Newsletter April 2024

BACK TO MAIN INDEX

Patient Participation Group (PPG) 

Next Meeting: 6:30 pm Thursday 9 May 2024 

The purpose of the meeting is for patients to meet and share with: Dr Boswell who will speak about Diabetes - a growing health problem.

Time will be given for other patients' issues including suitable topics for discussion in 2024.

Accurx Triage: New online consultation tool

Following patients’ concerns and feedback regarding complex and extended eConsult form we have changed online consultation tool. eConsult has been replaced by AccuRx triage. It offers simpler form to contact the practice regarding ongoing non-urgent admin or medical queries. Online consultation is available from 8:00am on work days and is caped when it reaches its capacity. Please access it through our web site using NHS App login. Please give as much information as possible.

All queries are triaged by a Duty Doctor on the same day now. If information is insufficient for triage, the patients would be contacted for more details. Additional information is needed by 15:00pm the same day before triage is closed. Patients are contacted by text/email informing them of the next steps. Please switch on notifications in NHS App to receive practice messages. Appointments are booked due to clinical need with the right clinician at the right time. Appointment link can be sent for patients to chose the most convenient day and time.

What is AccurX Triage

Letters from the patients

A decision has been made by the Partners not to accept letters from patients via reception. Instead, all correspondence from patients’ needs to be submitted via our online consultation platform which is available on our website. For those patients that struggle to use the internet assistance can be provided by reception.

This decision has been made on safety grounds. There is a risk that letters being dropped off at the surgery can be lost and/or may not be viewed for several days. By submitting queries using our online consultation platform this ensures that all communication is viewed in a time appropriate manner and acted on accordingly. This does not apply to clinical letters from Secondary care and consent forms. 

Thank you for understanding.

NHS registrations for new patients

We are using a new online service to register new patients. You can check use our catchment area map on our Join The Practice page using the link below to check if you are within the practice boundary:

New patients just need to fill in an online form to get started. The service is designed and run by the NHS. It aims to cut practices’ workloads and make GP registration easier for the public.

Paper forms are available for people who need them.

Pharmacy First Scheme

Communities will be able to get treatment for 7 common conditions at their high street pharmacy without needing to see a GP.

Pharmacists will be able to assess and treat patients without the need for a GP appointment or prescription. The major expansion of pharmacy services will give communities more choice in where and how they access care, aiming to free up GP appointments for those who need them most.

Please see more information and find participating pharmacies using the below link:

NHS Pharmacy First

Access to hospital records 

MyChart is an app and online portal that can be used on a mobile, tablet or computer. MyChart lets patients securely and easily access their hospital health record, giving them more control over their care. 
With MyChart, you can: 

• find test results and letters 
• get more time in appointments 
• save time travelling by having a video appointment 
• keep your medical information up to date 
• share your health record with the people who matter 
• support your friends and family by helping to manage their healthcare

Pharmacy contraception services 

NHS community pharmacies are an accessible and convenient place for people to receive advice and support for contraception management. 

Pharmacy Blood Pressure Check 

The NHS Community Pharmacy Blood Pressure Check Service supports risk identification and prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD). A community pharmacist is offering anyone a free blood pressure check who is over the age of 40; has not previously been identified as having hypertension or a related condition; and has not had their blood pressure measured within the previous six months.

All blood pressure readings are sent to the general practice so records can be updated and appropriate action taken. General practices can refer patients to a participating community pharmacy for a clinic blood pressure reading or for 24 hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring.

South East London MIND

Finding the right mental health support can feel daunting. The Mind information service can guide patients through the maze of options. With over 650 services available, their experienced advisors will tailor recommendations to specific needs. The service is open to all Lambeth and Southwark residents.

They can be contacted by phone on 020 8159 8355 during opening hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 9am - 5pm. Practices are advised to remind patients not to navigate mental health challenges alone.

South east London Mind is there to support them.

YSSH - Young Southwark Sexual Health

Why shouldn't you feel confident about your sexual health?

Young Southwark Sexual Health provide free, non-judgemental support, guidance and information to 16 to 25's in Southwark about relationships, secual health and contraception.

They also are a provider of free STI test-at-home kits from Sexual Health London (SHL)

National MMR call/recall

Measles cases are increasing in England. If NHS records show that your child may not be up to date with their measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccinations you would be contacted by NHSE. Please contact your child’s GP surgery to confirm their records and book an appointment. Your child needs two doses for the best protection against measles, mumps and rubella. These serious illnesses spread easily between unvaccinated people, so it’s important they catch up on any missed doses.

For more information, go to www.nhs.uk/mmr. Go to www.england.nhs.uk/mmr-invites for easy read and other languages and formats.

Social Prescribers news

The Team of Southwark Social Prescribers are planning to work with children and their parents to address social needs. Please contact us to refer you.

Menopause Advice and Info sessions

The SEL Gynaecology Network has put together a series of virtual engagement events to provide women who are waiting for appointments with information to help understand and manage symptoms of menopause and promote wellbeing.

Upcoming sessions will be:

•    Menopause and Nutrition 22nd May (18:30 – 19:45)
•    General Menopause Advice and Guidance 18th June (18:30 – 19:45)

Learn more about the event

Southwark Service to support the victims of Domestic Abuse by Refuge

Refuge provides confidential, non-judgemental and independent support service for those experiencing gender-based violence and living in Southwark.

Hourglass: Safe Ageing, Stop Abuse

The UK-wide charity is working to end the abuse, harm and exploitation of older people and promote safer ageing for all.

• Financial abuse
• Phychological abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Physical abuse
• Domestic abuse
• Neglect
   

Call the 24/7 Helpline: 0808 808 8141

Antenatal Care at King’s College Hospital

Please use the below link to self-refer to the antenatal service:

Other Health Care Service Providers

The Bridge @Southwark

New GP primary care clinic for Trans, Non binary and intersex people is opened in association with CliniQ once a month by appointment.

Carers:

Providers that give practical and emotional support to unpaid carers, empowering them to actively manage the challenges they face and thrive. Join by self-referral.

• Carers UK Line: 0808 808 7777
• Southwark Carers: 020 7708 4497
• Lewisham Carers:  0203 8860970

Community Podiatry

020 3049 7900

Community Podiatry clinics offer a range of services to assess, treat and advise people on any foot condition. Self-referral form is available online here.

First Contact Physiotherapy

The service is available for Southwark patients with new musculoskeletal conditions. Appointments can be booked by reception over the phone or by submitting e-Consult.

Minor Eye Conditions Scheme

Local Opticians provide free assessment and treatment for many common eye conditions.

Specsaves at Peckham 020 7277 7222
Unit 3, The Aylesham Centre, SE15 5EW 
R Woodfall Opticians in East Dulwich 020 8299 6622
46 Lordship Lane SE22 8HJ

Pharmacy first

The Pharmacy First scheme available in some Pharmacies and covers advice and treatment for the following conditions:

• Allergies
• Athletes foot
• Chicken Pox
• Cold sores
• Conjunctivitis
• Constipation
• Coughs & Colds
• Diarrhoea
• Earwax
• Fever
• Hay Fever
• Head lice
• Headache
• Indigestion
• Insect bites and stings
• Minor Burns and scalds
• Mouth Ulcers
• Nappy rash
• Piles
• Sore throat
• Sprains and Strains
• Teething
• Threadworm
• Vaginal Thrush 

Sexual Health Clinic

020 7188 6666

Clinic Provides full range of sexual health services 7 days a week with a walk in clinic available. Service information can be found here.

Stable and Steady classes

020 3049 4493

The classes are for Lewisham residents aged 65 and over, to improve strength and balance, reduce the risk of falling.

Strength and balance classes for fall prevention

020 3049 542

Free exercise classes for Lambeth and Southwark residents to improve strength, balance and confidence when walking. 

Talking Therapies Southwark

020 3228 2194

Talking therapies or psychological therapies are effective and confidential treatments delivered by fully trained and accredited NHS practitioners. They can help with common mental health problems like stress, anxiety and depression. You can refer yourself directly to an NHS talking therapies service by filling self-referral form online.

Talking Therapies Lewisham

020 3228 1350

This is free and confidential help for Lewisham residents who are feeling low, anxious or stressed. Self-referral is available.

Published: May 17, 2024