Should you require an allergy screening please make an appointment to see both the doctor and the nurse fasting so that some blood samples can be taken. Food borne allergy eg milk, nut, soya etc and mould and pollen allergies are easily screened for in addition to conditions including Coeliac disease or ‘Gluten sensitivity’. Results are available within one week and you should arrange to reattend the Doctor to go through your results.

The clinic has a dedicated service with a number of 24 hour ambulatory blood pressure devices. This device is comfortably positioned on the patients arm by one of the clinic’s technicians or nurses and remains secured on the patient’s arm for 24 hrs while they go about their normal activities. It records blood pressure every 30 mins and the following day you return to the clinic. The readings are downloaded for presentation to your doctor. This device is a key element in best practice management of those suspected of having elevated blood pressure.

At the time of your attendance all our maternity patients will be offered a basic ultrasound scan to assess the foetal position or lie, confirm a heart beat and foetal well being. This is not a diagnostic foetal abnormality scan which requires referral to a specialist centre.

All the nurses in the practice have special training in this key area and will work hard to ensure your baby is seen promptly and carefully assessed on each visit for participation in the national vaccination programme.

For those patients suffering back pain we offer a comprehensive assessment clinic lead by Dr. Neil Healy in conjunction with Mr. Kevin Darcy, Chartered Physiotherapist. From initial assessment we can provide diagnosis and referral for MRI scanning. Please arrange reception for an appointment with Dr . Healy for an initial assessment.

Breast Check screening is for women without symptoms; we urge any woman who has any concerns to visit her family doctor/GP immediately even if she has had a recent mammogram.  We also encourage all women to remain breast aware between or after screenings and to check for any symptoms or changes in their breasts.
Breast Check is a Government-funded programme providing breast screening and invites women aged 50 to 64 for a free mammogram on an area-by-area basis every two years.  The aim of Breast Check is to reduce deaths from breast cancer by finding and treating the disease at an early stage.
We encourage all women who receive a Breast Check invitation to attend their appointment.  Women who have any concerns regarding their appointment can contact Breast Check Freephone 1800 454555 or online at www.breastcheck.ie/

Blood tests are performed in the practice mainly by our practice nurses but both doctors and nurse take bloods by appointment.

A range of blood tests are available for health investigation and screening and include:

• Full Blood Count
• Fasting Cholesterol / Lipids – (fasting from midnight the night before the blood test.)
• Fasting Glucose – for early detection of Diabetes
• Bone Profile
• Allergy tests
• Kidney Function Tests
• Haematinics (Iron, Folate, Ferritin, Vitamin B12) – for Anaemia
• Hormone Profile – for Fertility / Menopause / Testosterone Deficiency
• Thyroid Function Tests
• Liver Function Tests
• PSA – Prostate Cancer
• Uric Acid – for Gout

We also provide specialist blood testing for D Dimer, BNP and AMH levels by request.

Blood testing is normally by request after a consultation with a doctor. 
Fasting blood test appointments are normally taken in the morning, you will need to be fasting from midnight (you can take sips of water is necessary).

At Bellview Clinic we have equipment for osteoporosis screening using non harmful ultrasound assessment of bone strength or bone mineral density. This is a simple efficient screening tool and can be requested by contacting reception and is included in a range of services as part of our Full fasting health Checks. Our Doctors will then make recommendations to you to optimise bone strength where needed.

Echocardiology is a means of using sound waves to image the heart muscle and valves in real time. It allows for accurate assessment of the pump function of the heart and is essential in the assessment of suspected heart failure. It also allows for screening of murmurs and in excluding some of the more common causes of Sudden Adult Death. We can provide this service following consultation with your doctor and it is a straightforward and non invasive office procedure which takes approximately 30 mins. This service is provided by a fully trained cardiac technician and supervised and reported by our Consultant Cardiologist's.

All the doctors will provide you with help with regard to illness certification. If you have been out of work and require a medical certificate and / or social welfare certificates you must be assessed by one of our medical staff before a certificate can be issued. 

The National Cervical Screening Programme provides free smear tests to women aged 25 to 60.  A smear test is a simple procedure that only takes minutes and is the most effective way to detect changes in the cells of the cervix.  Cervical check has recently changed its policy to access the service.  You must ring or register online, then contact us for an appointment once you receive your letter of invitation.  We need to record the CSP ID number from the top of your invitation.  Always advise reception if you are attending for a smear test as we would like to book your appointment with the appropriate person.  Certain forms need to be completed in advance.  Please bring your invitation letter to your appointment.

Cervical Check
Register online www.cervicalcheck.ie
Freephone information line: 1800 454555
email: info@cervicalcheck.ie

Cervical Check – The National Cervical Screening Programme, PO Box 161, Co Limerick.

About Cervical Cancer

Cervical Cancer is a cancer of the cells of the cervix (neck of the womb). Cervical cancer is the second most common female cancer in Europe. Cervical cells change slowly and may take years to develop into cancer cells, making cervical cancer a preventable disease.
Cervical screening is a method of preventing cervical cancer by detecting abnormal cells in the cervix (lower part of the womb). For many women the test results show that everything is fine. But for some women, the test shows changes in the cells that can be caused by many things. Most of these changes will not lead to cancer. However signs that it may develop can be spotted early on a cervical smear, so it can be stopped before it gets started.
What is a smear test?
A smear test (sometimes called a pap smear / test) is used for cervical screening. It is a simple procedure where the smear taker takes a sample of cells from the cervix (neck of the womb) to look for early changes. A smear test can identify cell changes before they become cancer cells. If these cells are not found and treated, they could become cancerous.
Who should have a smear test?
Every woman aged between 25 and 60 should have a regular smear test and continue to have regular smear tests after the menopause; you can discuss your own particular case with one of our medical staff. If you are aged over 60 years and have never had a smear test, please contact your doctor to discuss your cervical screening needs.
Why should I have a smear test?
A smear test is preformed to test cells in the cervix for early detection of abnormalities.  Smear tests should be encouraged.  Having a regular smear test could save your life.
When is the best time to have a smear test?
The best time to attend for your smear test is mid-cycle – that is, 10 to 14 days after the first day of your period (if you are having periods).
How is a smear test taken?
A smear test is a very simple procedure that takes less than five minutes.  It might be slightly uncomfortable but should not be painful. You may lie on your side or on your back for your smear test. The doctor or nurse taking the test will gently insert an instrument called a speculum into your vagina to hold it open.  The cervix is the area where the top of the vagina leads to the uterus (womb).  The doctor or nurse will use a small, specialised brush to gently remove a sample of cells from the cervix.  This sample is sent to the laboratory to be checked.

Post hysterectomy
If you have had a hysterectomy (your womb removed), check with your doctor to see if you need to continue having regular smear tests.

Frequency of smear testing
Providing that you have registered with cervical check after the first smear test, women aged 25 – 44 will be invited by Cervical Check to have a free smear test every three years. They will invite women aged 45 – 60 to have a free smear test every five years.  Cervical Check will advise you when your next free smear test is due.  If you have any unusual or irregular vaginal bleeding, spotting or discharge, do not wait for your next smear test – contact the doctor immediately.

Results
Cervical Check will send you a letter about your results within approx four to eight weeks of your smear test, in some letters they suggest making an appointment to discuss your results with your doctor which is quiet normal.  The result of your test will also be available from your smear taker and recorded on your file when received from cervical check.

• Free smears for those registered with Cervical check. (register online www.cervicalcheck.ie)
• Private Smears are available for those not eligible for Cervical check.  (There is a charge for this service.)
• (The smear samples are normally undertaken by our practice nurses or female doctors by appointment.)  The best time to book this appointment is between day 7 and 14 of your monthly cycle.

At Bellview Clinic, we are committed to the complete care of patients with one or more long term illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, asthma and many more. We provide dedicated holistic clinics which integrate on site expertise in medical, nursing, physiotherapy, dietician, psychology and consultant  medical opinion so as to ensure better long term patient outcomes. We are supported by a wide range of Consultants on site, together with an extensive arrange of investigative tools in house such a Holter monitoring, 24 Hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure monitors, Stress testing and Echo cardiac scanning.

All doctors in the practice help to provide a wide range of contraceptive methods. They will help you pick the method which is right for you. We provide advice and care for a wide range of contraceptive options…

Contaceptive Pills ( COCP & POP) Contraceptive Patch Contraceptive Ring – Nuva Ring Depot Injectable Contraceptive – Depo Provera

Implanon Insertions and Removals Emergency Contraception – Morning After Pill Mirena Coil Insertions and Removals

All females who are taking oral contraception are advised to book an appointment with a nurse or doctor for a prescription review every six months.

We have a range of dermatology services at Bellview Clinic and many of the doctors have a special interest in skin disease and its diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Neil Healy provides care on all rashes and skin lesions and uses the best evidence based modalities and therapies including biopsy, lesion removal, laser therapy and cryosurgery for many common conditions. He has completed both Diplomas in Dermatology in addition to a Masters Degree in Dermatology and written a thesis in his area of special interest which is non-melanoma skin cancer and its optimum management in primary care. If you are attending for a skin consultation please inform reception at the time of booking and request a 30 minute appointment.

We specialise in the comprehensive care of diabetes and have dedicated health personnel. Please request a 30 minute appointment with our Diabetic Nurses and Doctor.

A wide range of in-house diagnostic service is available including biopsy, cardiac ECG, spirometry, and tonometry for glaucoma screening.

Please make enquires to reception or speak with your Doctor or Nurse.

A medical assessment is required for completion of a drivers licence. This applies to new or renewal licences. This requires a medical and eye sight test and a routine appointment is needed. This is not covered under the Medical Card scheme.  A fee of €55 applies. 

If you have been injured and need lacerations repaired and a tetanus booster, please ring us in advance so we may prepare for your arrival. We also remove foreign bodies from the eyes and other soft tissues.

This is a procedure whereby a small camera is used to investigate symptoms relating to upper airways or stomach or the lower bowel. Our Doctors will arrange for you to see in house Consultant Specialists to provide this service

This condition is common and some patients find it very disabling. It commonly affects the arm pits or axillae and palms of the hands. Where the normal anti-perspirants have failed a technique of using Botox injections can be very effective. Please arrange to see Dr. Neil Healy for an appointment to discuss options that are best suited to you and our Plastic Consultant Specialist can provide this service.

• Pre-conception counselling - Your doctor’s advice at least three months prior to your intention of becoming pregnant is recommended.
• Follicle tracking – please discuss with your doctor.
• Fertility advice including investigation and referral where necessary.
• Pregnancy tests.
• Antenatal and postnatal care – a list of maternity visits covered free of charge is available at reception.  The 2 week check for your baby and 6 week check up for both Mum and baby is provided free of charge if you have attended the practice for your maternity visits.

Bellview Clinic provides a full spectrum of care for the family including preconception consultations, fertility assistance, maternity care and ultrasound, infant check up and paediatric clinics. Vaccination programmes and childhood development screening including childhood audiology services are provided on site. Adolescent medicine and dermatological expertise is available. We provide help across the full range of contraception including Mirena Coil and Implanon. The full check up appointment for the healthy adult is very popular and requires a 1.5 hour consultation. We provide dedicated care to the elderly and have a regular planned home visit and Nursing home care service.

Influenza (flu) is a highly infectious and potentially serious illness caused by the influenza viruses.  Each year the content of the seasonal flu vaccine is designed to protect against the influenza viruses in accordance with the World Health Organization. 

Flu Vaccine is recommended for the elderly, patients with chronic disease, health-care workers and pregnant patients.  Please make an appointment with our nurses at reception.  In some cases there is a charge for this vaccine, the nurse will advise.

For those couples experiencing difficulty conceiving Bellview Clinic provides for comprehensive investigation and work up in addition to modalities such as hormonal assaying. If you are considering attendance in this regard, please ask for a 30 minute appointment and attend with a full bladder and separate urine sample. 

We provide onsite tonometry and slit lamp examination for efficient and comfortable screening for glaucoma and disorders of the eye. The doctors are trained in the removal of foreign bodies including steel and debris.

At Bellview Clinic we provide comprehensive gynaecological assessment and treatment. We have a special interest in this area supported by our practice nurses. A comprehensive range of therapies is available including Contraception such as Mirena Coil and Implanon, STI screening, HPV screening and cervical smear screening.

This common, often under diagnosed familial condition of iron overload is easily diagnosed and treated comprehensively at Bellview Clinic. Our staff are fully trained in ‘therapeutic phlebotomy’ and this procedure is re-imbursed by insurance for those patients who have appropriate cover. We typically provide early morning appointments for those patients travelling onwards to work. Please request an appointment with the nurse for this procedure.

We provide a comprehensive medical check up. Please specifically ask for an appointment for these checks as they are lengthy, up to 1.5 hrs, and require a number of members of health staff in order to be thorough and complete. The check up will include, where appropriate
1. Thorough history and symptoms assessment
2. Examination including blood pressure, urine, height, weight, and temperature
3. Examination of chest heart abdomen and pelvis.
4. Gynaecological check and breast assessment in females
5. Prostate screening and testicular examination in males
6. Full blood work up and analysis
7. ECG
8. Tonometry
9. Spirometry
10. Stool sample for blood and bacteria (HLO)

11. Health Status and Risk assessment

12. Recommendations on further investigations where appropriate

13. Special procedures including where necessary biopsies, cryosurgery, and further procedures

14. Review appointment to collate the results and decide on any further steps.

We have invested in a number of devices which allow us to monitor your heart electrical rhythm over a period, usually 24 hrs. This is a very useful way of detecting rhythm disturbance and for the investigation of weakness or palpitations. Please speak with your doctor who can conveniently arrange for this investigation at the Bellview Clinic.

Bellview Clinic hosts an array of specialist equipment and medical supports. We try to encourage all patients who can travel to the clinic to do so, to avail of these services and allow us provide a better standard of care. However we provide home care for the provision of palliative care to the terminally ill, in conjunction with the local palliative care team. If you feel you require a home visit please ring the office and ask for the manager who will assist you promptly.

Laser is provided for the treatment of scarring and acne and ‘spider’ veins together with a range of vascular blemishes. This N lite technology is simple, quick and very effective with minimal discomfort. If you are considering this therapy, please make a routine pre treatment assessment appointment.

At Bellview Clinic we pride ourselves on the care we provide to our maternity patients. All the doctors and nurses have a special interest in this area. In addition, the service is provided through the Maternity Scheme. This means that routine visits up to and including two and six week checks are provided ‘free of charge’ to you.

Mother & Baby Maternity Visit Schedule

Ante-natal  Weeks		GP	Hospital
10-12	GP	Yes
12-16	Hospital		Yes
24	GP	Yes
28	Nurse/Midwife	Consecutive Pregnancy	First Pregnancy
30	GP	Yes
32	Hospital		Yes
34	GP	Yes
36	Hospital		Yes
37	Nurse/Midwife	Yes
38	Hospital		Yes
39	Nurse/Midwife	Yes
40	Hospital		Yes
Post-natal Weeks
2	GP	Yes
6	GP	Yes

We provide dedicated care to the Elderly and have a regular planned weekly Nursing home visit. Outside of this, urgent attendance can be arranged at short notice by speaking with the Practice Manager

Patients who require a medicolegal report should request a 30 minute appointment with their doctor. They may ask their solicitor to then request this report or have it sent directly to the Personal Injuries Assessment Board. Reports will be professional, thorough and punctually completed to the highest standards in line with the Personal Injuries Assessment Board guidelines. Please remember to bring all details of the accident with you together with a written account of the accident or injury as this will be of assistance to the Doctor in finalising the report.

We provide a comprehensive occupational health service. Dr Healy leads this service and is joined by Mr. Paul O Connor for Audiology. Services include the provision of onsite visits and guidance with Health and Safety recommendations. Pre-employment medical checkups and surveillance can be arranged by contacting the office directly.

At Bellview Clinic we have a dedicated ‘same day’ paediatric service with consultations from €35. Many of our doctors have post graduate specialist paediatric and child health diploma’s and the clinic provides wonderful child friendly play areas. Paediatric dermatology is an area of interest for Dr. Neil Healy.  Our dedicated two and six week Baby check up’s are assisted by trained paediatric nurses who provide the lead at vaccination time.

The Physio Company are Ireland’s leading provider of physiotherapy with clinics nationwide. We provide the highest levels of clinical excellence and standards in each of our locations. Kevin D’Arcy is our Chartered Physiotherapist in Mullingar and his 15 years of experience will ensure that you are in safe hands. Kevin specialises in medical acupuncture, dry needling, pain & neck pain, orthotics, biomechanics and sports injuries.



For more information please visit www.thephysiocompany.com

Our practice nurses provide the following services : 

• Vaccinations – Child / Seasonal / Travel
• Cervical Screening – (please advise reception when you are attending for a smear test)
• Health promotion – smoking cessation / advice
• Wound care – advice & dressings
• Stitch clip and suture removal
• Blood pressure check ups
• ECG recordings
• Diet advice – Cholesterol / Diabetes / Weight Loss
• Blood tests - are taken primarily by our nursing staff
• Diabetes management is provided by specialist nurse led service 
• Nebulisation
• Ear syringing - (please advise reception when you are attending for ear syringing, the use of drops is normally recommended prior to attending for ear syringing)
• 2 & 6 week maternity check ups

We will ensure you get same day access where urgent health concerns arise in children, maternity, and any patient that is too unwell to wait for a routine appointment. So if you or your family member are too unwell to wait for a routine appointment, please inform the reception and we will facilitate your immediate care as best we can.

There are many conditions that can affect a person’s mental health.  These include: anxiety, financial pressure, bereavement, depression, insomnia, stress and other mood – related conditions.  Our medical staff are trained to assist you, please make an appointment with one of our doctors.  We can offer individual tailored advice, medication and / or a specialist referral.

Spectrum Therapy is Ireland's largest network of Psychology and Counselling clinics. Our Psychologists can provide evidence-based therapy for a wide range of mental health issues. They possess the skills required for helping children, young people and adults who are experiencing difficulties as well as the ability to conduct a wide range of psychological assessments. All of our Counsellors and Psychologists are fully qualified and are members of the Psychological Society of Ireland.



For more information please visit www.spectrumtherapy.ie

Sexually transmitted infections are sometimes called STIs or STDs.Both male and females need to look after their sexual health and take time to understand the issues that surround contraception and sexually transmitted infections. With some STIs, like chlamydia, you could be carrying the infection without having any symptoms. This particular infection can affect fertility, so it is important to be screened if you think you may be at risk. We can screen for, diagnose and treat the common STIs in both women and men.

Here are some common symptoms of a STIs-

Symptoms of each STI can vary from symptoms affecting the genitals, to symptoms that affect various other parts of the body.  The following is not a full list of all possible symptoms.  
However, these are the common symptoms to look out for
 
     A vaginal discharge.
     Abnormal vaginal bleeding.
     A discharge from the penis.
     A sore, ulcer, rash, or lump that appears on the penis or around the vagina, vulva or anus.
     Pain when you are having sex.
     Pain when passing urine (although the common reason for this is a urine infection and not a STI).
     Swelling of the glands in your groin.
 
Remember, in many cases of STI no symptoms develop.  Even though you have no symptoms, you can still pass on the infection to others. Therefore, if you think that you may have a STI, it is best to make an appointment with one of our medical staff.

These clinics are very useful for those patients worried about a skin mark or ‘lesion’ which they feel may be cancerous. This service provides assessment, diagnosis and investigative biopsy as required together with definitive treatment where necessary. 

An area of special interest within the practice is the provision of comprehensive care to our patients with special needs. We provide domiciliary visits as part of this assessment.

This is a device which allows the doctor to assess you lung capacity and ability to breath in and out appropriately. It is routinely performed as part of our Full Health Checks and is provided to those patients where recommended by your doctor. It is a very useful investigative tool in those suspected of asthma, bronchitis and diseases of airways and lungs.

A stress test is a test of cardiac function and exercise tolerance. We use a treadmill to slowly incrementally increase the exercise you do, so as to increase the work the heart needs to perform. We continuously monitor the work the heart does to observe for changes associated with poor coronary circulation. This is performed by our technician on site and following discussion with your doctor.

Bellview Clinic has state of the art facilities and theatre for the provision of a wide range of primary care surgery and minor operations. Please book an assessment appointment prior to a procedure that includes: 

1. In growing toe nail – this is an area of special interest and expertise at Bellview Clinic
2. Biopsy of skin and abnormal lesion
3. Abscess or cyst drainage and removal 
4. Wart and verruca management 
5. Haemorrhoid injections 
6. Mole excision 
7. Sebaceous cyst excision
8. Treatment of ‘low risk’ skin cancers 
9. Laceration and wound suturing and repair
10. Nose bleeding packing / cautery
11. Foreign body removal from the eye 
12. Eye lid lesions removed
13. Finger nail procedures
14. Ganglion removal and / or drainage
15. Joint injections 
16. Therapeutic phlebotomy – this is blood letting for patients with haemochromatosis
17. Lipoma enucleation 
18. Removal of foreign bodies from subcutaneous tissues
19. Genital wart removal 
20. Oral cyst removal
21. Hydrocoele tapping

Travel vaccines are individual to your vaccination history and your travel destinations.  Fees applicable will be discussed at appointment time. 

Ultrasound is a means of using sound waves to generate images of internal structures.

Includes general physical examination, breast check, blood pressure, height, weight, fasting blood test for glucose and cholesterol and lifestyle advice.

Full Health Check

Breast Examination

Bone density screening (DEXA)

Continence problems

Sexual Health

STI Screening

As part of the Spectrum Health Group, Spectrum Foot Clinics are widely recognised as Ireland’s premier Chiropody & Podiatry clinic network. With an excellent team of Podiatrists & Chiropodists we are committed to providing the best possible clinical services for our patients in our relaxed & friendly clinics. We use the most up-to-date assessment methods to accurately diagnose your foot pain or problem to develop the most effective treatment plan for a wide range of injuries & conditions. All of our Podiatrists & Chiropodists are regulated by The SCPI .

For more information please visit www.spectrumfootclinics.ie