Clinics.

This clinic is run by the practice nurse for patients with type 2 (maturity on set) diabetes. This is done in partnership with St James Hospital and under the organisation of the SICP. It is open to all patients with type 2 diabetes, no matter which hospital or none, they may have attended.

The practice nurse calls the registered patients for a review three times per year. She carries out routine blood tests like blood sugar, HbA1C, kidney and liver function tests: she checks blood pressure: monitors circulation and sensation in patients feet: gives dietetic advice: she reviews patients monitoring of their blood glucose: ensures referral/review at other clinics / outpatients / consultants.

Patients who are stable need less hospital visits every year as a consequence. Regular meetings take place with endocrinologists from St James Hospital and the other general practitioners involved in this “shared care programme” to ensure its effectiveness.

This clinic, although run from the Belgrave Clinic, is available to patients whose general practitioner is a member of the SICP. It takes place every Thursday morning and is run by a specialist nurse employed by the partnership. It is run according to protocols agreed with the Haematology Department of St James Hospital and has a direct relationship with St James warfarin clinic.

A home monitoring device is used, its accuracy being monitored quarterly by the British agency NEQAS, a body responsible for standards of such machines being used in the community. Patients, when registered, have their warfarin levels (INR) monitored and result entered in their yellow booklet over the course of a ten minute appointment. Education of patients with regard to the drug and its benefits/consequences is a priority.

The convenience and time savings for patients attending this clinic is a hugely beneficial feature borne out by individual experiences and audit alike.

This clinic is part of a national screening programme organised by the HSE and the ICGP. The Belgrave Clinic is one of many scores of GP practices nationally involved. It is organised by the practice nurse and is specifically dedicated to patients who have had either a heart attack, by-pass surgery or an angioplasty.

The practice nurse invites registered patients to attend four times per year to monitor their blood pressure, weight and lifestyle : she will take blood tests for cholesterol, blood sugar, kidney and liver function : ensure appropriate referrals to other clinics. All data is submitted by computer to a national database where information is collected to effectiveness of this community screening programme.

Apart from the service for the childhood vaccination programme and for travel vaccines that is currently incorporated into routine doctor and nurse consultations, the practice nurse organises clinics for influenza/pneumonia vaccine ever year. This is in association with the Department of Health and Children programme to vaccinate everyone over the age of 65 years and certain at risk groups. The clinics are organised in September, October & November. This Clinic has managed a 70% uptake in recent years

This clinic is based at the Meath Community Unit (MCU) and is run by a specialist nurse, trained to a high degree, in the management of wound care. It is organised with the support and backup from the Vascular Department of St James Hospital. Doctors in the BelgraveClinic can refer their patients directly into this clinic according to agreed protocols.

The clinic is ideal for difficult wounds that have been resistant to other treatments, like persistent varicose and difficult wound ulcers. The wound nurse liases directly with general practitioners and public health nurses. This is a free service.

A dietician is available for 4 days per week at the MCU. Priority is given to patients who are diabetic and who are on the “Heartwatch Programme”. However patients needing general dietary advice may also be referred directly. This is a free service.

This clinic is restricted largely to patients who have diabetes. It is based at the MCU and is currently held once a week.

A smoking cessation officer is available to patients of the Belgrave Clinic by referring them to this clinic run under the direction of the SICP and based at the MCU. It is to assist patients who are motivated to stop smoking and is a free service.

Direct referral is possible to a physiotherapy clinic, run under the auspices of the SICP and based at Baggot Street Hospital. The waiting list is currently about six to eight weeks and there is preference given to medical card and low-income patients.

This is a free service.

A specialist nurse trained in continence promotion is available by direct referral to her clinic, held at the MCU.