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Update as of Monday 15th August 2022
THE SURGERY WILL BE CLOSED ON BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY 29TH AUGUST 2022.
For urgent medical issues, please visit Urgent Care department or A&E department. NHS111 will be available either via phone or on-line.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION RELATING TO POLIO IN LONDON
Extra polio vaccine dose for children in London
Children aged 1 to 9 years old in London are being offered a dose of polio vaccine. For some children this may be an extra dose on top of their routine vaccinations. In other children it may bring them up to date with their routine vaccinations.
Why is this happening now?
There are signs the virus may be spreading in London and the number of children vaccinated in London is lower than it should be. Boosting immunity in children should help protect them and reduce the risk of the virus continuing to spread.
Will my child be offered a vaccine? How do I find out more?
If your child is eligible for an extra dose, we will contact you to ask you to book an appointment for the vaccine. Find out more about the polio booster campaign on GOV.UK.
Useful leaflets to be shared with patients: · Information leaflet for parents - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/polio-booster-campaign-resources
· Information leaflet for parents in different languages -https://www.healthpublications.gov.uk/ArticleOverview.html?sp=Sall&pageTableId=tableView&pageNr=2
Detailed Q&A - this is useful for answering a variety of questions from patients.
What is polio?
Polio is an infection caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system – it can cause permanent paralysis of muscles. Before the polio vaccine was introduced, there were as many as 8,000 cases of polio in the UK in epidemic years. Because of the success of the polio vaccination programme, there have been no cases of natural polio infection in the UK for over 30 years (the last case was in 1984) and polio was eradicated from the whole of Europe in 2003
Why is polio back in the news?
Polio is not back in England. There have been no clinical cases of wild polio in England. The last case of wild polio in the UK was in 1984 and the UK was declared polio-free by the WHO in 2003.
Since February 2022 traces of type 2 poliovirus have been detected in sewage samples in North and East London. It has been detected in sewage in Barnet, Brent, Camden, Enfield, Hackney, Haringey, Islington and Waltham Forest.
As part of routine surveillance, it is normal for 1 to 3 'vaccine-like' polioviruses to be detected each year in UK sewage samples when an individual vaccinated overseas with the live oral polio vaccine (OPV) returned or travelled to the UK and briefly ‘shed’ traces of the vaccine-like poliovirus in their faeces.
However several closely related viruses have been found in sewage samples taken between February and May. The level of poliovirus found and the high genetic diversity among the PV2 isolates suggests that there is some level of virus transmission in these boroughs which may extend to the adjacent areas. This suggests that transmission has gone beyond a close network of a few individuals.
The virus has continued to evolve and is now classified as a 'vaccine-derived' poliovirus type 2 (VDPV2), which on rare occasions can cause serious illness, such as paralysis, in people who are not fully vaccinated.
The polio virus found in London should not pose any risk to those who are fully vaccinated. However, whilst it is spreading, there is a small chance that those who have not been fully vaccinated, or those who cannot respond well to vaccines, could be at risk of catching polio.
The good news is that we have picked this virus up early and we want to act now to protect as many people as we can. It is important that children are vaccinated against polio so they are protected and to reduce the risk of the virus continuing to spread. Please come forward as soon as your child is invited.
How concerned should I be about polio?
The risk to the population is extremely low. The majority of the UK population has already been immunised against polio. The polio virus found in London should not pose any risk to those who are fully vaccinated, which most Londoners are. However, whilst it is spreading, there is a small chance that those who have not been fully vaccinated, such as young children who are only part way through their polio vaccination schedule or those who have missed their routine vaccinations could be at risk of catching polio and getting ill. UKHSA have confirmed that the overall risk is still very low and the NHS is ensuring that all children in London aged 1-9 are offered a polio vaccine, either to catch up where a routine vaccine has been missed or an additional dose for those that are up to date.
What are the symptoms of polio?
Most people with polio won't have any symptoms and will fight off the infection without even realising they were infected. A small number of people will experience a flu-like illness 3 to 21 days after they're infected.
Symptoms can include:
· a high temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4F) or above
· a sore throat
· a headache
· abdominal (tummy) pain
· aching muscles
· feeling and being sick
These symptoms will usually pass within about a week without any medical intervention.
In a small number of cases, between 1 in 100 to 1 in 1000 infections, infection can cause paralysis, usually in the legs, that develops over hours or days. If the breathing muscles are affected, it can be life threatening. Symptoms include rapid onset of weakness in a limb which will be flaccid (or floppy). The weakness most often involves the legs, but sometimes affects the muscles of the head and neck or breathing.
What should you do if you experience any polio symptoms?
If you or your child are experiencing symptoms of polio then we advise you to ask for an urgent GP appointment.
What should people do to protect themselves against polio if they live in London?
In London, all children aged 1-9 years need to have a dose of polio vaccine now - whether it’s an extra booster dose if they are up to date with their routine vaccinations or a catch up dose.
GPs in London will contact parents when it's their child’s turn to come forward for a booster or catch-up polio dose.
I’m a clinically vulnerable/elderly adult – what’s my risk? Why am I not being offered an extra booster?
The risk to the population is extremely low as the majority of the UK population has already been immunised against polio. If you are up to date with your routine immunisations, you will be protected against polio and your risk of getting ill from polio will be low. The reason children are being offered a booster dose in London is because this is where poliovirus has been detected and between ages 1-9 they have not received their full course of polio vaccinations and so are only partially protected. If you are not up to date with your routine immunisations you can catch up for free on the NHS at any time.
When would my child have been vaccinated against polio?
The polio vaccine is free and given as part of combined jabs to babies, toddlers and teenagers. Children need all five doses of the vaccine to be fully protected against polio. The polio vaccine is given when a child is:
· 8, 12 and 16 weeks old as part of the 6-in-1 vaccine (DTaP/IPV/Hib/HepB)
· 3 years and 4 months old as part of the 4-in-1 (DTaP/IPV) pre-school booster
· 14 years old as part of the 3-in-1 (Td/IPV) teenage booster
What do I do if myself or my child have not been vaccinated against polio?
The booster programme is part of the incident response and is available to everyone in London, however routine polio vaccination is available to everyone in England. It is never too late to catch up for free on the NHS at any time. People should also get vaccinated even if they’ve had polio before as the vaccine protects against three different types of poliovirus. In London, the NHS will contact you when it is your turn to come forwards.
What is being offered to children aged 1 to 9 in London?
In London, all children aged 1-9 years are being offered a dose of polio vaccine - whether it’s an extra dose if they are up to date with their routine vaccinations or to catch up. This is part of the incident response to ensure a high level of protection from paralysis and to help stop the virus spreading further. The booster dose will be offered to children in the areas where type 2 poliovirus has been detected in wastewater first and then offered to all London boroughs.
Why are children that are up to date with their routine vaccinations being offered an additional dose in London? Are all 1-9 year olds being offered a polio booster?
Experts have advised that, as a precaution, all children aged one to nine years in London should be offered a dose of polio vaccine now to ensure that they are protected against polio and to stop any further spread of poliovirus in London. This is because children in this age range have not received the full programme of vaccination so they are not yet fully protected against polio. By getting a dose now this will boost their protection against polio. In London, all children aged 1-9 years are being offered a dose of polio vaccine. This will either be a top up dose in children that are fully up to date with their routine vaccinations or a catch up dose.
Is this an extra jab? Will children that need to catch up with their missed routine vaccination/s then get an additional dose on top of that?
We need to protect children against polio now. Bringing a child up to date now will achieve the same effect as the offer of an additional booster - so those who are brought up to date don't need an extra dose further down the line.
For children that are fully up to date with their routine vaccinations, this will be an additional polio vaccine to enhance their protection against polio whilst it is being detected in wastewater samples. If your child is not up to date with their routine vaccinations they will be given a catch up dose so it will not be an additional dose.
Is there anyone who cannot have a polio vaccine?
There are very few reasons why children cannot receive the polio vaccine. If your child had a serious allergic reaction to a previous vaccination or to certain uncommon antibiotics (neomycin, polymyxin or streptomycin) you may want to check with your doctor.
Is there anyone who does not need to get a polio dose now?
The only small group of children in London who don't need a dose now are those who had a pre-school booster (at 3yrs 4m) in the last 12 months, but if they get an extra booster in error it won't cause any harm.
If you are not in London, your child will not proactively be offered a booster dose, however you can contact your GP to check if you, or your child, are up to date with your polio vaccinations. For children and babies, you can also check their personal child health record (red book). It is never too late to catch up and you can catch up for free on the NHS at any time by booking an appointment with your GP surgery.
Will my child still need their regular dose at 3yrs 4 months if they received the booster?
Even after your child receives an extra dose, you need to complete the routine doses at the recommended age. Check with your GP surgery.
If my child is up to date with their routine vaccinations and due to get their pre-school booster will they be offered a dose of polio vaccine?
It is important that children aged 1 to 9 years in London get vaccinated against polio now. When you are contacted by your GP you should come forwards to ensure that your child is protected and they will advise on what vaccine you child receives.
Why can’t my child just wait for their regularly timed vaccine?
Getting a dose of polio vaccine now will immediately boost you child’s protection against polio. This will ensure that they are protected against polio and to stop any further spread of poliovirus in London. Children in this age range have not received the full programme of vaccination so they are not yet fully protected against polio.
If no cases of polio have been reported, what is the need to get a polio vaccine?
This response has been advised by experts on the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) who also advised on the COVID-19 response. The suggestion for all children aged one to nine to get a dose of polio vaccine now has been advised as a precaution to ensure that they are protected, particularly in the areas where type 2 poliovirus has been detected in sewage samples. Children in this age range have not received the full programme of vaccination so they are not yet fully protected against polio. By getting a dose now this will boost their protection against polio. It will also help to stop any further spread of poliovirus in London.
How can my child get the polio booster?
Your GP will contact you to ask you to book an appointment.
Where do I get my child’s vaccine?
Your child can get their catch up dose of polio vaccine or routine vaccinations at their GP surgery. For the booster campaign, additional vaccination providers are being agreed on a borough by borough basis and this information will be shared soon.
Can I get the vaccination anywhere apart from my GP surgery?
The NHS will let you know when you can book your appointment. Additional vaccination providers are being agreed on a borough by borough basis and this information will be shared soon.
What should I do if I am not registered with a GP?
Anyone in England can register with a GP surgery. It's free to register. You do not need proof of address or immigration status, ID or an NHS number. You can find a GP online and can either register online or call or email the GP surgery and ask to be registered as a patient. Once you are registered the NHS will let you know when you can book your polio appointment. For the booster campaign, additional vaccination providers are being agreed on a borough by borough basis and this information will be shared soon.
What vaccine will be given to my child?
For children that are not up to date with their routine immunisation, they will be offered the vaccine that they need to catch up on.
For children that are up to date that are offered an additional dose, we are using 4 different types of vaccines that all provide excellent protection against polio – they are already used in the routine programme and safely given to millions of children each year. The only difference between the vaccines is the other infections that they cover. They all provide protection against polio, tetanus and diphtheria, but some may also top up protection against whooping cough, Heamophilus influenzae type B (Hib) and hepatitis B. The table below shows which vaccines will be used as a booster dose depending on your child’s age:
Are all the polio vaccine doses the same? What exactly is in the booster dose?
All polio vaccines are already used in the routine programme and safely given to millions of children each year.. You can read the Infanrix Hexa or Vaxelis product information leaflets (PIL), the Boostrix-IPV PIL or the Revaxis PIL for more details on your vaccine
What are the side effects of the vaccine?
Your child may have some redness, swelling or tenderness in the arm where they had the injection, this will usually disappear in a few days. A hard lump may appear in the same place but this will also resolve on its own, usually over a few weeks. Occasionally, children may be unwell and irritable and develop a temperature and a headache.
Will additional doses on top of the routine vaccinations be rolled out to other areas of the country or other age groups?
There are currently no plans to. Poliovirus has only been detected in North and East London so far. If you are not in London, whilst your child will not proactively be offered a booster dose, you can contact your GP to check if you, or your child, are up to date with your polio vaccinations. For children and babies, you can also check their personal child health record (red book). It is never too late to catch up and you can catch up for free on the NHS at any time by booking an appointment with your GP surgery.
Is it safe for my child to have so many vaccines – won’t they all overload their system?
Studies have shown there are no harmful effects from having several vaccines at the same time. This also means babies are protected from a wider range of infections from an earlier age and will require fewer trips to the doctor.
Has polio been detected outside of London?
Type 2 poliovirus has so far only been detected in North and East London. The UKHSA, working with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), has enhanced the sewage surveillance to assess the extent of spread of the virus. They plan to stand up 10 -15 sites nationally to determine if poliovirus is spreading outside of London.
Is what we are seeing in London linked to cases of polio seen in Israel and New York?
UKHSA are working closely with health agencies in New York and Israel alongside the WHO to investigate the possible links between the poliovirus detected in London and recent polio incidents in these two other countries.
What should people do to protect themselves against polio if they live outside of London?
The best way to prevent polio is to make sure you and your child are up to date with your vaccinations. If you are not in London, whilst your child will not proactively be offered a booster dose, you can contact your GP to check if you, or your child, are up to date with your polio vaccinations. For children and babies, you can also check their personal child health record (red book). It is never too late to catch up and you can catch up for free on the NHS at any time by booking an appointment with your GP surgery.
From October 2022 GP's across the across the UK will have to offer Enhanced Access Services. Have your say about what YOU need or want in Bexley by completing this short survey:
www.bit.ly/BexleyEA22
We now offer Face to Face appointments, telephone calls on the day, vulnerability appointments, telephone calls just for results only, econsults and online appointments. We can also book pre-book local Hub appointments.
Phone lines open at 8am every morning Monday to Friday.
We are proud to announce that we have a regular Mental Health professional at the surgery every Tuesday morning for our patients, to book an appointment, please contact our surgery.
COVID SPRING BOOSTERS
Please visit Find a walk-in coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination site - NHS (www.nhs.uk) to check your eligibility and nearest walk in centre.
Diabetes UK Groups exist to share information and offer mutual support to people living with diabetes, along with their friends and family.
We recommend contacting the Bexley Diabetes Support Group:
https://www.diabetesukbexley.com/about
01322 409312
07775 305110
Secretary@diabetesukbexley.com
Enquiries@diabetesukbexley.com"
It's Loneliness Awareness Week!
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport is encouraging people to 'Lift someone out of loneliness' as part of the Better Health Every Mind Matters campaign.
Invite someone for a walk, or send someone a text - small acts of kindness can make a big difference
Loneliness - Every Mind Matters - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING ANY FORM OF DOMESTIC ABUSE, PLEASE COME IN AND SPEAK TO OUR CARE CO-ORDINATOR, HELP IS AT HAND.
GOOD NEWS - OUR SURGERY IS OPEN FROM 8AM EVERY WEEKDAY (excluding Bank holidays)
WE ARE NOW OFFERRING FACE TO FACE ON THE DAY APPOINTMENTS TO SEE A GP/NURSE/MULTI PROFESSIONALS
This is part of our ongoing commitment to provide a better service to our patients.
WE ARE NOW BOOKING PATIENTS FOR REGULAR BP CHECKS - PLEASE CALLS US FOR AN APPOINTMENT IN THE NEXT AVAILABLE CLINIC.
GOOD NEWS FOR SLADE GREEN MEDICAL CENTRE!!
Health Education England, Quality, Patient Safety Commissioning team have approved Slade Green Medical centre to become a "learning Environment". This means that we are a teaching surgery.
This is a real achievement for Slade Green Medical Centre.
NEW NHS CAMPAIGN LAUNCHES TO SUPPORT SURVIVORS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT AND ABUSE
The NHS has today launched a new campaign to raise awareness of sexual assault referral centres (SARCs) - specialist NHS services that provide a safe space and dedicated care for anyone who has been raped, sexually assaulted or abused.
The campaign aims to highlight these vital NHS support services, with new data of over 4,000 respondents in England finding that over half of respondents (56%) who have been sexually assaulted or abused did not seek help from any organisation or service after the incident, and 46% citing fear of being believed as the biggest barrier to not accessing services.
Nearly half (44%) of those responding also say they don’t know or aren’t sure where to get help if they had been sexually assaulted, and 72% are currently unaware of the support available via the NHS.
This highlights the crucial need to raise awareness of SARCs, which are available for everyone 24/7 and regardless of when the incident happened. If you have been raped, sexually assaulted or abused and don't know where to turn, search ‘sexual assault referral centres’ to find out more or head to www.nhs.uk/SARCs to find your nearest service.
Domestic Abuse - Safety Enquiry.
S - (SPACE) Can you go where you want, visit friends/family without consequences?
T - (TIME) - Does your partner give you time limits when you go out, are you always having to check in?
A - (ACTION) - Are you able to chose what you do? Wear the clothes you want and eat what you like?
R - (RESOURCES) - Do you have control over YOUR money?
E - (EMOTIONS) - Does your partner control how you feel?
If you are worried about domestic or sexual abuse call Solace on 02031984659 for free and confidential advice and support for women and men in Bexley.
24 hour national Domestic Abuse helpline 08082000247
In an emergency call 999 for non emergencies call 101. www.bexleydomesticabuseservices.org.uk
Get together. Learn together. Mind in Bexley have launched a new monthly forum for patients with severe mental illness and their carers. It takes place every second Wednesday of the month from 11:30 to 1. Register here https://bit.ly/3gy7msz.
General Information
PHARMACIST
DID YOU KNOW?.......................Pharmacists are experts in medicine who can help you with minor health concerns such as coughs, colds, sore throats, tummy trouble and aches and pains, they can offer help and advice and over the counter medications. Your nearest pharmacist is:
- Wells Pharmacy, 41 Forest Road, Slade Green DA8 2NU – 01322 337445 (opp station)
NHS-111 (either via phone or online)
This is a free service there to make it easier and quicker for patients to get the right advice or treatment they need, be that for their physical or mental health. They are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also ask for a translator if you need one.
UCC – Urgent Care Centres
UCC can provide emergency contraception, pregnancy testing, chlamydia screening and treatment, free condoms as part of the C-Card scheme. UCC treats patients who have an urgent but NOT life threatening illness or injury, eg, cuts, burns, sprains, strains, suspected breaks, minor head injuries and bites etc. Your nearest UCC is:
- Erith Hospital, Park crescent DA8 3EE. 0208 308 5611
- Queen Mary Hospital, Frognal Avenue, Sidcup DA14 6LT – 0208 302 2678. This is open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day.
A & E Departments
A&E is for patients with very serious or life threatening illness or injuries. PLEASE LEAVE A&E FOR PEOPLE WHO REALLY NEED IT!! Your nearest A&E department is:
Stadium Way, Woolwich SE28 4QH – 0208 836 4360 / 1
Darent Wood Road, Dartford, DA2 8DA – 01322 428100
- Princess Royal University Hospital
Farnborough Common, Orpington, BR6 8ND – 01689 863486
Please also remember to visit our website sladegreenmedicalcentre.com for some really useful links for any support or wellbeing.
FREE NHS HEALTH CHECKS
Did you know that you are entitled to a FREE NHS Health check every 5 years if your between 40 and 74 years of age and do NOT already have a pre-existing condition!!
The NHS Health Checks are designed to spot early signs of STROKE, KIDNEY DISEASE, HEART DISEASE, TYPE 2 DIABETES or DEMENTIA. Please contact us for further information.
If you have been diagnosed with a severe Mental Illness then you are eligible for a YEARLY NHS Health Check.
REPEAT PRESCRIPTIONS - PLEASE ALLOW AT LEAST 72 WORKING HOURS TURNAROUND
We are now using an online service called eConsult. It can be accessed via our website on your computer, mobile or tablet device. This will allow you to get help or advice from your GP online and receive a response by the end of the next working day. This means no more time wasted queuing on the phone or sitting in the waiting area for your appointment.
Popular questions answered:-
When can I use eConsult? You can use eConsult at the following times:
Monday to Thursdays – 24 hours
Friday – Until 6.30PM
Saturday – Not available
Sunday – After 6.30PM
Between the time when e-consult is not available, please visit your local urgent care department or A&E.
What happens if I have more than one issue?
Please submit one eConsult per problem. This may mean you are submitting more than one eConsult. This will allow us to gather more accurate information to help you.
When will I get a response back?
The clinician will review your response and get back to you by the end of the next working day. We will contact you by phone or by email.
What about the Elderly and Vulnerable?
Elderly patients who have access to the internet can use the service, otherwise they can call the surgery as usual on the practice telephone number.
What about my Child?
Parents can submit an eConsult on behalf of their children if they are > 6 months. For children < 6 months please phone the surgery.
How old do I need to be to use eConsult?
You can submit your own eConsult once you are 16 years old. If you are below 16 and wish to discuss an issue that your parents are not aware of, please phone the surgery to speak to reception.
But I need to be seen?
Your eConsult will be reviewed by your GP and if you need to be seen for a face-to-face appointment, you will be advised of this by your GP.
What happens if my condition is not listed on eConsult?
If your condition is not listed, please select the option ‘Ask about general symptoms….’
Can I submit photos?
You may be asked to submit a photo with your eConsult to help us diagnose you. However, please do not include photos of intimate areas – for example genitalia or breasts.
I completed an eConsult, but I have not heard back from the practice.
This should not happen, however if it does and you have not heard back from the practice by the end of the next working day, please contact the surgery who will deal with this promptly.
I have an administrative request.
You can submit admin requests such as requesting a fit note (sick note) by visiting our website, go to the eConsult banner and select administrative requests
What is eConsult and how do you use it?
eConsult is a way to contact your own NHS GP practice online, for free, anywhere and anytime you have access to the internet, quickly and safely. eConsult is easy to use and will give your doctors all the information they need to triage and make sure every patient gets the care they need.
Step One
Feel unwell, or have a request for the practice? Please click the blue box to the right of this statement and press "get started"
Step Two
Choose the relevant section for your need or request.
a) I want help for my condition?
b) I want General advice?
c) I want administration help ?
d) I want help for my child?
Step Three
Fill out the information requested and submit your eConsult. Questions may change depending on what you input.
Step Four
Your practice reviews every eConsult they get and will decide on the next best step to help you. This means you may not need to visit the practice for an appointment.
Your data is safe
Your health is private and we value this. All your medical information data goes straight to your GP practice. We delete any patient identifiable information as soon as your practice receives your eConsult, which is usually a matter of seconds. We don’t sell your data, and any data we do keep goes into improving the product for you and your doctors
Your health is our number one priority
Patient safety is our top priority which is why everything we do is built by doctors. Our clinical governance team meet weekly to ensure eConsult is as safe as possible.
AS ALWAYS, IF YOU REQUIRE IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION, PLEASE VISIT YOUR NEAREST A&E DEPARTMENT OR URGENT CARE AT ERITH HOSPITAL.
SHINGLES CLINICS 2022
Did you know ? You become eligible for the shingles vaccine as you turn 70 and remain eligible up to the age of 79. Please contact us for your Shingles vaccination.
Dear Patient
We know that many people are feeling nervous about visiting hospitals and community sites at this time and GP's can play an important role in reassuring their patients that it is safe for them to attend. Please follow all the COVID-19 guidelines.
Support links for our Patients
in conjunction with Young People we have developed a web based programme called Headscape. This has information, tips and advice and helpful things to download; here's how to access it:- http://headscapegreenwich.co.uk
Other websites that you might find useful are:
http://familylives.org.uk. This was previously parent line - online forums and parent courses
www.onespace.org.uk. Website for single parents - online forum, courses and information
www.psg.org.uk. Parent Support group - helpline and advice
www.youngminds.org.uk. Young minds parent information service
www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk/fis Greenwich family information service
www.dad.info. Website has articles podcast etc
www.childline.org.uk. Telephone number 0800 1111
www.kooth.com. Online counselling service and advice.
Healthwatch Bexley. info@healthwatchbexley.co.uk. Healthwatch is an independent consumer champion created to gather and represent the views of the public. They play a role at both local and national level to make sure that your experiences of health and social care are taken into account by the service providers. Healthwatch Bexley has been developed to give the residents of Bexley a stronger voice in influencing and challenging how health and social care services are provided within our region. To sign up to their newsletter visit their website and sign up at the bottom of their home page www.healthwatchbexley.co.uk IT ONLY TAKES MINUTES TO SHARE YOUR FEEDBACK BUT THE IMPACT CAN LAST A LIFETIME !!
TALKLINE (Open from 9am to 9pm, 7 days a week. If you are feeling lonely, isolated, anxious or stressed? Phone their talkline and speak to a counsellor FREE of charge, they are there to listen to you and support whatever you are going through in these difficult times. FREEPHONE 0800 04726000 or email on mail@cmbtalk.org
Bexley Help Line is opened 7 days a week from 8am - 8pm - 0203 045 5398.
CAP Debt Advice - 0800 328 0006
Silverline 24 hour telephone befriending service - 0800 4 70 80 90
Shelter housing advice - 0808 800 4444
Mankind - Domestic Abuse helpline for men - 01823 334244
Mental Health Crisis Line - 0800 330 8590
Samaritans freephone - 116 123
COVID-19 SYMPTOMS
The symptoms of Coronavirus (COVID-19) are usually mild, but some people can become very unwell. The main symptoms of the virus is:-
- high temperature. This means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back
- new, continuous cough. This means coughing a lot for more than an hour or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse then usual)
- loss or change to your sense of smell or taste. This means you've noticed you cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal
Most people with Coronavirus have at lease one of these symptoms.
Use the 111 online Coronavirus service if you have any of the following:-
- High temperature
- new, continuous cough
- loss or change to your sense of smell or taste.
NHS 111 will tell you what to do and help you get a test if you need one. If you cannot use the online NHS 111, please try by phone. Do not come into the surgery or go to a hospital or pharmacy. Please help us and follow the government COVID-19 guidelines.
Staying at home if you have symptoms (self-isolation)
GP tip
If you are having to stay at home its best to have your own BP machine and oxygen monitor. This monitor measures the amount of oxygen travelling around your body which is one of the key signs in COVID-19. Please contact us on 01322 334884 if you would like to use one for your home.
If your symptoms are mild you must not leave your home. This is called self-isolation. Anyone with symptoms must self-isolate for 7 days from when their symptoms started. Anyone who does not have symptoms must self-isolate for 14 days from when the first person in your home started having symptoms.
Read more about self-isolation if you have symptoms of the Coronavirus :-www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/what-to-do-if-you-or-someone-you-live-with-has-coronavirus-symptoms/staying-at-home-if-you-or-someone-you-live-with-has-coronavirus-symptoms/.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Babies and Children
Call NHS 111 if your worried about a baby or child under 5 years old. If your child seems very unwell, is getting worse or you think there's something seriously wrong, do not delay, call 999.
Isolation Help Bexley (IHB) are a group of volunteers in the London Borough of Bexley. We seek to ensure that elderly and vulnerable members of our community know that they will always have a lifeline in this time of crisis. Put simply, our ethos is that we are committed to ensuring that "NOBODY" self isolating in Bexley feels isolated.
If you need help due to self-isolation, please call or email.
Phone: 0333 050 9227 / 07783820492.
Email: help@isolationhelpbexley.com
facebook.com/IsolationHelpBexley.
You can also complete a Request Help form on the website www.isolationhelpbexley.com
If you would like to volunteer, please fill out the volunteer registration at www.isolationhelpbexley.com.
Please use this valuable link if you wish to get the latest information relating to the COVID-19 virus.
https://www.bexley.gov.uk/services/public-health/coronavirus-information-and-support
Also, there is a phone number for you to call Bexley Coronavirus helpline 020 3045 5398
NHS 111 will tell you what to do and help you get a test if you need one. If you cannot use the online NHS 111, please try by phone. Do not come into the surgery or go to a hospital or pharmacy. Please help us and follow the government COVID-19 guidelines.
SLADE GREEN AND COLYERS LANE SURGERY INFORMATION
Your GP practice is open and if you need to consult your GP, please ring us first on 01322 334884. DO NOT COME TO THE SURGERY UNLESS YOU HAVE AN APPOINTMENT.
If you are invited to come into the surgery for a face to face appointment, please remember to wear a face covering. Measures are in place to keep you safe from infection during your visit to the surgery. You can also call NHS 111. For any patient requiring a COVID-19 test, please call 119 and follow the message.
GP’s are not required or in a position to provide exemption letters for patients who believe they should be exempt from wearing a face covering.
Face masks or coverings are now mandatory in most public areas.
We understand that some patients will be anxious about wearing a mask especially those with certain medical conditions.
The current guidance suggests there is no requirement for the public to provide medical evidence for exemption from wearing face masks therefore a self- declaration should be sufficient.
Please go to the GOV.UK link below for more information on the use of face coverings. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own
For specific requirements in reference to public transport, shops or other areas where masks are required please contact those specific companies for further information.
Important Notice:
We have introduced a new efficient way providing follow up for patients after blood tests or scans or any hospital investigations.
Patient will be required to book a telephone consultation after their hospital investigations with the GP who requested it to maintain continuity of care with the doctor and prompt results.
On average blood results can take 10 days to 2 weeks, hospital scan results can take 2-4 weeks. Patients can book these telephone consultations after their blood test or scans.
Our reception staff will also be able to call you and book these appointments, please make sure we have your up to date contact numbers. You could do this via our online services or to visit the surgery to amend this.
Privacy Notice: GDPR
Meet our team at Slade Green & Colyers Lane Medical Centres
This website was set up for your help and guidance. The details may be subject to change from time to time, so please check with the reception staff who will be happy to assist you.
OUR STAFF INCLUDE:
Alexandra Toal (f) - Practice Manager
Dr J Sharma (m) - Partner and GP
Dr S Nehru (m) - Partner and GP
Dr N Nehru (f) - Partner and GP (currently on Maternity Leave)
Dr Lan-Dai (f) - GP (Tuesday, Thursday and Fridays)
Dr I Stanley (m) - Locum GP (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Fridays)
Dr S Kumar (f) - Locum GP (Monday, Thursday, Friday )
Dr E Boules (m) - Locum GP (Thursdays only)
Sukhpreet (f) - - Locum Practice Nurse (Monday at Slade Green and Friday's only at Colyers Lane
Martin (m) - In house Pharmacist
Juliet (f) - HCA
Olubunmi Wajero (f) - Social Prescriber
Raj (f) - Care Co-ordinator
Maria (f) - Medical Secretary
Tasha (f) - PA to Practice Manager (Mon and Thursday only)
Sarah-Louise (f) - PA to Practice Manager (Tues, Wed, Fridays and Sat only)
Emma (f) - Registrations Lead
Andria (f) - Senior Receptionist
Kate (f) - Senior Receptionist (Colyers Lane)
Christine (f) - Receptionist/Administrator
Johannah (f) - Lead Receptionist/Administrator
Remi-Lee (f) - Receptionist/Administrator
Claire H (f) - Lead Administrator
Vicky (f) - Registration clerk and Receptionist at Colyers Lane
Lucy (f) - Registration clerk and Receptionist/Administrator
Claire O (f) - Receptionist/Administrator
Latoya (f) - Receptionist/Administrator
We currently employ 10 Receptionists /administrators, who will try in every way to help you. Our current turnaround time for repeat prescriptions is 72 working hours so please make sure you make allowances for this.
Our Receptionists are trying to do a difficult and demanding job, often working under extreme pressure. Please remember the Receptionists carry out their duties, as instructed by the Doctors, with the intention of making the Practice run safely and smoothly.
Therefore, if you feel that you are being asked too many questions or kept waiting, this is unintentional. Please try to help by giving the Receptionist the necessary information as she/he needs to try and judge the urgency of the request and whether you need to see the GP or Nurse .
Confidentiality & Medical Records
Our practice is registered under The Data Protection Act. All our staffs are bound by a duty of confidentiality. Your medical records are kept on a computer system which is secure. Doctors and other staff may view your medical record only when required clinically.
The practice complies with data protection and access to medical records legislation. Identifiable information about you will be shared with others in the following circumstances:
- To provide further medical treatment for you e.g. from district nurses and hospital services.
- To help you get other services e.g. from the social work department. This requires your consent.
- When we have a duty to others e.g. in child protection cases anonymised patient information will also be used at local and national level to help the Health Board and Government plan services e.g. for diabetic care.
Out of Hours Service Telephone 111
To speak to a doctor when the surgery is closed, please dial: 111. The person who answers your call will direct you to the services that can help you best. Remember, A&E services should only be used in critical or life-threatening situations. There are also Urgent Care Centre at Queen Mary’s Hospital, which is open 24 hours, 7 days a week and at Erith Hospital, which is open from 8am to 10pm, 7 days a week.
Freedom of Information
Information about the General Practitoners and the practice required for disclosure under this act can be made available to the public. All requests for such information should be made to the practice manager.
Access to Records
In accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998 and Access to Health Records Act, patients may request to see their medical records. Such requests should be made through the practice manager and may be subject to an administration charge. No information will be released without the patient consent unless we are legally obliged to do so.
Summary Care Record
http://www.nhscarerecords.nhs.uk/options/
(Site updated 15/08/2022)