Please See Below for Practice News, Updates & Information on Local & National Health Campaigns.

Please visit www.england.nhs.uk/news for the latest news from NHS England.

Help, advice and support from the NHS in South East London.

December 2024

Please note that Woodlands Surgery will be closed on;

• Wednesday 25th December
• Thursday 26th December
• Wednesday 1st January

for the Christmas and New Year bank holidays.

If you need medical assistance, please visit 111.nhs.uk or call 111. In a medical emergency, please call 999.

A list of local pharmacies which will be open can be found at nhs.uk/nhs-services/pharmacies/.

Please note we are unable to issue medication excessively early due to the surgery being closed for three days over the Christmas period. If you need to request medication early, please include a note advising why you are requesting early.

December 2024

Please note that the X-ray department at Eltham Community Hospital will be closed on Friday 13th December and Monday 16th December 2024.

The ultrasound service will remain unaffected, and patients with appointments should still attend.

The X-ray department will re-open as usual on Tuesday 17th December 2024.

December 2024

The NHS has been there for us for over 76 years.

But to make sure it’s here for the next 76 years, doing all it can to support the health of everyone, your help is needed.

The Department of Health and Social Care is leading this work, alongside NHS England (NHSE).

They've launched Change NHS to hear your views, experiences, and ideas which will shape a new 10 Year Health Plan for England.

This will run until spring 2025.

Please visit change.nhs.uk for more information, and to submit your feedback.

December 2024

World Aids day takes place every 1st December. Testing for HIV is free, fast, confidential and simple; you can do it at home with a self-test kit. Most people get HIV from someone who doesn’t know they have it, and testing is the only way to know if you have HIV.

Free HIV test kits are available to anyone over 16 that lives in England. Choose from a lab test (with optional syphilis test) and get results by text, or a rapid self-test you can do yourself.

Pleave visit startswithme.org.uk for more information on HIV and to order a free HIV test.

Connect Well HIV provides free online counselling, coaching, hypnotherapy and wellbeing workshops for adults living with HIV in London. Please visit connectwellhiv.com for more information.

November 2024

The 'Bexley Boxes' project will see some of the borough’s most vulnerable housebound residents receive a special box filled with goods designed to keep them warm and well over the winter months.

The boxes will be filled with essentials such as porridge, tinned goods, scarves, hats and warm socks, as well a list of useful contacts and winter wellbeing advice and a special festive treat.

If you would like to get involved in the scheme either by donating goods or funds, or if you or someone you know is housebound and would like to receive a Bexley Box, please email bexleybox@bexley.gov.uk or call 020 8187 7613.

Please visit bexley.gov.uk for more information.

November 2024

November is pancreatic cancer awareness month. About 10,500 people are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the UK each year.

Pancreatic cancer is a cancer that's found anywhere in the pancreas. The pancreas is an organ in the top part of your tummy. It helps you digest your food and makes hormones, such as insulin. How serious pancreatic cancer is depends on where it is in the pancreas, how big it is, if it has spread and your general health.

Pancreatic Cancer UK are a charity who can provide information and support, and are looking to fund further reasearch into pancreatic cancer.

Please visit nhs.uk/conditions/pancreatic-cancer and pancreaticcancer.org.uk for more information.

November 2024

Mpox (previously known as monkeypox) is a rare infection most commonly found in parts of west, central and east Africa. The risk of catching it in the UK is low.

Mpox can be passed on from person to person through any close physical contact with mpox blisters or scabs, touching clothing, bedding or towels used by someone with mpox, or the coughs and sneezes of a person with mpox.

There have been a small number of cases of mpox in the UK since 2022. There has been more information regarding mpox in the news recently, due to a new outbreak of the virus.

Please visit www.nhs.uk/conditions/mpox for more information and guidance, and to find an mpox vaccination site if you are eligible for the vaccine.

November 2024

A diagnosis of chronic kidney disease (CKD) means that your kidneys do not work as well as they should.

The term ‘chronic’ means that it is a long-term condition. It does not mean that the condition is severe. Most people with CKD have very mild symptoms and are managed by their GP. Only one in 50 people with CKD will ever need to receive dialysis treatment or have a kidney transplant.

CKD is usually diagnosed by blood and urine tests. You may have these tests as part of a routine check-up at your GP surgery or because you are at increased risk of developing CKD because you have other conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease, or a family history of kidney disease.

You can answer a few simple questions to find out if you are at risk of kidney disease, and understand more about keeping your kidneys healthy.

Please visit kidneycareuk.org for more information, and to take the kidney health checker questionnaire.

November 2024

The main symptom of womb cancer is bleeding after the menopause.

'You Need to Know' is a campaign that aims to increase awareness of this symptom and the importance of getting it checked by a Clinician.

It’s unlikely to be anything serious, but if we do find anything then the earlier it’s treated, the more successful treatment is.

Please visit selca.nhs.uk for more information.

The Eve Appeal is the leading UK national charity funding research and raising awareness into the five gynaecological cancers - womb, ovarian, cervical, vulval and vaginal. Please visit eveappeal.org.uk for more information.

November 2024

There are many local and free NHS services that you can refer yourself to. There are different types of support available to help you take control of your wellbeing.

Self-referral services vary by area, and they might be provided by a variety of organisations, all approved and commissioned by the NHS. This could help you find the care you need quicker and more easily than going through your surgery.

You can self-refer for:

• Mental Health Support
• Physiotherapy Services (MSK)
• Opticians - Minor Eye Care Services
• Community Pharmacies - offer prescription medicine for some conditions without you needing to see a GP
• Sexual Health Services
• Drug and Alcohol Services
• Smoking Cessation
• Support for Carers
• Healthy Weight
• plus more!

Please visit bexleywellbeing.org/services/self-referral/ for more information and a list of self-referral options.

Please visit usetherightservice.com for guidance to accessing the correct NHS services.

October 2024

There are many reasons why you may decide to volunteer within the NHS. As an NHS volunteer, you can;

• make a positive contribution to the experience of patients and their families
• do something for the benefit of your local community
• get a sense of accomplishment and a positive outlook on life
• do something worthwhile and meaningful to you

Whether you are studying or reconsidering your career, volunteering can help you decide your future goals.

You will get support from dedicated teams who welcome volunteers from all walks of life and backgrounds.

Please visit volunteering.england.nhs.uk for more information.

October 2024

Please see the NHS website for health advice on;

• Winter vaccinations and winter health
• Hypothermia
• Sore or dry lips
• Common cold
• Influenza (flu)
• Norovirus (vomiting bug)
• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
• Winter tiredness
• Winter sunlight (Vitamin D)
• Safer sleep in winter for babies
• Staying well in winter if you have a long-term lung condition

October 2024

Breast Cancer Awareness Month takes place every October, and is an annual campaign to raise awareness about the impact of breast cancer, which is the most common type of cancer in the UK.

Please visit breastcancernow.org and breastcanceruk.org.uk for more information on symptoms, prevention, treatment and living with breast cancer.

The National Breast Screening Programme offers a free breast screening service for women aged between 50-71. More information about the screening service can be found at breastscreening.org.uk/South-East-London.

Please also visit the nhs.uk for information on how you can do a breast self-examination at home.

October 2024

Bexley Stop Smoking Service is available to anyone who wants to stop smoking in Bexley.

They provide free, friendly and effective practical support, as well as offering a full range of evidence-based smoking cessation medications. They can also advise on vaping and can direct you to local vape shops.

For more information, please visit smokefreebexley.co.uk.

Stoptober is a Public Health England initiative that encourages smokers to abstain from smoking in October. If you can quit smoking for the month, you are 5 times more likely to quit permanently.

Please visit nhs.uk/better-health for more information.

September 2024

#AskAboutAsthma 2024 takes place from the 9th until 15th September. This year’s campaign is focusing on helping children and young people with asthma to live their best lives.

Good asthma control means having no symptoms, and can be achieved by following these four asks;

• get an asthma action plan in place
• understand how to use inhalers correctly
• schedule an asthma review - every year and after every attack
• consider air pollution and its impact on lung health.

Please visit nhs.uk/conditions/asthma for more information on asthma.

September 2024

Know Your Numbers! Week is taking place from 2nd until 8th September this year, to reach those who have high blood pressure, so they can get the treatment and support they need to bring it under control.

High blood pressure can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and other illnesses. Around a third of people in the UK have high blood pressure, but most don’t know it. It doesn’t have any symptoms; the only way to find out is to have a blood pressure check.

There is a self-service blood pressure monitor in the surgery waiting room. This is a walk-in service, no appointment required. Please speak to our reception team for more information.

In addition to the GP surgery, certain pharmacies in South East London offer free NHS blood pressure checks. Having your blood pressure checked at a pharmacy is quick and easy and often does not require an appointment.

Find a pharmacy that offers free blood pressure checks

Please visit bloodpressureuk.org for more information.

September 2024

Coronavirus (COVID-19) is an infectious disease, which can spread from an infected person’s mouth or nose in small liquid particles when they cough, sneeze, speak, sing or breathe.

The symptoms of COVID-19 are very similar to symptoms of other illnesses, such as colds and flu. Most people feel better within a few weeks, but it can take longer to recover. For some people, it can be a more serious illness and their symptoms can last longer.

The COVID-19 vaccine helps protect against COVID-19, and is offered on the NHS to people at increased risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19.

If you are eligible for the vaccine, please contact the surgery to book an appointment.

For more information and to see who is eligible, please visit nhs.uk/conditions/covid-19.

September 2024

Influenza (flu) is a viral infection that can easily spread to other people. You're more likely to give it to others in the first five days of having it.

Flu is spread by germs from coughs and sneezes, which can live on hands and surfaces for 24 hours. Symptoms range from mild to severe, and often include fever, runny nose, sore throat, muscle pain, headache, coughing and fatigue.

Flu vaccines are safe and effective. They're offered on the NHS every year in autumn or early winter, to help protect people at risk of flu and its complications.

If you are eligible for the vaccine, please contact the surgery to book an appointment.

For more information and to see who is eligible, please visit nhs.uk/conditions/flu.

August 2024

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of coughs and colds. It usually gets better by itself, but it can be serious for some babies and older adults. RSV is spread in the coughs and sneezes of someone who has the virus.

In babies, RSV is a common cause of a type of chest infection called bronchiolitis. RSV can also cause a serious lung infection (pneumonia) in babies and older adults.

A vaccine to help protect against RSV will be available on the NHS from September 2024.

You'll be able to get the vaccine if;

• you're aged 75 to 79
• you're 28 weeks pregnant or more - this will help protect your baby for the first few months after they're born

If you're aged 75 to 79, please contact the surgery to book an appointment. You can speak to your maternity service about getting your RSV vaccination if you're 28 weeks pregnant or more.

For more information, please nhs.uk/rsv.

August 2024

Cervical Screening (formally known as a smear test) is a free NHS health test that is offered to women and all people with a cervix between the ages of 25 to 64. It helps prevent cervical cancer by checking for human papillomavirus (HPV) which can be passed through forms of sexual contact.

Currently across London, only 58% of 25 to 49-year-olds attend cervical screening, with the attendance significantly higher for 50 to 64-year-olds at 70%.

Athletes Erin Kennedy MBE (Rowing) and Donna Fraser OBE (Athletics) have joined forces following their own cancer experience to share their stories and encourage others to attend cervical screening.

Please visit londoncervicalscreening.com for more information.

Please visit nhs.uk/conditions/cervical-screening for information on the cervical screening programme.

August 2024

Pharmacists can give you advice on a range of conditions and suggest medicines that can help. They may also be able to offer treatment and prescription medicine for some conditions, without you needing to see a GP.

Conditions they can treat as part of Pharmacy First are:

• earache (aged 1 to 17 years)
• impetigo (aged 1 year and over)
• infected insect bites (aged 1 year and over)
• shingles (aged 18 years and over)
• sinusitis (aged 12 years and over)
• sore throat (aged 5 years and over)
• urinary tract infections or UTIs (women aged 16 to 64 years)

Please visit nhs.uk/thinkpharmacyfirst for more information.

Find out how pharmacists can help with medicine and medical advice, and find your nearest pharmacy.

July 2024

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, but you may not have symptoms with early prostate cancer.

Symptoms of prostate cancer do not usually appear until the prostate is large enough to affect the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the penis (urethra).

Please visit nhs.uk/conditions/prostate-cancer for more information.

Please visit prostatecanceruk.org to check your risk in 30 seconds.

The NHS is joining forces with the charity Prostate Cancer Research to provide unique access to healthcare data for research that could transform patient care and treatment of the disease.

Anyone diagnosed with prostate cancer, either recently or in the past, is being encouraged to take part in Prostate Progress.

More information can be found at prostate-cancer-research.org.uk.

July 2024

You can now recycle pressurised metered dose inhalers at participating sites.

Inhalers should not go in the bin or recycling at home. They end up in landfill, and the gases they contain contribute to climate change. Even inhalers that seem empty can still contain greenhouse gases. (Don’t worry, though – these gases are not harmful to your health when you use your inhaler.)

Please bring your old, expired and unused inhalers to a participating pharmacy. Two local pharmacies are Olins Pharmacy (The Oval) and Roadnight Pharmacy (Station Road).

More information and other participating sites can be found at www.selondonics.org/our-residents/your-health/local-nhs-services/inhaler-return-and-recycling.

July 2024

Whooping cough (pertussis) is an infection of the lungs and breathing tubes. It spreads very easily and can be serious.

The first signs of whooping cough are similar to a cold, such as a runny nose and sore throat; a high temperature is uncommon. The cough may last for several weeks or months. Treatment for whooping cough depends on your age and how long you've had the infection.

The whooping cough vaccine is routinely given as part of the baby and pre-school booster vaccinations for children. If you're pregnant you should also have the whooping cough vaccine, when you're around 20 weeks pregnant. This helps protect your baby for the first few weeks of their life.

Please visit www.nhs.uk/conditions/whooping-cough for more information on whooping cough. Please visit www.nhs.uk/vaccinations for more information on vaccinations.

Please contact the surgery if you need to check your vaccination status.

July 2024

There has been a recent increase in Measles cases in London. Those who have never received a measles vaccine (MMR) are at risk. Please contact reception if you need to check your vaccination status.

The MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine is a safe and effective combined vaccine.

It protects against 3 serious illnesses: measles, mumps and rubella (german measles). These highly infectious conditions can easily spread between unvaccinated people, and can lead to serious problems including meningitis, hearing loss and problems during pregnancy.

Please visit nhs.uk/conditions/measles/ for more information on measles.

Please visit nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/mmr-vaccine/ for more information on the MMR vaccine.

July 2024

If your child is aged between three and five years old, they should be up to date with their immunisations before starting school.

These pre-school immunisations (also known as vaccinations) will help protect your child against many serious infections. Now is a good time to catch up with any of the usual immunisations your child may have missed as a baby or toddler.

Please contact reception if you need to check your childs vaccination status, or to enquire about catch-up doses. It is never too late to have your child immunised.

Please visit nhs.uk/vaccinations for more information.

July 2024

Moles are small, coloured spots on the skin. Most people have them and they're usually nothing to worry about unless they change size, shape or colour.

Some moles can be a sign of melanoma, a type of skin cancer. It's important to check your moles regularly for any changes.

Please visit nhs.uk/conditions/moles for more information.

You can also visit nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/sunscreen-and-sun-safety for guidance on sunscreen and sun safety.

July 2024

Please see the NHS website for summer health advice on;

• Sunscreen and sun safety
• Keeping your baby safe in the sun
• Sunburn
• Heat rash (prickly heat)
• How to get vitamin D from sunlight
• Heatwave: how to cope in hot weather
• Heat exhaustion and heatstroke
• Dehydration
• Sore or dry lips
• Moles

Please also click here to see our dedicated page on hay fever.

June 2024

Cruse Bereavement Support are a charity who can help people with bereavement support, information and campaigning.

Cruse Bexley and Bromley have a 'Walk and Talk Group'. They walk on Tuesdays (come rain or shine!) and meet between 10.00am and 10.20am outside The Stables restaurant in Danson Park, Bexleyheath,

The walk around Danson Lake takes about 50 minutes, and they finish the walk back at The Stables, where some of the walkers like to have tea or coffee and continue their chat with walk leaders or other walkers.

No booking is required, you are welcome to just come along, or call 0208 304 5245 for more information.

Please visit cruse.org.uk for more information on Cruse and their work.

June 2024

There are a range of health professionals who work together within the surgery, to help you get the right care when you need it.

In addition to GPs, our team includes;

• nurses
• specialist MSK physiotherapist
• clinical pharmacists
• mental health practitioner
• social prescribing link worker
• dietician
• care co-ordinators

Our receptionists are trained to discuss your medical concern thoroughly and confidentially, so you can be seen by the right health professional for your situation.

Your General Practice team is here to help you. To find out more about the support that is on offer at general practices, please visit nhs.uk/nhs-services/gps.

May 2024

Hepatitis C is a virus that affects your liver. It can be cured by taking a course of tablets.

Lots of people have hepatitis C without knowing. Even if you do not know you have it, it can damage your liver and can sometimes lead to life-threatening conditions like liver cancer or liver failure.

You can do a free, confidential hepatitis C test at home. You prick your finger to get some blood and then send the blood to get tested.

Please visit hepctest.nhs.uk for more information about hepatitis c, the testing process, and to order a free test kit to your address.

May 2024

Healthy Living is a free, online NHS programme that supports people to live well with type 2 diabetes.

It includes information and advice about:

• eating well
• becoming more active
• how to look after your body and mind
• ther NHS services and support
• living with diabetes, including driving, working and travelling

You can use the Healthy Living programme whenever suits you, and for as long as you need - there is no limit to access so you can learn at your own pace. It can also be used alongside any other diabetes programmes or education you may be taking part in.

To register for the programme, please visit www.healthyliving.nhs.uk.

To find out more about your risk of type 2 diabetes, please visit riskscore.diabetes.org.uk.

May 2024

Mental Health Awareness Week 2024 will take place from 13th to 19th May, on the theme of 'Movement: Moving more for our mental health'.

One of the most important things you can do to help protect your mental health is regular movement. Moving more can increase your energy, reduce stress and anxiety, and boost your self-esteem.

Please visit mentalhealth.org.uk for more information and tips on moving more.

You can also visit Every Mind Matters for further information on mental health, and to create a free personalised mind plan.

October 2023

The South East London Cancer Alliance can offer information and guidance if you're a cancer patient, carer, friend or family member.

On their website, they have a range of information and resources designed to help patients and families at all stages of cancer screening, diagnosis, and beyond.

Please see this short film regarding their work.

Please visit selca.nhs.uk for more information.

April 2023

Type 2 diabetes is a common condition that causes the level of sugar (glucose) in the blood to become too high. It can cause symptoms like excessive thirst, needing to pee a lot and tiredness.

It's a lifelong condition that can affect your everyday life. If diagnosed, you may need to change your diet and take regular medication.

Have you been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes? Did you know that a yearly check at the GP surgery can help you manage and live a healthy life with diabetes?

Please see this short film, regarding the diabetes care process.

Please visit nhs.uk/conditions/diabetes for more information on diabetes, and where to get further help and support.

January 2023

Patients can now see a GP or Nurse on evenings and weekends, at Woodlands or a local surgery or location, in their Primary Care Network. Please speak to our reception team to find out more and book an appointment (subject to availability).

If you need to change or cancel your evening or weekend appointment, please call the surgery.

If you need to cancel a weekend appointment when we're closed, please call 0208 176 0410.

Please note this phone number can only be used to cancel out of hours appointments, and not to contact the surgery.

July 2022

Bowel cancer is a general term for cancer that begins in the large bowel. Depending on where the cancer starts, bowel cancer is sometimes called colon or rectal cancer.

Bowel cancer is one of the most common types of cancer diagnosed in the UK. Most people diagnosed with it are over the age of 60.

Please visit nhs.uk/conditions/bowel-cancer for more information on the symptoms, causes, treatment and living with bowel cancer.

In England, everyone aged 60 to 74 who's registered with a GP is eligible for NHS bowel cancer screening. It involves using a home testing kit to send off some poo samples to be tested for blood. This can help detect bowel cancer before symptoms appear.

Please visit nhs.uk/conditions/bowel-cancer-screening for more information about the NHS bowel cancer screening checks.

May 2022

My Planned Care supports people waiting for a hospital appointment, operation or treatment, and gives them advice and support while they wait. This includes access to average waiting times at their hospital, and other useful advice about local services.

The site is updated weekly with further advice and information on how to manage pain, keep healthy, look after your mental health, access financial help and other local support services.

Please visit myplannedcare.nhs.uk for more information.

February 2022

Teen Life is a six session programme, for parents/carers of young people aged 10 to 16 years on the autism spectrum.

Developed by the National Autistic Society, the Teen Life programme aims to empower parents and supporting professionals, to understand more about how autism is experienced by teenagers.

Please click here for more information on applying.

February 2022

There is a new service at Lewisham Hospital every Friday, from 9.30am - 12pm, offering support to patients who have recieved a cancer diagnosis. There are various areas of support offered for patients that would like to speak with a specialist, or who would like to be signposted to other services.

This service is available for patients who have received their cancer diagnosis at either Lewisham Hospital or Queen Elizabeth Hospital. This is a drop-in service, no appointment required.

Please click here for more information.

December 2021

The NHS operate a Zero Tolerance Policy with regard to violence and abuse and the practice has the right to remove violent patients from the list with immediate effect in order to safeguard practice staff, patients and other persons.

Violence in this context includes actual or threatened physical violence or verbal abuse which leads to fear for a person’s safety. In this situation we will notify the patient in writing of their removal from the list and record in the patient’s medical records the fact of the removal and the circumstances leading to it.

In certain situations, the police may be called to remove a person(s) from the surgery.

July 2021

Please ensure that you have read your blood test form on collection to check the date you are required to have the blood test, and any other clinical details.

You cannot currently walk-in for a blood test at the hospital. You can book your blood test appointment online by visiting lewishamandgreenwich.nhs.uk.

Alternativly you can call 0208 333 3217 to book a blood test with the Phlebotomy Booking Service. You will get through to the phlebotomy call centre, with advisors able to book appointments at all available locations. The call centre is open Monday to Friday between 8am and 4pm.

May 2021

Please make sure we have your up-to-date contact information. Please call the surgery on 020 8300 1680 to update your details, or complete an online consultation. All patients aged 16 or over are responsible for managing their own healthcare, so please make sure we can contact you.

April 2021

All patients aged 16 years or over needs to contact the surgery for their own results and medical information. Due to patient confidentiality, we cannot give information about any patients 16 years or over to anyone else.

If you would like to give permission for other person(s) to access your medical records, please fill in this form and return it to surgery. We will then add to your notes that you have given written permission for this access. This permission can also be removed at any time by request.

Can I speak to a GP about someone else's health?

February 2021

A service is now live to help you find your NHS number. This service is for anyone living in England who has forgotten or does not know their NHS number.

You can opt for the number to be sent to you by text, email or letter. Please visit nhs.uk to use this service.

Janaury 2021

All samples must be brought into surgery before 12.30pm.

We cannot keep any samples in the surgery overnight. Any samples brought to the surgery after 12.30pm will not be accepted.

All samples must be clearly labelled with patients' full name and date of birth. The time when the sample was taken must also be added. All samples must be handed in a clear plastic bag.

Samples not labelled correctly will not be sent off or analysed by the laboratory. Please seal all containers tightly, samples that leak will also not be tested.