Minor Surgery
At Littlewick Medical Centre we endeavour to provide high quality care by experienced clinicians in the surgery to reduce the need for unnecessary hospital referrals and procedures which inevitably cost more than they would do in General Practice.
Currently we are able to remove many types of cysts and other skin lesions that cause irritation or bleeding, or which catch on clothing.
Screening for Kidney Disease
The NHS now recommends that we now check for signs of very early kidney disease that then can be treated to try to prevent it from progressing to serious kidney disease. Initially we will be offering kidney disease screening to people with diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke or heart disease. In additon if you have a history of prostate problems, kidney stones or have a close relative with serious kidney disease, you are welcome to ask us for a test.
The screening involves a small initial blood test to measure kidney function. If kidney function is reduced at all, it will then need to be rechecked 3 months later. If the kidney function is still reduced, we would then encourage you to see your nurse or GP each year to organise the following checks:
- Send off a urine sample every 12 months to check for tiny traces of protein. The most accurate test would be to hand in your first urine of the day in a white topped pot available from reception.
- Measure your blood pressure at least once a year. Blood pressure lower than 140/85 is recommended if you have any reduced kidney function.
- Organise a kidney blood test at least once a year which can be done at the same time as any other blood tests you may need. If traces of protein are found in two urine samples, we would recommend tablets which reduces the amount of protein the kidneys let into the urine, and helps to preserve kidney function.
Chronic kidney disease is the exact medical term used to describe anyone with the mildest change to their kidney function. Do not worry as to a Doctor the word "chronic" means something that goes on over many years and is often harmless. It is perfectly normal for kidneys to filter a little less well as one gets older, so please don't be alarmed if you see Chronic Kidney Disease or CKD on your notes or in a hospital letter. You are in good company at Littlewick.
To protect your kidneys a healthy lifestyle is highly recommended. You can ask for advice and support on stopping smoking, losing weight, cutting back on alcohol, and choosing healthy food in your diet.
For any more information about kidney disease screening ask your local GP or practice nurse. You can speak directly to Helen on the phone or at the surgery as she co-ordinates the letters to patients regarding kidney screening.
Cardiovascular Disease Risk Health Check
Littlewick Medical Centre is pleased to offer a health check for those thought to be most at risk of heart diease or stroke and will be offered to all those between the ages of 40-74. These health checks will be once every 5 years and each patient will be considered individually with their own risk of getting heart disease or stroke over the following 10 years.
At the health check you will be offered a check of your body mass index (BMI), your blood pressure, your smoking and alcohol status and diet and exercise questions will be asked. From this information we will able to determine your personalised 10 years heart and stroke risk, which will be calculated using the QRISK score.
When discussing your lifestyle simple and helpful advice can be given and onward referral to our stopping smoking or weight management clinic can be made. In addition a referral can be made to the Derbyshire Waistwise Clinic as needed.
People with alcohol issues will be referred to the GP for support and advice who can then refer them on if that person needs more help. The clinic is offered 4 days a week with our health care assistants Sue and Lisa.
Referral for an X-Ray
All routine x-rays require an appointment so please ring the x-ray department on 0115 951 2495 and appointments can be made between 9:00am - 4:30pm Monday to Friday.
You do not need an appointment for a chest x-ray. You may attend on a sit and wait basis between 9:00am - 12:00pm or 2:00pm - 4:00pm Monday to Friday
If you have had an injury in the last 10 days you do not need an appointment. You may attend on a sit and wait basis between 9:00am - 12:00pm or 2:00pm - 4:00pm Monday to Friday.
Maternity Services
These are done daily by appointment with a midwife or GP. When attending an antenatal appointment with the doctor, please make it clear to reception that you are an antenatal patient so that you are weighed and urine is tested before seeing the doctor.
Counselling Services
Counsellor Gourmail Kaur Chahal is available to see patients and referral should be discussed with you GP. An assessment session is offered first to see whether this type of help can be of benefit to you. It is by mutual agreement that further appointments are offered and is a commitment by both the counsellor and you to attend these and work towards a deeper understanding of the problem. We do not offer advice and the service is confidential with a closing summary to your referring GP, which may be discussed with you in the final session.
Well Person Screening
This service includes blood pressure checks, urine testing and cervical smears for female patients where appropriate. These are performed daily by practice nurses. Appointments for the well person screening will need to be booked at the reception.
Hormone replacement therapy is available daily by prior arrangement with the practice nurse.
Health promotion clinics are run daily by the practice nurses, by appointment, including heart disease prevention, stopping smoking, weight management, high blood pressure and lung disease.
Look Good Feel Good courses are run by a team of professionals including Anne Farmer (Health Visitor) at Ilkeston Community Hospital. The course concentrates on maintaining a healthy heart and lungs through exercise, diet and health education. Please discuss the details of the course with Anne Farmer on 0115 932 4214.
Amber Valley Erewash Domestic Abuse Support Services (AVEDASS) is a group specialising in supporting sufferers of domestic abuse. For more information contact them on 01173 300410
Parent and Child Sessions
Littlewick runs Parent and Child Sessions on Thursdays at 1:15 to 2:30pm. This session runs alongside the immunisation clinic but it is available for use by anyone.
Tums and Tots!
Tums and Tots! is a group for teenage parents and pregnant teenagers, held every Friday at 12:30 to 2:30 at the Sure Start Building, Beauvale Drive, Cotmanhay. For more information contact Emma Boyle 01629 531949.
Breastfeeding Support Group
A breastfeeding support group is held at Charnos Family Centre, Lower Whitworth Road Thursday's at 10:30 to 12:00. For more information ring Tel: 0115 9325145 or Mobile: 07900 682980. Alternatively visit their website at www.cradles.org.uk
Blood Tests
Blood tests are taken at Littlewick Medical Centre on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 8:00am to 12:00pm and from 7:00am to 12:00pm on Tuesday.
It is your responsibility to contact the surgery 7-10 days after the test is taken, we advise that you ring after 2:00pm for the results.
The Dales Phlebotomy Service
We also hold a phlebotomy service at The Dales from 8:30AM on a Wednesday morning. This is not a drop in clinic and is by appointment only.