In our view any man from early mid life onwards who develops urinary symptoms such as difficulty passing urine, getting up at night frequently to pass urine, urgency to pass urine and poor urinary flow should seriously consider being investigated. The consultation involves taking a detailed account of the symptoms, family history, physical examination to assess the prostate gland. The prostate is located adjacent to the rectum and is assessed by digital rectal examination. A urine sample will be checked and possibly sent for laboratory analysis as well. A blood sample will be taken to assess the prostatic specific antigen. The findings are subsequently collated and you will be advised as to the likely underlying cause for your symptoms and whether this is something we can treat or whether you should go on to see a specialist.

By having regular cervical smears, early signs of cervical cancer can be detected if present. It usually takes some years to progress from the early signs to actual cervical cancer. In the event of abnormal cells being detected on a cervical smear a referral to a gynaecologist will be recommended. Treatment using colposcopy can eradicate abnormal cells and hence the possibility of one day developing cervical cancer.Thousands of lives have been saved in this way. You may already be having smears through your NHS GP. If for any reason you are not eligible for this or perhaps just wish to have an extra test or simply wish to be seen privately please make an appointment.
All smears are done using the modern brush technique and liquid based cytology.
Results may take a week or two to process. You will be informed of the result and any recommended action.

You may wish to have hepatitis screening for a number of reasons. There are three types of hepatitis A,B and C. Increasingly Hepatitis C is being recognised. Tests can be done to establish whether you have active infection, infection which has resolved and shows your immunity or immunity as a consequence of having received immunisation. In a number of professions, especially health workers it is essential to know your Hepatits B immune status.
Hepatitis screening is quite a complex matter and for this reason we advise a consultation to decide which tests you need to undergo. You will be informed of the exact cost at the time buut this ranges from around £50 to £250 (every aspect tested).
If you have been immunised and simply want to have confirmation of immunity to Hepatits B the cost is £45.

The criteria for diagnosing diabetes have been more closely defined in recent years and more people now fall in to the category of diabetic although many will not have s symptoms. Typically uncontrolled diabetes will present as weight loss, excessive thirst and urinary frequency. Increasingly we see people who have none of these symptoms but their laboratory investigations indicate that diabetes is present. Early diagnosis of diabetes allows for control of the condition and consequently less likelihood of developing complications such as heart problems, strokes, eye problems (including blindness), vascular problems and impaired nerve supply to the limbs.
If you have symptoms or if you think you are at risk of having diabetes (significantly overweight or family history) it is very worthwhile being checked.
The screening will involve careful enquiry in to your history and symptoms, physical examination including blood pressure , eyes , cardiovascular system and peripheral nerve supply. A urine sample will be tested and blood taken to check your blood glucose level, kidney and liver function.