A pneumococcal infection can affect anyone. However, some groups of people have a higher risk of the infection developing into a serious health condition. These include children who are under two years of age, adults who are 65 years of age or over and people with certain chronic (long-term) health conditions, such as a serious heart or kidney condition. Your doctor will advise you on whether the vaccination is appropriate and necessary for you.

Here at Newtown Medical Centre, we are fortunate to be able to provide excellent antenatal care combined with obstetricians. The ‘Mother and Child Scheme’ entitles mothers to six pregnancy visits with the doctor or practice nurse, free of charge. Once born, babies can return to the midwives for a free health check at 2 weeks of life. We look forward to meeting you and caring for you and your family for many years to come.

We are happy to advise patients on types and suitability of various contraceptive methods.These methods include a full range of contraceptive advice including all methods of contraception and can provide both Implanon (implant) and Mirena coil insertion services.

Health screening is a proactive approach to effective health and lifestyle management. This form of health screening is aimed at early identification of medical conditions which could cause ill health and even premature death. Such examples include heart disease, cancers and mental health disorders for example depression.

A blood test involves a sample of blood taken for testing to assess your general state of health, confirm the presence of a bacterial or viral infection, see how well certain organs such as the liver and kidneys are functioning or to check your blood count plus vitamin levels.

A cervical smear test is a method of detecting abnormal (pre-cancerous) cells in the cervix in order to prevent cervical cancer. Cervical screening is not a test for cancer; it is a test to check the health of the cells of the cervix. Cells in the cervix change in appearance before they become cancerous so a cervical smear test can detect warning signs that cancer might develop in the future.

We provide out of hours GP care for patients with urgent medical problems who need to contact a doctor after GP surgeries close. Please check your GP Practice ‘opening hours’ page’ for details of ‘out of hours’ service.

Child vaccinations are a safe and effective way to help the body prevent or fight off certain diseases. Although vaccinations are not mandatory in Ireland, they are strongly advised by the health authorities. In Ireland children and young people are entitled to certain vaccination and immunisation services free of charge.

Flu is a very infectious and potentially serious illness and a new flu vaccine must be given each year. For older people and those who have a chronic illness getting the flu vaccine by October gives them the best chance of avoiding the flu.

Many people who have an STI (sexually transmitted infection) do not have any symptoms and therefore do not even know they have one. If left untreated some STIs can cause long-term problems such as infertility.