What is Latent TB?

• Latent Tuberculosis (TB) is a state in which a person has been infected with the TB bacteria, but the infection is dormant and not actively causing disease. People with latent TB are not contagious but may develop active TB later if their immune system weakens.

Who Should Be Screened for Latent TB?

Screening for latent TB is recommended for individuals at increased risk, including:

• People with a history of close contact with someone with active TB
• Individuals born in or who have traveled to countries with high TB prevalence
• Immunocompromised individuals (e.g., HIV-positive, organ transplant recipients)
• People who have worked or lived in high-risk environments (e.g., healthcare settings, correctional facilities)

Screening Methods:

1. Interferon-Gamma Release Assays (IGRAs) – Blood tests that measure the immune response to TB bacteria. These are often preferred for people who have received the BCG vaccine.

For more information, please visit the attached website which provides information leaflet.

Information Leaflets from GOV.UK – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/latent-tb-testing-and-treatment-leaflet 

The National Health Service (NHS) provides essential healthcare services free of charge; however, certain services fall outside the scope of NHS funding. General Practitioners (GPs) operate as self-employed professionals under contract to deliver NHS general medical services, but they are entitled to charge reasonable fees for additional private services.

Chargeable Private Medical Services

Our medical professionals provide a range of non-NHS services, which include but are not limited to:

• Insurance medical examinations (e.g., life or health insurance assessments)
• Driving medical assessments (e.g., HGV, PSV, taxi licenses)
• Private prescriptions for medication taken abroad
• Private sick notes
• Vaccination certificates
• Travel fitness certificates
• “To Whom It May Concern” letters
• Holiday cancellation claim forms
• Private referrals for specialist care

These services are subject to processing times of up to two weeks, unless urgent. Please contact our admin executive Guste for a detailed fee schedule and appointment availability.

For frequently asked questions (FAQ’s), please refer to the document below.

Non Nhs Service

We appreciate that the fear of flying is genuine and very frightening. In the past, doctors sometimes prescribed sedatives to help, but these medications can potentially make you agitated or aggressive and significantly delay reaction time.

These are therefore no longer advised in line with the doctor’s prescribing guidelines. A lower-risk approach is to tackle this properly and hopefully permanently, with a Fear of Flying course run by the airlines; I have listed a number of these below and there are also some free online courses:

• EasyJet – www.fearlessflyer.easyjet.com
  • Tel: 0203 8131633
• British Airways – www.flyingwithconfidence.com
  • Tel: 01252 793250
• Virgin Atlantic  – https://www.lovefly.co.uk
  • Tel: 01423 714900

The clinicians at St Martin’s Medical Centre no longer prescribe sedatives for flight anxiety. 

Fit to Fly Assessments

A mop-up clinic will be available for one week in November to accommodate patients who may have missed their flu vaccination appointment. Please check this section regularly, as updates will be posted here.

We are pleased to announce that our Child Flu Nasal Spray Vaccination Programe will commence the week of 16th September.

Eligible patients have already received a text message with a link to book their appointment.

The first phase of the programme will focus on children aged 2-3 years who are registered with our practice.

School-aged children will receive their flu vaccinations directly at school. If we have additional capacity later in the year, we will offer a catch-up clinic.

Please contact the surgery for further information.

This includes Diabetes, Asthma, Coronary Heart Disease, Hypertension, TIA/Stroke, COPD, Epilepsy, Mental Health, Cancer and Obesity.

Early detection and correct management can reduce the risk of  complications. We run regular clinics. If you need a review, book an appointment to see the Practice Nurse or GP.

The NHS e-Referral Service (e-RS) combines electronic booking with a choice of place, date and time for first hospital or clinic appointments. Patients can choose their initial hospital or clinic appointment, book it in the GP surgery at the point of referral, or later at home on the phone or online.

Please note the Surgery does not receive any update on your referral status, unless, it has been declined or further information has been requested. We recommend contacting the hospital directly via the provided contact details when you were first referred or contacting the hospital appointments line.

Using the Service

If you’re a patient, find out more about appointment booking on the NHS.UK website.

Whether you’re using e-RS for the first time, or an existing user wanting to make the most of the service, NHS Digital provides a range of material for referrers (such as a general practice), providers (a hospital or clinic) and commissioners.

We offer a range of contraceptive services including emergency contraception.

Cervical smears and well woman checks including pre conceptual advice & HRT are done during normal surgery hours by appointment.

Patients are encouraged to share the responsibility for their health both in preventing diseases or complications.

Many serious diseases can be prevented by changing to a healthier lifestyle.

We offer an annual Learning Disability Health Check by appointments.

We provide joint injections.

Postnatal examinations are carried out by the doctor at 8 weeks together with baby checks and need to be booked in advance.

Are you looking for more information and assistance to help you stop smoking?

This is the right page to find options open to you at no cost.

• Call 01895 632 410 for an appointment.
• For more options please visit the NHS ‘Stop Smoking’ Service.
• Quit smoking with your free Personal Quit Plan.

At our practice, we are dedicated to supporting the health and development of your baby from birth. Regular check-ups and immunisations are key to ensuring your child grows strong and healthy.

Developmental Checks

Our doctors are available to conduct regular developmental checks for your baby. These appointments are a vital part of monitoring your baby’s growth and development. The doctors will assess various milestones and provide guidance on nutrition, sleep, and overall well-being. If you have any concerns about your baby’s development, please feel free to discuss them during these visits.

Immunisations

Immunisations are an essential part of keeping your baby protected from serious diseases. Our practice nurse administers all vaccinations by appointment. We strongly encourage all parents to ensure their baby receives their immunisations on time.

While illnesses like diphtheria, tetanus, and polio have become rare due to widespread vaccination, they can still be dangerous and even fatal if contracted. Immunisations protect your baby from these potentially life-threatening diseases. Therefore, it is crucial that you keep your vaccination appointments and avoid cancelling where possible.

Why Immunisations are Important

Vaccination is a safe and effective way to protect your child from serious illnesses. By ensuring your baby receives all recommended immunisations, you are not only protecting their health but also contributing to the wider community’s immunity. This helps prevent outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases.

If you have any questions or concerns about your baby’s vaccinations, please don’t hesitate to speak to our practice nurse or your doctor.

We are here to guide and support you through the process.

Additional Resources:

Vaccine Knowledge – https://vaccineknowledge.ox.ac.uk/home 

• Information about vaccinations based on age and risk group

Central and North West London – https://www.hillingdoncyp.cnwl.nhs.uk/0-4-years/health-visiting-service 

• Information about Well Baby Clinics in Hillingdon and Health Visiting Services

FAQ about the MMR Vaccine – https://www.cc4c.imperial.nhs.uk/-/media/cc4c/documents/mmr-questions-answered.pdf?rev=8e05618c739a4e749a09ec98bd3314fc&hash=C15AB62CDC69D6399C643FC8ED927F07

As part of our commitment to enhanced services, we now have dedicated staff available on weekends and after regular surgery hours to ensure you receive the care you need promptly.

During these extended hours, our team will proactively contact patients to schedule appointments and share information about our services. This initiative is part of our continuous effort to make healthcare more accessible and convenient for you.

Please note that you may receive calls from a “No Caller ID” number; there is no cause for concern. Our staff will always introduce themselves and confirm that they are calling from St Martins Medical Centre.