Surgery clinics

Parsons Green walk-in centre provides a quick and easy way to access healthcare from experienced NHS nurses, who can treat a range of minor injuries and illnesses.
This differs from many other NHS services in that there is no need for you to make an appointment beforehand and the centre offers extended opening hours to make things easier for you.

If the nurse is unable to provide all the care you need, you will be given advice on what else is available for you in the area.

For more information on opening times or the specific services that the Parsons Green walk in centre offers, please phone 0208 102 4000 or see:

• www.nhs.uk/clinics

Medicines and products that can be bought over the counter without a prescription

The NHS in Brent, Ealing, Harrow, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Hammersmith & Fulham, Kensington & Chelsea, and Westminster spent over £13 million in 2016 on products that can be bought without a prescription at community pharmacies.

The NHS is under pressure. Our budgets are not large enough to pay for all the treatments we would like to purchase.

We would like to spend less on medicines you can buy without a prescription so as to free up funds for other valuable NHS services. So practices across North West London will no longer routinely prescribe medicines which are available to buy over the counter in pharmacies (and, in the case of some medicines, in supermarkets and other shops too).

Website
www.healthiernorthwestlondon.nhs.uk

Requesting your repeat prescriptions

A lot of medicines are wasted – dispensed but not used.  We believe that some of this waste can be reduced if people request their repeat prescriptions directly from their general practice, rather than allowing a community pharmacy to request prescriptions on their behalf. Nobody knows which medicines you are really running out of better than you (or your carer if you have one).

Website
www.healthiernorthwestlondon.nhs.uk/repeat

Anti-coagulation is a drug which can prevent life threatening conditions. However, it can be dangerous if people taking it are not monitored regularly and advised which dose to take. Recent changes have been made to the way we prescribe it.

When a patient requests a prescription for anti-coagulation, the doctor must check that the necessary monitoring has been carried out. We can no longer prescribe a anti-coagulation drug “as directed” and the specific dose must be stated on the prescription.

Nurse led anti-coagulation clinics

We run nurse led anti-coagulation clinics for patients who are already classed as being stable on the drug.

Certain small surgical operations can be performed at the surgery. With minor surgery the recovery time is usually short and you will be back to your usual activities fairly quickly (depending on your procedure).

Before attending for minor surgery you will need to see a doctor for the diagnosis and then you will be given an appointment to attend for your procedure.

Please note we do not offer minor surgery for cosmetic purposes.

Working together to improve your health

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.

Visit NHS Choices – Health Checks for further information.

Why do I need an NHS health check?

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 to 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.