The NHS is still here for you this bank holiday:

The NHS is still here for you this weekend if you need urgent care over the bank holiday weekend. You should check opening times and days of services for your GP surgery and local pharmacy. You can do this by visiting your practice website or by visiting www.nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy/find-a-pharmacy

We would like to encourage you to order and collect your repeat prescription before this weekend to avoid running out of your medication and to also seek advice where necessary.

You can also visit 111online or call 111 at any time, where you will be asked some questions about symptoms if using the website, or by speaking to a fully trained advisor on the phone.

Using 999 is for emergencies and should only be called if the situation is life-threatening.

Messages & images to share on social media:

Topic		Image	Message
	Prescription		📣 Do you take medication regularly?     ⌛ It is important to check your prescription and order what you need and in plenty of time.
	Pharmacy		Your local pharmacy can offer healthcare services and you don’t need to book an appointment.         Find a pharmacy near you 👇 www.nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy/find-a-pharmacy
	Pharmacy		Your local Pharmacy offers healthcare services which you don’t need to book an appointment for, just pop in. Find out if your local pharmacy is open this bank holiday👉 ow.ly/h1d650wZ9w0
	GP/NHS 111		Need medical help over the May bank holiday?   🚨 Remember A&E and 999 are for emergencies https://111.nhs.uk/
	Mental Health	For Merton, Kingston, Sutton, Richmond and Wandsworth:	If you need urgent mental health support over the bank holiday, call our 24/7 Mental Health Crisis Line team. They are there to help you. 🚨 Please only attend A&E if it is an emergency. Click to find out more www.swlstg.nhs.uk/patients-carers/crisis-support/mental-health-support-line
	Kooth CYP (MH)		If you are 11-21 years old and are feeling anxious or low, you can speak to someone online for support 24/7.       Find out more 👉 https://kooth.com

We kindly ask that where possible, you wear a face covering when attending the surgery.

Please Do Not request your medication earlier than you normally would. Prescriptions can and should be ordered online via Patient Access or by email, only if this is not possible we can take requests over the phone. Please note prescription requests take 48 working hours.

Information regarding immunisations and 8 week baby checks

We are maintaining our immunisation programme.　

Please book appointments for all routine childhood immunisations; from birth to preschool children. Also, pertussis vaccination in pregnancy.

If you have been invited for routine health checks/ Immunisations/vaccinations please attend the surgery when requested as Public Health England have stressed how important it is to maintain our patients health during these trying times. 

Shingles Vaccine

Eligibility for shingles vaccination From 1 September 2020, the eligibility criteria have been simplified. Anyone between the ages of 70 and 80 years* is now eligible to receive the shingles vaccine, subject to there being no contraindications to shingles vaccine and they have not received a previous shingles vaccination.

For More Info
https://www.shinglesaware.co.uk/

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/shingles-herpes-zosterthe-green-book-chapter-28a

Feeling anxious?

The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak means that life is changing for all of us for a while. It may cause you to feel anxious, stressed, worried, sad, bored, lonely or frustrated.

The Richmond Wellbeing Service is offering you telephone and video consultations to help you manage at this challenging time.  You can self refer by visiting their website.

The NHS website also has some resources available that may be useful. Please do not hesitate to contact the Practice if you need further guidance or support.

Taking sick leave

Patients will no longer need to request a fit note after 7 days of sickness, they can now self-certificate for 28 days (including non-working days such as weekends and bank holidays). Proof of sickness cannot be requested by employers earlier than 28 days.

If an employee started their sick leave before 10 December 2021, they still need to give proof if they’ve been off work for more than 7 days, (including non-working days).

This temporary change to the rules has been made to support general practice teams by freeing up some time. Guidance for healthcare professionals and employers can be found here.

Information for patients can be found via this link: www.gov.uk/taking-sick-leave.