Improving how we support your Long Term Conditions
If you have a long term condition eg. diabetes or heart disease, we’re here to help you live a healthier life. Our team wants to make sure you get the best care for your condition.
We focus on what matters most to you, not just your medical needs. This includes your treatment, your job, where you live, and your mental health.
What are Long-Term Conditions?
Long-term conditions are health problems that last a long time, like diabetes and heart disease. We know these conditions can affect your daily life, and we’re here to help you manage them confidently.
Who is this for?
We are focusing on nine specific long-term conditions:
- Diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2)
- Heart diseases (like strokes and heart failure)
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
- Atrial fibrillation
- Chronic kidney disease
- Asthma
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
What can you expect?
- Attend your Test and Check Clinic
At your Check and Test Appointment, a health professional will do all the checks and tests you need to manage your long-term condition. You might get a blood test, and they’ll check your blood pressure and weight. We may also talk to you about smoking and exercise.
- Receive your test results and your Care Plan
Two to four weeks later, you’ll get your test results by mail, text, or email, whichever you prefer. We will also send you a blank Care Plan.
A Care Plan is a deal between you and your healthcare professional to help manage your health every day. In your Care Plan, you can write down things that are important to your health and wellbeing, like your job, home, or mental health.
A Care Plan covers:
- What is important to you and your goals
- How to use your medication well
- The care and support you need from others
A healthcare professional will go over your Care Plan with you in your Discussion Appointment. You can start filling out your Care Plan before your appointment or during it.
- Attend your Discussion Appointment
You will then have a Discussion Appointment with a healthcare professional. This could be a nurse, healthcare assistant, pharmacist, or social prescriber link worker who can best support your care and spend more time with you. This appointment will take around 30 minutes.
You can talk about your long-term conditions, test results, treatment, and anything else that affects your health, like housing or your job. Together, we will look at what matters most to you and set some goals. Your Care Plan will be updated with what has been agreed.
- Attend your Follow-Up Appointment
Three to six months later, you will have a Follow-Up Appointment. This will last up to 15 minutes and is a chance to update your Care Plan with a healthcare professional. We will see what is going well and where you may need more support. You might have more than one Follow-Up Appointment in a year.
How will we contact you?
Don’t worry if you don’t hear from us right away. We’ll contact you by text, phone call, or letter to arrange your appointments throughout the year. If you have any concerns or questions, please feel free to get in touch with us, you can complete an online form
Your well-being is our priority, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
More information of LTCs
High blood pressure (hypertension)
Keeping track of your health
If you have high blood pressure, ensure see our nurses once a year. They’ll check your medication’s effectiveness and make necessary adjustments and update your management plan accordingly.
Check Your Blood Pressure Anytime
In our waiting room, you’ll find a machine to check your blood pressure anytime you want. It’s easy to use, and our friendly staff will assist you if needed.
Diabetes care
Taking Control of Diabetes
You have an important role to play! Check your blood sugar levels every day to see how food, activity, and medicine affect your body. Our team will help you understand when and how to check your blood sugar for better health.
Healthy Eating and Exercise
Eat healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins. Limit sugary and processed snacks. Stay active with exercises tailored for you by our healthcare team to keep you strong and healthy.
Using Insulin Safely
If you need insulin, we’ll teach you how to use it safely. Learn about injection sites, the right dosage, and precautions to take. We’ll also explain why it’s important to rotate injection sites to avoid problems.
Join the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme
If you’re at risk of Type 2 diabetes, consider joining our program. Our team will teach you how to stay healthy and lower your risk of diabetes.
Asthma Care
Stay Healthy with Asthma
If you have asthma, we care about keeping you healthy. Come see us every year for an asthma check-up. Our nurses and pharmacists will review your medications and make a plan just for you.
Keep Asthma Under Control
By coming to these check-ups, you can manage asthma well and live a healthier life, lowering the chances of serious attacks.
Remember, we’re here to support you and give you the best care possible.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Taking Care of Your Lungs
If you are 35 or older, a smoker, experience breathing difficulties, or have a persistent cough, see our nurses. They will perform lung function tests for COPD screening.
Annual Reviews: What to Expect
If you have COPD and haven’t done pulmonary rehabilitation yet, make an appointment with us. Our physiotherapists can help manage your COPD symptoms and improve your life.
Our team will support your lung health, give you the right medication, and make a plan just for you. You can have yearly check-ups with our nurses to make sure you get the best care. To book an appointment, call us or use our online services.
Chronic heart disease (CHD)
Come for a special check-up every year if you have chronic heart disease! Our experienced pharmacists and nurses will give you advice and support to help you stay healthier. During these check-ups, we’ll review your condition and medicines. We’ll also help you with healthy eating, staying active, not smoking, managing stress, and taking your medicines correctly. Our goal is to help you take charge of your health. Call our staff to schedule your yearly check-up and get the support you need to manage your heart disease well.