Clinics and services

Brent House Surgery
Tel: 01278 458551

Westonzoyland Surgery
Tel: 01278 691233

News:

Announcements

01 Sep - 01 Oct
NHS Smokefree

Find out about all of the free NHS services available to support you as you go try to give up smoking.

01 Aug - 01 Oct
NHS Summer Health

Stay safe in the sun, including sunscreens, sunburn relief, heat exhaustion, eczema and moles. Summer holidays are great fun for children, but can bring risks. Find out more

01 Jul - 01 Oct
Change for Life

Would you like loads of tips and help to make changes for a healthier future? As part of Change4Life, you will receive tons of helpful information, recipes, tools, tips, and games for the kids.

Yahoo Health

Expert warns of complacency after swine flu fizzle (AP)

Robert Webster, chairman of the Department of Virology and Molecular Biology at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn., attends the Options for the Control of Influenza conference in Hong Kong Sunday, Sept. 5, 2010 in Hong Kong. Webster urged health authorities around the world to stay vigilant even though the recent swine flu pandemic was less deadlier than expected, warning that bird flu could spark the next global outbreak. (AP Photo/Vincent Yu)

AP - A leading virus expert urged health authorities around the world Sunday to stay vigilant even though the recent swine flu pandemic was less deadly than expected, warning that bird flu could spark the next global outbreak.

Cholera kills 41 in Central African nation of Chad (AP)

AP - Health officials in Chad say an outbreak of cholera in the Central African nation has killed at least 41 people.

Can home cooking be hazardous to your health? (AP)

AP - Could your kitchen at home pass a restaurant inspection?

Botox maker to pay $600M to resolve investigation (AP)

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Margaret Hamburg speaks to reporters during a news conference at the Justice Department in Washington, Wednesday, Sep. 1, 2010, regarding a major settlement with a pharmaceutical company for False Claims Act and off-label marketing violations. Allergan Inc., the maker of wrinkle-smoothing Botox, has agreed to pay $600 million to settle a years long federal investigation into its marketing of the top-selling, botulin-based drug. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

AP - Allergan Inc., the maker of wrinkle-smoothing Botox, has agreed to pay $600 million to settle a yearslong federal investigation into its marketing of the top-selling, botulin-based drug.

New test seen as big advance in diagnosing TB (AP)

This undated photo released by Cepheid, shows a Cepheid Xpert MTB/RIF cartridge. The cartridge is part of a test that is a major advance in diagnosing tuberculosis and can reveal in less than two hours, with very high accuracy, whether someone has the disease and if it's resistant to the main drug for treating it. (AP Photo/Cepheid) NO SALES

AP - Scientists are reporting a major advance in diagnosing tuberculosis: A new test can reveal in less than two hours, with very high accuracy, whether someone has the disease and if it's resistant to the main drug for treating it.

Journal editors question sale of diet pill Meridia (AP)

AP - Editors of a top medical journal call Meridia "another flawed diet pill" and question whether it should stay on the market as a study shows it raises the risk of heart attack and stroke in people with heart problems.

Study: Diet Drug Meridia May Boost Heart Risks (Time.com)

Time.com - A new study finds that some users of the weight-loss pill Meridia may have an increased risk of heart attack or stroke

For Bonobo Males, Mom Is the Best Wingman (LiveScience.com)

LiveScience.com - To most human males, the thought of your mother anywhere near your sex life is probably horrifying. Not so for the bonobo, one of our closest primate relatives. A new study confirms that hanging out with mom boosts male bonobos' chances of getting intimate with a fertile female.

Clinical Trials Update: Sept. 3, 2010 (HealthDay)

HealthDay - (HealthDay News) -- Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:

More parents 'redshirting' kindergartners (LiveScience.com)

LiveScience.com - As schools start back into session around the country, some parents of young children face a difficult question: Send their little ones to kindergarten as soon as they become age-eligible, or hold them back in hopes that an additional year of maturity will give them an academic boost?

MedPage Today

Washington Week: Insurance, State Actions Top News

WASHINGTON (MedPage Today) -- Several studies highlighting insurance issues were released this week, including one on federal programs for kids and two others focused on employer-provided medical coverage.

FDA Approves New Eye Pressure Drop Formulation

WASHINGTON (MedPage Today) -- The FDA approved a new formulation of the drug bimatoprost (Lumigan) in a 0.01% solution as a first-line treatment to reduce elevated intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

Kids on HAART Would Benefit from Revaccinations (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- Children with HIV who received standard childhood immunizations before starting on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) could benefit from revaccination, a review suggests.

New Guidelines Out for Pneumococcal Vaccine (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- Adults with asthma and those who smoke should receive the 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine to prevent pneumococcal disease, according to new recommendations from the CDC.

OSHA Should Dictate Residents' Hours, Group Says

WASHINGTON (MedPage Today) -- The consumer group Public Citizen is urging the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to regulate the work hours of resident physicians.

Four Factors Increase Risk of Opioid Dependence (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- A combination of four factors appears to significantly increase the risk of opioid dependence among patients taking prescription painkillers, researchers have found.

Low IgG Poses Infection Risk With Rituximab (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- Certain subgroups of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, particularly those who have low levels of IgG, are at risk for severe infections when treated with rituximab, French investigators found.

ESC: Stockholm Take Home Message -- Watch the 'Not' Warfarins

STOCKHOLM (MedPage Today) -- An investigational antiplatelet -- ticagrelor (Brilinta) -- emerged as a big winner from the five-day long European Society of Cardiology congress, but the buzz here focused instead on a trio of investigational oral anticoagulants -- dabigatran, rivaroxaban, and apixaban.

Admitting Clinical Errors Not Always Best Policy

(MedPage Today) -- Wide-scale disclosure of clinical errors seems intuitively to be the ethical choice for hospitals and physicians, but researchers from the University of Washington suggest that disclosure should be decided on a case-by-case basis rather than a one-size-fits-all solution

PTSD May Be Risk Factor for Dementia (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- Older veterans with a history of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are at increased risk for developing dementia, even if they had not been wounded in battle, researchers found.

WHO Swine Flu

Influenza - update 115

Worldwide, H1N1 2009 virus transmission remains most intense in parts of India and in parts of the temperate southern hemisphere, particularly New Zealand and more recently in Australia.

Influenza - update 114

The situation in New Zealand and India remains largely unchanged since the last update. Influenza H1N1 (2009) virus transmission remains locally intense in parts of India and New Zealand.

Influenza - update 113

Influenza H1N1 (2009) virus transmission remains locally intense in parts of India and New Zealand.

Director-General statement following the ninth meeting of the Emergency Committee

The Emergency Committee held its ninth meeting by teleconference on 10 August 2010.

WHO recommendations for the post-pandemic period

The world is now in the post-pandemic period. Based on knowledge about past pandemics, the H1N1 (2009) virus is expected to continue to circulate as a seasonal virus for some years to come. While the level of concern is now greatly diminished, vigilance on the part of national health authorities remains important. Such vigilance is especially critical in the immediate post-pandemic period, when the behaviour of the H1N1 (2009) virus as a seasonal virus cannot be reliably predicted.

Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 - update 112

As of 1 August 2010, worldwide more than 214 countries and overseas territories or communities have reported laboratory confirmed cases of pandemic influenza H1N1 2009, including over 18449 deaths.

Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 - update 111

As of 25 July 2010, worldwide more than 214 countries and overseas territories or communities have reported laboratory confirmed cases of pandemic influenza H1N1 2009, including over 18398 deaths.

Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 - update 110

As of 18 July 2010, worldwide more than 214 countries and overseas territories or communities have reported laboratory confirmed cases of pandemic influenza H1N1 2009, including over 18366 deaths.

Monitoring patterns and levels of worldwide activity

As part of regular monitoring of H1N1 pandemic influenza, the WHO is in close dialogue with public health experts in countries worldwide, specifically to determine whether H1N1 activity has returned to levels and patterns normally seen for seasonal flu.

Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 - update 109

As of 12 July, worldwide more than 214 countries and overseas territories or communities have reported laboratory confirmed cases of pandemic influenza H1N1 2009, including over 18337deaths.

Services

Vaccination Schedule

Travel Information

Private Services

Fees for Non NHS Services

Children’s Health

At Brent House we have a continuing programme of child health surveillance. The doctors examine all babies at eight weeks and our health visitors check their development including hearing and vision over the following four years.

Well Baby Clinic

This is run by our Health Visitors at Victoria Park Medical Centre on Thursdays between 10.00am and 11.30am and at Westonzoyland Surgery on the 3^rd Tuesday of each month between 10am and 11am.

Maternity Care

All the doctors offer antenatal care, which is usually shared with the community midwife. On confirmation of pregnancy by your GP, you will be referred to the midwife who will contact you to make an appointment to visit you at home to discuss your future care and delivery. If it is your first baby or you have had complications with pregnancy in the past or have other risk factors, you may be referred to a Consultant Obstetrician at Musgrove Park Hospital otherwise the midwife will look after you throughout your pregnancy and delivery and until ten days after delivery when care is handed over to the Health Visitors.

A post-natal examination of you and your baby by the doctor at eight weeks after birth is also recommended; please tell the receptionist the appointment is for a post-natal examination as you will need a longer appointment for this examination. We usually arrange for your baby to have their first immunisations at the same visit.

Family Planning, Contraception and Sexual Health

All the doctors are pleased to give family planning, contraception and sexual health advice during ordinary surgeries. In addition, the practice nurses can also advise on these issues.

Minor Surgery

We are equipped to carry out a range of minor surgical procedures. Please make an appointment with Dr Upton to discuss a condition that you think might be helped by a minor operation.

Immunisations

Children: Immunisations are given at the clinic held monthly on Wednesday afternoons. Appointments are sent by the Child Health Department in Taunton at the recommended intervals. If you think your child has missed any vaccinations, please speak to the health visitors or practice nurses. It is important that all children are protected and we strongly recommend that all children have the vaccinations that are offered, including whooping cough and MMR.

Adults: All adults should be immunised against tetanus and polio and the practice nurse will be happy to arrange this for you.

Influenza vaccinations are normally available in October and November for the over 65s and those suffering from chronic diseases: diabetes, asthma, heart disease or kidney disease or have a lowered immune system. People living in residential homes are also advised to have a flu jab.

You may also be eligible for a pneumonia jab if you are over 65, have no spleen or suffer from one of the conditions mentioned above.

Asthma Clinic

New ideas and new drugs are being used to help asthma sufferers all the time and we run a regular asthma clinic to provide the best possible care for patients suffering from this condition. This clinic is led by one of our practice nurses, who specialises in the treatment of asthma. Please make an appointment at reception.

Diabetic Clinic

If you are a diabetic, regular check ups are an important part of your treatment. The clinic is led by one of our practice nurses, Julie Ratcliffe, who specialises in the treatment of diabetes and you will normally see the practice nurse and doctor on alternate appointments. Please make an appointment at reception.

At two months old:

Diptheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) (DTaP/IPV/Hib) - one injection
Pneumococcal infection - pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) - one injection

At three months old:

Diptheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) (DTaP/IPV/Hib) - one injection
Meningitis C (meningococcal group C) (MenC) - one injection

At four months old:

Diptheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) (DTaP/IPV/Hib) - one injection
Meningitis C (meningococcal group C) (MenC) - one injection
Pneumococcal infection - pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) - one injection

At around 12 months old:

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and meningitis C (Hib/MenC) - booster dose in one injection

At around 13 months old:

Measles, mumps and rubella (German measles) (MMR) - one injection
Pneumococcal infection - pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) - one injection

Three years four months to five years old (pre-school):

Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough) and polio (dTaP/IPV or DTaP/IPV) - one injection
Measles, mumps and rubella (German measles) (MMR) - one injection

13 to 18 years old:

Diphtheria, tetanus and polio (Td/IPV) - one injection

Travel/holidays

We provide up-to-date health information and advice for travellers as well as holding a stock of vaccines for patients travelling abroad. Please contact the practice nurse, if possible at least two months prior to travel, to find out what you may need. You will be asked to complete a Travel Advice Form (download below) detailing the countries you intend to visit and the type of travel you are intending to undertake, which will help the nurse to identify the vaccines you require. Please remember that for diseases such as malaria you will need to commence tablets several weeks before you go, so early notice is essential.

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

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

It is important to make this initial assessment as early as possible - at least 6 weeks before you travel - as an appointment will be required with the practice nurse to actually receive the vaccinations. These vaccines may have to be ordered if 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.

Most 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 vaccination is included in the services provided by the NHS and therefore may be a chargeable service.

Travel Health Questionnaire

To help us offer the appropriate advice, please download the travel advice form and return to the surgery - you will be contacted by a member of staff to discuss your pre-travel health requirements.

Travel Advice Form

Private Services

It is not possible to provide all services under the National Health Service and the following table therefore shows the services for which you may have to pay. A list of current charges is available included here. These services are available to our registered patients only.

If you have any concerns about the level of fee involved, please discuss this with your doctor prior to requesting the service.

Private sick note
BUPA/PPP claim form
Private prescription
Insurance report for sickness/accident
Holiday Cancellation Certificate
Fitness to Travel Certificate
Holiday Vaccination certificate
DNA tests
Medicals with Statement of fitness report
- Pre-employment
- HGV/PSV/Taxi Driver
- Elderly Driver
- Sports Medicals [including Diving]

We do not sign passport, driving licence or shotgun applications.

Non NHS Services

List of Charges – February 2010

Driving related items + VAT @ 17.5%

Exam and certificate of fitness for elderly drivers from £ 80.00 £14 = £94.00

Certificate only (no medical) from £ 24.68 £4.32 = £29.00

LGV PCV Taxi cab licence exam and report Employer £125.11 £21.89 = £147.00

Self £ 66.38 £11.62= £78.00

Holiday forms

Certificate for cancellation of holiday insurance £24.68 £4.32 = £29.00

Fitness to travel certificate £24.68 £4.32 = £29.00

International vaccination certificate £15.32 £2.68 = £18.00

Insurance Reports

Exam and report £Agreedfee

Report no exam £Agreedfee

Report no exam (urgent) £Agreedfee

Supplementary report £Agreedfee

Extract from records £ 58.72 £10.28= £69.00

Certificate of incapacity £ 15.32 £2.68 = £18.00

Insurance Questionnaire £ 32.34 £5.66 = £38.00

Letter from £ 20.43 £3.57 = £24.00

Sickness/ accident benefit certificate £ 15.32 £2.68 = £18.00

Solicitor Items

Copy of records Upto £ 50.00

Letters from £ 60.00 VATexempt

Access to HealthRecords

Copies of reports per A4 side £10 plus 48p/side

(upto £50)

Private

Private certificate (employers, schools) £ 15.32 £2.68 = £18.00

BUPA/PPP Claim form £ 29.79 £5.21 = £35.00

Exam and certificate for fitness to attend college/school £100.43 £17.57 = £118.00

Exam and certificate for fitness for parachuting, boxing,diving £ 98.72 £17.28= £116.00

For charity £ 59.57 £10.43= £70.00

Certificate for parachuting (no exam) £ 15.32 £2.68 = £18.00

For charity £ 10.21 £1.79 = £12.00

Pre-employment examination and report £175.32 £30.68 = £206.00

Local authority pre-employment exam and report £116.60 £20.40 = £137.00

Pre-employment report (no exam) £ 58.72 £10.28= £69.00

Local authority preemployment report (no exam) £ 39.15 £6.85 = £46.00

Army health check £116.60 £20.40 = £137.00

Paternity tests £ 34.89 £6.11 = £41.00

Ofsted £ 29.79 £5.21 = £35.00

CICA £ 39.00 = £39.00

Benefit items

Exam and report for blue badge £ 39.15 £6.85 = £46.00

Exam and report re disability allowance £ 34.89/hr £6.11 = £41.00

Exam and report re attendance allowance £ 34.89/hr £6.11 = £41.00

Please note that thedoctors will not sign driving licence, passport or shot gun licenceapplications.

Travel vaccinations

Rabies (available on NHS when working in high risk area) £105for 3 doses

Japanese B Encephalitis £111for 2 doses

The following are available free on the NHS

typhoid fever,
hepatitis A,
poliomyelitis (combined diphtheria/tetanus/polio)

Yellow fever is only available at a specialist centre

Malaria tablets. We provide a prescription, to allow patientto purchase these from the chemist

Other vaccinations will be by agreement

Practice Information

For quick medical advice online or on the telephone contact NHS Direct