General Medicine

The general medicine department at Allergy Asthma Foundation is where most adult medical care begins. Our physicians look after everyday illness, long-term conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure, and complicated problems that involve more than one organ system. When another speciality is needed, the general medicine team coordinates the referral and keeps the overall plan joined up.

Every AAF centre offers same-week outpatient appointments, on-site laboratory and imaging, a 24-hour pharmacy and a medical admissions pathway for adults who are acutely unwell. One connected record follows you across every branch, so any AAF physician can see your history.

Conditions we care for

The department manages a broad range of adult health problems, including:

• Type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes
• High blood pressure and high cholesterol
• Thyroid and other hormone disorders
• Asthma, chronic bronchitis and other breathing problems
• Persistent fever, infections and post-viral illness
• Anaemia and vitamin deficiencies
• Digestive complaints such as acidity, indigestion and altered bowel habit
• Unexplained weight loss, tiredness or swelling
• Preventive health checks and pre-surgery medical assessment

Tests and treatments

Assessment

• Full history and examination, with time to discuss more than one problem
• Blood and urine tests, usually reported the same day
• ECG, chest X-ray and ultrasound on site
• Blood pressure and blood glucose monitoring over time
• Screening for the complications of diabetes and high blood pressure

Ongoing care

• Medicine review to keep treatment simple, safe and affordable
• Structured diabetes, blood pressure and thyroid clinics
• Lifestyle support covering diet, activity, smoking and alcohol
• Vaccination for adults, including influenza and pneumonia
• Coordination with specialist departments when needed

What happens at your first visit

1. Your physician asks about your symptoms, your medical history and every medicine you take.
2. You have a physical examination, including blood pressure and, where relevant, an ECG.
3. Blood tests or scans are arranged, often completed during the same visit.
4. The findings and the plan are explained in plain language, with written instructions.
5. A follow-up is arranged, and your family doctor receives a summary.

How to prepare for your appointment

• Bring all your medicines, or a clear list with doses, including anything bought without a prescription.
• Bring recent test results and hospital discharge summaries.
• Write down your main concerns in order of importance.
• If a fasting blood test is likely, avoid food for the hours beforehand but keep drinking water.
• Note any allergies or past reactions to medicines.

Care alongside other departments

General medicine sits at the centre of the hospital. We refer to, and receive patients back from, cardiology, pulmonology, neurology and orthopaedics, and we work every day with the laboratory, imaging and pharmacy teams. If you are being prepared for surgery in any department, our physicians provide the pre-operative medical assessment that keeps the procedure safe.

When to seek help sooner

Do not wait for a routine appointment if you have:

• Chest pain, severe breathlessness or coughing up blood
• A fever with confusion, a stiff neck or a spreading rash
• Sudden weakness, difficulty speaking or a facial droop
• Persistent vomiting, black stools or signs of dehydration
• A blood sugar that is very high or very low, with symptoms

Use our 24-hour helpline or attend the nearest emergency department.

Questions patients ask

Can I discuss more than one problem in a visit?

Yes. General medicine appointments are designed for exactly that. Listing your concerns in order helps make sure the most important ones are covered.

Will my records be available at another AAF branch?

Yes. Your history, test results and medicine list are on one shared record across every AAF centre.

How often should I have a check-up?

For most healthy adults, once a year is reasonable. If you have diabetes, high blood pressure or another long-term condition, your physician will suggest a schedule that fits your needs.

To see a physician at your nearest AAF centre, book an appointment online or request a callback and our team will arrange a suitable time.