Forest Surgery

Below is a guide to the services we offer. Should you have further queries please call the reception desk.

General consultations (GP appointment) – These are for most health-related issues not covered elsewhere. Both new and on going illnesses and general health concerns are covered. You may also wish to browse the section on ‘common symptoms’.

Asthma checks (Nurse) – You are likely to be invited annually. Please bring your inhaler with you. If your asthma is very mild and you do not wish to attend then please notify us via the tear-off slip on the letter

Blood pressure monitoring (Health Care Assistant) – This should be checked as follows:

If you are otherwise well and under the age of 65 – five yearly
If you are otherwise well and over the age of 65 – annually
If you suffer from high blood pressure – six monthly
If you suffer from any cardiovascular disease, diabetes, kidney disease or other relevant condition – annually
If your blood pressure has not been well-controlled – as advised by the clinician
Childhood immunisations (Nurse) – Routine childhood and pre-school immunisations are included. Further information can be found in the Health promotion section of this website.

If you are considering having a coil inserted you will first need to have an internal examination and swabs taken. All doctors can do this (make sure you are not menstruating). A prescription for a coil will be given to you.
When the swab results come back as being normal (two weeks later) you can have your coil inserted (provided you are not menstruating). To do this you should make a double appointment with Dr Abdul-Razak specifically.
Routine coil checks and coil removals can be undertaken by any of the doctors
Coil services are also provided at the Young People & Women’s Health Service (see Family Planning).

Coronary heart disease and Stroke reviews (Nurse) – You are likely to be invited annually for a review. In addition if your condition is not under control you may need to see a doctor.

Diabetes reviews (Nurse) – Routine thorough check-ups are performed annually for diabetics. Please do this even if your diabetes is managed elsewhere. You should bring a urine sample and your BM chart with you.

Diet & Lifestyle Advice (Nurse) – For a discussion about weight, diet, exercise, cholesterol and other general ‘healthy living’ issues please see the nurse.

Ear syringing – this is provided at the discretion of the nurse. Please enquire.

Emergency Contraception (GP Appointment) – Emergency contraception is effective for up to three days after intercourse (for the pill) and five days (for the coil). You should seek help without delay. Your options are:

See one of your doctors for the ‘morning after pill’
See Dr Abdul-Razak for the emergency coil fitting
Attend the Young People & Women’s Health Service (see Family Planning)
Buy the ‘morning after pill’ at a chemist (no prescription necessary if over 18)
Attend Whipps Cross Hospital A&E/GP unit.

Family planning (Nurse) – For a discussion about contraceptive choices and for pill checks and depo-provera injections make an appointment to see a nurse. Note that Specialist Family Planning services are offered at the Young People & Women’s Health Service in Oliver road (www.walthamforest-pct.nhs.uk/Services/Familyplanning)

Lung Function Tests (Health Care Assistant) – this is routine testing for patients who suffer from COPD (chronic bronchitis and emphysema). If your COPD is not well-controlled you should see a GP

Minor operations (Dr Abdul-Razak; Dr Ali-Zubair) – Minor surgical procedures are booked by recommendation from one of the GPs and under ‘special session’. Joint injections are carried out in routine clinics.

New patient checks (Health Care Assistant) – every new patient will be booked in for a health check

Private health services (GP) – This includes private medical reports for patients on our list as well private consultations for people not registered at the Practice. Please enquire for details.

Smear tests (Nurse usually) – Routine smear tests are undertaken by the nurses. They are recommended 3 yearly for women aged 25-64 (or more often if previous abnormal smears). For women aged over 50 smears are performed by Dr Abdul Razak. Tests are best performed mid-cycle and can not be done during menstruation or if pregnant. Results take six weeks.

Travel advice and vaccinations (Nurse) – it is advised that you make an appointment with the nurse one month prior to travel. Please note:

Most routine travel vaccinations are provided here
The nearest yellow fever centre is at St James Street Health Centre (47 St James St. E17 7NH, 0208 520 0921)
Meningitis vaccination and certification is provided here (please enquire for charges)
If you only need malaria prevention medication please see a doctor (there will be a charge