Armed Forces Veteran Friendly Accredited GP Practice

PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR OUR SUPPORT LEAFLET

We are proud to support our Armed Forces community and being accredited shows that we are able to deliver the best possible care and treatment for patients who have served in the armed forces.

As a Veteran Friendly GP Practice we:

  • Have a clinical lead for veteran health
  • Support veteran patients to access dedicated health services
  • Undertake specialist training to meet the health commitments of the Armed Forces Covenant

Who counts as a veteran?

Have you ever served in the military/armed forces?

You are a veteran if you have served in the armed forces for at least 1 day.

Reservists who are not mobilised are also given the status of veteran until they return to actively serving.

If you are a mobilised reservist registered with Defence Medical Services (DMS), find information about accessing NHS healthcare while in active service.

Please let a member of staff know if you, or your spouse/partner, have ever served in the UK armed forces so that we can best support your care needs.

Op RESTORE: The Veterans Physical Health and Wellbeing Service

 

Op RESTORE: The Veterans Physical Health and Wellbeing Service is an NHS service that provides specialist care and treatment to veterans who have physical health problems as a result of their time in the Armed Forces.

Op RESTORE does not provide veteran mental health support, but works alongside Op COURAGE: the Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service.

Mental Health Services

Veterans and their families and carers can access dedicated mental health support services run by the MoD, the NHS and mental health charities. These include:

  • Op COURAGE: the Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service
  • the Veterans and Reserves Mental Health Programme
  • the Combat Stress mental health helpline
  • urgent NHS mental health support

Find out more about mental health support for veterans and families

The Veteran Friendly Practices accreditation scheme is run by the Royal College of General Practitioners in partnership with NHS England and NHS Improvement.

 

You can find out further information and support by visiting the dedicated  NHS Website or  Royal College of General Practitioners website here

 

Test results

These can be given out over the telephone after 2.00pm.

Treatment Room

A team of nurses provide a range of services for minor injuries, wound care, immunisations, blood tests, health checks, blood pressure testing, cervical smears and travel clinics.
To book an appointment or speak to a Nurse, please phone 0117 330 4223 / 4225 between 10am and 12 noon.

Research

The practice regularly takes part in medical research.
Your medical records may be used, but all personal details are removed.

Repeat prescriptions

Repeat prescription requests can be made in person at the practice or on line once you have registered for Patient Online Access with the practice.
Please click here for more information.

Non-urgent advice: Please Note

We do not accept prescription requests over the telephone for patient safety reasons

Podiatry (foot care)

If you have a problem with your feet, or an illness such as diabetes that can affect your feet, please contact reception for an appointment with the Podiatrist.

Physiotherapy

A Doctor may refer you to see a Physiotherapist at the Health Centre for Musculoskeletal problems or you may be directed this self help App.

Access getUBetter

The getUBetter app is provided free of charge by Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire (BNSSG) Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) patients registered at Birchwood Medical Practice. It can be accessed on a Smartphone or on the Web
and guides you day-by-day through a sequence of exercises and tips to help you get better from a range of new or recurrent musculoskeletal conditions:

• Lower back pain
• Back and leg pain
• Neck Pain
• Shoulder Pain
• Ankle Pain
• Knee Pain
• Soft Tissue Lower Limb

You may be referred to the App by one of our team, or you can self-register by clicking on this link or the App image

Please use an email address that is unique to you and select the condition you need help to manage. You will then be sent an email with all the information you need to get started.

You can download the getUBetter App to your Smartphone for easiest access or use the Webapp.

If you develop another condition register again with the same email address, select your new condition and it will be added to your account.

The app will also connect you to your local; treatment, healthcare providers or support services if needed like Physiotherapy.

New patient checks

When you register for the practice you may be invited to attend the treatment room for a new patient health check.

Minor surgery

The doctors and physiotherapists are able to inject joints.

We are not currently providing a service to freeze warts/remove skin lumps as we are focusing on general appointment capacity.

Maternity

When you are pregnant you will receive regular care from a Doctor and Midwife before and after your baby is born.

  • Baby clinic: Appointments for postnatal, 6 week checks and immunisations are available with most GPs.
  • Health visitors: There are Health Visitors based at the Childrens’ Centres in Brislington.
    You can contact them
  • Midwives: They hold regular clinics at the health centre. If you think you are pregnant and need to arrange your first midwife appointment please call the Midwife Antenatal Booking team on 0117 3420850