Services

Sedative Prescribing

Thornton Medical Centre No Longer Prescribes Diazepam for Fear of Flying, Dental Procedures or Radiological Procedures i.e. MRI Scans
We understand that situations such as flying, dental treatment, or MRI scans can cause anxiety for some people. However, our practice, like many others, no longer prescribes diazepam (or other benzodiazepines) for these situations.
Fear of flying
We understand that flying can be stressful for some people. However, Diazepam can cause drowsiness, slow your reactions, lower your blood pressure and affect breathing, which can be dangerous on a flight. It can also increase the risk of blood clots and may be addictive.
Fear of flying is best managed with relaxation techniques or fear-of-flying courses, which are safer and more effective in the long term. 
Please see- 
https://www.fearlessflyer.easyjet.com
https://www.lovefly.co.uk
Dental procedures
Sedation for dental treatment must be managed by the dentist who is performing the procedure. Dentists are able to prescribe diazepam themselves and are specifically trained to assess whether sedation is appropriate and to monitor patients safely during and after the treatment. 
In line with NHS and General Dental Council guidance, it is therefore the dentist’s responsibility to prescribe and administer any sedative medication required for dental care. If you feel anxious about dental treatment, please speak with your dentist- they can discuss safe sedation options or refer you to a clinic that provides this service.
MRI scans
If sedation or medication is needed, this should be arranged by the hospital or radiology department performing the scan, as like above, they can assess your needs and monitor you safely during and after the procedure. Please speak to the MRI team if you are anxious- they can offer advice and support to help make the scan more comfortable.
 
Updated November 2025

Toilet Passes

We receive frequent requests from parents asking us to provide their child with a toilet pass. We consider access to safe, timely, and appropriate personal hygiene to be essential to human dignity. Therefore, we have created a printable Toilet Pass that parents can download, print, and provide directly to their child’s school free of charge. Please find the printable pass below.

Toilet pass letter - downloadable

Prescribing on behalf of the Leeds Stop Smoking Service

We have been made aware that some patients are being advised by the Leeds Stop Smoking service to request a prescription for nicotine replacement and/or medication such as varenicline from their GP. 

Established best practice is for a dedicated smoking cessation service to provide a full programme of ongoing carbon monoxide monitoring, behavioural support and relapse prevention therapy alongside prescription medication after a thorough assessment of each Patient. There is currently a commissioning gap in Leeds where neither the Stop Smoking Service or GPs are comissioned to carry out this full programme. 

GPs currently have no means of providing the necessary ongoing support and monitoring to patients trying to quit smoking, therefore we cannot prescribe these medications safely and effectively. We hope that future arrangements will be made so patients can access the full range of treatments. 

In the meantime, Patients can still access a wide range of support from the Stop Smoking Service including carbon monoxide breath tests, a course of free nicotine replacement, free vapes supplies, access to support communities and regular check ins with a Health Coach. 

Thank you for your understanding.

Page last reviewed: 06 March 2026
Page created: 05 February 2025