NHS services and clinics
Farmdene Health Centre offers a full range of General Medical Services and Enhanced medical Services which includes:
- Alcohol Screening
- Blood Taking/Phlebotomy
- Care of Patients with HIV
- Cervical Smears
- Children's Immunisations
- Child Health Surveillance
- Child Protection
- Chronic Disease Management
- Contraception Services
- Essential Medical Services
- Extended Opening
- Maternity Services
- Mental Health Services
- NHS Health Checks
- Palliative care/care of the terminally ill
- Services for Young People
- Sickness Certification
- Smoking Cessation
- Travel Advice and Vaccinations
- Vaccination and Immunisations
More information on many of these services can be found below:
Blood tests ordered by one of our GPs or nurses can be taken here (for elderly or infirm patients) or at the Hove Polyclinic. Tests ordered by a hospital doctor should be booked at the Royal Sussex County Hospital. For Polyclinic blood test appointments phone 265588 between 8.30 am and 2.30 pm Monday to Friday.
Cervical smear tests are usually performed by the practice nurses. The ideal time is midway between periods. We operate a recall system and contact women when their test is due. We recommend that women have a test at least every 3 years between the ages of 25 and 49 and then every 5 years between the ages of 50 and 64.
Childrens immunisations - Our immunisation clinic is normally held on Thursday afternoons. Please telephone for an appointment when you are sent a reminder about due immunisations. We strongly encourage all parents to have their children fully immunised.
Contraceptive services & family planning - Our family planning nurse is happy to give advice on contraception and sexual health. Intrauterine contraception devices (IUCD, Coils, Mirena) and the contraceptive implant can be fitted by appointment with one of the doctors. Emergency contraception is available at this surgery. Leaflets are available in the entrance hall. Please speak to the receptionist and ask for an urgent appointment with either the nurse or a doctor, indicating the reason for your request.
Maternity services are shared between your GP and the community midwife. Collect an information pack as soon as you know that you are pregnant and then make an appointment to see your doctor. This early appointment gives you an opportunity to discuss the care you would like to receive.
Mental health services - A range of services is provided at the practice and elsewhere by the Community Mental Health Team. If you think you might benefit from these services, please discuss the matter with your doctor. They may suggest sources of help to which you can refer yourself or they may refer you to the CMH Team. After an initial assessment you may be referred on to a counsellor or other professional.
Minor operations and dermatology services are available at Farmdene Health Centre in accordance with criteria laid down by the CCG. Please contact our reception or ask your Doctor for details.
Services for young people - The Practice Nurse is available to see young people in the teenage drop-in clinic on Mondays 2-3 pm or Wednesdays 3-4 pm, and also at other times with an appointment. She can discuss anything that might be bothering you, e.g. skin problems, medical problems, contraception, sexual health, etc. She will decide whether you need to see a Doctor and can arrange this for you. Sometimes it can be difficult for young people to involve their parents in their concerns and it is our policy that everyone (regardless of age) has a right to confidential advice.
Sickness certification - You are responsible for completing a Self Certificate for the first 7 days of any illness using form SC2, available from your employer, on-line at www.hmrc.gov.uk/forms/sc2.pdf or from the surgery reception desk. Your employer is legally bound to accept a Self Certificate and you do not need to see a doctor for this. After 6 days of sickness, Certificates are available from your doctor and you will need to make an appointment for this. Any other certificate requests will involve a charge.
Smoking cessation advice is available on a 1-1 basis from one of our Practice Nurses who is a trained stop smoking advisor. They will be able to advise you on the health benefits of quitting and prescribe you medication to help you quit.
Travel immunisation - As a registered Yellow Fever Centre we are able to administer this and other travel immunisations and advice. Please contact our reception for details. Be sure to book these appointments at least 6 weeks before your travel date as our Travel Clinics get very busy and vaccines may have to be ordered in or given as part of a course. There may be charges for some of the vaccines you need and please note that our Practice Nurses DO NOT give travel advice over the telephone.
