Private Medical Practise in Portobello, London

The Portobello Clinic offers a wide range of private medical services.

• Private general practice
• Specialist appointments
• Complementary therapies
• Ultrasound scanning
• Osteoporosis screening
• Sexual health screening
• Corporate and occupational health services
• Sickness and absence monitoring
• Pharmacy
• Travel clinic

The Notting Hill Private General Practice has been established for over 30 years and provides high quality primary care services to the local residents of West London. Patients can subscribe to the practice membership scheme, and avail themselves of the various benefits of membership, or consult as a visitor to the practice with appropriate feedback the their regular GP. For more information about the membership scheme, click here.

Full 24 hour general practice care for our member patients is provided by three highly qualified, experienced, diligent and innovative general practitioners. Please note that because of our flexible approach to healthcare, we do not hold rigid clinics like NHS practices such as asthma, diabetes, well woman/man etc as we have the time and facilities to deal with these problems individually during routine consultation.

We strive to maintain the highest standards of care, tailoring medical requirements to individual needs. Our guiding principles are:

• excellence of clinical management
• confidentiality
• attention to detail
• holistic and flexible approach
• professional and discrete manner
• freedom of choice

Individuals who register with a private general practice recognise the need for adequate time to be applied to their health concerns. This approach allows us to focus on accurate investigation, diagnosis and management. Where specialist advice is required, we can recommend the highest standard of referral in the shortest possible time.

A wide range of private specialist services are available here at the Portobello Clinic. A team of distinguished consultants cover most areas of medical and surgical specialty to provide in-house appointments, as well as minor surgery, ultrasound scanning and bone density scanning at the clinic.

Appointments for private specialist services must be booked through the Portobello Clinic administration team, and must be accompanied by a referral, usually from the patient's regular GP. With the exception of minor surgical procedures, ALL appointments are payable at the time of consultation. We will provide full assistance with the completion of any insurance claims once payment has been received by the clinic.

Currently the clinic can offer private specialist appointments in the following specialties:

Cardiology:

A healthy heart is very precious and needs protection from the demands of our modern lifestyles. At the Portobello Clinic we provide the very best in technology and knowledge, coupled with a caring and calm approach.

Private consultations are available at the clinic with consultant cardiologist, Dr Richard Carroll, who will also undertake a range of investigations as required, including 12 Lead resting ECG, 24 hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring/analysis, Echocardiography- cardiac ultrasound with colour Doppler, Event Monitoring and CVR profiling.

Timetable | Fees | Specialist

For Further information or to book an appointment please call us on 0208 962 0635

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy:

CBT is one of the most effective therapeutic goal driven approaches available. It aims to correct distortions in thinking and realistically evaluating feelings and the underlying causes that dictate behavioural responses.

CBT can help people who have:

• Anger issues
• Anxiety and panic attacks
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Depression
• Drug or alcohol problems
• Eating disorders
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Persistent pain
• Phobias
• Post-traumatic stress
• Schizophrenia
• Sleep problems
• Sexual or relationship issues

Timetable | Fees | Specialist

For Further information or to book an appointment please call us on 0208 962 0635

Dermatology:

The dermatology specialists at the Portobello Clinic have the skills, experience and equipment to perform a wide range of dermatology treatments. Dr Jonathan White and Dr Saul Halpern provide a complete service including treatment of:

• General dermatology
• Eczema
• Skin Allergy
• Urticaria
• Immunotherapy for Warts

They also perform minor surgical procedures for the removal of skin tags, moles and other invasive procedures as required.

Timetable | Fees | Specialist

For Further information or to book an appointment please call us on 0208 962 0635

ENT:

Professor Narula consultant ENT Surgeon offers appointments on a weekly basis here at the clinic and specialises in general and paediatric ENT and ears and hearing disorders and will also undertake minor surgical investigations including ear suction.

Timetable | Fees | Specialist

For Further information or to book an appointment please call us on 0208 962 0635

Gastroenterologist:

Depak Suri's special areas of interest are functional disorders including irritable bowel syndrome and dyspepsia, endoscopy including therapeutic colonoscopy and ERCP, liver disease including viral hepatitis and inflammatory bowel disease.

Special Interents

• General gastroenterology
• Hepatology
• Viral hepatitis
• Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

Timetable | Fees | Specialist

For Further information or to book an appointment please call us on 0208 962 0635

Obstetrics & Gynaecology:

Obstetrics

Mr Tariq Miskry and Mr Emeka Okaro provide a complete Obstetric care service including full antenatal care, all pregnancy scans and personal supervision during labour and in the postnatal period. Patients have ready access to the team at all times for advice and continuous care through to birth and beyond. All pregnancy scans can be performed here at the Clinic by the Consultants with our state of the art equipment.

Gynaecological Services

They also provide a professional service for the assessment and management of a wide range of gynaecological problems, which include

• Pelvic or lower abdominal pain (arising from Endometriosis, Ovarian cysts, Pelvic adhesions)
• Menstrual bleeding problems eg. Heavy bleeding, Irregular bleeding problems
• Absent or infrequent periods
• Polycystic Ovary Disease / Assessment of Infertility Problems
• Menopause related problems
• Vulval / vaginal problems eg. Vaginal (or uterine) prolapse, Vaginal cysts
• Investigation for recurrent pregnancy loss / infertility
• Well-woman screening assessments including pelvic ultrasound assessment
• Contraceptive advice
• Laparoscopic or 'keyhole' surgery approach for conditions requiring surgical treatment (including laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy and laparoscopic subtotal hysterectomy)

They also provide a full gynaecological screening service which includes routine well woman checks - cervical smear screening, ovarian screening, pelvic and breast examinations in addition to advice on contraception, hormone replacement therapy and sexual health checks.

Timetable | Fees | Specialist

For Further information or to book an appointment please call us on 0208 962 0635

Minor Surgery:

Mr Simon Harris offers weekly consultations and advice on minor surgical procedures which he will then undertake himself on site at the clinic, under local anaesthetic. Simon welcomes referrals in laparoscopic, upper and lower gastrointestinal and general surgery, as well as for diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy.

Patients wishing to claim for the cost of their surgical treatment must ensure that they have got a referral from their GP and a pre-authorisation code from their insurance company. The clinic is registered with all major insurance providers.

Timetable | Fees | Specialist

For Further information or to book an appointment please call us on 0208 962 0635

Neurology:

Dr Paul Jarman offers private neurological consultations here at the clinic on a fortnightly basis.

He is interested in all spects of clinical neurology from treatment of headache to the management of more complex neurological disorders. He has specialist interests in Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders, use of botulinum toxin to treat post stroke spasticity and is involved in inpatient neurorehabilitation. He is also interested in medical education and is neurology Training Programme director at Queen Square.

Timetable | Fees | Specialist

For Further information or to book an appointment please call us on 0208 962 0635

Orthopaedics:

The clinic offers weekly consultations with a consultant orthopaedic surgeon, Mr James Youngman, who specialises in the following:

• Trauma and Trauma Reconstruction
• Hip and Knee Replacement
• Foot and Ankle Surgery
• Soft Tissue Knee Surgery
• Non Union and Mal Union

Onward referral can be arranged for investigations such as X-Ray and major surgical procedures. Our team of physiotherapists can provide follow up care here at the clinic or on a domiciliary basis.

Timetable | Fees | Specialist

For Further information or to book an appointment please call us on 0208 962 0635

Psychiatry:

A consultant psychiatrist is available at the clinic on a weekly basis for all appropriate referrals including general psychiatry, mood disorders, psychosis, complex diagnoses, personality disorders and substance misuse issues.

This service is complimented by the onsite presence of a wider team including a cognitive behavioural therapist, clinical psychologist and psychotherapist.

Timetable | Fees | Specialist

For Further information or to book an appointment please call us on 0208 962 0635

Psychotherapy:

Tanya Haynes is an individual, couple and family therapist, including children. She also provides consultations to other professionals, systemic group work, and training.

Tanya has had extensive experience of Child and Adolescent Mental Health in her specialised work in the NHS. As well as the generic work she undertook in this field, covering all aspects of child and adolescent psychology, she ran two long term specialist systemic clinics in Eating Disorders and Self Harming Behaviours

As a relational therapist she has particular experience in dealing with 'couples in trouble' with specific emphasis on the impact of marital stress/ divorce proceedings.

Tanya's position as a therapist, which is both interactive and transparent, is based on co-creating a collaborative and respectful relationship between therapist and client. Tanya offers both short and longer term therapy.

Timetable | Fees | Specialist

For Further information or to book an appointment please call us on 0208 962 0635

Psychology:

Dr Melanie Marks has extensive experience in treating adult mental health disorders, including depression, postnatal depression and anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, anger, grief, relationship problems, traumatic stress and eating disorders. Her approach is predominantly cognitive behavioural but she does also incorporate other approaches where necessary.

Timetable | Fees | Specialist

For Further information or to book an appointment please call us on 0208 962 0635

Rheumatology:

The Portobello Clinic rheumatology team have great experience in the practice of general rheumatology. The speciality includes a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions which vary from the complex inflammatory disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis and connective tissue disease, to degenerative joint disease and soft tissue disorders affecting muscle, tendon, ligament, bursa, intervertebral disc and meniscus.

Dr Tom Palferman heads the service and provides private consultations at the Clinic each week. A team of physiotherapists, a nurse, a dietician and a podiatrist complement his skills to provide a comprehensive solution. The Clinic also offers an osteoporosis screening service with two highly trained radiographers operating a state of the art DEXA scanner. Dr Palferman reports on all scans personally and corresponds with patients and their GP directly.

Timetable | Fees | Specialist

For Further information or to book an appointment please call us on 0208 962 0635

Urology:

Mr Bijan Khoubehi consultants here at the clinic on Thursdays and treats patients with general urological conditions and has a special interest in Uro-oncology including nerve sparing radical prostatectomy, radical cystoprostatectomy and ileo-orthotopic bladder substitution. He has also been trained in laparoscopic surgery and performs laparoscopic procedures for kidney cancer. He also offers a vasectomy service here at the clinic.

Timetable | Fees | Specialist

For Further information or to book an appointment please call us on 0208 962 0635

Nutrition

We are delighted to announce that Jane has moved her private nutrition practice to The Portobello Clinic from January 2010. She consults here with us on Wednesday each week. Appointments are available through the main practice telephone number, 020 8962 0635.  Jane is available to see any of your patients and encourages anyone who has concerns about their dietry or nutritional needs to book in for an initial consultation.

As Jane says "I have moved my Private Nutrition Practice slightly west to Notting Hill just off the Portobello Road which I’m very excited about. This change in the practice has been largely brought about by my desire to see my outpatients in great premises, working alongside other wonderful doctors and therapists within the Portobello Clinic, but also I want to be able to offer home visits and to see and look after patients when they’re in hospital. In essence I want to bring back the old fashioned community style nutritional care, which I think is sadly lacking".

Appointments are £170 for each of the first two assessments, and £100 for each follow up consultation.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is used for the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries, these include back and neck pain, as well as general aches and pains in the muscles or the joints.

Most common conditions treated include:

• upper/lower back pain/sciatica, neck pain/whiplash
• trapped nerves, disc displacement
• tension headaches, jaw/facial pain
• frozen shoulder, acute/chronic/post operative
• all sporting/recreational/occupational injuries
• ligament strains/joint sprains, including repetitive strains (RSI)
• postural misalignment, muscular imbalance and foot orthotic support
• pre/post surgery rehabilitation
• pre/post natal conditions
• exercise regimes to develop flexibility/strength/stability.

Treatments offered here at The Portobello Clinic are:

• Soft tissue mobilisation
• Joint mobilisation or manipulation
• Electrotherapy
• Exercises
• Myofascial release
• Visceral mobilisation
• Gait re-education
• Postural/ergonomic advice
• Domiciliary visits as and if appropriate.

Women's Health Physiotherapy

Women's Health focuses on all issues related to Obstetrics and Gynaecology.  Whether you are pregnant, a new mum, recovering from gynaecological surgery or experiencing continence or pelvic floor concerns Women's Health Physiotherapy can help to improve your health, fitness and well being.

Pregnancy and beyond…

Pregnancy can be a very exciting time but it can also be an uncomfortable one.  Back and pelvic pain are very common at this time affecting up to 90% of women.  During your pregnancy your body releases the hormone relaxin which softens your ligaments.  This allows for the body to accommodate your baby whilst aiding its natural delivery at the end of pregnancy.  The softening of these ligaments also means that your joints are less well supported and as a result you are more susceptible to experiencing pain and discomfort.

What can Women's Health Physiotherapy help with during pregnancy / post-nataly?

• pelvic pain (including Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction)
• low back pain
• thoracic pain
• rib pain
• tingling hands
• coccyx pain
• pain from your caesarean scar
• rectus abdominus divarication (a separation of the abdominal muscles following the birth of your baby)

We can also provide you with:

• one-to-one advice on coping with labour if you have specific pelvic or low back pain during pregnancy.
• advice on comfort and back care during pregnancy.
• specific exercise advice once you have had the baby to ensure a safe return to your pre-pregnancy physique.
• advice on how to achieve a full recovery following gynaecological surgery.

'Only when I sneeze…'

Women's health problems are incredibly common and can occur at any age.  Often women put up with symptoms as they don't realise that there are often simple conservative measures that can help to remedy the problem.  Research has shown that physiotherapy can be effective in the treatment of incontinence and pelvic organ prolapses thereby postponing, or in many cases eliminating the need for drugs or surgery.

What gynaecological concerns can Women's Health Physiotherapy help to treat?

• pelvic organ prolapse
• urinary frequency (going to the toilet more than 8 times a day)
• urinary urgency / urge incontinence
• stress urinary incontinence
• constipation
• faecal incontinence
• sexual discomfort
• weak pelvic floor muscles following childbirth

Integrated healthcare:

Our Women's Health Physiotherapist, Claire Head, is a specialist in her field and works closely with our GP's and in house Gynaecologists.  She also works with midwives and Obstetricians at the Hospital of St. John and St. Elizabeth where she is based.

You may be referred to Claire by your doctor or health professional but you are also able to self-refer.  We understand the sometimes sensitive nature of women's health concerns and the need to be discreet. Claire is therefore happy to take any email queries you may have prior to starting your treatment at:

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Confidentiality:

Confidentiality is assured at all times.

Cranioscaral Therapy

What is Craniosacral Therapy?

Craniosacral therapy utilizes the cerebrospinal fluid that moves in a slight but perceptible tide-like manner. Craniosacral therapists assist in facilitating change in areas of restriction where this tide-like motion is limited, confined and immobilized. It's is a "hands on" therapy. For treatment you will usually lie on a treatment couch and experience the very light touch of the therapist's hands. By using a gentle light touch, this fluid becomes more rhythmic and balanced, and the central nervous system is restored. You may feel a deep sense of relaxation and possibly become aware of heat, tingling, pulsations or other sensations.

What can craniosacral therapy treat?

A wide variety of disorders can benefit; from back pain, headaches and migraines to stress - related and emotional problems, including difficult conditions such as autism. It is particularly used in the treatment of babies and young children. Craniosacral therapy is effective in treating problems arising from a difficult birth.

Craniosacral therapy for babies

One of the joys of treating babies is that they tend to respond so well to treatment and more quickly than adults. Many infant problems like colic, sucking problems, breathing difficulties, restlessness and irritability may result from craniosacral imbalances caused during the birth process. Treatment of young infants may help to relieve such problems.

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is a hands-on manipulation of the soft tissues of the body, specifically the muscles, connective tissues, tendons, ligaments and joints. It has a therapeutic effect on the body and improves health and well-being by acting on the muscular, nervous and circulatory systems. Physical function can be developed, maintained and improved and physical dysfunction and pain can be relieved or prevented through the use of massage therapy. You don't have to be an athlete to benefit from deep tissue massage - day to day life can cause a chronic build up of tension, often around the shoulders and neck, which can be greatly reduced through deep tissue massage techniques.

Nutritional Therapy

“You are what you eat” is no longer a catch phrase! If you feed your body the proper nutrients your energy levels will soar, your immune and digestive system will work more efficiently and common symptoms and health conditions will be addressed.

Nutrition is the study of nutrients in food, how nutrients are used in the body, and the relationship between diet, health and disease.

Nutritional health is a system of health care that accentuates personal responsibility and a co-operative relationship between practitioner and client. It aims is to unify the physical, nutritional, environmental, emotional and spiritual components of the client’s life. These, together with correct lifestyle changes, promote healing and wellbeing.

The Role of a Nutrional Therapist

A Nutritional therapist works with their client to identify and treat factors affecting health and to help them improve their overall wellbeing. A one to one consultation would encompass the following:

• Obtaining information regarding presenting symptoms, personal medical history, family history, current diet and lifestyle. The study of all body systems to ascertain any information that will help with the final treatment plan.
• Providing a personalised dietary plan and possible supplementation if at all necessary
• Weekly planning, menu suggestions, shopping recommendations.
• Depending on severity and client compliance, follow up consultations are required to reach the ultimate goal.

Hynotherapy

Hypnotherapy is a reliable and safe treatment that is now recognised by many branches of orthodox medicine as an extremely effective therapy.  It is a completely natural state of mind and something that you experience daily on a regular basis, for example just before waking and before sleeping. You are not unconscious while in hypnosis, your ‘focus of attention’ has simply altered and you remain in control at all times.

Hypnosis itself does not relieve symptoms, it is the therapy applied while under hypnosis that attains the desired results.

Hypnotherapy is a very effective way to deal with inner emotional conflicts that can also manifest themselves on a physical level. Sandie utilises hypnotherapy as an effective tool to enable each individual to facilitate a more enjoyable daily and future life.

Conditions treated include:

Depression

Stress

Anxiety all types e.g. Driving Test/Exam nerves through to social phobia)

Fears and Phobias

Addictions and Habits

Weight Management

Smoking

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Blushing

Skin Problems

Self-hypnosis

Motivational issues

Aptitude/Performance enhancement

Insomnia

Pain (ongoing and incidental)

Obsessive Compulsive Disorders

Acupuncture

Traditional Chinese acupuncture is one of the world’s oldest forms of medicine and is based on the concept of 'Qi' (vital energy), which is said to travel around the body along specific channels or 'meridians'. Fine single-use, sterile disposable needles are used to puncture the skin at certain defined acupuncture points (in Chinese 穴 or xue meaning "cavities") to restore the balance of ‘Qi’ and establish health. A variety of interventions including finger acupressure, moxabustion (heat from herb Artemisia Vulgaris), and suction cups may be used in combination with acupuncture during treatment.

Today it is one of the most commonly accepted forms of allied health care in the west and is practised in many UK hospitals. World class authorities such as the World Health Organization and The British Medical Association have recommended the effectiveness of acupuncture for various conditions including headache, migraine, digestive problems, menstrual disorders, indeterminate aches and pains, asthma, hayfever, stress, tiredness, depression and anxiety. Chronic conditions such as arthritis, back pain, painful periods, premenstrual tension, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, eczema, sinusitis, high blood pressure and repetitive strain injury can also be treated.

Although acupuncture is effective for specific conditions, treatment focuses on the person rather than the illness and works towards a restoration of health and well being. It helps to reinstate our own innate healing capabilities that often become exhausted, and it is used as preventative medicine to promote good health, a condition which is more than just the absence of disease.

Reflexology

Reflexology is believed to have its roots in the ancient civilizations of Egypt, China, Africa and the native Indian tribes of America. It is a precisely defined form of treatment based on the principle that the body’s anatomy is reflected in miniature in zones on the feet and hands. By manipulating specific zones, healing is initiated and accelerated in the corresponding area of the body. Sensitive, trained hands can detect tiny deposits and imbalances from touching the feet, and working on reflex points can release blockages and restore the free flow of energy to the whole body. Tensions are eased, and circulation and elimination improved: the body is encouraged to heal itself.

Reflexology is most commonly performed on the feet, but also the hands and/or ears where physical restraints (contraindications) such as deep vein thrombosis or fractures are present.

It can bring about the sensations of deep relaxation and restfulness and is most useful in the treatment of stress and related conditions. Many modern illnesses are stress related and sufferers of diverse conditions have reported benefits from reflexology: PMS, sciatica, sinusitis, insomnia, aches and pains, digestive disorders etc. An increasing number of people use this safe, natural therapy as a way of relaxing, balancing and harmonising the body. 

Podiatry

Common pathologies treated by a Podiatrist: (all foot and ankle pains)

• Bunions
• Neuromas
• Heel Pain
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Claw/hammer/curly/mallet toes
• Back, Hip, Knee, Leg, Ankle and / or Foot pain
• Biomechanical abnormalities; may be causing back, knee, hip or foot pain.
• Rheumatoid, Osteoarthritis causing foot pain.
• Shin splints
• Achilles Tendon Pain.
• Leg length differences
• Burning, sharp, shooting pains in the feet
• Advice regarding foot surgery
• Trainer/Footwear advice

Chiropody

• Nail Surgery
• Corns
• Hard skin, nail care
• Verrucae
• Fungal infections
• Footwear Advice

Areas of Speciality:

Sports Injuries, biomechanics and gait analysis (abnormal biomechanics can contribute to back, knee and hip pain), Orthoses, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Diabetic Foot complications.  Louise is passionate about all aspects of Podiatry and is also very experienced in providing chiropody care and nail surgery.

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis means "porous bones". It is a condition of the skeleton characterised by low bone mass and a change in architecture of the bone.

This renders the bone fragile and increases the risk of low impact fractures, especially in the wrist, spine and hip.

Without the event of a fracture, osteoporosis often goes undiagnosed. Osteoporosis is on the increase in our society, now affecting 1 in 2 post-menopausal women and 1 in 5 men. It has been referred to as the "silent epidemic".

Fractures mean pain and disability, one fracture increase the risk of further fractures. However, there are effective treatments and preventive measures which can be taken.

It is never too late to treat osteoporosis.

What are the main risk factors?

• A low trauma / impact fracture especially of the wrist, spine or hip.
• An early menopause before the age of 45 years – either natural or surgical.
• A strong family history of osteoporosis / broken bones, ie a direct relative affected eg mother or sister.
• A prolonged spell without menstrual periods other than because of pregnancy.
• A prolonged spell of immobility.
• Poor nutrition and inadequate intake of calcium in the diet.
• Loss of height in conjunction with back pain and the development of a stoop.
• Smoking / excess alcohol.
• A slight build.
• Long term corticosteroid use (cortisone/prednisolone).

How The Portobello Clinic’s Osteoporosis Service can help...

• We can provide information on osteoporosis, which includes prevention and treatment measures.
• We offer assessment of risk factors and advice on lifestyle adjustment to reduce risks.
• We offer full diagnostic facilities by recognised DEXA scans to establish whether osteoporosis is present.
• We offer friendly, informal and confidential surroundings to discuss your worries and answer your questions.
• We will liaise with your family doctor as necessary.
• We can provide details of both national and local osteoporosis support groups.

The Clinic offers a full ultrasound scanning service, including baby and obstetrics, pelvic, ovarian, breast, liver, kidney, bladder, prostate, thyroid, musculoskeletal and carotid scans.  Three Consultant Radiologists and one Sonographer provide a same day scanning and reporting service.

To make an appointment, patients or their referring GP should call the Clinic on 020 8962 9720. Referrals are accepted from all sources, and must be accompanied by a completed request form. Forms are available to download here and can be faxed back to the Clinic on 020 8960 4990. (this is attached above as PDF file-to upload only the second form).

A full list of ultrasound prices can be viewed here.

Confidential, Private Sexual Health Screening by a Specialist Doctor at The Portobello Clinic
3 minutes walk from Ladbrooke Grove Underground Station

Men and women are often embarrassed to visit their own GP to discuss sexually transmitted diseases and are not keen to visit a clinic clearly labelled as such just in case they are spotted! At the Portobello Clinic we offer an extensive range of services from private GP’s to specialists in a number of areas, so when you visit you are confident your visit will be private and totally confidential.

If you think you are at risk act quickly.
The longer you delay the start of your treatment, the greater your worry.

Call us on 0208 962 0635.

All tests are undertaken by an accredited laboratory and the results will be available, often the same day and we will counsel you on your treatment options, no matter how difficult they may feel to you. We have a pharmacy on site so you can even take your medication away with you.

Standard Screen           £195 including consultation
HIV Testing                  £120 including consultation
 

The Service

The rates of sexually transmitted infections (STDs) have increased rapidly in the UK over recent years and especially in London and have become a worry for many sexually active men and women.
At the Portobello Clinic we can offer highly confidential screening and treatment, by a doctor trained in sexual health medicine, for all STDs in a state of the art clinic just off Portobello Road.

The clinic also sees many patients for a whole range of other conditions, so the reason for your visit would remain between you and your doctor.

Testing involves taking a detailed history of the problem, examination of the area followed by a blood test, urine test and usually (although not always) a swab being taken – this would take less than 30 minutes.

Results can sometimes be given immediately and treatment provided there an then. Sometimes we have to wait one or two days for results to come back from our laboratory, when the doctor will call you personally to explain the findings.

If you need treatment, this can be sent to you directly or you can collect the medication from our reception the same day as we have a pharmacy on site.

Common STDs include:

CHLAMYDIA

This is very common – up to 40% of sexually active adults under 25 in some parts of London – and can present with a creamy discharge (leakage) from the penis or vagina with stinging when you pass urine. In many cases however there may be no symptoms, but if left untreated may cause long term problems such as pelvic inflammatory disease or prostatitis.

Chlamydia is easily detected on screening and easily treated with a one-off dose of antibiotics.

We sometimes detect infections with ureaplasma or mycoplasma, which are similar to Chlamydia but much more commonly asymptomatic and usually less serious.

GONORRHOEA

This is usually pretty obvious (although occasionally without any signs) – there is a usually a heavy creamy discharge from the penis or vagina, although it can occur in the throat or anus, as well as discomfort on passing urine.

The diagnosis can be made immediately and treatment provided straight away with a simple antibiotic injection.

HIV INFECTION

This can be a great worry to anyone who has had unprotected sex, especially if it was a new partner or casual encounter.

Symptoms do not usually occur for years afterwards, and then it presents with frequent and unusual infections as the immune system is weakened by the virus. in 20-30% of infections a ‘seroconversion’ illness can occur, when the body starts to produce antibodies – this is often described as being like glandular fever, but often occurs with a rash and mouth ulcers.

The tests offered vary in how soon after the sexual encounter you want to be tested, but the soonest you can be tested is at about ten days with an HIV PCR test, but the results take 7 days to come back.

After 28 days we can use the cheaper HIV Duo test which looks for the antibody and p24 antigen (part of the HIV virus itself) – results come back 4 hours later. After 90 days, the simple antibody is 99.9% accurate and can be done within 5 minutes at the time of the appointment.

GENITAL HERPES

Herpes causes painful ulcers to occur on the genitals or lips.

They last about a week and can be treated with antiviral medication, but may recur every 6 months or so. There is no cure at present although starting the medication quickly can minimise an attack. You are usually only infectious to others when you have the ulcers.

SYPHILIS

An old problem which is on the increase again especially in London and in gay men.

The first lesion (primary syphilis) shows itself as a painless hard ulcer usually on the genitals which goes away after a couple of weeks. The next stage (secondary syphilis) may occur a couple of years later with a widespread blotchy rash.

Tertiary syphilis is thankfully very rare now as the infection responds so well to a course of antibiotics.

Diagnosis is made on a blood test which should be ready the next day

GENITAL WARTS

These are very similar to warts elsewhere but can spread quickly on the genitals. They are treated with cryotherapy (or freezing) and respond very well, although you may need to come back a few times if they don’t all disappear immediately.

Other small lumps on the genitals may be molluscum contagiosum, which responds very well to simple freezing treatment.

HUMAN PAPILLOMA VIRUS (HPV)

One type of this virus causes genital warts, but other types can cause cervical cancer in women, which is why regular smear testing is recommended. We can also test for the whole range of HPV on the smear sample and refer to a specialist if any abnormalities are detected. The HPV vaccination is also available which prevents infection with the HPV strains associated with cervical cancer, as well as those which cause genital warts.

HEPATITIS

This is a viral liver infection and all types of hepatitis – A, B and C – can be sexually transmitted. A blood test is required to look for antibody development. If you think you may have been exposed to hepatitis B, then rapid vaccination is required to prevent you getting the virus yourself. Vaccines are routinely offered for hepatitis A and B, but as yet none is available for hepatitis C.

We provide a range of corporate services including:

Executive Health Screening

Executive health screens are recommended for employees over the age of 40     routinely but can be carried out for younger employees too. Typically these medicals will take a similar format to the standard practice health screens, but they can also be tailored to meet the specific needs and budget of a company.

Our standard health screening package includes the following:

Review of current concerns:

• Urine analysis
• Faecal Occult Blood Studies
• Resting ECG
• Lung Function testing
• Rectal Examination for Prostate (male)
• Breast examination (female)
• Cervical Smear (female)

Further tests can be included as standard or arranged ad hoc if clinically indicated.

Pre-Employment Medical Examinations

Routine pre-employment medicals take 30 minutes and take the form of a basic clinical examination and assessment. More detailed assessments can be organised where appropriate to suit the needs of the company or insurance provider

Hotel Advisory and Treatment Service for Guests and Staff

The Clinic offers same day appointments for local hotels and their guests and staff. Contracts are dependent upon location and must be discussed in advance with the Manager. All appointments are based at the Clinic.

The practice offers a full travel vaccination and advice service, with the latest on-line information from the Hospital for Tropical Diseases and other internet health resources. The practice nurse can usually provide a same-day appointment service for patients and their colleagues.

A full history will be taken, and vaccination records noted. Specific travel advice will be given on the destination country or countries, as well as more general advice on travelling abroad. Appropriate anti-malarial advice and relevant prescriptions will also be offered where necessary.

Patients should consult with the practice nurse at least 6-8 weeks before departure where possible to allow sufficient time for appropriate courses of treatment.

The Portobello Clinic is a registered yellow fever vaccination centre and is able to dispense anti-malarials directly from our in house pharmacy for your added convenience.

www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk

Fees and Vaccines

The Portobello Pharmacy, based in the Portobello Clinic, provides a full service to patients both for acute prescriptions at the time of appointment, and also for on-going repeat medication. The pharmacy offers a full delivery service to anywhere in the world.

Existing patients can order repeat prescriptions by completing the request form here.

Please allow at least 24 hours notice for urgent prescription requests. We will try to process all requests as promptly as possible, but cannot always guarantee same day availability. We do ask you to monitor your stocks carefully and order renewals well in advance.

If you wish to discuss anything with the pharmacist, please contact them directly on 020 8962 9736 or by emailing .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

The practice offers a full occupation health assessment service, and can provide companies with prompt appointments for their employees who may be experiencing health problems which impact on their work or may be caused by work-related factors. These may range from general medical complaints to physical or postural issues related to the ergonomic environment, or psychological issues due to work-related stress or harassment.

The practice can offer independent assessments of employees' ongoing medical complaints which are causing long term absence from work. Each circumstance will be different and may involve either a face to face consultation and further investigation or a review of medical records and treatment to date.

We will happily provide a doctor service to any company, dependent upon location and workload. Please contact the Manager to discuss any requirements and quotations.

• Private GP services/consultations for company employees available before, during and after working hours
• Pre-employment medical screening and interview questionnaires
• Stress counselling and treatment programmes, drug and alcohol testing, telephone advice line for HR and senior management.
• Visas and overseas travel medical checks, registered medical centre for Saudi Visas, influenza and travel vaccinations.
• Bespoke quotations provided for all your corporate health needs, whether for single key personnel or your entire organisation.

For more information or to discuss your precise requirements, please contact the Manager on 020 8962 9720 or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

As a long-term expatriate living in London and a long-standing member of the practice I cannot be more appreciative of the support I have received from the Portobello Clinic.

I have always been able to count on both the doctors and the staff. I can only say that being a member of the practice has greatly boosted my sense of feeling at home in London.

A big THANK YOU to everyone at the practice!

Eastern Garden opened in 2009. It is situated just off the famous market street Portobello Road in West London, located within the long  established  The Portobello Clinic, integrating eastern and western medicine under one roof in the heart of Notting Hill.

Eastern Garden offers a wide range of treatments specialising in Shiatsu Massage with beautiful treatment rooms and over twenty skilled therapists.

Treatments on offer are Acupuncture, Thai Yoga Massage, Reflexology, Indian Head Massage, Five Element Aromatherapy, Ayurvedic Massage, Vortex Healing, Tui Na, Oriental Facial Rejuvenation, Reiki, Hopi Ear Candle, Cupping, Life Coaching and One to One yoga.

There are many conditions for which treatments may be useful, such as:

• Emotional issues
• Depression
• Stress
• Insomnia
• Fatigue
• Influenza & Common Colds - Boosting the immune system
• Common colds - Boosting the immune system
• Allergies
• Women’s Health – hormone inbalance, pregnancy, fertility, preparation for birth, menstrual issues
• Addictions – stop smoking and other substance dependency
• Muscular Pain
• Back Pain
• Headaches & migraines
• Whiplash injuries and neck stiffness
• Joint pain and reduced mobility
• Menstrual problems
• Digestive problems
• Asthmatic symptoms
• Sports injuries
• Depression
• Stress

For more info and to book call; 0208 962 9738 or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or visit our website www.EasternGarden.co.uk