Looking After Yourself As A Carer   (Copies of this leaflet are also available in the surgery)

General Health

If you are a carer, you have the right to see that your own health needs are met - both physical and emotional. Putting yourself first means that you are better placed to carry out your caring role. If you need information and support we can put you in touch with The Princess Royal Trust Carers Centre. This can be done by contacting our reception desk and they can give you the details. Alternatively you can make an appointment with your doctor if you are feeling anxious or stressed. Your doctor could be one possible route in to social services, counselling and organisations that may be able to help you.

Home Visits

If you have difficulty in getting to the doctor because it's hard to leave the person you care for on their own, then you can request a home visit or a telephone consultation.

Repeat Prescriptions

Even things like prescriptions can be delivered to your door by arrangement with your chemist. If you have access to a computer and the internet then you can order repeat prescriptions online by signing up for our Online Services. Further information is available from the surgery or from our website www.townheadsurgery.com.

Cervical Smears

Female patients between the ages of 21 to 60 should ensure that you have cervical smear tests carried out at least three yearly. If you have not had a smear test carried out for some time then get in touch with us and we can arrange an appointment for you with one of our Nurses.

Influenza Vaccination

Carers themselves are not "at risk" of influenza unless you fall in to one of the recognised clinical risk groups. However, if you were unable to carry out your caring role this could be detrimental to the person that you care for. We therefore advise that you consider having the influenza vaccination. This vaccination is free of charge. An appointment can be arranged for you with our Treatment Room Nurse by contacting our reception desk. Alternatively if you are unable to come to the surgery because it is hard to leave the person that you care for we can arrange for one of the District Nurses to visit you. Again this can be arranged by contacting us on the number given.

Internet

If you have access to a computer and the internet there are a number of useful websites that can give you information and guidance. We also have a surgery website which can give you information on our services. This is available at  www.townheadsurgery.com

Surgery Number           0844 477 8549

NHS 24 (out of hours service)      08454 24 24 24