So finally we have a bit of sunshine and summer weather! While the sun is great for our mood and Vitamin D it also carries a risk of skin cancer. Currently there are over 9,000 new cases of skin cancer diagnosed in Ireland every year. Many of these can be traced back to unprotected sun exposure or the use of sun beds. Enjoy the sun while it lasts, but make sure to follow three simple rules to protect you and your family against skin cancer

1. SLIP on a shirt with long sleeves and a collar and wear long trousers when out in the sun for long periods.
2. SLAP on a hat to protect your head and neck. Ideally this should be a bucket or legionnaire style hat to protect your neck, ears and face.
3. SLOP on some sun block. This should be factor 15 or better and the bottle should display the standard UVA logo.

For more information on this topic visit the Irish Cancer Society website by clicking here. You can also watch this video to learn more about skin cancer and how to prevent it.

If you are between 25 and 60 and have not had a cervical smear you can get one done for free under the HSE Cervical Check programme. The test is very simple and can help diagnose early cervical cancer. To register for a cervical smear, just login in to the cervical check website and provide your details including your PPS number. If you haven’t time to do this we will be happy to register for you once you provide us with your PPS number.

To get the smear done just make an appointment with us telling the receptionist it is for a cervical smear. Alternatively request an appointment using the link from this web site.

Results of smear tests are available within 4 weeks. You will contacted either by our practice or the cervical check programme.

To find out more about cervical check and cervical smears click the link to this video.

The practice will be closed from 1pm on Friday the 29th of March until Tuesday the 2nd of April. If you have an urgent medical problem over the bank holiday weekend, contact EastDoc on 2094021 between 10am and 6pm. Outside these hours emergency care will be provided by Doctor On Duty on 8300244. We wish you all a Happy Easter!

We are very pleased to announce that we have been joined by practice nurse Karen Canning. Karen brings with her a wealth or experience, qualifications and training and we have not doubt will be a huge asset to the practice. We also welcome Dr. Conor Maguire who is an experience GP Registrar attached to the TCD/HSE Vocational Training Programme for General Practice. Conor has particular experience and training in the care of older patients having worked for a number of years in this field prior to beginning his training in General Practice.