Annual Reviews

We provide annual reviews for patients with long term medical conditions.  We will invite you annually by letter.  Please contact our reception team to book your review and read the useful information on the following tabs about what to expect.

For COPD and Asthma, please complete the Assessment Tests and send us the results at least 48 hours before your appointment.  Please click on the COPD and Asthma sections for links to the tests.

If necessary you will be called for a second appointment by telephone.  Alternatively you will receive a letter containing your results.

Diabetic Reviews

Everyone who has been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes should undergo a diabetes care review at least once annually so we can monitor your general health.  If you are newly diagnosed, a child or have diabetic complications, we may invite you for a diabetic review more often.  You will have two appointments:

At appointment 1 with the nurse, we will:

• Take your height and weight
• Take your blood pressure and pulse
• Do blood tests
• Do a urine test

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At appointment 2 with the GP or Lead Nurse, we will:

• Discuss any issues you have with your diabetes or health in general
• Review your medication including any side effects
• Advise of any change in treatment, lifestyle or medication
• Check your feet for circulation and sensation.

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You will also be invited for Retinal Screening at the hospital.  At this appointment the back of the eye (retina) is checked for early diabetic changes which could lead to vision complications if left untreated.  For more information on diabetes, visit NHS - Diabetes or Diabetes UK

Sick Day Rules – for advice about your medication when you are unwell please click here.

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Pre-Diabetic Review

Many more people have blood sugar levels above the normal range, but not high enough to be diagnosed as having diabetes.  This is sometimes known as pre-diabetes or Non Diabetic Hyperglycaemia.  If your blood sugar level is above the normal range, your risk of developing full-blown diabetes is increased.  It is very important for diabetes to be diagnosed as early as possible because it will get progressively worse if left untreated.

If you have a blood test and this shows raised blood sugar levels, you will be invited for a pre-diabetic annual review.

At appointment 1 with the nurse, we will:

• Take your weight and height
• Check your blood pressure and pulse
• Do blood tests
• Do a urine test

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The results will be reviewed by a Nurse and either a letter or appointment arranged.

By making lifestyle changes you can prevent or delay the development of diabetes. Read more at Diabetes UK - Pre-Diabetes

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Gestational Diabetes

You will be invited for an annual blood test.

Heart Disease Review

Patients with the following heart conditions will be invited for an annual review:

• Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)
• Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)
• Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
• Stroke
• Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

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At appointment 1 with the nurse, we will:

• Take your height and weight
• Take your blood pressure and pulse
• Do blood tests
• Do a urine test

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These results will be reviewed by a Nurse and either a letter or appointment arranged.

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Please note that patients with Heart Disease are at increased risk of depression, please make an appointment with your GP if you are worried about your mood. 

For more information on heart disease, visit British Heart Foundation, H.E.A.R.T. UK, NHS - Coronary Heart Disease, NHS - Cardiovascular Disease, NHS - Peripheral Artery Disease, NHS - Stroke and NHS - TIA.

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Sick Day Rules – for advice about your medication when you are unwell please click here.

Hypertension Review

Persistently high blood pressure (BP), Hypertension, causes strain on the arteries carrying blood around the body, which may eventually lead to Heart Attacks and Strokes.

At appointment 1 with the nurse, we will:

• Take your height and weight
• Take your blood pressure and pulse
• Do blood tests
• Do a urine test

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The results will be reviewed by a Nurse and either a letter or appointment arranged.

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For more information on Hypertension and monitoring your BP at home, visit the following websites:

• NHS - High Blood Pressure
• The British Hypertension Society – provide a list of recommended home BP devices and a home blood pressure diary
• British Heart Foundation – provide guidance on monitoring your BP at home and a list of recommended BP devices

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Sick Day Rules – for advice about your medication when you are unwell click here.

Atrial Fibrillation Review

Atrial fibrillation is a heart condition that causes an irregular and often abnormally fast heart rate. This can cause problems including heart palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath and tiredness. You will be invited to two appointments:

Appointment 1 with the nurse:

• Take your height and weight
• Take your blood pressure and pulse
• Do blood tests

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The results will be reviewed by a Nurse and either a letter or appointment arranged.

For more information on atrial fibrillation, visit NHS - Atrial Fibrillation or the British Heart Foundation.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Review

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a long-term condition where the kidneys don’t work as well as they should. It is a common condition often associated with getting older.

At appointment 1 we will:

• Take your height and weight
• Take your blood pressure and pulse
• Do blood tests
• Do a urine test

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The results will be reviewed by a Nurse and either a letter or appointment arranged.

For more information on kidney disease, visit NHS - Chronic Kidney Disease or Kidney Care UK.

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Sick Day Rules – for advice about your medication when you are unwell click here.

Asthma Review

Asthma is a common lung condition that causes occasional breathing difficulties.  It affects people of all ages and often starts in childhood, although it can also develop for the first time in adults.

You will be invited for an annual review with the nurse.  Before your review, please complete the Asthma Control Test (PDF) and send it to us at least 48 hours in advance of your review.  If you cannot open the PDF document, you can complete the test on the Asthma Control Test Website and print a copy of your results. You can send your results to ork.skerryvorepractice@nhs.scot or bring them with you to your appointment.

At your review, the nurse will:

• Review your Asthma Control Test score,
• Check your Peak flow test
• Discuss your symptoms
• Check your inhaler technique, Please bring your inhalers and spacers with you
• Talk about reducing your risk of an asthma attack.

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For more information on asthma, visit NHS - Asthma and Asthma + Lung UK.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Review

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the name for a group of lung conditions that cause breathing difficulties. It includes:

• emphysema – damage to the air sacs in the lungs
• chronic bronchitis – long-term inflammation of the airways

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Before your review, please complete the COPD Assessment Test (CAT) PDF or on the CAT website and send it to us at least 48 hours before your appointment. You can send your results by email to ork.skerryvorepractice@nhs.scot or bring them to your appointment.

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You will be invited for an annual review to see a nurse, they will

• Review of your COPD treatment and lifestyle factors affecting your respiratory health including stopping smoking
• Take a FEV1 lung function test (2 second blow test)
• Review your medication and your inhaler technique (please bring your inhaler and spacers with you)

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For more information on COPD, visit NHS - COPD or British Lung Foundation