Noticeboard

Our Facebook page is full of useful information. You can read about our 'inspirational patient stories'. Make sure you 'like' us to keep up to date
Visit us on Facebook

LOCKSIDE MEDICAL CENTRE

How you will find out your test results

If we have arranged a medical test for you we will tell you the results by text, email, letter or phone. You can see all your own test results if you have on-line access to your records.

PLEASE DO NOT RING FOR RESULTS unless 4 weeks has passed and you haven’t heard from us. If a test result shows a serious illness we will contact you immediately, usually by phone.

PLEASE DO NOT RING for results of tests that have been arranged by a hospital doctor. It is their duty to inform you of these results. Often they share results at your next clinic visit. If you have no follow up appointments at the hospital then phone the consultant’s secretary to ask for a letter about your results.

Type of Test	How you will be informed	How long will it take?
Blood or Urine test Xray Gastroscopy Colonoscopy Echocardiogram ECG 24hour ECG Ultrasound/CT/MRI Scan	Your results will be sent by text message or email unless you ‘opt out’ If you cannot receive texts or emails then you will need to phone the practice after 2pm. If you have regular monitoring of a medication then we will show you the results when you come for your next test. You can also access them on-line.	Most test results are back within 1-2 weeks, though some take longer. We aim to text you within 2 days of receiving your results. Only phone the practice if you have not heard from us after 4 weeks.
Birthday MoT (long term conditions review)	You will receive your results from the nurse at your 2^nd appointment, and then in a letter. If you 'opt out' of a second appointment you will receive your results by letter or email.	You will receive your letter or email within 4 weeks of your appointment
NHS Health check	You will receive your NHS health check results plus any tips on improving them if this is needed by letter or email.	You will receive your letter or email within 4 weeks of your appointment
Smear	You will receive your results by letter.	Most results are sent to you in 2-4 weeks.
Tests arranged by a hospital or consultant	We do not give out test results for tests that have been requested by hospitals or consultants.	If you haven’t heard back about your results after 4 weeks please contact your consultant’s secretary.

Blood Tests

blood_tests_4 A blood test is when a sample of blood is taken for testing in a laboratory. Blood tests have a wide range of uses and are one of the most common types of medical test. For example, a blood test can be used to:

assess your general state of health
confirm the presence of a bacterial or viral infection
see how well certain organs, such as the liver and kidneys, are functioning

A blood test usually involves the phlebotomist taking a blood sample from a blood vessel in your arm. and the usual place for a sample is the inside of the elbow or wrist, where the veins are relatively close to the surface. Blood samples from children are most commonly taken from the back of the hand. The child's hand will be anaesthetised (numbed) with a special cream before the sample is taken.

You can find out more about blood tests, their purpose and the way they are performed on the NHS Choices website.

X-Ray

doctor examining an x-ray An X-ray is a widely used diagnostic test to examine the inside of the body. X-rays are a very effective way of detecting problems with bones, such as fractures. They can also often identify problems with soft tissue, such as pneumonia or breast cancer.

If you have a X-ray, you will be asked to lie on a table or stand against a surface so that the part of your body being X-rayed is between the X-ray tube and the photographic plate.

An X-ray is usually carried out by a radiographer, a healthcare professional who specialises in using imaging technology, such as X-rays and ultrasound scanners.

You can find out more about x-ray tests, how they are performed, their function and the risks by visiting the NHS Choices website.

Getting a reading from the practice

Raised Blood pressure is a major factor for people having strokes and heart attacks. We are happy to measure your blood pressure, whenever you are concerned. You can:

Use our machine in the waiting room

Ask the doctor or nurse to take a reading

Take a series of home recording using your own device or one loaned from the practice. (if you do this please use our Home BP Recording Sheet)

Home BP Recording Sheet

If you have been diagnosed with hypertension (high blood pressure) it has been found to be more helpful to use blood pressure readings taken at home to monitor your treatment, rather than readings at the surgery. We have BP machines we lend to people for a week at a time, or you may prefer to buy your own. Use this proforma for recording your blood pressures at home and drop the completed sheet into the surgery.Lockside_Home_Blood_Pressure_Recording_Sept_2013.doc