department, or Hazel who specialises in helping those with drug addiction problems

Immunisations

The practice is very much in favour of immunising against influenza and pneumonia for our older clients: these clinics run in the autumn, and aim to prevent problems occurring over the winter

Non NHS Services

We are pleased to provide, by appointment, medical examinations and reports for insurance, legal, employment and other reasons.

All of these services have to be charged for (please ask the receptionist or see the list of fees in the waiting area).