We offer an NHS vaccination service for travellers. It is important when you are planning to travel abroad that you make an appointment with a Practice Nurse 6 to 8 weeks before you travel. Our travel consultations are very popular and do get booked up quickly, so it is important to book early to avoid disappointment.
Please be aware that we no longer provide private travel vaccinations. We ask you to arrange your own private travel consultation at a clinic of your choice to discuss with them any additional vaccinations that your trip may require.
There is further information about countries and vaccinations required below.
Your GP will discuss with you and, if appropriate, your carer why a referral is being recommended.
You are usually referred because your GP wants a specialist’s help in deciding how best to treat your condition or they do not have the equipment at the surgery for the required tests and investigations.
If your GP needs to refer you to a consultant-led service for a physical or mental health condition, in most cases you have the right to choose which hospital you go to.
If you do not express a preference, your GP will tend to refer you to a local hospital near where you live that is part of the local healthcare system.
We offer a range of clinics and services here at Cator Medical Centre for all your vaccination needs and advice.
Childhood Immunisations
One of the most important things that a parent can do for their child is to make sure that they have all their routine childhood vaccinations. It’s the most effective way of keeping them protected against infectious diseases.
Ideally, children should have their jabs at the right age to protect them as early as possible and minimise the risk of infection.
Find out which jabs your child needs, when they need them, and what the benefits of each jab are.
Please call the surgery to make an appointment.
For more information please visit the websites below:
Babies receive the pneumococcal vaccine as three separate injections, at 2 months, 4 months and 12-13 months.
People over-65 only need a single pneumococcal vaccination which will protect for life. It is not given annually like the flu jab.
People with a long term health condition may need just a single one-off pneumococcal vaccination or five-yearly vaccination depending on their underlying health problem.
How to prevent polio
The best way to prevent polio is to make sure you and your child are up to date with your vaccinations. You can check on your NHS App for this information.
You can buy over-the-counter medicines in pharmacies, supermarkets and some high street shops.
GPs, nurses and pharmacists will not generally give you a prescription for over-the-counter medicines.
Your local pharmacy offers help and clinical advice to manage minor health concerns. If your symptoms suggest it’s more serious, they will help you get the care you need.
Please help the NHS to use resources sensibly.
This advice is in line with national guidance from NHS England.
Some services provided are not covered under our contract with the NHS and therefore attract charges.
Examples include the following:
Medicals for pre-employment, sports and driving requirements (HGV, PSV etc.)
Insurance claim forms
Prescriptions for taking medication abroad
Private sick notes
Vaccination certificates
Fit to travel certificates
The list of private Fees are based on the British Medical Association (BMA) suggested scales and our reception staff will be happy to advise you about them along with appointment availability. See below helpful information regarding non-NHS work.
Our Practice policy states that if a patient DNAs one appointment for a private medical, they will need to make alternative arrangements elsewhere.
Everyone is at risk of developing heart disease, stroke, diabetes, kidney disease and some forms of dementia. The good news is that these conditions can often be prevented – even if you have a history of them in your family. Have your free NHS Health Check and you will be better prepared for the future and be able to take steps to maintain or improve your health.
We know that your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease and dementia increases with age. There are also certain things that will put you at even greater risk.
These are:
being overweight
being physically inactive
not eating healthily
smoking
drinking too much alcohol
high blood pressure
high cholesterol
Both men and women can develop these conditions, and having once could increase your risk of developing another in the future.
In the brain a blocked artery or a bleed can cause a stroke.
In the heart a blocked artery can cause a heart attack or angina.
The kidneys can be damaged by high blood pressure or diabetes, causing chronic kidney disease and increasing your risk of having a heart attack.
Being overweight and physically inactive can lead to type 2 diabetes.
If unrecognised or unmanaged, type 2 diabetes could increase your risk of further health problems, including heart disease, kidney disease and stroke.
What happens at the check?
This check is to assess your risk of developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease, and stroke.
The check will take about 20–30 minutes.
You’ll be asked some simple questions. For example, about your family history and choices which may put your health at risk
We’ll record your height, weight, age, sex, and ethnicity.
We’ll take your blood pressure.
We’ll do a simple blood test to check your cholesterol level.
What happens after the check?
We will discuss how you can reduce your risk and stay healthy
You’ll be taken through your results and told what they mean. Some people may be asked to return at a later date for their results.
You’ll be given personalised advice on how to lower your risk and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Some people with raised blood pressure will have their kidneys checked through a blood test.
Some people may need to have another blood test to check for type 2 diabetes. Your health professional will be able to tell you more.
Treatment or medication may be prescribed to help you maintain your health.
Questions you may have
Why do I need this check? I feel fine!
The NHS Health Check helps to identify potential risks early. By having this check and following the advice of your health professional, you improve your chances of living a healthier life.
But don’t these conditions run in the family?
If you have a history of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, or kidney disease in your family then you may be more at risk. Taking action now can help you to prevent the onset of these conditions.
I know what I’m doing wrong, how can the doctor help me?
If you would like help, we will work with you to find ways to eat healthily, reach your healthy weight, be more active, cut down your drinking, or stop smoking.
If I am assessed as being at ‘low risk’, does this mean I won’t develop these conditions?
It is impossible to say that someone will or won’t go on to develop one of these conditions. But taking action now can help you lower your potential risk.
Will everyone has this check?
This check is part of a national scheme to help prevent the onset of these health problems. Everyone between the ages of 40 and 74 who has not been diagnosed with the conditions mentioned will be invited for a check once every five years. If you are outside the age range and concerned about your health, you should contact your GP.
Surgery Clinics
If you would like to book one of these clinics, please book your appointment online, or contact us on 020 8650 0173.
Clinics/Services
Asthma Care
Cervical Screening
Childhood Immunisations
Child Health
Contraception
Emergency Contraception
Diabetes Care
Health Promotion
Interpreting Service
Minor Surgery
Sexual health & STI Screening
Stop Smoking Support
Management of Long Term Conditions
Travel Health
Phlebotomy
Cardiology Diagnostics
Counselling
The practice provides a counselling service which is provided by the Community Primary Care Mental Health Team (CPCMHT).
To see the counsellor you will need to be referred by your doctor who will arrange an appointment with one of our counsellors.
Suture Removal
Our practice nurses carry out suture removal in their routine clinics.
Please arrange appointments as required via reception.
Diabetes Clinic
Dr Carroll, Dr Harris and Nurse Ruth provide a clinic for our diabetic patients by appointment.
It is important that all our diabetic patients can be reviewed on an annual basis to ensure that they are getting the care they need.
