All Services

Child health

Information about child health and vaccinations

Health Visitors

Health Visitors are qualified nurses with specialist training in child health, health promotion and health education. Every child under five years old has a named Health Visitor. They can give you advice and information about childhood development such as feeding, sleeping, communication and behaviour. They also offer help with social, emotional and environmental issues that affect families. The Health Visitor can also provide you with information about the childhood vaccination programme and can be a great source of information about local services for young children.

You can see the Health Visitors at their well baby clinic at Holt Park Clinic on Tuesdays 9.30-11.30am and at Horsforth Childrens Centre, Broadgate Lane, Horsforth, LS18 5AF on Fridays at 10.00 – 11.30am. You don’t need to make an appointment.

Child Health Checks

Appointments are sent out automatically for routine child health checks. The first will be with a GP at the surgery when your baby is around 8 weeks old. You will be sent information about this and asked to make an appointment at the practice.

You will also be offered routine health reviews for your child, with your health visitor, at 6-8 weeks, 8-12 months and 2-2½ years old.

Child Immunisations

Immunisations are given by our practice nurses in accordance with the NHS vaccine schedule. If child is ill when their immunisations are due please contact the surgery to rearrange your appointment.

Further information on the schedule and vaccines in general can be found on the NHS website.

Diabetes services

There are a number of services that can help you when it comes to looking after yourself if you have diabetes

How to reduce your diabetes risk

Type 2 diabetes is often linked to being overweight. That means there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing it. Around 90% of people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes. If you maintain a healthy weight, you can reduce your risk of developing the condition. If you think that you may already have symptoms of diabetes, see your GP. There are no lifestyle changes that can lower your risk of type 1 diabetes.

Routine care

The majority of people with diabetes are looked after by the practice diabetes team.

We like to see all people with diabetes at least once a year for an annual health check. We may see you more often if this is necessary.

You will receive an invite for your annual health check with our diabetes nurses. You will be asked to attend for a blood test before this appointment. In your review, we check

  • Blood tests for cholesterol
  • Kidney function and diabetes control (HbA1c)
  • Your blood pressure
  • Your feet
  • Do a urine test

You should also have an annual retinal screening (photographs of the back of your eye) by the diabetic screening eye programme.

There are times when you will need to be seen more often than once a year, for example after you are first diagnosed or if problems are detected during one of the routine reviews. We will arrange these additional reviews as needed with your agreement and this may be with a nurse or one of the doctors.

The practice team

We have three trained diabetes nurses nurses in the team: Lynn Cusack, Vanessa Ingle and Diane Pearson.

The diabetes lead for the practice is Dr Bobet, although all doctors at the practice see patients with diabetes.

Specialist service

If there is a particular problem identified with your diabetes care that we cannot help you with in the practice, then we will refer you to a specialist service.

For the majority of specialist problems we use Leeds Community Healthcare diabetes service, though for some people we also refer to Wharfedale General Hospital or St. James’s Hospital.

Useful external links

End of life care

We work closely with other services to help support people and their families at this very difficult time

The local service

Together we work with individuals and their families to address physical, emotional, social, spiritual and financial issues.

The core team includes a GP, District Nurse and Palliative Care Nurse.

Please book with your GP if you or someone you care for needs help now.

Advice

The Sue Ryder website has some excellent articles on practical and emotional advice.

Other useful sites

Flu clinic and other vaccinations

We provide vaccinations at the surgery including flu, pneumococcal and shingles

Flu Vaccinations

Every autumn, around September, we start our flu clinics. We aim to vaccinate as many of those at risk as possible. You will be invited by text message or letter if you qualify, and can book by telephone or using an online link sent to you by text message.

We recommend that you have a flu jab (for free) or a flu nasal spray (if aged 2 to 17) if you are:

  • aged 65 or over
  • pregnant
  • aged 2 or 3 (by nasal spray)
  • over six months of age and have one of the following conditions:
    • chronic respiratory disease, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis and cystic fibrosis. Also people with severe asthma who need to continuously or repeatedly use their inhaler, take steroid medication, or who have been admitted to hospital because of their asthma
    • chronic heart disease, including heart failure, congenital heart disease, and heart disease caused by high blood pressure
    • chronic kidney disease, such as kidney failure and people who have had a kidney transplant
    • chronic liver disease, such as cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis
    • chronic neurological disease, such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, cerebral palsy, motor neurone disease or multiple sclerosis
    • diabetes
    • a suppressed immune system, due to disease or treatment. This includes people who have a damaged or no spleen, those people with HIV, people having chemotherapy or other immunosuppressant treatment, and those on high doses of steroid medication.
  • very overweight with a BMI over 40.
  • living in a long-stay residential care home or other long-stay care facility (not including prisons, young offender institutions or university halls of residence),
  • receive carer’s allowance or you are the main carer for an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if you fall ill,
  • a frontline health or social care worker (this should be provided by your employer).

Pneumococcal Vaccination

A pneumococcal infection can affect anyone. However, some people are at higher risk of serious illness and can be given the pneumococcal vaccination on the NHS. These include:

  • babies
  • adults aged 65 or over – usually only one injection needed
  • children and adults with certain long-term health conditions, such as a serious heart or kidney condition

Please make an appointment with the nurse if you feel you should have it and we have not called you in. More information can be found on the NHS website.

Shingles Vaccination

A vaccine to prevent shingles, a common, painful skin disease is now available on the NHS to certain people in their 70s. The shingles vaccine is given as a single injection and you’ll only need to have the vaccination once. You will receive an invite from the practice if you are eligible.

RSV Vaccination

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of coughs and colds. A vaccine to help protect against RSV will be available on the NHS from 1 September 2024. You’ll be able to get the vaccine if you’re aged 75 to 79 or you’re 28 weeks pregnant or more. Read more here.

Housebound and older people

As you get older the range of problems you face can grow to the point where it might be difficult to cope or know what to do for the best, particularly if you are becoming housebound.

Our clinical staff can support older people with complex needs.

They can help you understand the range of services available and support you in deciding the best course of action.

The sorts of things they can help you with include access to services to assist with:

  • Mobility issues
  • Memory problems
  • Loneliness and isolation
  • Housing issues
  • Practical issues such as help dressing and cleaning
  • Health issues

If you feel they could be of help then ask your doctor to put you in touch.

District Nurses

District Nurses carry out many roles. These include:

  • General nursing procedures and investigations
  • Post-surgery care
  • Assessment of patients’ needs
  • Care for terminally ill patients
  • Loaning of equipment
  • Looking after wounds and leg ulcers
  • Educating patients about self-care

Referrals can be made by a doctor or nurse at the practice, the patients themselves, or by carers and family members.

Community matron

Angela McIntosh is our Community Matron. Community matrons specialise in caring for older people, whether they live in their own home or a care home. They help patients manage their health problems and try to prevent unnecessary admissions to hospital. If a patient has to be admitted, they will communicate with the hospital team to ensure a smooth a discharge as possible.

Dementia services

It is very important that anyone who has problems with their memory has a proper assessment. If these problems are due to dementia then early diagnosis and referral has many benefits for the patient, their carer(s) and family. It can help them to plan and access the treatment and support they need and to improve their quality of life.

Please book with one of our doctors who can make the initial assessment and refer you to the memory clinic if necessary.

Adult Social Care

Leeds City Council help people aged over 18 to live as well as possible with their illness, disability or other problems. It can include help with things like washing, dressing, eating, getting out and about and keeping in touch with family and friends.

Adults who may need extra care and support include:

  • older people
  • people with learning disabilities
  • people with physical disabilities
  • people with mental health problems
  • people with drug and/or alcohol issues
  • carers

They offer a wide range of support. Their adult social care is a good place to start.

You can also call them 0113 222 4401 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).

This can be done by you, a family member or a friend.

If you have difficulty using the telephone please email them.

OPAL

Older People’s Action In The Locality (OPAL) is a registered charity which supports the over 60’s living in Cookridge, Ireland Wood, Tinshill, Holt Park, Adel and Bramhope – Leeds 16 above the Ring Road.

Their aim is to prevent social isolation of local older people and help them live happy, healthy and independent lives.

Information for carers

If you are a carer please tell the practice as we provide services to help you

Who are carers?

Many carers are not known by their GP practice as there is confusion around how to define the term ‘carer’.

A carer is a person of any age (including children) who provides unpaid support to a partner, relative, friend or neighbour who couldn’t get by without their help. This could be due to old age, frailty, disability, a serious health condition, mental ill health or substance misuse. Parents of children who are disabled or who have a serious health condition are also considered to be carers.

It is estimated that 10% of patients are carers.

Improving carer identification

As a practice we want to increase the number of people on our carers’ register so that we can look after them better. We do this by:

  • Asking patients with long-term conditions to name their carers
  • Running awareness-raising campaigns to get carers to tell us about their caring responsibilities

What we offer to improve healthcare for carers

  • Flu vaccination – most carers are eligible for a free flu vaccination to protect themselves and the person they care for
  • Regular health check appointments to help you keep fit and well
  • More flexible appointments
  • Carer support groups
  • Referrals to carers’ services for more specialised information, advice and support

Other services that can help

Mental health services

There are many services available to support people with mental health issues in Leeds

All our doctors are trained to help people suffering with mental health problems. Making an appointment is a good place to start if you are looking for help.

There are also lots of other services in Leeds that are there to support you, many of whom you can refer yourself to.

Services for adults

If you are aged 17 or older then a good place to start is the Mindwell website. It is designed to help you understand the common problems that people face and the range of services here to help. It also offers help to those who are worried about others.

You might have also heard your GP or friend talk about IAPT which is now called the Leeds Mental Wellbeing Service. This is a range of services that we commonly refer our patients to when they have problems with mental health. You can refer yourself to this service from their website.

Services for children

If you are aged 16 or under, then a good place to start is the MindMate website.

MindMate is specifically aimed at young people and can help you understand the way you are feeling and find the right advice and support. It also offers advice for parents.

Feeling suicidal

If we are open, then please call now to book an urgent same day appointment with one of our doctors.

If we are not open, or you would prefer to get help elsewhere, then please click one of the links below:

Midwife and pregnancy

A midwife is usually the first and main contact for the woman during her pregnancy, throughout labour and the early postnatal period.

Are You Planning To Get Pregnant?

If you are planning to get pregnant it is worth seeing your doctor to discuss pre-pregnancy and pregnancy healthcare. This is especially important if you have any medical conditions such as epilepsy or diabetes, or if you or your partner have any hereditary conditions such as cystic fibrosis or sickle cell anaemia. If you are trying to get pregnant, you should also be taking:

  • folic acid 400 micrograms (400mcg) daily until you are 12 weeks pregnant; which helps protect your baby from spina bifida
  • Vitamin D 10 micrograms (10mcg) a day throughout your pregnancy and when you are breastfeeding

These can be obtained from the chemist. More information about pre-pregnancy and pregnancy healthcare can be found on the NHS website.

Help during your pregnancy

A midwife is a qualified nurse who has undertaken further training to provide and promote normal midwifery. They help you to prepare you for motherhood and promote good health for yourself and your baby by advising on the effects of drinking, smoking and a good diet whilst you are pregnant. The midwife guides you through your pregnancy and endeavours to detect any problems and make relevant referrals if necessary. When you are pregnant you should make an appointment to see her.

If You Think You Are Pregnant

The first step is to confirm that you are pregnant. This can be done by purchasing a home pregnancy kit from your local chemist. If possible, before twelve weeks of pregnancy you should make an appointment with the Midwife.

Booking Your Midwife Appointment

Community midwives work under Leeds Teaching Hospitals but see patients at clinics in the community.You should self refer into Maternity Services.

  • Go to the online website www.mypregnancynotes.com
  • Here you should register to create an account, or sign in if you have used My Pregnancy Notes previously
  • Community midwives will then be able to see a list of women who are pending a booking (initial) appointment and will book you in according to gestation or clinical need
  • The community midwife will also be able to view all the details you have entered in the pre-booking form and start to plan your care
  • As a patient My Pregnancy Notes will then act as an online portal for you to access leaflets and book appointments etc
  • If you experience difficulty using the online form you can contact the LTHT referral and Booking Service on 0113 4870690 Monday to Friday from 9.00am to 5.00pm (* This line is not suitable for clinical enquiries)

First Appointment With The Midwife

At your booking appointment with the Midwife (which may last up to 45 minutes) you will be given a Maternity Book, which you keep and take with you when you attend antenatal appointments with either the Doctor, Nurse, Midwife or hospital consultant. The online portal My Pregnancy Notes is replacing much of the Maternity Book. My Pregnancy Notes online will enable you to:

  • Record your Personalised Care Plan
  • Note down any questions you wish to ask your midwife at your next appointment
  • Add notifications, for example changing GPs or moving away from the area
  • Access leaflets and information
  • Add your Maternity Exemption Certificate and MAT B1
  • Be remotely monitored, if suitable

The Midwife will discuss your options for delivery, arrange appropriate referrals and provide you with dietary advice. She will also take blood tests and will subsequently discuss the results with you. Whilst you are pregnant and until your baby is one year old, you are entitled to free prescriptions and dental treatment. The Midwife will organize for an exemption certificate to be signed and sent off.

During The Pregnancy

My Pregnancy Notes lists when you will be seen by the Midwife and hospital through your pregnancy. Should you have any concerns at any other time you can contact your midwife or, if she is not available, make an appointment to see a Doctor during normal surgery hours. At some point during the course of your pregnancy the Health Visitor will meet you to talk to you about her role in your care and about the childhood vaccination programme.

After Delivery

After delivery your Midwife will visit you at home to help you and your baby. Following the birth she will visit you on your first day at home. When your baby is five days old she will carry out the Guthrie test (which is a special screening test that the Midwife will give you information about) and at ten days old she will discharge yourself and your baby from her care. Extra visits may be arranged according to need. Your Health Visitor will visit you at home when your baby is between ten and fourteen days old and can advise on feeding, weaning and any family issues you may have. About eight weeks after your birth you should make an appointment to see your doctor to discuss any concerns. You will also be able to discuss your contraceptive requirements.

Useful external links

NHS Health Check

If you’re in the 40-74 age group without a pre-existing condition, you can expect to receive a letter from us inviting you for a free NHS Health Check every five years.

The NHS health check is a free health check-up for adults in England aged 40-74.

It aims to spot early signs of stroke, kidney disease, heart disease and type 2 diabetes. As we get older our risk of developing one of these conditions increases.

You can expect to receive a letter from us inviting you for an NHS Health Check every five years. The health check only takes about 30 minutes.

The nurse/health professional will ask you some simple questions about your lifestyle and family history, measure your height and weight, take your blood pressure and do a blood test. From this they can give you an idea of your risks.

You will then receive personalised advice to help lower your risk. This could include:

  • How to improve your diet and the amount of physical activity you do
  • How to lose weight or stop smoking

If a particular problem is found, such has high blood pressure, then we will make an appointment for you to see a doctor.

Practice Nurse Services

Our nurses and health support workers provide many services in the practice

You can make appointments with them for:

  • Immunisations – for children and adults
  • Health promotion and healthy lifestyle advice
  • Asthma and COPD clinics
  • Diabetes clinics
  • Checks for people with high blood pressure
  • Heart disease monitoring
  • Family planning advice
  • Cervical smears
  • Ear syringing
  • NHS Travel Vaccinations

Our Health Support Workers provide:

  • Blood tests
  • Routine health checks
  • Stop smoking advice
  • Blood pressure checks (including 24 hour monitoring)
  • Breathing tests
  • Flu vaccinations
  • ECG heart checks