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Services
Clinics and Services
6 to 8 Week Mum and Baby Checks
Congratulations on your new arrival!
We know that those first weeks can be a whirlwind. Please register your baby as soon as you can with our practice. The sooner they are registered the sooner a GP can see your baby and help you in the new born period.
That why we offer a dedictaed 8 week check for you and your baby. This involves an appointment with the doctor and then with the practice nurse.
What to expect:
For Mum: We’ll check on your physical and emotional wellbeing, discuss any concerns, and offer support with contraception and family planning.
For baby: We’ll do a full physical exam, discuss feeing and sleeping and provide guidance on immunisations. We will also give your baby their 8 week vaccines, with your consent, and book in for further vaccines.
Once the baby is registered, the practice will contact you to make the 8 week check. On rare occasions were we are unaware of the birth, please feel free to call the practice on 0207 286 1231 to arrange an appointment.
You dont need to wait till 8 weeks to see a GP. If you have any concerns about your baby please book a face to face appointment with one of our doctors.
Asthma and COPD Clinics
We hold clinics to diagnose and to help patients to manage their asthma or COPD.
We like to see all our patients who have been diagnosed with these conditions at least once a year, depending on the severity of your condition, we may invite you to come to the clinic more often in order to ensure we give you the care you require.
Our Asthma and COPD Clinics are held by our practice Pharmacists and Nurses during surgery opening hours. Please phone the surgery to make an appointment.
Breast Cancer Screenings
Breast screening is offered to women aged 50 to 70 to detect early signs of breast cancer. Women over 70 can self-refer.
Anyone registered with a GP as female will automatically be invited for NHS breast screening every 3 years between the ages of 50 to 71. You will get a letter in the post inviting you.
If you are 71 or over you will not automatically be invited but you can still have breast screening every 3 years if you want to. You will need to call your local breast screening service to ask for an appointment.
Learn more about Breast Screenings
How do I contact the Breast Screening Service?
Visit the London Breast Screening website for further information and contact details
What happens at your appointment
NHS breast screening video: what happens during a mammogram
If you have symptoms
If you’re worried about breast cancer symptoms, please see your GP as soon as possible. The earlier a problem is found, the easier it can be to treat.
Information in other formats
- Breast screening: helping women decide in English and other languages
- Breast screening easy guide - information for people with learning disabilities, people with low levels of literacy and non-English speakers
Bowel Cancer
The NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme checks if you could have bowel cancer. The earlier cancer is found, the more effective treatment is likely to be.
Bowel screening is offered to everyone aged 54 to 74 years (50 to 74 by 2025) every 2 years.
If you’re 75 or over, you can ask for a kit every 2 years by phoning the free bowel cancer screening helpline on 0800 707 60 60.
Learn more about Bowel Cancer Screenings
How to do a bowel screening test
If I have symptoms
Always see a GP if you have symptoms of bowel cancer at any age, even if you have recently completed an NHS bowel cancer screening test kit. Do not wait to have a screening test.
Cervical Screening: Smear Tests
Cervical screening, also known as a smear test, checks for abnormal (pre-cancerous) cells in the cervix to prevent cervical cancer. The cervix is the entrance to the womb from the vagina.
Women aged 25 to 49 should have cervical screening every three years. Women aged 50 to 64 should have it every five years, or more often if results show abnormal changes.
The screening is quick and painless and can be done at the Grand Union Health Centre.
Cervical screening does not test for cancer. Instead, it checks the health of the cervix cells. Most women will have normal results, but about 1 in 20 will show some abnormal changes.
Most of these changes won't lead to cervical cancer. Often, the cells may return to normal on their own. However, some abnormal cells need treatment to prevent them from becoming cancerous.
Our nurses are trained to perform cervical screening and cervical smears.
When you are due a smear test you will be invited in, via letter, email or SMS.
Please make an appointment when you are not menstruating, or day 1-4 of your cycle.
These appointments usually take about 15 minutes. For more information or to book an appointment, please call the surgery.
If you are aged over 24 and never had a smear test, or it has been more than 3 to 5 years since your last screening, please call 0207 286 1231 to make an appointment with our practice nurse.
Childhood Vaccinations
One of the most important things that a parent can do for their child is to make sure that they have all their routine chilldhood vaccinations. It is the most effective way of keeping them protected against infection diseases.
Ideally kids should have their vaccines at the right age to protect them as early as possible and minimise the risk of infection. We can not do vaccines earlier than they are due.
Our nursing team vaccinates all our children and they are skilled in this area.
If you have any questions or queries regarding vaccinations please do make a telephone appointment with one of them and they will happily discuss it with you.
Learn more about vaccinations on the NHS website
My child has been fully vaccinated in another country why do they need any more vaccinations?
Many of our patients have lived abroad. Vaccination schedules can vary between different countries. This is because patters of disease and the number of people who have it can vary from place to place so the level of risk if different depending on where you are.
This might sound complicated. Don't worry, we are here to help. When you register your child, we will need their vaccine history, and our highly experienced nurses will be able to tell you in your child will need additional catch up immunisations to them in line with the UK Schedule.
BCG vaccination
We dont do the BCG vaccine at Grand Union Health Centre. You will need to book via the following details:
- Phone Number: 0208 214 1380
- Email: vul.london.bcg@nhs.net
Vaccines For Risk Groups
People who fall into certain risk groups may be offered extra vaccines. These include vaccinations against diseases such as hepatitis B, tuberculosis (TB), seasonal flu and chickenpox. See the NHS Choices pages on vaccines for adults to find out whether you should have one.
Contraception
Contraception is free for most people in the UK. With 15 methods to choose from, you'll find one that suits you.
Contraceptive methods allow you to choose when and if you want to have a baby, but they don’t protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Condoms help to protect against STIs and pregnancy, so whatever other method of contraception you're using to prevent pregnancy, use condoms as well to protect your and your partner’s health.
Learn more about getting contraception
Emergency Contraception
If you’ve forgotten to take your pill, your condom split or you’ve had unprotected sex in the last 72 hours then you may need emergency contraception, and the sooner you take it the better.
Diabetes
At Grand Union Health Centre, we want to support you in managing your diabetes and living a healthy life.
Our Diabetes Service offers a wide range of care and support options tailored to your needs.
Flu and COVID-19 Vaccines
The NHS offers free flu and Covid vaccines to those at greater risk of serious illness.
Vaccines are our best protection against flu and Covid. Over the last few years, they have kept tens of thousands of people out of hospital and helped to save countless lives.
Who can get the vaccines?
The flu and Covid vaccinations are available to people who:
- are aged 65 or over
- have certain health conditions
- are pregnant
- live with someone who has a weakened immune system
- are a carer
- are a frontline health or social care worker
- live in a care home.
Most children can get the children's flu vaccine. This includes children aged 2 to 3 years, school-aged children (Reception to year 11) and children with certain health condition.
How to get the Covid vaccine
If you're eligible for the Covid vaccine, you can:
- Contact the Practice (to check for availability at our local Enhanced Access Hubs, St Charles and Violet Melchett)
- Book a vaccination appointment online
- Via the NHS App
- Calling 119
- Find a walk-in Covid vaccine service at some local pharmacies
How to get the flu vaccine
If you're eligible for an NHS flu vaccine, you can get your vaccine from:
- Your GP surgery
- A pharmacy that offers NHS flu vaccination (if you're aged 18 or over)
- Some maternity services (if you're pregnant)
You do not have to wait for an invitation before booking an appointment.
Get more information on your winter vaccines on the NHS website.
Long Term Conditions
What we do
As your GP surgery we play a significant role in managing your long-term condition. We believe in working with you and specialists in the community to provide holistic, personal, and high-quality care.
Long term conditions or chronic diseases are conditions for which there is currently no cure, and that are managed with drugs and other treatments.
All patients with a long-term condition should have an annual review (or ‘health MOT’). The first part of this is with a health care assistant or a nurse. At this appointment we will take a blood sample, check your blood pressure, and update other health data.
A GP will review your results, looking at your medical history and medications, and consider how together we could improve your health/management of your LTC. This may include health advice, medication changes or referrals to a community service.
Your second contact with us will be to share and discuss the GP's recommendations with you. This appointment will also be with a healthcare assistant or a nurse. If you have more than one long term condition, we aim to make this second appointment with a nurse or GP.
Maternity
Self referral
You can self refer yourself directly to the antenatal clinics at St Marys Hospital, Queen Charlottes Hospital, Chelses and Westminster Hospital and UCLH without seeing a GP or nurse.
Learn more about maternity self referral
Frequently asked questions
Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Contact us to speak to our reception team.
Do you provide maternity care at Grand Union Health Centre?
All our doctors provide maternity care (also called antenatal care).
Which hospital shall I have my baby in?
We have lots of local hospitals that provide maternity services. Please do discuss with your GP which options you have and they will signpost you to the best available care.
Do I see the GP whilst I am pregnant?
Yes the GPs see patients are various intervals (with increasing frequency towards the end) of the pregnancy.
Do the nurses give pregnant ladies vaccines?
Absolutely our nurses give both Flu vaccines and Whooping Cough (Pertusis) vaccines to our patients.
Can I get Maternity Exemption Certificates and Matb1 forms from the practice?
Yes we give both of these. Please ask your GP and they can sign both of these forms for you. You can also ask admin team and they will arrange for a GP to sign it for you.
NHS Health Checks
Working together to improve your health
The NHS Health Check is a free check for those aged between 40 and 74 without any pre-existing conditions. We aim to invite all those who are eligible to have a NHS Health Check to book an appointment once every 5 years.
Everyone is at risk of developing heart disease, stroke, diabetes, kidney disease and some forms of dementia. The good news is that these conditions can often be prevented – even if you have a history of them in your family. Have your free NHS Health Check and you will be better prepared for the future and be able to take steps to maintain or improve your health.
Find out more about NHS Health Checks
Frequently asked questions
Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Contact us to speak to our reception team.
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 have 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.
What does the NHS Health Check involve?
You will be invited to book an in-person appointment with one of our Health Care Assistants in the first instance. They will ask you some questions about your health and lifestyle, take some measurements (incuding your height, weight, blood pressure and pulse) and take a blood test to check your cholesterol level. You may also have a blood test to look for diabetes if you are at risk of developing this condition.
Your NHS Health Check results
We will let you know the results of your NHS Health Check either at the end of the appointment or shortly afterwards. You will usually be told your risk of heart disease and diabetes in terms of whether this is low, medium or high. For those at high risk, we may also offer you medication or other treatments to help to reduce your risk. You will have the chance to discuss your results and any suggested treatment with a Clinician, who will also explain how we will follow-up and assess your progress.
Nursing Services
We have a team of nurses who can help you with:
- Family Planning
- Asthma
- COPD
- Diabetes
- Baby Immunisations
- Wound management
- Travel Immunisations
- Smear Tests
Travel Vaccinations
If you require any vaccinations relating to foreign travel you need to make an appointment with the practice nurse to discuss your travel arrangements.
Warfarin Monitoring Clinic
Warfarin is a drug which can prevent life threatening conditions. However, it can be dangerous if people taking it are not monitored regularly and advised which dose to take. Recent changes have been made to the way we prescribe it.
When a patient requests a prescription for warfarin, the doctor must check that the necessary monitoring has been carried out. We can no longer prescribe warfarin "as directed" and the specific dose must be stated on the prescription.
Nurse led Warfarin clinics
We run Health Care Assistant led warfarin clinics for patients who are already classed as being stable on the drug. The HCAs are supervised by a GP who leads this in the practice. Patients are booked in with the HCA at regular intervals and their blood levels are checked to ensure they can safely continue taking the blood thinning agents.