Surgery Times: Monday to Friday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm

18 CATHERINE STREET WATERFORD

051 - 875338 / 877317

maya angelou quotes best you can until know better then when wisdom
 
It is so important to look after your health , be proactive and seek professional advice when concerned .

Sometimes especially as we get older it is just wise to have a Check – up  !

Examples of hidden problems that can be identified early – High Blood Pressure , Raised Cholesterol , Pre- Diabetes , Cervical abnormalities to name a few .

We are here to do our very best to provide the most competent , up to date , accessible medical care we can.

Please see our range of services listed . 

CATHERINE STREET SURGERY TIMES:

Monday – Friday: 9am – 5:30 pm

12 Ways to reduce your Cancer Risk -> Irish Cancer Society Top Tips 

Chronic childhood illness, disability, and psychosocial problems are receiving major attention in current paediatric care.

We at Catherine Street Medical Centre offer comprehensive care for your children.

All our doctors have post-graduate training in Paediatrics and are happy to welcome our younger patients. If you are told we are fully booked when you phone for an appointment, but feel your child needs to see a doctor urgently, please say this to the receptionist and we will ensure that your child is seen.

We provide free childhood vaccinations to all our young patients from the age of 2 months onwards

See this Link for up to date vaccine Schedule from the HSE  -> Childhood Vaccine Schedule 

Even the healthiest , most well nourished children get sick sometimes .

The key to success is in recognising the onset / devlopment of a more serious / significant illlness.

When in doubt contact your Doctor (or Caredoc if at nightime or the weekend).

Please see this link for advice on the common childhood infections -> https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/colds-coughs-children/

IMPORTANT MESSAGE : Children up to 8th Birthday are entitled to FREE Gp visits – this is not means tested – you must apply to the HSE – See ‘NEWS ‘ section of this site  for links to the relevant section of the HSE site .

What is the Chronic Disease Management Programme?

The CDM Programme aims to improve the health and well being of patients living with specific chronic diseases-Type 2 diabetes, Asthma, COPD and Cardio Vascular Disease.  This is  to ensure conditions are actively monitored to minimise complications and therefore hospitalisation.

If you feel you qualify and are not enrolled in this programme already please ask the Doctor or Nurse at your next visit .

How does the programme work for me?

There are 2 free structured reviews in the GP surgery each year as part of the programme. 

Patients are contacted by a member of the admin. team  to book an appointment with the Doctor / Nurse for review .

Am I an eligible patient and can I access this programme free of charge?

  • You are eligible to join this programme free of charge if you:
    • Have a medical card or a GP visit card
    • Are aged 18 years or over .
    • Have a specific chronic disease(s) :
      • Type 2 Diabetes
      • Asthma
      • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
      • Cardiovascular Disease including: – Heart Failure – Heart Attack in the past , Angina – Stroke – Irregular Heartbeat (Atrial Fibrillation) 

 How will I benefit as a patient from participating ?

  • Structured reviews of your chronic disease with your GP or practice nurse
  • A personalised care plan developed and agreed with your GP
  • Regular reviews of your care plan and medication
  • Opportunities for structured education and self-management support
  • Early detection of any new conditions you may develop
  • Early detection of complications in your condition(s)
  • Care in your community, close to your home.

 

Prevention Programme

for GMS and Doctor Visit Card Patients 

What Is COPD

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a disease that makes it hard to empty air out of your lungs. This is because the airways get smaller leading to airflow obstruction. This can result in shortness of breath or tiredness because you are working harder to breathe.

COPD is a term used to include chronic bronchitis, emphysema or a combination of both conditions.

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a condition that affects the airways- the small tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs. In asthma, the airways become over-sensitive; meaning that they react to things that wouldn’t usually cause a problem, such as cold air or dust.

When the airways react to a substance, the muscles of the tube walls tighten up, making them narrow and leaving little room for air to flow in and out. The lining of the airways then gets swollen (just like your nose during a cold) and sticky mucus is produced which clogs up the breathing passages.

With so little space in the airways, it becomes difficult for air to move in and out and the chest has to work much harder to breathe.

Top Tips :

1. If you still smoke you need to stop . This is causing ongoing damage and means your medicines / treatments can’t work effectively . There is great help available for example medication , nicotine replacement and counselling .Please see this website (and talk to your Doctor) -> help me stop smoking 

2. Optimise your weight and exercise . Avoid being over weight and stay active . Aerobic fitness / fresh air and movement is very important to keeping your lungs healthy .
 
3. Take  your medicine as prescribed by your Doctor and use your inhalers properly . 
See this link  ->  inhaler technique videos 
 
4. Keep up to date with your vaccinations . This is very important . Flu , Pneumococcal  and Covid 19 vaccination are important defences against serious illness , hospitalisation or even death for people with lung conditions. FREE of charge  with your Doctor .
 
5. Stay informed . The more you known about your condition the more you are empowered and are in control .Here are 2 excellant Irish Websites to start with :
-> COPD 

Care of our Older Patients 

Please remember everyone over the age of 70  is entitled to FREE access to their GP . 
BUT you need to apply for this to the HSE .
 
This is the link to apply on line or  to get an application form to fill out -> Over 70 Doctor Visit Card
Or
Phone us and we will help you .

Care of our Older Patients – Chronic Disease Management Clinics 

NB :This is a very important service for older patients .

Any patient with a Doctor Visit Card or a Medical Card over the age of 18 years  is being  offered a FREE twice yearly check up with our Doctor and Nurse if you have one or more of the following problems :

1. Heart  History – atrial fibrillation , ischemic heart disease , heart failure 

2. Brain History – mini stroke or stroke

3. Chest history – asthma / COPD 

4. Diabetes  

Pls phone surgery for appointment 051-875338/ 877317 if you feel you are in this category but have not been contacted already .

We have a very special interest and passion for helping our older patients – we offer a wide range of services and supports and can link you with our other Primary Care colleagues such as Public Health Nurse , OT , Physio and Dietician .

We can also arrange review with the Care of The Elderly Clinic in University Hospital Waterford if required.

Know your rights – Please click on this link to SAGE -> Advocacy for Elderly People 

Doctors here in Catherine Street Medical Centre have extensive experience in examining people involved in accidents or injuries for which an independent medical report is required by theirs, or opposing, Solicitors or the Personal Injuries Assessment Board. 

Our  GP  Professionals here are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to create clinical records and reports that adhere to best practice standards, and that will stand up to legal scrutiny.                                         

Our  doctors have done additional specialist training in medical report writing having attended the La Touche – ‘ Excellence in medical report writing ‘ course.

We provide medico legal reports to our own patients if legal matters arise in terms of accidents / injuries etc.

We offer prompt appointments within 2-3 weeks followed by a comprehensive report.

How to make an appointment:

Solicitors – please send in a written request for an appointment

Our Patients – please make appointment to see a doctor if you have an injury, you may be directed to see your Solicitor

At the Catherine Street Medical Centre we take particular interest in men’s health.

“Well Man” Health Check

This  comprehensive men’s health check is designed for men between the ages of 45 and 70.  The purpose is to screen for common treatable illnesses that are a threat to the health and lives of men in this age group.

We screen for Angina and Stroke risk factors. We assess the risk factors for heart disease, including raised blood pressure, diabetes, raised cholesterol, smoking, diet and alcohol consumption, obesity, and an exercise assessment.  If any lung abnormalities are detected, we arrange a chest x-ray and lung function tests.

We check for prostate enlargement, and signs of men’s cancers including prostate and testicular cancer.  We check for hernias, kidney disease, liver disease, thyroid disease, and haemochromatosis. We also perform a skin survey to check for skin cancer.  We assess sexual health and erectile function.  The check-up also includes an assessment for depression and anxiety.

The Well Man includes an initial assessment carried out by our Practice Nurse and a follow up consultation with your doctor.

Follow up care can be provided as required at Catherine Street, or any appropriate referrals arranged.

The total cost for the Well Man check up is €190.

Any additional investigations or follow up care are not covered by this cost, but we do offer reduced rates to Well Man patients for lung function testing and 24 hour blood pressure monitoring.

Please contact reception for further information or to make an appointment.

We provide a diverse range of minor surgical procedures which include :

  • Wedge resection of toe-nails
  • Joint injections eg tennis / golfers elbow , knee and shoulder arthritis / inflammation
  • Abscess drainage 
  • Stitching and removal of stitches
  • Removal of foreign bodies
  • Insertion and removal of the Mirena long acting Contraceptive device
  • Insertion and removal of Implanon long acting contractive implant
  • Wound Care and Dressings 
  • Cryotherapy to Skin Tags , warts , verruca, sun damage skin lesions

Cryotherapy is a specialised way to remove certain lesions. It usually requires more than one visit . Liquid Nitrogen is sprayed onto the lesion from a special flask for a number of seconds.

It may result temporarily in pain , blistering and local irritation but is generallly a non-scarring and simple way to remove suitable lesions.

Most Minor Surgical procedures are covered by / reimbursable from all Major Medical  Insurers .

Some of these services are  free to Medical Card Patients and some incur a fee – Please ask when making an appointment .

In general an appointment is first required with a Doctor to plan your Minor Surgical procedure however stitching etc for acute trauma is also available.

Our nurses provide holistic nursing care to the entire population of the general practice, i.e. from newborns to the elderly; both GMS and private patients.

Duties include:

  • Immunisations
  • Infant vaccinations, (DPT, HIB, Polio, Meningitis C, MMR).
  • Childhood vaccinations, (MMR, Meningitis C, pre-school booster vaccines for children attending private schools).
  • Travel vaccinations, (Tetanus, Polio, Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Yellow Fever).
  • Hepatitis B, Tetanus boosters.
  • Flu and Pneumococcal vaccines.
  • Women’s health / Antenatal care.
  • Cervical screening.
  • Advice on various methods of contraception and H.R.T.
  • Pregnancy testing, antenatal care, postnatal care, breastfeeding advice.
  • Men’s Health 
  • Cholesterol testing & dietary advice
  • ECGs.
  • 24 hour blood pressure monitoring.
  • Monitoring patients on anti-coagulant therapy.
  • Smoking cessation.
  • Stress management.
  • Heartwatch Programme
  • Skin/wound care / Minor surgery.
  • Treatment of venous leg ulcers and other skin injuries.
  • Post-operative suture removal.
  • Nursing management of skin conditions (eczema, psoriasis).
  • Diabetes care – Nursing management of Diabetes.
  • Respiratory care.
    • Nursing management of Asthma and COPD.
    • Smoking cessation, lung function testing.
  • General nursing
    • Health Promotion and Education.
    • Telephone triage and advice.
    • General phlebotomy.
    • Ear Care.
    • Administering long-term medications/injections, (e.g. Cytamen, Depoprovera, Depixol, Myocrisin).
  • Indirect nursing
  • Liaising with other health professionals in the community/hospital.
  • Auditing patient care and practice services.

Employer Referral Form

Pre-Employment Questionaire

OUR GOALS 

We work to promote health , prevent illness and provide Expert Medical Opinion when medical difficulties arise.

Doctors In Catherine Street Medical Centre have achieved Post Graduate Qualifications in occupational medicine to add to years of professional experience in this sub-specialty.

To discuss your Businesses medical needs please contact our Practice Manager on : practicemanager@csmc.ie

Services Provided ; 

  • Pre-employment Health Screening
  • Occupational Health Assessments
  • Absence Management
  • Occupational Vaccination 
 

Our Medical Expertise will assist you as employer by advising on issues such as:

  • Current fitness status
  • Return to work date
  • Likely length of ongoing absence
  • Whether or not future absences can be anticipated due to health issues
  • If work accommodations or restrictions are required and for what period of time
  • Whether the employee has a medical condition that might impact on ability to give reasonable attendance and effective service in the future.
 Diabetic Clinic 

We run a dedicated Diabetic clinic, at which we monitor Diabetic patients’ blood sugar control & we strive to reduce their risk factors for heart disease and the complications of Diabetes. 

 Ultimately, our goal is to improve the quality of life of our Diabetic patients.

 Heart Watch Clinic

For patients with established heart disease, such as heart attacks or those with coronary stents inserted, angioplasty or bypass surgery  this prevention programme assists in secondary prevention of coronary heart disease (CHD).

The specialist nurse moniters blood pressures, cholesterol, smoking status, exercise, and weight changes (BMI) on a regular basis.  

The Heartwatch programme has demonstrated significant improvements in reducing risk factors and improving our treatment of heart disease.

 

 

Dermatology is the medical specialty which focuses on the diagnosis of skin diseases.

For the young and not so young skin problems can be very debilitating be they short term problems or long term conditions.

Eczema, psoriasis , skin infections ( bacterial , viral or fungal ) can affect the skin , hair follicles or nails .

Skin probelms are a common presentation here at Catherine Street.

We have developed a particular interest in this area. If however a Specialist opinon is required we can put you in touch with a suitable Consultant.

Please see this link for up to date medical information and advice -> common skin conditions  

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover” Mark Twain

In order to have a safe and enjoyable trip abroad we will provide you with the most up to date medical information required for your particular destination. 
If you have been vaccinated previously you should review your cover before travelling again.

We  have a license  to provide  the Yellow Fever vaccine.
Some vaccine schedules should be started more than 2 months before travel.

When travelling  especially to the sundrenched shores of Asia, Africa, Central and South America you may require vaccination against certain dangerous diseases as well as medicine to help prevent malaria.
IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT PATIENTS SHOULD ATTEND FOR A CONSULTATION REGARDING TRAVEL VACCINATIONS AT LEAST 6 WEEKS BEFORE TRAVELLING, WHEN AT ALL POSSIBLE.    
 Remember when travelling to or from certain countries it is in fact compulsary to have certain vaccines eg Yellow Fever.
Please make an appointment to discuss your journey as soon as you know your itinery in order to plan your vacination programme.
However, should you not have the opportunity to attend well in advance  remember that partial cover is supremely better than no cover at all!
The consultation, as well as discussing Malaria prevention tablets and vaccinations, also deals with  advice about Diarrhoea / Vomiting and Sun Protection etc.
For further information see this link -> Travel Vaccine Advice 

We provide a comprehensive range of Services for our Female Patients .

– Smear testing .

– All Contraception options including long acting and emergency contraception.

– STI Screening .

-Pre conception , pregnancy and post pregnancy care .

– Menopause 

If you have any Women’s Health  Issues , any worrying symptoms or  need a Women’s Health Check – up we are here to help, advise, treat or refer to a Specialist  as appropriate .

Catherine Street has 4 Female Doctors … all experienced and indeed with additional qualifications and training in all aspects of Female Health .

Family Planning

THIS IS A FREE SERVICE TO ALL

( Private ,GMS / DVC )WOMEN AGED 17-35 YEARS OLD  

And 
FREE to  those of  all other ages with a DVC or GMS card .
There is a fee for Private Patients for Contraception care at this time aged  36 years and older…. or Indeed under 17 years old 

If you are planning a pregnancy or thinking of starting a family, we can offer advice on family planning to you and your partner. 

We can provide information on contraception, pre-conception recommendations, and advice for those who are having difficulties conceiving.

The FULL range of contraception options and advice are available here .

Our 4 Female Doctors are trained in Long Acting Reversible Contraception for example the Mirena , Kylena, Jaydess  and  Copper coils as well as the Implanon.

We provide  Emergency contraception as well as medical support in a  Crisis pregnancy situation .

For an appointment please phone 051-875338 / 877317

RESOURCES : 

For more information on Contraception :-> HSE Contraception information 

Also – this very comprehensive NHS site ->  contraception choices in detail 

Pregnancy

If you are planning a pregnancy, it is recommended that you take folic acid, (0.4mg a day for 3 months prior to conception, and for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy), also that your rubella status is checked prior to becoming pregnant.This means you should have a blood test for Rubella antibody levels ideally before becoming pregnant.

Please be aware in Ireland you are entitled to Free GP visits  and Free hospital visits for your pregnancy and post pregnancy check up.

The Doctor will ask you to sign a form at your first pregnancy visit to set this up.

For an appointment with one of our female doctors phone 051-875338 / 877317.

Useful website for more advice -> my pregnancy 

Nb If you find yourself in a crisis  pregnancy please be aware we are here to help in a caring , compassionate and confidential way .

Make an appointment  to see one of our Doctors .

This Link will help you explore your options -> crisis pregnancy 

Sexually Transmitted Infections ( STI ) and Screening :

If you are worried or have symptoms that suggest you might have an STI – please make an appointment to attend one of our Doctors.

Examination , swabs and blood tests taken will diagnose and facilitate treatment of the common conditions – There is also a local STI clinic in Uni. Hospital Waterford should that be required .

Of note – The HSE  provides a FREE kit that can be ordered from their website – This is accessible if you are aged 17 years and older.It checks – with a swab – for Chlamydia , Gonorrhoea , HIV and syphilis . Whilst there are other STIs also that are not possible to check with the swab it is a very good option too.

Link to Free STI test from HSE – > https://sh24.ie/

Please remember always make a Gp appointment if you have any symptoms that suggest a possible STI or due to a recent contact you feel there is a very great likelihood you could have been exposed to an STI.

Menopause 

This is a part of life and healthcare that affects every woman .

Please see this excellent and useful link to short education videos from the Irish College of general Practitioners -> menopause information 

We have 4 female Doctors in Catherine Street with years of experience in this important area.

Useful websites :

Cervical Check 

Menopause Matters 

Yoga and Nutritional Support  (Insight Out Wellness – Local Professional – By Private Appointment )

Useful Links

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