We offer a range of clinics and services at the surgery. There are some tasks you can do, such as health reviews, using the PATCHS service.
Cervical smear tests
NHS Cervical Screening Programme – Changes from 1st July 2025
The NHS Cervical Screening Programme saves thousands of lives every year by detecting abnormal cells in the cervix that could develop into cancer, if left untreated. How often people need to have cervical screening is changing in England from 1st July 2025.
The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) causes nearly all cervical cancers. Now that we have a better test for HPV, women and people with a cervix aged 25-49 years who test HPV negative, will be invited every 5 years, instead of every 3.
This change is strongly backed by robust scientific evidence. Studies have shown that if a person tests negative for HPV, they are extremely unlikely to go on to develop cervical cancer within the next 10 years.
If your cervical screening shows you have HPV, you may be invited for more frequent screenings to check HPV has cleared and, if not, if any cell changes have developed.
This move brings England into line with Scotland and Wales which have introduced this change, and with women aged 50 – 64 who are already invited every 5 years.
The way people can receive cervical screening invitations and reminders has also changed as this is now possible via the NHS App. To receive these, please download the NHS app and make sure your notifications are switched on. Find out more https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-app If you don’t wish to use the App, we’ll attempt to contact you by text message or letter so, don’t worry, you won’t miss an invitation.
NHS health check plus
NHS health checks are being offered to people aged between 40 and 74 once every five years. The check is to assess your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, kidney disease or diabetes. By taking early action, you can improve your health and prevent the onset of these conditions. There is good evidence for this. Patients who already suffer from one of the above mentioned conditions will not be invited for the health check as they should already attend for annual reviews with this GP or Practice Nurse.
The check should take about 20–30 minutes and is based on straightforward questions and measurements such as age, sex, family history, height, weight and blood pressure. There will also be a simple blood test to measure your cholesterol level. Following the check, you will receive free personalised advice about what you can do to stay healthy.
If you feel you are eligible, please ring the surgery on 01744 882855 and say you would like an NHS health check and we will make an appointment for you.
Family planning
Family planning advice is available from all the doctors in normal surgery hours.
Influenza vaccinations
In October every year we offer a completely free flu vaccination to our patients who are identified as being at risk. e.g. the elderly, those with heart or chest problems, diabetes etc. Please ask the practice nurse or one of the doctors for further details.
Maternity care
Maternity care is usually arranged on a shared basis between ourselves, your midwife and a specialist at one of the local maternity units.
Nurse-led clinics
All clinics are by invitation or appointment. For clinic times, please see either the receptionist or practice nurse. If you have been advised to submit a review prior to one of these clinics, please use the PATCHS service.
- Antenatal
- Asthma
- Child health surveillance
- Diabetic
- Family planning
- Hypertension
- Immunisation
- Ischaemic heart disease
- Phlebotomy
- Wellperson
- Wellwoman
Travel vaccinations
If you require any vaccinations relating to foreign travel you will be required to complete an online travel form. You can do this using the PATCHS service.
The practice nurse will determine which vaccinations are required. Please allow 3 days after submitting your form then call the surgery. You will be told which vaccinations are required and be asked to make an appointment.
External services
The services below are not managed by the doctors at Rainford Health Centre:
Phlebotomy
To book a blood test please visit www.merseywestlancs.nhs.uk/blood-tests (online booking available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week), or via phone on 0808 196 4500 (telephone booking is available between midday and 3pm, Monday to Friday).
Treatment room services
For ear syringing, removal of stitches, dressings please call 01744 626666 and press option 2. You can call between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Audiology
For hearing aid batteries please call 01744 646027.