Baby Clinic/Health Visitors

Healthvisitors.carterton@oxfordhealth.nhs.uk 

Website: www.oxfordhealth.nhs.uk/hv 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OxfordshireNHSHealthVisitors/   

Cervical Smears
All women between 25 and 65 years of age are recommended to have a cervical smear check.

For those women aged between 25 and 50 it is recommended to have a check every three years, and for women aged 50 to 65 years of age, every 5 years. This is to ensure that the cervix (neck of the womb) is healthy. We operate a recall system in order to remind you when your next check is due.

Long-term Conditions
We have special programmes for the continuing care of patients with long-standing conditions such as asthma, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke or circulatory problems. Please discuss these our long-term condition trained nurses.

Contraception

If you require emergency ‘morning after’ contraception, please tell the receptionist so that you can be seen as soon as possible. Contraception appointments can be made at any time with a  contraception trained nurse or with a doctor. You do not need to be a regular patient at this practice to receive contraceptive services. These services are also available to young people.

Both men and women are welcome to discuss contraception, either in the doctor’s surgery or with a nurse. We provide a full range of services including the fitting of IUDs (coils), diaphragms (caps), the ‘morning after’ pill, injections and implants. Contraception advice and services are also available to patients who are not registered with this practice and to young people.

Health Checks
All adults are encouraged to have a health. Unfortunately we have had to put this service on hold temporarily to manage the high number of appointments we have. We hope to resume this later in the year once we have capacity to do so, in the mean time, if you have any concerns or feel you need to be seen by a nurse or doctor, always feel free to call and speak to one of our patient co-ordinators.

Immunisations
The health visitors arrange children’s immunisations at the appropriate time. Adult vaccinations, including tetanus, are arranged by making an appointment with a member of the nursing team. Influenza vaccinations are carried out in special ‘flu clinics’, which usually commence at the beginning of October each year.

Maternity
When your pregnancy is confirmed we will offer you an hour-long appointment with the midwife to discuss all aspects of your pregnancy and to plan your care.  During your pregnancy we usually share your care with the hospital, with most of your appointments being here with the midwife or the doctor. Six weeks after your baby is born we will offer you a postnatal examination to ensure that all is well. Parenting classes are also held locally.

Minor Injuries
If you, or a member of your family, suffer a minor injury such as a cut or sprain that you feel requires treatment, you may proceed directly to the Minor Injuries Unit at Witney Community Hospital.   This unit is open from 10:00am to 10:30pm, seven days a week including bank holidays. The Minor Injuries Unit can be contacted on 01865 903841.

Non-NHS (Private) Examinations and Reports

The doctors are happy to carry out medical examinations and complete reports for such things as insurance, sports medicals, and certain types of driving licence. Please telephone the health centre for an appointment.

The NHS does not cover this type of examination or report and a charge will be made. A charge is also made for signing various forms such as fitness to travel certificates. Payment must be made at the time of attendance, or upon collection of the completed documents. Please ask at reception for the details of these charges.

Social Prescribing

Social prescribing is a way for local agencies to refer people to a link worker. Link workers give people time, focusing on ‘what matters to me’ and taking a holistic approach to people’s health and wellbeing. They connect people to community groups and statutory services for practical and emotional support. If you would like to find out more about how your GP can help with this service, please make an appointment to speak to one of our GPs.