THE LONDON LANE CLINIC
Practice Newsletter Autumn/Winter 2014
Flu vaccination programme
The flu vaccination season is upon us and, as in previous years, all patients aged over 65 ie those whose 65th birthday falls on or before 31st March 2015, pregnant women and all patients in the following disease groups: diabetes, chronic respiratory disease and asthma, coronary heart disease, chronic renal disease, immunosuppression, liver disease and neurological disease such as stroke, are eligible for a free flu vaccination.
Please ask a receptionist if you would like a list of clinic dates.
These clinics are by appointment only.
You are welcome to use the blood pressure/height/weight machine (located on the right of the reception counter) when you attend for your appointment.
As in previous years, local pharmacies will be offering vaccinations (for a charge) to patients who are not included in the NHS vaccination programme.
Flu Vaccinations for 2,3 4 year olds
This year all children aged 2, 3 or 4 on the 1st September 2014 ie born between 2/9/2009 – 1/9/2012 will be eligible to receive the nasal spray vaccination (called Fluenz).
Also, any children in a clinical risk group aged 5-17 will be offered the same nasal spray vaccination. This is painless and easy to give and has been used safely in other countries for a number of years. The parents of all eligible children have been written to about this.
Shingles immunisations for patients aged 70,78 and 79.
Were you aged 70, 78 or 79 on 1st September 2014? If you were born between
2/9/43 – 1/9/44
2/9/35 – 1/9/36
2/9/34 – 1/9/35
you are eligible for the shingles vaccination.
We have set up special clinics where you can receive both flu and shingles vaccinations at the same time. Please contact Reception to book an appointment. However, if you can’t make these, you will still be able to receive your shingles vaccination up until August 2015.
Named GP for over 75s – and others
As part of the national initiative to match patients with a named GP we have allocated a named GP to all patients aged over 75. This initiative will be extended to all age groups in the future.
Requesting repeat prescriptions early
If you have to request a prescription early due to, for example, holidays, please could you make a note of this on your prescription request.
Sprucing up the surgery
The practice is investing considerably in new sink units to help with infection control in the consultation rooms. We apologise for any inconvenience caused by the building work that this will entail, but hope that everyone will appreciate the improvement.
Blood taking (phlebotomy) service
The practice provides a phlebotomy service with bookable appointments for all patients. This is on four mornings per week 8.30-10.15. If however, you would prefer a walk-in service, you may still have your bloods taken at the hospital – either Beckenham Beacon or the Princess Royal University Hospital.
Please remember that it is the patient’s responsibility to contact the practice and obtain the results of any tests. The receptionist will be able to inform you whether you need a follow-up appointment.
Unfortunately, the practice will not be in a position to contact patients about the results
Blood tests and investigations initiated at the hospital
Please bear in mind that the results of any investigations requested by the hospital and not the surgery are not routinely sent to the surgery. If you would like to obtain these results, you would need to contact the hospital department directly. The phone number will be on your hospital letter.
CC TV
The London Lane Clinic now has CCTV in order to ensure staff and patient safety. Material produced will be used for monitoring and training purposes.
“emisaccess ” Booking appointments and requesting repeat prescriptions over the internet
As mentioned in previous newsletters (but it’s worth repeating!), it is possible to book an appointment with a doctor, or send a message and/or request a repeat prescription from the practice using the internet. If you ask at reception for your PIN code they will print out a letter for you with your personalised code and information on what to do. You then visit www.patient.co.uk and set up an account for yourself using the codes on the letter. Once the account is set up, you can book up to two (non-urgent) appointments with a doctor over the internet. You will also be able to request a repeat prescription using the form on the screen, or send a message direct to the practice. The advantage is that you can use the internet any time, day or night, and no time is spent waiting on the telephone.
In future this system will also allow you access to your Summary Care Record ie information on your medications, and any allergies or adverse reactions. We are in the process of altering each patient’s EMIS Access registration to enable you to view your summary care record.
Staff News
o Farewell to Dr Eileen MacCann who retired at the end of September after having worked in the NHS for over 20 years.
o We are delighted that we have been able to recruit Dr Vishal Patel, a Kings graduate who has previously worked in South East London, to join us as an Associate GP from 1st October. He specialises in paediatrics and joint injections.
o We also welcome three new part time Health Care Assistants, Lauren, Yvonne & Mandy, who will provide a range of services such as smoking cessation advice, new patient health checks and ECGs. They also help provide the practice blood taking service.
o We would like to congratulate Dr Rita Austin who is expecting a baby in February 2015.
Friends & Family Test
All NHS patients are going to be given the opportunity to provide anonymous feedback to the organisation providing their services using the Friends and Family Test. This is being rolled out nationally and will be in place by April 2015. It will include outpatients, GP services, community and mental health services, the ambulance service and dentistry. We plan to have this fully operational in December.
~~Top Tip~~
Making the most of your consultation
When attending an appointment at the surgery or any other part of the health service, if you are unsure about someone’s role, ask them to explain it.
Consider asking a friend or relation to be with you when you see professionals.
Write down what you want to discuss with someone before you see them.
Write down anything important they tell you.
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Website: www.TheLondonLaneClinic.GPSurgery.net