What makes you a Carer?

A Carer is someone who regularly looks after a relative, friend or neighbour who, because of disability, age or frailty or mental illness, would otherwise experience significant difficulties living independently.

Most Carers are adults but sometimes people under the age of 18 also take on this role. Carers are unpaid but some may be eligible for and receive a Carers Allowance.  However, they would not be considered to be a Care Worker who carries out this work as a paid job.

You can be a Carer whether you live with the person you care for, or at another address.  Many people carry out all the duties of a Carer but are not aware that they can be recognised in this role.

If you feel that you may be taking on more duties on behalf of a relative, friend or neighbour and that you could be considered to be recognised as a Carer, discuss your situation with a GP or Practice Nurse

How we can help you

Your health and welfare are important not only to yourself but also to the person you care for to enable them to continue living independently.  There is a particular impact that caring has on a Carer’s health and well-being, employment, study and leisure interests.  This is where the Practice may be able to help you.

You need to tell us if you are a Carer so that we can update your medical record.

• Health Check
  – We can offer you an appointment for an annual health and wellbeing check with one of our Practice Nurses.

• Influenza Vaccination
  – You will be placed on our register of patients eligible for vaccination and receive an invitation for a free flu jab each year.

• Hounslow Carers Trust Thames
  – This Independent, Carer-led charitable organisation seeks to empower promote their rights and enable them to make positive choices to improve the quality of their lives.
  – They offer information, support, advice and advocacy and are an excellent resource for Carers providing details of short breaks, counselling and listening services, benefits, equipment, aids and adaptations amongst other things.
  – Contact them by calling 01895 258888

• Social Services
  – We can also arrange for Social Services to carry out an assessment and arrange assistance with such things as Home Care, Meals on Wheels, Occupational Therapy (handrails, wider doorways, stair lifts) and Benefits.
• Support from the council
  – See here for more details
• Council Carers’ Assessment
  – Click here for more details

General Information about Test Results

If you had a blood test at the surgery then it usually takes 5 working days for us to receive and process the results.

You can view results using the NHS app as soon as they arrive. In addition you can click on links that will explain what they mean.

We will only get in touch after a test if we need to do a follow up or make changes to your treatment. Normally, no news is good news. Before you contact us about your test results, please check them on the NHS App.

If you want a copy of your results, you can also get that through the NHS App. We do not give print outs of blood tests, otherwise there will be a charge.

Click here for information about Non-NHS Services.

Hospital test results

Please note that the results of tests carried out during hospital visits are not normally sent to the practice. To see those results you need to directly contact the hospital or NHS service where you did the test.

Why have I been asked to have a repeat test?

If a doctor asks you to have a repeat test, it is usually because:

• The result was borderline or unclear, and the doctor wants another sample to monitor the situation or to re-check the results.
• The result is abnormal, and the doctor cannot interpret the result without further tests and has asked you to come in for more tests.

Please do not worry if the doctor has asked you for a repeat test.  The doctor will speak to you or request to see you directly if they need to discuss the results.

If you are still concerned about your test results, then please make a routine appointment. This is usually a telephone appointment with a GP.

How does Social Prescribing work?

Social prescribing involves local agencies (charities, social care, and health services) referring individuals to a social prescribing link worker. These link workers dedicate time to understand the person’s needs and preferences, aiming to create a personalized care and support plan that empowers individuals to take charge of their health and well-being.

Social prescribing link workers help in making existing community groups more accessible. They also help start up new groups if needed.

Who is Social Prescribing for?

Social prescribing is for all. It works especially well for people who:

• Have one or more long term conditions
• Need support with low level mental health issues
• Are lonely or isolated
• Have complex social needs which affect their wellbeing.

More information

• Click here for statistics and evidence about the success of Social Prescribing
• Click here for Frequently Asked Questions about Social Prescribing

The Practice also provides private services for our patients, such as the completion of letters, forms or examinations for insurance or employment purposes.  Please note, as these are not NHS services, the Practice may charge a fee.

Please send any administrative requests you may have to the practice via email for the attention of Mrs Tina Streeter. The admin team will get back to you promptly.

See below for examples of the non-NHS services we can provide: Please be aware that this list is not exhaustive.

Certificates and Forms

Medical Examinations and Reports

Why does my doctor charge fees?

Why do I need an NHS Health Check?

What happens at the check?

• This check is to assess your risk of developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease, and stroke.
• The check will take about 20–30 minutes.
• You’ll be asked some simple questions. For example, about your family history and choices which may put your health at risk.
• We’ll record your height, weight, age, sex, and ethnicity.
• We’ll take your blood pressure.
• We’ll do a simple blood test to check your cholesterol level.

What happens after the check?

• We will discuss how you can reduce your risk and stay healthy.
• You’ll be taken through your results and told what they mean. Some people may be asked to return at a later date for their results.
• You’ll be given personalised advice on how to lower your risk and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
• Some people with raised blood pressure will have their kidneys checked through a blood test.
• Some people may need to have another blood test to check for type 2 diabetes. Your health professional will be able to tell you more.
• Treatment or medication may be prescribed to help you maintain your health.

Questions you may have

Why do I need this check? I feel fine!

The NHS Health Check helps to identify potential risks early. By having this check and following the advice of your health professional, you improve your chances of living a healthier life.

But don’t these conditions run in the family?

If you have a history of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, or kidney disease in your family then you may be more at risk. Taking action now can help you to prevent the onset of these conditions.

I know what I’m doing wrong. How can the doctor help me?

If you would like help, we will work with you to find ways to eat healthily, reach your healthy weight, be more active, cut down your drinking, or stop smoking.

If I am assessed as being at ‘low risk’, does this mean I won’t develop these conditions?

It is impossible to say that someone will or won’t go on to develop one of these conditions. But taking action now can help you lower your potential risk.

Will everyone has this check?

This check is part of a national scheme to help prevent the onset of these health problems. Everyone between the ages of 40 and 74 who has not been diagnosed with the conditions mentioned will be invited for a check once every five years. If you are outside the age range and concerned about your health, you should contact your GP.