Services

Lewisham midwives see our patients locally and can be contacted via the Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust website or by calling 07787 841986 

Regular checks for these conditions are provided by the nurses. 

This is held every Tuesday from 1.30pm to 3pm with Dr Tattersfield and the practice nurse. This is for well children requiring vaccinations development checks or general advice.

Health Visitor's team are based at: Downham Health and Leisure Centre. 

Further information can be found on the Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust website

Women aged between 24 and 64 should have a cervical screening every 3 to 5 years to help prevent cervical cancer. The screening is quick and painless and can be done here in the practice.

If you are aged over 24 and have never had a smear test, or if it has been more than 3 to 5 years since your last screening, you should arrange an appointment with our Practice Nurse. You should not have the test while you are having a period or in the 4 days before or after your period as this can affect the sample.

What is cervical screening?

Cervical screening is not a test for cancer. It is a method of preventing cancer by detecting and treating early abnormalities which, if left untreated, could lead to cancer in a woman's cervix (the neck of the womb).

A sample of cells is taken from the cervix for analysis. A doctor or nurse inserts an instrument (a speculum) to open the woman's vagina and uses a spatula to sweep around the cervix. Most women consider the procedure to be only mildly uncomfortable.

Early detection and treatment can prevent 75 per cent of cancers developing but like other screening tests, it is not perfect. It may not always detect early cell changes that could lead to cancer.

Who is eligible for cervical screening?

All women between the ages of 25 and 64 are eligible for a free cervical screening test every three to five yearsThe NHS call and recall system invites women who are registered with a GP. It also keeps track of any follow-up investigation, and, if all is well, recalls the woman for screening in three or five years time. It is therefore important that all women ensure their GP has their correct name and address details and inform them if these change.

Women who have not had a recent test may be offered one when they attend their GP or family planning clinic on another matter. Women should receive their first invitation for routine screening at 25.

Why are women under 25 not invited?

This is because changes in the young cervix are normal. If they were thought to be abnormal this could lead to unnecessary treatment which could have consequences for women's childbearing. Any abnormal changes can be easily picked up and treated from the age of 25. Rarely, younger women experience symptoms such as unexpected bleeding or bleeding after intercourse. In this case they should see their GP for advice.

Why are women over 65 not invited?

Women aged 65 and over who have had three consecutive negative results are taken out of the call recall system. The natural history and progression of cervical cancer means it is highly unlikely that such women will go on to develop the disease. Women aged 65 and over who have never had a test are entitled to one.

What about women who are not sexually active?

The NHS Cervical Screening Programme invites all women between the ages of 25 and 64 for cervical screening. But if a woman has never been sexually active with a man, then the research evidence shows that her chance of developing cervical cancer is very low indeed. We do not say no risk, only very low risk. In these circumstances, a woman might choose to decline the invitation for cervical screening on this occasion. If a woman is not currently sexually active but has had male partners in the past, then we would recommend that she continues screening.

Find the latest NHS vaccination schedule on their website

A Chiropodist is available at the Downham Health and Leisure Centre (by referral and appointment).

General contraceptive advice, coil fitting and implant insertion and removal are available in hours at Oakview Family Practice. Community clinics also provide advice and services.

There are two types of emergency contraception available. On is a hormone pill that you take within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse known as Levonelle one-step. Prescriptions for this are available from the practice, from the  family planning clinic or directly from the local pharmacist without prescription. The other form of emergency contraception is the intra-uterine contraceptive device (IUCD) which can be inserted up to five days after unprotected intercourse. This is available at the  family planning clinic. Prescriptions and IUCDs are free of charge

If you are registered at Oakview Family Practice and require an emergency contraception please book an appointment with a GP- call and let receptionist know this is a reson for an appointment in order to prioritise your appointment.

A dietician is available monthly on first Tuesday morning for advice regarding special diets and healthy eating habits (by appointment) 

This is provided (including implants and coils) by the doctors and nurses during normal surgery hours. 

Find information about the flu jab, including who should have it, why and when

Learn more about flu vaccinations on the NHS website

Flu vaccination information and consent

What is influenza (flu)?

Flu is a highly infectious viral illness that can cause fever, cough, sore throat, headaches, muscle aches, and extreme tiredness. While most people recover within a few days to weeks, flu can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, hospital admission, and, in some cases, death.

Why is vaccination recommended?

The flu vaccine helps protect you against the strains of influenza expected to circulate this season. Vaccination significantly reduces your risk of becoming seriously unwell from flu and helps protect those around you who may be more vulnerable to infection.

What are the benefits of the vaccine?

• Reduces your risk of catching flu.
• Reduces the severity of illness if you do catch flu.
• Helps prevent complications and hospital admission.
• Helps protect vulnerable family members and the wider community.

What are the possible side effects?

Most side effects are mild and short-lived. They may include:

• Soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site.
• Mild fever.
• Headache.
• Muscle aches.
• Feeling tired for a day or two.

Serious allergic reactions are very rare but can occur. Staff are trained to recognise and manage such reactions.

Who should not receive the vaccine?

Please inform the clinician before vaccination if:

• You have previously experienced a severe allergic reaction to a flu vaccine or any of its ingredients.
• You are currently unwell with a high temperature.
• You have any concerns about whether vaccination is appropriate for you.

Are there alternatives?

You may choose not to have the vaccine. However, remaining unvaccinated may increase your risk of catching flu and developing associated complications.

Questions and further information

If you have any questions about the flu vaccine, its benefits, risks, or whether it is suitable for you, please speak to a member of our clinical team before your appointment.

Your decision

By attending your vaccination appointment you are confirming that:

• You have read and understood the information provided.
• You have had the opportunity to ask questions.
• You wish to receive the flu vaccination.
• You will be giving consent for vaccination.

Vaccinations can be administered by a number of trained health profesionalls with appropriate training in administration.  This may include:

• Nurses
• Physicians Associates
• Health  care assistants
• Doctors
• Pharmacists
• Nursing associates

If you have changed your mind, have developed a new medical condition, or have any concerns before your appointment, please inform a member of the clinical team.

Procedures such as joint injections are done by the doctors during normal surgery. 

What is persistent pain?

Chronic or persistent pain refers to pain that lasts for more than 3 months, despite medication or treatment. Unlike acute pain, which serves as a warning sign of injury or illness, chronic pain persists after the initial cause has healed. Sometimes, pain can manifest without any history of an injury or operation.

Chronic/persistent pain can significantly impact your life, both physically and emotionally. It can:

• Limit your ability to perform daily activities
• Interfere with sleep
• Lead to fatigue
• Affect mood and mental health wellbeing
• Strain relationships

What is the pain management service?

The remote service provides easy, direct access to experienced professionals who are specifically trained in pain management.

This service is appropriate for patients over the age of 16 presenting with pain that has persisted for 6 months or more.

The programme aims to:

• Support you with specialist Pain Practitioners and personal Health & Wellbeing Coaches
• Help you understand how chronic pain develops and persists
• Show you ways to manage your pain
• Support your independence
• Improve your quality of life
• Help find the best medicines for your pain

Patients are offered a 16-week programme where they can explore a range of modules and tools to help manage their own pain. This service is not suitable for patients awaiting investigation or treatment for their pain, or patients experiencing complex mental health issues.

An introduction to the pain management service

How do I access this service?

Downham Health and Leisure Centre, Torridon Road Medical Practice, Parkview Surgery, Oakview Family Practice, Rushey Green Group Practice, Moorside Clinic, Chinbrook Road, Boundfield Medical Centre, Marvels Lane Health Centre and Burnt Ash Surgery have access to the Pain Management Service. Please speak to your practice or GP for more information.

PCN Social Prescribers are available to help in assisting the practice population with health and social care needs.

Please speak to reception if you would like to enquire further.