University of Essex Medical Centre Services 

TRIAGE NURSES

If you have an urgent medical problem, you will be assessed by one of our triage nurses. They can often deal with your problem without your having to wait to see a doctor. If appropriate, the triage nurse will arrange for a Doctor to see you at an appropriate time.

SEXUAL HEALTH NURSE

• Emergency Contraception
• Contraceptive advice for men and women
• Cervical smear (pap) tests 

ASTHMA NURSE

• Asthma review and advice
• Smoking cessation

GENERAL NURSING

Appointments are available for general nursing care and vaccinations

IN-HOUSE SERVICES

The practice offers local access to the following services:

• Counselling
• Minor Surgery
• Travel Vaccinations
• Midwife
• Family Planning

 

Rowhedge Surgery Services

ACUTE ILLNESS CLINIC

Ruth Blackett, our nurse practitioner offers an acute illness clinic on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. She is able to deal with most new problems, such as infections, minor injuries & onset of acute symptoms. She is able to prescribe from the practice formulary and has access to a GP opinion should the need arise.

PRACTICE NURSES

• Chronic Disease clinics in diabetes; thyroid; coronary heart disease
• Contraceptive Advice
• Cervical Smear Tests
• Wound Dressings
• Travel Vaccinations

ASTHMA NURSE

• Asthma review and advice
• Smoking Cessation
• Spirometry

HEALTH CARE ASSISTANT

• New Patient Medicals
• Blood Pressure Checks
• Phlebotomy (blood tests)
• ECG Audiometry
• Smoking Cessation
• Lifestyle Clinics

IN-HOUSE SERVICES

The practice offers local access to the following services

• Counselling
• Minor Surgery
• Travel Vaccinations
• Health Visitor  
• Midwife
• Family Planning
• Chiropody

GP CARE ADVISER

The GP Care Adviser service is being reinstated at Rowhedge Surgery, and this will be available on a Tuesday afternoon and a Thursday morning.  Care Advisers can help patients with a range of information, advice, support and assistance in obtaining services from other agencies and can also make contact with other agencies on the patient's behalf.  Some of the help they can provide is listed below:

• Providing Assistance to Carers
• Advice on Welfare Benefits
• Helping to complete benefit claim forms
• Access to equipment
• Care Services
• Voluntary Agencies
• Statutory agencies
• Grants
• Telecare assessments
• Occupational Therapy Assessements for home aids
• Advocacy

Please let reception know if you need to see a care adviser and they will organise an appointment or arrange for the care adviser to contact you.

Results of Blood Tests

If you wish to ring for the results of your blood tests, please wait until the afternoon, at least until 1.30pm.

Sexual Health

The doctors and nurse practitioner give advice on all methods of contraception.

Emergency contraception

The emergency contraceptive pill is available from the University Health Centre and Rowhedge Surgery free of charge.  The Walk in Centre in Colchester will provide treatment if the Health Centre is closed.  Family Planning Clinics (details on 01206 868686) will also supply treatment.  Pharmarcies will supply the tablet but the cost is approximately £25.00.

Remember - it is important to take the tablet as soon as possible after having unprotected sex.

Further information can be obtained from the Family Planning Association (FPA) - see web link.

University Students please note : Condoms are available for men and women under the age of 25. The over 25’s can get free condoms from the local family planning clinic.

Chlamydia testing is available for women.

The practice is taking part in the Chlamydia screening programme for under 25 year olds.  Please take a screening kit from the entrance area.  Blue packs are for men and Pink packs are for women. 

We strongly recommend that all women over the age of 25 attend for regular smear (pap) tests.

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