TRAVEL clinics have been launched at a doctors' practice for patients planning their holiday health.

The fortnightly surgeries in Leyburn will offer people one place to go for advice and treatment, including jabs, before they travel abroad.

The practice, on Brentwood, has always provided travel vaccinations. Previously, the service had been on an appointment basis during normal surgery times.

The clinic will give patients more time to discuss their requirements, ask for advice and get their jabs.

Practice manager Stephen Brown said: "We want people to think now about how to protect themselves against any risks to their health during their holiday.

"As well as helping them decide which vaccinations they need, we can also advise on what other medication they should take with them to stay healthy and make the most of their time abroad."

Leyburn Medical Practice nurses Janet Coates and Sandra Chapman will lead the clinics.

Ms Coates said: "We are reminding people to see us in good time. Often people do not realise that, ideally, they should see us at least six weeks before travelling, as more than one dose of some vaccines may be required, or a course of treatment may need to start some weeks before, as in the case of malaria tablets.

"To help make sure we can provide exactly what people need and have it available when they come into the clinic, patients fill in a simple pre-assessment form when they make an appointment. It really streamlines the process.

"The message we are getting out is for patients to make sure that coming into the travel clinic is part of their regular pre-holiday routine."

Some travel vaccinations are free to patients who are registered with a GP practice.

General health advice for travellers is also available on the Government website www.dh.gov.uk/ policyandguidance/health advicefortravellers