Some nurses at Spa Medical Centre are trained on areas of contraception and can provide advice and support on the various methods available. We are able to offer appointments for subdermal contraception implant insertions and also intrauterine contraceptive devices- coils.

We offer confidential advice on sexual health and contraception for patients of all ages.

Please note that we are unable to test for sexually transmitted disease at the surgery. You will need to attend your local CASH clinic –  For information about your nearest clinic Click Here

Some nurses at Spa Medical Centre are trained on areas of contraception and can provide advice and support on the various methods available. We are able to offer appointments for subdermal contraception implant insertions and also intrauterine contraceptive devices- coils.

Please call to book a consultation with our Womens Health Nurse 

01225 709311

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/contraception/

If you are using the contraceptive pill then we recommend that you have an annual pill check. These appointments can be booked online or by telephoning 01225 709311 by telephone or in the surgery. You will need to know your height, weight and recent blood pressure reading in order to have a telephone consultation. 

If you are due for a contraceptive pill repeat , 6 months after your annual review , our pharmacy offer a service that will allow them to issue a prescription without having to book an appointment. They will need to collect some up to date information via a short series of questions.

We have blood pressure machines available for use at the Practice. Please ask at the Information Desk if you need further information about these. 

Once you’ve completed updating your information we aim to issue your prescription for the contraceptive pill within 7 days.

If there are any issues that need further discussion the pharmacy will contact you or ask that you attend the Practice for a face to face appointment.

Cervical screening (a smear test) checks the health of your cervix and is a test to help prevent cancer.

All women and people with a cervix between the ages of 25 and 64 should go for regular cervical screening. You'll get a letter in the post inviting you to make an appointment. When you’ll be invited will vary slightly, depending on your age:

You can book an appointment at the Practice as soon as you get a letter. It is preferable to take the smear during the middle of your cycle.

If you missed your last cervical screening you do not need to wait for a letter to book an appointment.

Cervical screening – sometimes called a smear test -  is undertaken by the Practice Nurse and appointments can be booked online or by calling us on 01225 709311

It’s important to speak to a healthcare professional if you’re worried about symptoms of cervical cancer, including bleeding between periods, during or after sex, or after you’ve been through the menopause or if you experience unusual vaginal discharge. Do not wait for your next cervical screening appointment to contact us about this - 01225 709311

Other support available

More information on cervical screening including why it’s important, what happens at your appointment and when cervical screening is not recommended is available here.

For support on experiences such as cervical cancer or cell changes (abnormal cells) visit the Jo’s Cervical CancerTrust website.

If you receive a letter then to Click Here book online or call reception on 01225 709311

The menopause refers to that time in every woman’s life when her periods stop and her ovaries lose their reproductive function. Usually, this occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, but in a few exceptional cases women may become menopausal in their 30s, or even younger. This is then known as a premature menopause, or premature ovarian insufficiency.

Hot flushes are the most common symptom of the menopause, occurring in three in every four menopausal women. Other common symptoms include night sweats, sleeplessness, vaginal dryness, irritated skin, more frequent urinary incontinence and urinary tract infections, low mood and a reduced interest in sex. Symptoms vary hugely in duration, severity and what impact they have on women

Over recent months there has been a much greater awareness of the issues many women face during the menopause. As a result, we have noticed an increase in the numbers of women seeking advice about this phase of their life.

We recognise that often conversations about the menopause, and in particular around taking HRT, take longer than the time available in a single nurse or GP appointment, as there is a lot of information to convey in discussing the benefits and risks of hormone replacement and in understanding the other interventions that can be helpful.

For this reason we strongly advise you to undertake some research prior to an appointment with our womens health specialist  Caroline Gumbley -so the appointment time can be used to your advantage-.

Women’s Health concern is the patient arm of the British Menopause Society. WHC provides a confidential, independent service to advise, inform and reassure women about their gynaecological, sexual and post reproductive health.

Women's Health Concern | Confidential Advice, Reassurance and Education (womens-health-concern.org)

The Menopause Charity - Menopause Facts, Advice and Support

Menopause - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

• From 01/04/23, patients who pay for HRT prescriptions will be able to purchase an annual HRT PPC for £19.30. The HRT PPC is valid for 12 months.
• Can be used against any listed HRT prescription item(s) licensed for the treatment of menopause.
• If unsure whether to purchase a certificate discuss with their usual community pharmacy.
• Patients with an HRT PPC will continue to pay a charge for any other (non-HRT) medicines (unless another exemption reason applies).
•  To purchase please visit NHS Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC) | NHSBSA