Long Term Conditions

Invitations

If you normally have a review of your long term condition such as Diabetes, Asthma, COPD or a heart condition you will be sent a review invitation in the month of your birth. The Clinical Commissioning Group in Suffolk have provided all GP practices systems to allow them to follow ‘a month of birth’ recall system. It is nationally recognised that a ‘month of birth’ recall system is a good way to ensure that every patient with a long term condition is invited to an annual review.  Over the last year some patients understandably have chosen not to attend the practice for their review so have fallen outside their normal review period.  It therefore especially makes sense to transition to a new system now, so patients know when they will receive their next review invitation. During this first transitional year it may mean that patients have a longer or shorter interval between their reviews. The nurse may feel that you should be seen more frequently than annually and they will discuss this with you and ask you to make more frequent appointments. Please wait for your review invitation letter. Thank you for your help and bearing with us during this transitional time.

Asthma & COPD Clinic

• Fressingfield: (invitations sent)   
• Stradbroke: (invitations sent)
• Run by nurses who our specially trained Asthma & COPD nurses. The emphasis is on monitoring treatment, continuing education and advising on self management, including recognising when your asthma/COPD is getting worse and what you should do in that situation.

Heart Disease and Stroke Clinic

• Fressingfield: (invitations sent)
• Stradbroke: (invitations sent)
• Clinics run by by nurses to monitor, advise and support patients who have heart disease or who have had a stroke and those who are at risk.

Diabetes Clinic

• Fressingfield: (invitations sent)  
• Stradbroke: (invitations sent)
• Clinics run by specially trained nurses. The clinic aims to promote a better understanding of diabetes, encourage self management, educate and help monitor your diabetes with a view to preventing the long-term complications of diabetes that include blindness, kidney failure, foot ulcers and amputations.

Other clinics

Cervical Smears

• Our trained cervical smear Nurses are happy to carry out your cervical smears during normal surgery hours at a time and surgery that is convenient for you. Please let the Receptionist know when you book your appointment that it is for a cervical smear.

Minor Surgery

• All the doctors perform minor surgery procedures at both Fressingfield or Stradbroke. You should arrange a time and place for your treatment with the Doctor who is going to carry it out.
• We offer cryosurgery for the treatment of warts and verrucas and other skin conditions. We are unable to carry out certain minor surgical procedures which are considered cosmetic only.

Smoking Cessation Clinic

• This clinic aims to encourage a more effective approach to giving up smoking. You can contact us for an appointment at the Fressingfield or Stradbroke Surgery or be referred by the doctors or nurses.
• An initial assessment at the first visit provides advice and a choice of nicotine withdrawal medication, if appropriate, and then encouragement and support at follow up sessions, using a Carbon Monoxide monitor to reinforce abstinence from smoking.

Counsellor

• The doctor can refer you for counselling/cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).  The CCG is responsible for the delivery of this service to our patients.