Services

Visit the NHS website for information about alcohol screening

If you suffer with asthma and use an inhaler you will be invited to an annual review with the Practice Nurse. These 20 minute appointments can be booked by calling us on 0161 320 8788.

If you are due for a review, you can complete our online questionnaire before attending your appointment.

You will be invited to bring your baby for a thorough physical examination. The baby check is done by Dr Smith.

Your baby's thorough physical examination is done including checking the eyes, heart and hips. They will also have their weight and head circumference measured. For boys, the scrotum  will also be examined to determine position of testicles.

Please bring the Red Book with you.

The GP will discuss the eight week baby vaccination schedule and will also administer them after obtaining parental consent from you. 

The child immunisations are offered at 8 weeks, 12 weeks, 16 weeks, 12 months and before your child starts school.

• Please see the NHS website on vaccinations and when to have them
• Please read what to expect after vaccinations on the UK government website

The GP will also ask you how you've been feeling emotionally and physically since the birth of your baby.

Useful information

• Birth to five booklet
• Your baby's health and development reviews

Information about blood tests can be found on the NHS website

Information about HIV and AIDS can be found on the NHS website

Cervical screening is a method of preventing cervical cancer by detecting abnormal cells in the cervix (lower part of the womb). 

Cervical screening is not a test for cancer, but it is a test to check the health of the cervix. Most women's test results show that everything is normal. But for one in 20 women, the test will show some changes in the cells of the cervix. 

Most of these changes will not lead to cervical cancer and the cells will go back to normal on their own. In some cases, the abnormal cells need to be treated to prevent them becoming a problem later.

Further information is available on the NHS website

Information about child protection can be found on the NSPCC website

Online pill check

If you are happy with your contraception pill and are not thinking of changing your prescription you can complete the pill online form rather than come to the surgery to see our nurse for a review.

Contraception is free for most people in the UK. With more than 10 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.

There are lots of methods to choose from, please watch this video guide to the different types of contracepion 

Sayana Press

Sayana Press is an easy to use hormonal birth control option.

It is an injection, with a very small needle, that women can give to themselves to prevent pregnancies for 3 months. A woman using Sayana Press will need a new injection every 3 months, for a total of 4 shots every year.

A woman can inject herself with this product at home or with the help of a friend or family member.

• Please visit the Sayana Press website for further information 
• Watch this video on how to inject Sayana Press

Mirena Coil and Implanon

• Watch this video on Mirena insertion and placement
• Watch this video on Implanon insertion 

Further information about contraception can be found on the NHS website

Get information about COVID-19 vaccination, who can get it, and safety and side effects

Learn more about COVID-19 vaccinations on the NHS website

Patients receive a full annual check. They will be invited to see a Health Care Assistant (HCA) first. At this appointment, the HCA will take blood and perform a medical examination. Patients will be contacted by a Practice Nurse, depending on if or what further treatment is needed.

If patients have more than one long term condition we provide a longer appointment so that, wherever possible, everything can be reviewed with one visit to the practice.

Diabetic eye screening

In addition to the annual check within the Practice, patients with diabetes will be invited to an annual Diabetic Eye Screening appointment. If you have Diabetes and are aged 12 or over you’ll receive a letter every year inviting you to this appointment.

Education sessions and support group

The practice alo refers for education sessions for anyone with Type 2 Diabetes or Prediabetes, those with an interest in Type 2 Diabetes or people who are a carer of someone with the condition.The aim of these education sessions is to lose weight, reverse Diabetes and reduce medication use.

Prediabetes is when someone has a blood sugar level above the normal range but not high enough to be diagnosed as having Diabetes. If your blood sugar level is above the normal range then your risk of developing full blown Diabetes is increased. We encourage you to have the education sessions if we find that you have Prediabetes.

Types of diabetes

There are two different types of diabetes:

• Type 1 diabetes causes the level of glucose (sugar) in your blood to become too high. Daily injections of insulin help to keep blood glucose levels under control. Type 1 diabetes isn’t linked with age or lifestyle. You can read more about Type 1 diabetes on the NHS website
• Type 2 diabetes is a common condition that causes the level of sugar (glucose) in the blood to become too high. Patients may need to change their diet and take medication to manage the condition. Type 2 diabetes is often link to being overweight or inactive or having a family history of Type 2 diabetes. You can read more about Type 2 diabetes on the NHS website.

Further information about support for diabetes is available on our diabetes page

The district nurses are based at the Ann Street Clinic. They offer a wide range of services including dressing changes and the injection of prescribed medicines.

They can be contacted on 0161 922 4888

District nurses are one of the many different types of nurses who manage care within the community, rather than in a hospital.

They also visit patients in their homes and provide the necessary advice and care.

They play a crucial role in ensuring that patients get the necessary treatment at home thereby keeping hospital admissions and readmissions to a minimum.

The management care they provide include wound care, continence care, catheter care and palliative care amongst others.

Appointments for ear syringing due to earwax build-up are available with our Practice Nurses but often this is an issue that can be dealt with at home.

If you do need an appointment please use eardrops or drops of almond, olive or baby oil into the affected ear up to 7 days prior to syringing. This will soften the wax and make it easier to remove.

As an alternative to making an appointment to see one of our clinicians, you may wish to consider managing the problem yourself at home.

Watch this video on how to remove ear wax

An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a simple test to check your heart’s rhythm and electrical activity. Denton Medical Practice offers ECG tests, when a healthcare professional has decided one is needed.

ECGs, which take about 15 minutes, are available and can be booked by contacting the Reception Desk.

Test results are usually available 5 working days after the test. We will contact you if these are abnormal to arrange any follow-up or treatment required.

• You can read more about ECGs, including what they are used for and how they are carried out on the NHS website
• Watch this video on ECGs

Find information about the flu jab, including who should have it, why and when

Learn more about flu vaccinations on the NHS website

The health visitors provide a service revolving around the needs of children and parents from soon after birth. They can be seen by referral from a doctor or nurse or seen at a drop in service on Thursday afternoons.

Their contact telephone number is 0161 366 2229

Health visitors work with parents who have new babies, offering support and informed advice from the ante-natal period until the child starts school at 5 years.

They are key members of the primary healthcare team.

Useful information

• Birth to five booklet
• Your baby's health and development reviews

If you suffer from high blood pressure (hypertension) you will be invited to an annual check (or 6 monthly if you are taking tablets for your condition). These annual appointments can be booked by telephoning 0161 320 8788.

We also have blood pressure machines available for public use. Please ask at the reception desk if you need further information about these. 

A health professional may also ask you to take some readings at home and we can loan you a machine if needed.

• You can find out more about high blood pressure; causes, symptoms, treatment on the NHS website
• Use our online form to calcualte your average blood pressure and send us your results

Since September 2008 there has been a national programme to vaccinate girls aged 12-13 against human papilloma virus (HPV).  There is also a three-year catch up campaign that will offer the HPV vaccine (also known as the cervical cancer jab) to 13-18 year old girls. 

The programme is delivered largely through secondary schools, and consists of three injections that are given over a six-month period. In the UK, more than 1.4 million doses have been given since the vaccination programme started.

Human papilloma virus (HPV)

Human papilloma virus (HPV) is the name of a family of viruses that affect the skin and the moist membranes that line your body, such as those in your cervix, anus, mouth and throat. These membranes are called the mucosa. 

There are more than 100 different types of HPV viruses, with about 40 types affecting the genital area. These are classed as high risk and low risk. 

What HPV infection can do 

Infection with some types of HPV can cause abnormal tissue growth and other changes to cells, which can lead to cervical cancer. Infection with other forms of HPV can also cause genital warts. 

Other types of HPV infection can cause minor problems, such as common skin warts and verrucas. 

Around 30 types of HPV are transmitted through sexual contact, including those that can cause cervical cancer and genital warts. Genital warts are the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the UK. 

HPV infection is also linked to vaginal cancer and vulval cancer, although both are rare conditions. 

Joint injection service is provided after prior assessment and consent from the patient.

What is a joint injection?

When your joints are swollen and tender we often put a needle into your joints to draw out fluid and inject steroid into them. The steroid reduces the swelling and pain you have, so you can use your joint again. Joint injections are done for people with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and many other conditions. Sometimes we inject into the tissues around joints as well because this can help with conditions such as tennis elbow.

What has been injected into my joints?

We usually inject a small amount of steroid. We often inject some local anaesthetic, which is a painkiller, into your joint. Your clinician will also decide whether to inject a local anaesthetic at the same time. This does not reduce inflammation but will allow almost immediate temporary pain relief.

How long will it be before my joints feel better?

The local anaesthetic will start to reduce your pain within a few minutes of the injection.

This pain relief will last for 1 to 2 hours. The steroid will take longer to start working; sometimes it can be nearly 1-2 days after the injection before you start to feel better.

So while you are waiting for the steroid to work you can take painkillers such as paracetamol, or apply cold packs.

The joint you have had injected will hopefully feel better for up to 3 months and sometimes longer, but everybody is different so it may not last this long. If you have had previous injections and they have not lasted this long, then it would be advisable to have your condition re-assessed and a new treatment plan decided with your clinician.

Can I leave the clinic straight after the injection?

Generally you will be able to leave after your injection, as long as you have felt well. Very rarely people can have an allergic reaction to the drugs. If you had an allergic reaction you get a rash on your skin, feel your face swelling up or feel you can’t breathe properly. If this happens, we will be able to treat you immediately.

If you feel any of these symptoms later on at home, you should go to your nearest Accident and Emergency department. Remember this is very unlikely to happen.

Do I need to rest after the injection?

It is recommended to rest the joint that has been injected for 48 hours. This helps the injection work better. If this is impractical, then it is advisable to avoid any strenuous exercise for the following 48 hours.

A general principle is to move the joint injected as normal but do not lift or push heavy objects for a week after the injection.

I am diabetic - does the injection affect my diabetes?

The steroid can make your blood sugar higher than normal. You need to check your blood more often for a week. You may need to increase your insulin. Contact your diabetes specialist for advice if your blood sugar is high.

I am on biologic therapies – does that matter?

If you are taking an anti-TNF therapy or other biologic therapies, we can still inject your joints. You must be especially quick to tell us if you have any signs of infection in your joint (see below).

The infection could be worse because you are taking a medication that affects your body’s natural defences against infection.

What are the risks or side-effects?

Side effects are rare. Very occasionally people notice a flare in their joint pain within the first 24 hours. This usually settles within a couple of days.

The most important but very rare side effect of treatment is infection in your joint. This is very rare (for every 20,000 joint injections no more than one of them would get an infection).

Importantly, you should remember that if you have an infected joint it will not get better with the rest and ice packs we suggested. So if your joint feels like it is getting more and more painful and swollen, please contact us.

If you have a high temperature and your joint becomes;

• Hot
• Red
• Swollen
• Painful

Then you should contact us direct on 0161 320 8788 or go to the Accident and Emergency department if it is a weekend.

Are there other side effects I need to know about?

• Some patients experience facial flushing after an injection or itching at the injection site. These symptoms should settle within the first few days.
• Skin changes – very occasionally you may see some thinning or discoloration of the skin may occur at the site of the injection. This is called de-pigmentation and may take longer to fade; sometimes it has a permanent effect.
• Menstrual disturbance – women may have some changes in their normal cycle after an injection. This is more likely if you have more than one joint injected. If it lasts longer than one cycle you should see your doctor.

If you have any reactions that you are concerned about you should contact your GP or attend A&E. You could alternatively call 111 for advice.

How often can I have my joints injected?

We do not want to give you too many joint injections. The most we will give you is 4 in a year, into the same joint. Very occasionally we will give you more than this if there are special reasons. However, there is a small risk of frequent injections causing cartilage damage, especially in weight-bearing joints. Your clinician will be able to advise you more specifically about this risk.

May I take other medicines along with the steroid injection?

You may take other medications with steroid injections. It is important you tell us if you are taking a drug that thins your blood (an anticoagulant) such as Warfarin. You should bring your monitoring booklet showing your recent INR results. You should arrange a repeat INR 3 days after the injection.

Where can I obtain further information?

If you would like any further information about steroid injections, or if you have any concerns about your treatment, please discuss this with your doctor.

Minor surgery service is provided after prior assessment of the patient.

Minor surgery is a relatively painless and fairly quick procedure. It generally takes 20 to 30 minutes.

Most procedures are carried out using local anaesthetic. This is an injection given around the site of the operation (similar to that used by Dentists).

If you have had a bad reaction to local anaesthetic in the past it is very important that you inform us.

The local anaesthetic stings a little initially but this quickly stops. You should not be able to feel any pain during the procedure but may be aware of a sensation of pressure.

If you do feel any pain during the procedure please inform the Doctor immediately.

Most of the minor surgery carried out here involves the removal of lumps and bumps.

Once the lump has been removed the skin will be closed using a few stitches, these will have to be removed at a time specified by the Doctor (usually 1 week).

All specimens removed are sent to the laboratory for examination.

The local anaesthetic lasts approximately 2 hours. The wound may therefore start to become painful after this period of time. We recommend that you take some simple pain relief medication such as Paracetamol once you get home.

Care of the wound

The wound will be dressed by the Nurse after the operation; this dressing should be left in place for 24 hours, or longer if specified by the Doctor or Nurse.

It is important to keep the wound clean and dry. If the stitches become wet they are liable to come out and may get infected.

The wound will be painful for 24 to 48 hours. If the pain is not improving after 48 hours please call in to see the Nurse. Likewise, if the wound becomes very red or starts to discharge pus, please call in as soon as possible to see the Nurse.

Do not wait until you are due to have your stitches removed.

Scarring

All minor surgery will leave some degree of scarring. The degree of this will vary from person to person and cannot be predicted.

If you have any concerns about scarring it is very important that you discuss this with the Doctor before you have your minor operation.

If you have any questions or worries about the procedure please ask the Doctor or Nurse.

For further information please visit the NHS website

If you are happy with your HRT and are not thinking of changing your prescription you can complete the online form rather than come to the surgery to see our nurse for a review.

Please complete our online form

Visit the NHS website to find out more about end of life care

Please visit our maternity page

For further information please visit the NHS website

For further information please visit the NHS website

Warfarin is a type of medicine known as an anticoagulant, or blood thinner. It makes your blood flow through your veins more easily. It is commonly used in the treatment of Atrial Fibrillation.

If you take Warfarin you will need to have the dose checked on a regular basis. Your nurse will confirm what this period needs to be. These checks, called INR, are pre-bookable appointments which can be booked by telephoning the practice or contacting the reception.

You can read more about Anticoagulants, including what they are used for and how Warfarin monitoring is carried out.

Further information on Warfarin is available on the NHS website