Services

Our practice nurses help patients manage their breathing conditions by reviewing inhaler techniques, providing action plans, and offering advice to prevent flare-ups.

If you use a written action plan, you are four times less likely to go to hospital for your asthma/copd.

Annual review appointments can be booked with one of our practice nurses by calling 01278 411520.

Recycling Inhalers

We encourage patients to use more environmentally friendly inhalers whenever possible and ask that used inhalers be recycled to help reduce waste.

 Find out how you can manage your asthma in an environmentally friendly way

A blood pressure test is a simple test to check your blood pressure. High blood pressure can cause serious conditions such as stroke and heart disease.

Where to get a blood pressure test

Patients are welcome to check their blood pressure at the practice using the machine in the waiting room. No appointment is required.

The machine provides a printed result; please hand this slip to reception so it can be added to your medical record.

Checking your blood pressure at home

You can also buy your own blood pressure machine to use at home. Machines may be slightly different, so follow the instructions on how to use it to record your blood pressure.

Take your blood pressure, make a note of the numbers, then wait 1 minute before doing it again. You usually do this 2 times, once in the morning and once in the evening. Your doctor or nurse will tell you how many days you need to do this.

You can write your blood pressure readings on a spare piece of paper. Please make sure your name, date of birth, and the date of each reading are clearly visible.

You can also submit your readings online using our Blood Pressure Form.

What happens after your blood test

• Results are usually available within a few days, though some tests may take several weeks.
• If your results are normal, you may not need to do anything else.
• If something needs repeating, a doctor may ask you to book another test.

How to book a blood test

If a healthcare professional such as a GP, nurse or specialist thinks you need a blood test they will tell you how to book one.

You can book a blood test online, by calling 01278 411520, or at the reception desk.

Please do not contact the practice to request your blood test results.

Cervical screening, which used to be called a smear test, is a test to check the health of the cervix and help prevent cervical cancer.

• All women aged 25 to 64 are invited for cervical screening every 5 years.
• Everyone with a cervix should be offered screening.

Cervical screening is carried out by a practice nurse.

How to book an appointment

You'll receive an invitation through the NHS App, by text or by letter asking you to make an appointment.

• You can book an appointment as soon as you get an invitation.
• If you missed your last cervical screening, you do not need to wait for an invitation to book an appointment.

Further help and support for cervical screening

Our Practice Nurses are trained on all areas of contraception.

There are many different types of contraception, so most people can find a method that suits them.

You might need to try a few options before you discover the one that feels right for you.

Below are examples of contraceptive methods:

• Contraceptive pill
• Progestogen-only pill
• IUD (intrauterine device) or copper coil
• IUS (intrauterine system) or hormonal coil
• Contraceptive implant
• Contraceptive injection

If you would like to discuss starting contraception, please book an appointment online, by calling 01278 411520, or at the reception desk.

Your appointment may be with a doctor or a nurse, depending on the contraceptive method you would like to start.

We support patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes by offering regular reviews, advice on blood sugar control, and guidance on managing medication and lifestyle changes.

Long Term Condition Review

All patients with diabetes receive a long term condition review (also known as a birthday review).

First, you will be invited to come to the practice and see a healthcare assistant or practice nurse. The healthcare assistant or practice nurse will check the health of your feet. They will also take a blood sample and a blood pressure reading.

Next, you will be invited to discuss your results with a practice nurse and agree on your treatment plan.

Long term condition reviews can be booked with a healthcare assistant or practice nurse by calling 01278 454560.

• Find out more about long term condition reviews

Diabetic Eye Screening

All patients with diabetes will be invited to an annual Diabetic Eye Screening appointment.

If you have Diabetes and are aged 12 or over you’ll receive a letter every year inviting you to this appointment.

This programme is coordinated by Somerset Partnership NHS Trust. Appointments are generally held at Musgrove Park Hospital for this service.

• Learn more about diabetic eye screenings

MyWayDiabetes

MyWay Diabetes provides a free NHS service that helps you to manage your diabetes with confidence.

You can use MyWay Diabetes online or via the app for free.

Register today to:

• Access your NHS diabetes test results
• Understand your results
• Set your diabetes goals
• Learn how to manage your diabetes best

Register to use MyWay Diabetes Somerset

NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme

The NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme helps you take control of your health, supporting you to make changes to your diet, weight and the amount of physical activity you do. 

If you have been told you are pre-diabetic and / or have received an invite letter, please self-refer to this programme.

The NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme is available online and in person. Group sessions are hosted in Somerset and the surrounding areas. Details of current groups that are running locally can be found on the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme website.

• Find out more about the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme

An electrocardiogram is a simple test to check your heart's rhythm and electrical activity.

A doctor or nurse will ask you to book one when needed. ECGs take about 15 minutes and are available daily. ECG appointments can be booked with of our healthcare assistant or practice nurses by calling 01278 411520.

ECG test results are usually available 5 working days after the test. We will contact you if these are abnormal to arrange any follow-up or treatment. 

Click to learn more about getting your test results

Our practice nursing team offers routine childhood and adult immunisations to protect you and your family.

It’s important for all adults, children, and babies to be fully immunised. If you’re unsure about your vaccination status, please contact the surgery for advice.

Click to view the current recommended immunisation schedule

Antenatal Care

A healthy pregnancy starts before you actually become pregnant. This is especially so if you need to take any regular medication.

As soon as you know you are pregnant, you need to self refer using the below link.

Click here to self-refer to a midwife

Your midwife will contact you to arrange your first appointment. This is usually between 8-10 weeks of pregnancy.

Antenatal care is usually provided by your midwife at Redgate Medical Centre.

During your pregnancy, you will need to attend Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton for scans, which take place in the antenatal clinic.

Postnatal Checks

A postnatal check is an appointment focused on understanding your general mental and physical health and wellbeing after giving birth. They are usually combined with baby’s first developmental check, but can be done at a separate time if you would like.

Your appointment will be with a General Practitioner (GP) who will ask about your physical health, mental health, and overall well-being. These appointments are intended to support you and discuss any other concerns you may have.

You’ll receive a text or letter from us when your postnatal check is due. If it’s more than 8 weeks after you gave birth and you haven’t had a postnatal check, please call 01278 411520 and we’ll try to book you an appointment as soon as possible.

Spirometry is a simple test used to help diagnose and monitor certain lung conditions by measuring how much air you can breathe out in one forced breath. It's carried out using a device called a spirometer, which is a small machine attached by a cable to a mouthpiece.

The appointment will last around 45-60 minutes. You will need to prepare for this test.

Click to learn more about how to prepare for a spirometry test

Flu Clinics

Seasonal flu vaccination clinics are held every year in October and November by our nursing team. Clinic details will be shared on the surgery's social media, patient waiting screens, telephone messages, and through text messages and letters.

The flu vaccine is available to those patients:

• aged 65 and over
• those who suffer from a long term medical condition such as diabetes, asthma/COPD, heart disease or stroke
• pregnant women
• carers of patients who are clinically at risk of developing flu
• immunosuppressed patients

You don't need to wait to be contacted - book your flu vaccination as soon as possible.

Travel Vaccinations

We offer travel vaccinations for patients planning to travel abroad. If you’re planning a trip, please contact the surgery well in advance to book an appointment with one of our practice nurses to discuss your vaccination needs.

Click to visit our travel vaccination page

MMR Vaccination Catch Up

If you or your child missed MMR vaccinations, it's important to catch up. 

You can check your child's Red Book to see if they are up to date with their MMR vaccines. 

The MMR vaccine requires two doses for maximum protection, and they can be given with a one-month gap between them. 

If you are unsure about your or your child's vaccination status or if you missed doses, contact the practice by calling 01278 411520 to arrange catch-up vaccinations. 

Vaccinations for housebound residents who are eligible

We offer home flu vaccinations for patients who are eligible and unable to attend the surgery. A practice nurse will visit you to administer the vaccine in the comfort of your home.

Our team will contact you in advance to confirm the date and time of your appointment, so you know when to expect our nursing team.

Vasectomy, also called male sterilisation, is a permanent method of contraception.

It’s a procedure that stops sperm being ejaculated from the penis during sex. It’s usually carried out under local anaesthetic and takes around 30 minutes. It’s common to feel some pain for 1 to 2 weeks afterwards.

Vasectomy is available on the NHS. We currently hold a waiting list.

The procedure is carried out by Dr Maaz Akhter.

If you would like to discuss having a vasectomy, please book an appointment by calling 01278 411520, or at the reception desk.

We host dedicated INR clinics every week at both surgeries for patients prescribed anti-coagulation therapy (warfarin). Our Level 4 service enables patients to have their INR levels checked through a simple finger prick test and then dosed accordingly.

We also provide this service not only for our own registered patients, but also those registered at East Quay Medical Centre.