Managing Your Long-Term Condition

At St.Katharine Docks Practice, we are committed to helping patients with long-term health conditions stay as healthy and independent as possible.

We provide ongoing monitoring, reviews, advice and support for patients living with long-term conditions.

Our Annual Review Programme

Patients diagnosed with a long-term condition are routinely invited for regular health reviews.

Where clinically appropriate, we will:

  1. Arrange any required blood tests or investigations in advance.
  2. Invite you to attend your long-term condition review appointment.
  3. Discuss your results, medications and overall health.
  4. Review your treatment plan and agree any necessary changes.

This proactive approach helps us identify potential problems early and support patients in managing their condition effectively.

Diabetes

Diabetes is a condition that affects how your body controls blood sugar levels.

Regular reviews help us monitor:

  • Blood sugar control (HbA1c)
  • Blood pressure
  • Cholesterol
  • Kidney function
  • Foot health
  • Medication effectiveness

Useful NHS information:

👉 https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/diabetes/

Asthma

Asthma affects the airways and can cause symptoms such as:

  • Wheezing
  • Coughing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest tightness

Regular asthma reviews help ensure:

  • Your symptoms are well controlled
  • Your inhalers are working effectively
  • Your treatment remains appropriate
  • Your personal asthma action plan is up to date

Useful NHS information:

👉 https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/asthma/

COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)

COPD is a long-term lung condition that can affect breathing.

Symptoms can include:

  • Breathlessness
  • Persistent cough
  • Excess mucus production
  • Frequent chest infections

Regular reviews help us:

  • Monitor symptoms
  • Review inhaler technique
  • Check oxygen levels where appropriate
  • Support smoking cessation
  • Prevent exacerbations and hospital admissions

Useful NHS information:

👉 https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-copd/

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

High blood pressure often causes no symptoms but increases the risk of:

  • Heart disease
  • Stroke
  • Kidney disease

Regular monitoring helps ensure your blood pressure remains well controlled.

Reviews may include:

  • Blood pressure checks
  • Blood tests
  • Medication reviews
  • Lifestyle advice

Useful NHS information:

👉 https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/high-blood-pressure-hypertension/

Heart Disease

Heart disease includes several conditions affecting the heart and circulation.

Examples include:

  • Coronary heart disease
  • Angina
  • Heart failure
  • Previous heart attack

Regular reviews help us monitor:

  • Blood pressure
  • Cholesterol
  • Medication effectiveness
  • Lifestyle factors
  • Overall cardiovascular health

Useful NHS information:

👉 https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronary-heart-disease/

Healthy Lifestyle Support

Managing a long-term condition is about more than medications.

We encourage patients to:

  • Stop smoking
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Eat a balanced diet
  • Stay physically active
  • Attend regular reviews
  • Take medicines as prescribed
  • Seek help if symptoms change

Small lifestyle changes can make a significant difference to long-term health outcomes.

NHS App

Many patients find it helpful to use the NHS App to manage their healthcare.

You may be able to:

  • View test results
  • Request repeat prescriptions
  • Access parts of your medical record
  • View appointments

👉 https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-app/

When to Contact Us

Please contact the practice if:

  • Your symptoms worsen
  • You experience side effects from medication
  • You have concerns about your condition
  • You have difficulty managing your treatment
  • You have been discharged from hospital following treatment relating to your condition

Early advice and intervention can often prevent more serious problems.

Routine Review Due?

Patients with diabetes, asthma, COPD, hypertension, heart disease and other long-term conditions are reviewed regularly. If your review is due, the practice will contact you and arrange any required blood tests before your appointment where appropriate.

Contact Us

St Katharine Docks Practice
12/14 Nightingale House
50 Thomas More Street
London E1W 1UA

Telephone: 020 7488 3653
Website: St Katharine Docks Practice

Our Commitment

We believe that regular monitoring, early intervention and personalised care help patients live well with long-term conditions. Our team is committed to supporting you to achieve the best possible health outcomes.