The Practice Nurse - Mrs Jean Gough Our Practice Nurse will be able to monitor and advise you on diabetes, asthma, blood pressure, diet & exercise, and hormone replacement therapy. She gives advises on healthy travel and immunisations so is the person to see before your next holiday abroad.  Jean is a Sexual Health in Practice Nurse (SHiP), which means she can advise about contraception and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).  As well as advice she can test and treat for STIs (sexually transmitted infections) as well as supply condoms. She is also very skilled at wound management and able to treat and dress all kinds of wounds as well as remove stitches following surgery.  She also assists during the minor surgery sessions and helps Judy with the childhood immunisations. To complement her years of experience she has recently completed the well recognised diploma in Diabetes Care organised by Warwick University.  Jean and Dr Catherine Coward work jointly to provide a regular Diabetes clinic and ongoing diabetes care.  Health Care Assistant - Ms Beth Wilson  Beth is the person to see if you need a blood test.  However she also does new patient health checks, monitors blood pressure and assists Jean in monitoring and maintaining the health of people with any ongoing medical condition. Child Health Services Our Health Visitor holds a weekly well baby clinic on Tuesday morning. There is no appointment needed (you need to arrive between 10am and 12 midday) and she will be able to advise you on all aspects of child care. We advise children’s health checks at different stages to assess your child’s progress and development as well as a review of immunisations against infectious diseases. You will be notified of your child’s need to attend. If you wish to see the Health Visitor at another time, either at the Surgery or at home, telephone 433 5974 or ask at Reception Minor Surgery We currently offer a small number of minor surgery procedures in the practice.  These include removal of moles, skin tags and other skin lesions and joint injections (used in some forms of arthritis).  If you think you need this service then please make an appointment with one of the doctors. Antenatal Services Your care whilst you are pregnant and in the first weeks after delivery will be given by various health care professionals.  This will take place at the surgery, at your home and at the Birmingham Women's Hospital (in most cases).  If you think you may be pregnant then please make an appointment to see one of the doctors who can advise you what to do next. Drug Solutions Birmingham (DSB) DSB provide the surgery with two workers who visit the surgery every week to help with the treatment of those addicted to drugs.  Our current workers are Austin Kendrick and Lydia Broome.  They both have training and experience in helping people who are struggling with addiction.  They are both very friendly and will not judge or criticise you.  If you have a problem like this then we would encourage you to make an appointment with Austin or Lydia.  By doing so you will not be committing yourself to anything but can find out what is available.  Don't let bad experiences from the past put you off - this could be the time it works for you. Some people worry about this kind of work taking place in their practice.  For some it's just that they don't understand what it's about; for other they may be worried about violence or theft.  In fact in a well run clinic these are not usually a problem.  The bigger picture is a safer environment for everyone.  Many studies have shown great benefits to society from this kind of program.  If you are still concerned then any of the staff would be happy to talk to you about it. Community Alcohol Team A very recent addition to our team is an Alcohol Worker who will be able to provide help and support for those who struggle with alcohol.  She can provide help and support as well as enabling you to access various treatments and therapies. Counselling There are many different reasons why people might benefit from counselling. We are now able to offer this within the surgery. Our counsellor is called Helena Rogers.  If you think you need this service then you will need to see a doctor first.