Long Term Conditions

What Is a Long‑Term Condition?

A long‑term condition (LTC) is a health problem that cannot currently be cured but can be managed and controlled over many years with the right support. This may include medication, regular check‑ups, and lifestyle changes.

People with long‑term conditions usually need ongoing, proactive care. In primary care, this often involves structured reviews – such as annual health checks, blood tests, and medication reviews, to help keep the condition stable and to maintain quality of life.

– Diabetes
– High blood pressure
– Asthma and COPD
– Heart disease
– Mental health conditions

How Primary Care Supports LTCs

Primary care teams, GPs, nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals work together to create personalised care plans. These plans help patients understand their condition, manage symptoms, and stay well day to day. Support may also include social prescribing, dietitian input, and coordination with other services.

Many people live with more than one long‑term condition, collaborative, team‑based care is essential to ensure everything is managed safely and effectively.

The aim is always the same: to help patients live as well and as independently as possible.

Long‑Term Condition Reviews at Orchard Surgery

If you have a long‑term condition, we will contact you one month before your birth month to help you book your annual review. For example, if your birthday is in March, we will get in touch at the beginning of February to arrange your appointment for March.
The length of your appointment will depend on your condition, but most reviews last 20–30 minutes. Some conditions, such as diabetes, may require two appointments. One for your checks and one to go through your results with our diabetic nurse.
All blood test results, urine samples and blood pressures are reviewed by the appropriate clinician. If anything needs to be discussed, a member of the team will contact you.

Your results will also be checked during your medication review by our pharmacist or pharmacy technician. This helps us make sure your medicines are working well and that you remain stable and well.

Please complete our Asthma or COPD Review form if you have been asked to by a member of our team.

Online Asthma Review
Online COPD Review