Reviews
Those patients who are living with long term conditions will need regular monitoring to ensure that their medication and management is effective. We will often ask you to have a blood test before the review so that the doctor can assess the effectiveness of the medication prescribed. If you are in any of the following categories we would suggest that you book your annual review in the month in which your birthday falls.
Patients with Four or more Repeat Medications
Patients with four or more repeat medications should book an annual medication review with their doctor. We may require a blood test prior to the review so please mention why you are coming at reception when you book and we will advise you if this is the case.
Diabetic Reviews
Please book a blood test with our Phlebotomist at least a week before your annual review with our specialist diabetic nurse. In addition to this there is a national screening programme for Diabetic Retinopathy. You will be sent an annual appointment from the screening team and we would urge you to take advantage of this service. If indicated, when we undertake your foot check, we will refer you to a Podiatrist. Long-term complications of diabetes can be minimised or avoided by good diabetic care and control.
Respiratory Reviews
Patients who are asthmatic or have chronic chest problems should have an annual review with our asthma nurse. It may be beneficial to come more regularly and our nurse will advise on this at your first appointment. The aim is to help patients understand their condition and enable them to lead a normal lifestyle without crises.
Chronic Heart Disease Reviews
For patients with chronic heart disease we would recommend two reviews per annum, ideally one in the month of your birth and one six months later. These should be with our Health Care Assistant who will check your blood pressure and weight and monitor medical factors together with diet and lifestyle support.
Hypertensive Reviews
Hypertensive patients should have their blood pressure checked twice a year by one of our Health Care Assistants. In addition to their we would ask that they book an annual medication review with their doctor.