Travel Clinic
It is very important to begin this process well in advance of your holiday. If you require holiday vaccinations, a travel risk assessment form must be completed one month in advance of your appointment. You will be advised of the necessary vaccinations you require and be issued with either an NHS or private prescription (the latter will involve a payment payable prior to picking up your prescriptions). The charge will be advised when your appointment is confirmed. Forms can be either collected at reception or downloaded by selecting the appropriate file below:
Click to Download: Travel Risk Assessment Form
Health Promotion And Screening
Well person screening is at the patient's request for those of 16-74 years of age (3 yearly).
Patients attaining the age of 75 years who have not participated in a consultation in the previous 12 months, can request a consultation which can take place in the patient's home where in the reasonable opinion as a result of the patient medical condition it would be inappropriate to attend the surgery.
Invitations to attend Health Promotion and Enhanced Services clinics are generally posted out although we may telephone you with some reminders. Please respond promptly when you receive a letter to attend. If there is a service we do not provide or you are unsure please contact reception and we will advise you of how to access it, e.g. substitute medication.
Maternity Care
Antenatal and postnatal clinics are held each Tuesday at 2.00pm. The midwife is always in attendance; please take this opportunity to become acquainted with her. PLEASE NOTE: This service is currently ceased due to Covid-19, please call the Ballymena Health Centre to contact the midwives on (028) 2563 5600.
Child Health
Infant development assessments are undertaken on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday mornings by pre-arranged appointment with the GP.
Family Planning / By Appointment
Nexplanon, IUD and general contraceptive advice is provided by our fully trained clinical team.
Cervical Smears
The doctors strongly advise that all women aged 25-49 have a three-yearly test and women aged 50 to 64 years have this test every five years. We run a practice nurse-led clinic for this. The recall programme is administered by the NI Screening Service BSO. Please respond promptly to any reminder or recall letter you receive and make your appointment directly with the practice nurse.
Diabetic/Asthma/COPD/Chronic Disease Clinics
Clinics for these and other chronic diseases are held by the practice nurse. Please telephone and make your appointment as soon as you receive your recall letter. (If you have a close relative who is a diabetic then you are at increased risk of developing this condition. Please bring a sample of urine for testing at three-yearly intervals.)
Minor Surgery
By appointment only - you must be seen by a GP.
Heart Disease
Heart disease is the most common cause of death in Northern Ireland. Special clinics are held by the practice nurse. You can reduce your risk by the following:
- a low fat diet
- take regular exercise
- stop smoking
- have your cholesterol checked
Breast Screening
All women between the ages of 50 and 70 years of age should attend the mobile screening unit for mammography. If you have a family history of breast cancer please contact the doctor as you may need early or more regular screening.
Counselling
Patients suffering from mild to moderate depression can be referred to our in-house counsellor, Peter Mulhall and Deirdre O'Kane. Referrals to this service are made by the GP.
Learning Disabilities
A special appointment to review the care and management of patients with learning difficulties. Carers will be contacted by letter to make arrangements for review with either Practice Nurses Sharon Espie and Belinda Clarke.
Osteoporosis Clinics
For all patients over 50 years of age who have had a hip or non-hip fragility fracture in the past year, this is to assess if they are receiving the correct treatment and receive advise on Bone Health and prevention of falls.
Medical Examination And Reports
These are not always covered by the NHS. Please speak to the receptionist when you are arranging your appointment; she will tell you of the costs involved.