Cervical screening, or the ‘smear test’, is a routine health check that identifies potentially harmful cells and changes on the cervix. Cervical screening is not a test for cancer, but this test identifies early changes, and can reduce your risk of developing cervical cancer. It is important that you attend your screening when invited.

If you are a woman, or someone with a cervix, you will be invited for your cervical screening at regular intervals:

• If you’re aged 25-49, you’ll be invited every 3 years
• If you’re aged 50-64, you’ll be invited every 5 years

The nurse or physician associate is there to answer any questions or concerns that you may have before your appointment, so please talk to them if you are feeling nervous.

If you are due to have a cervical screening, you will receive a letter in the post or we will send you an invitation to your mobile phone with a link to book an appointment.  

For more information, please check the NHS website Cervical screening – NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Going through the menopause can be a challenging time. The most common symptoms are hot flushes and night sweats. Other symptoms include disturbed sleep and insomnia, low energy levels, low mood, anxiety, low libido, impaired memory and concentration, a sensation of ‘brain fog’, joint aches, headaches, palpitations and vaginal dryness and urinary symptoms.

If you’re experiencing symptoms and struggling to manage them, please make an appointment with Dr Popelyuk or Dr Schroeder who have special interests in women’s health, and can help you with diagnosis and treatment of the perimenopause and menopause.

You won’t always need tests to confirm that you’re going through the menopause or before you start using HRT. However, you might need a blood test to check your hormone levels if you’re having symptoms before the age of 45.

If it’s appropriate, the Doctor may to raise the topic of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). HRT is a hormonal treatment that usually involves a combination of oestrogen and progestogen (synthetic progesterone). It can be administered as a tablet, skin patch or gel, or as a vaginal treatment. HRT is really effective at combatting the symptoms of the menopause but it won’t be right for everyone. Your Doctor will discuss all treatment options with you.

You can choose to refer yourself directly to the antenatal services, rather than via your GP. The information you provide will be placed in your medical records and only accessed by staff involved in your care.

Please choose a hospital to link to the relevant self-referral form:

St George’s Hospital antenatal self-referral 

Chelsea and Westminster antenatal

If you are planning a pregnancy, please book a routine appointment to see a GP for health advice, preferably three months before you start trying for a baby.

If you know you are pregnant (a home test is very accurate). We usually provide shared care with your hospital. You can self-refer to the hospital of your choice once your test is confirmed positive. Once self-referred, you will be contacted by the hospital midwife for further appointment and care.

We also offer a whooping cough (Pertussis) vaccinations for pregnant women. The best time to get vaccinated to protect your baby is from 16 weeks up to 32 weeks of pregnancy. This maximises the chance that your baby will be protected from birth, through the transfer of your antibodies before he or she is born. Please get in touch to book an appointment with the nurse or physician associate.

Post-natal & 8 Week Checks

Following the birth of your baby, we combine your baby’s check with your own post-natal check when your baby is 8 weeks old. The doctor sees you and your baby first for a postnatal and a full developmental check, followed by an appointment with a practice nurse who checks your baby’s growth and gives their first immunisations.

The Health Visiting Service, provided by Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust, provides support and advice to all Wandsworth resident children aged 0-5 years old and their families. They promote health, detect problems early, prevent accidents and ensure immunisation.

Health Visiting Services include:

• “Well Baby” clinics;
• postnatal groups;
• parenting support;
• home visits;
• breastfeeding clinics and support groups
• baby and child developmental assessments; and
• general family health advice