Patients "listed" as asthmatic may be referred to the Asthma Clinic by their GP. The emphasis of the clinic is to help their patient's better manage their condition through treatment, education and self-care. The remit of the clinic is also to monitor the general wellbeing of "listed" asthmatic patients who are normally asked to attend the clinic at least once a year.

The Asthma Clinic has an emergency element and will always see a patient immediately if they are experiencing breathing difficulties.

Clinical Lead: Nurse Teresa Parke

Loughton Health Centre patients "listed" with breathing difficulties may be referred to the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Clinic by their GP.

The emphasis of the clinic is to help their patient's better manage their condition through treatment, education and self-care.

Clinical Lead: Dr Tasneem Ally.

Loughton Health Centre patients "listed" as having coronary conditions or have suffered from heart failure may be referred to the Cardio Vascular Disease (CVD) Clinic or the Heart Failure Clinic by their GP. The emphasis of these clinics are to help their patient's better manage their condition through treatment, education and self-care.

The remit of the clinics is also to monitor the general wellbeing of "listed" patients who are normally asked to attend the clinic at least once a year.

Clinical Lead:

Loughton Health Centre patients "listed" as diabetic may be referred to the Diabetic Clinic by their GP.

The emphasis of the clinic is to help their patient's better manage their condition through treatment, education and self- care. This clinic therefore incorporates Chiropodist and Dietician services. The remit of the clinic is also to monitor the general well being of "listed" patients who are normally asked to attend the clinic at least once a year.

Clinical Lead: Dr Ding

Referral to the Dietician Clinic is via your GP.

LHC operates an "open door" policy with regard to the "morning after pill" and access to emergency contraception is always available during surgery hours. Out of hours assistance is available at the Family Planning service.

Any assistance and advice offered or given by LHC regarding any element of family planning is completely impartial and given in the strictest confidence with the care and well-being of the patient being the primary objective.

Clinical Lead: Dr Tasneem Ally

All our GPs are on the Obstetric list and provide full antenatal and post natal care during normal surgery hours. Please advise reception of your requirements at the time of booking.
The GP usually does the initial booking visit when the woman first realises that she is pregnant, usually around 6 weeks. The relevant forms are filled and sent to the midwives based at Rectory Lane clinic.
Postnatal care, immediately after delivery, is carried out by the midwife, usually at the patient’s own home. The 6-8 week postnatal check is done by the patient’s GP at the surgery in a double appointment each for mum and baby. These are booked through Lorraine our administrator. If baby is well, mum will be advised to book with the practice nurse for routine immunisations at 8 weeks.

Please note that expectant mothers who require a home delivery will be requested to temporarily register with another practice that has the expertise to provide this service.
Mental Health

Loughton Health Centre patients "listed" with mental health problems may be referred to the Mental Health Clinic by their GP

Clinical Lead: Dr Ashfack U. Ahmed.

If you require any vaccinations relating to foreign travel you need to make an appointment with the practice nurse to discuss your travel arrangements. This will include which countries and areas within countries that you are visiting to determine what vaccinations are required.

There is further information about countries and vaccinations required on the links below

Europe & Russia	North America
Central America	South America
Caribbean	Africa
Middle East	Central Asia
East Asia	Australasia and Pacific

It is important to make this initial appointment as early as possible - at least 6 weeks before you travel - as a second appointment will be required with the practice nurse to actually receive the vaccinations. These vaccines have to be ordered as they are not a stock vaccine. Your second appointment needs to be at least 2 weeks before you travel to allow the vaccines to work.

Some travel vaccines are ordered on a private prescription and these incur a charge over and above the normal prescription charge. This is because not all travel vaccinations are included in the services provided by the NHS.

https://www.essexcompass.org.uk/

Download a leaflet here

The NHS Health Check is available for patients aged 40-74 who have NONE the following pre-existing conditions:

• Ischemic Heart Disease
• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
• Diabetes
• Chronic Kidney Disease
• Transient Ischemic Attack or History of Stroke
• Peripheral Vascular Disease or circulatory problems
• High Cholesterol

This includes patients who are currently on medication to regulate any of the above.

We will measure & record:

• Blood Pressure
• BMI – measure height & weight
• Waist Measurement
• Blood Cholesterol – from a finger prick test
• Also, record & advise on various lifestyle aspects:
• Smoking Status
• Alcohol Intake
• Physical Activity
• Weight & Healthy Eating

And, finally give you an indication of your risk of Cardio Vascular Disease (CVD)

This all should take about 20 - 30 minutes.

Our in house pharmacists are able to undertake your medication reviews. Please ask at Reception to book an appointment.

This clinic allows patients to have minor procedures performed quickly without the inconvenience of visiting the local hospital lists. The clinic caters for the "removal of lumps & bumps", joint injections, sigmoidoscopy, in growing toenails and other similar procedures. Access to the Minor Surgery Clinic is only by referral from your GP.

Clinical Lead: Dr Alan Ding and Dr Ashfack U. Ahmed

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
• Passport signing
• Prescriptions for taking medication abroad
• Private sick notes
• Vaccination certificates

The fees charged 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.

Our in-house phlebotomist takes certain blood samples, but this is a very limited service. This service operates on a Monday ,Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 8.30am. You can collect your blood test request form on arrival for your appointment.

 You must book an appointment for a blood test at Loughton Health Centre Please do not queue outside for a blood test if you have not booked an appointment via telephone or online.

Your doctor will advise you if it is appropriate for you to attend.

It is not necessary to attend here for your blood test; you can use either of the following options:

Rectory Lane Clinic on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 10.30 until 11.45. ( You will need to collect your blood test request from the practice before attending)

St Margaret's Hospital between 09:00 and 13:00 or 14:00 and 16:15 (by appointment only) Click  below link to book an appointment at Saint Margarets Hospital or Princess Alexandra Hospital.

You may also have your blood test taken at Forest Medical Centre, Old Station Road, Loughton, Essex, IG10 but you must request a Whipps Cross Hospital form from your GP to use this service.

Patients can self refer for  physiotherapy treatment for musculoskeletal problems (MSK) such as neck, back, knee and shoulder problems, as well as other muscle or joint problems such as strains and arthritis.   This is provided by the Essex Partnership university NHS Foundation Trust.

Please click on or copy  the link below to access a self referral form

https://eput.nhs.uk/our-services/essex/west-essex-community-health-services/adults/rehabilitation/musculo-skeletal-physiotherapy/

We run a nurse led Smoking Cessation Clinic but to facilitate our patients you can book into this clinic on any day and the nurses and healthcare assistants will be happy to help you in any way possible.

Further smoking Cessation advice can also be found here-

https://www.nhs.uk/livewell/smoking/Pages/stopsmokingnewhome.aspx

We operate a travel clinic, run by the practice nurses; attendance at which is by appointment only and should book preferably 6-8 weeks before travelling stating travel destinations. This will ensure that the appropriate vaccines are available. We are a registered Yellow Fever Centre.

More information and required forms are available on the above tab.

Loughton Health Centre offers the following in house services:

• Wound Management ( Book with our practice nurse via Reception)
• 12 Lead ECGs ( Via referral from your GP)
• Ear Irrigation/ear wax removal ( Via referral from your GP)
• Ambulatory/Home Blood Pressure Monitoring ( Via referral from your GP)
• Ring Pessary Insertion and Removal (Via referral from your GP)