Welcome to the website of Cranham Village Surgery & Little Gaynes Surgery. We are a single practice located over two sites in beautiful Cranham and Upminster respectively. 

We hope this website will help you navigate to useful information and help us all achieve better healthcare.

The homepage will be a blog with important updates and information for patients and staff alike. Information will be posted with the most recent at the top.

TO REGISTER AT THE PRACTICE: https://gp-registration.nhs.uk/F82006  (Please note, we do not accept out of area registrations)

TO USE E-CONSULT OPTION (PLEASE ALLOW 48 HOURS FOR RESPONSE): https://cranhamvillagesurgery.webgp.com/

CONTACT: 01708228888 (Cranham) 01708228881 (Little Gaynes) 

OPENING HOURS: 8am - 6:30pm (Monday to Friday) - We will be closed every bank holiday without exception. 

• Due to an influx of new patient applications, please allow a few weeks for them to be processed.

• Please also note that we have strict practice boundaries and if you are outside them, we would kindly ask that you apply to a GP surgery closer to your home address.

• The new phone system has been getting good reviews, but we would be grateful if any patients could fill out the following:

• https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/necs/advanced-telephony-patient-feedback-survey-2

• We are introducing new phone systems at the surgery enabling people to realise where they are in the queue

• You can also set up call waiting / call back

• Your name and number pops up on screen when you call thereby making the process smoother

• We are also increasing our clinical personnel to help with appointments and workflow

Understandably there is always a rush to get on the day appointments at 8am when the practice opens. It is important that access to these appointments is as equitable as possible. As such, we would recommend the following:

1. Wherever possible, if your issue is not urgent and possibly requiring same day care, book a routine appointment instead of an on the day appointment.

2. Consider if your condition can be treated by the local pharmacy teams (a list of conditions they treat is available)

3. Consider if seeing a doctor is necessary or whether it may be possible to see one of our other experienced clinical team members including nurses, clinical pharmacist or physiotherapist.

4. Please do not come in at 8 am to make an appointment in person as this is unfair to those calling in and unable to get to the surgery physically themselves.

We are doing our best to ensure that we are able to provide fair access and hope that by working together, we can find a balance that is sustainable and acceptable to all. 

Please note that due to Global IT outages impacting systems here and throughout the world, our functionality will be severely limited. Please do not use the e-Consult facility as we will not be able to access it. We can only offer immediate and necessary treatment until this is resolved. Thank you for your patience.

We have a new practice manager - Ms Sonata Migliniene. She knows the practice and our patients well and we are sure you will join us in welcoming her into her new role.

ELFT, along with North East London NHS Foundation Trust (NELFT) and partners across NEL, are working together to ensure that service users experiencing mental health crises can access support via NHS 111, a freephone number that provides urgent health advice 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to people of all ages.

From 2 April 2024, people living in the London Boroughs of the City of London, Hackney, Newham, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest, Redbridge, Havering, and Barking and Dagenham will be able to call 111 and select option 2, putting them through to a fully trained and qualified mental health professional team based in ELFT’s crisis hub in Tower Hamlets.

The team has a wide range of skills, including on-the-phone brief psychological support and has access to key services and organisations that can offer mental health support to people in their time of need.

Existing local crisis lines in each borough will still be running. This service will run alongside existing provision.

If service users are known to ELFT or NELFT services, they should continue to contact their service in the ways they had been doing so previously during working hours. Those wishing to contact a mental health professional outside of hours - or those who aren’t previously known to services - should contact 111 and select option 2.

The NHS wants to give people better ways to see their personal health information online. We know that people want to be able to access their health records. It can help you see test results faster. It also lets you read and review notes from your appointments in your own time.

We're now letting you see more information within your health record. If you are over 16 and have an online account, such as through the NHS App, NHS website, or other GP online services and apps, you will now automatically be able to see all future information entered on your medical record. Some people can already access this feature, this won't  change for you.

This means that you will be able to see records from your appointments, as well as test results and any letters that are saved on your records. This only applies to records from your doctor (GP), not from hospitals or other specialists, although you will be able to see any letters that hospitals or specialists send to your doctor (GP). You will only be able to see information from [insert date that your practice will make the change]. For most people, access will be automatic, and you won't need to do anything.

Your doctor (GP) may talk to you to discuss test results before you are able to see some of your information on the app. Your doctor (GP) may also talk to you before you are given full record access to make sure that having access is of benefit to you. If you are concerned that seeing your records is not right for you, you should speak to your practice.

These changes only apply to people with online accounts. If you do not want an online account, you can still access your GP health record by requesting this information via reception [or include online option]. The changes also only apply to personal information about you. If you are a carer and would like to see information about someone you care for, speak to reception staff.

The NHS App, website and other online services are all very secure.  You'll  need to make sure you protect your login details. Do not  share your password with anyone as they will then have access to your personal information.

You can also read more by going to www.nhs.uk/gp-record.

• If you disagree with aspects of your clinical record or believe them to be inaccurate, please make a routine appointment to discuss this with your GP.

• We advise patient discretion when accessing your records if you feel it may be distressing.

• Please be aware that this information has been written by clinicians for other clinicians and so may contain jargon, abbreviations and observations that are subjectively held by the clinician at the time.

The month of May has 3 bank holidays within it, so we would kindly ask patients to prepare in advance with prescription requests or any other requests that are urgent. 

It is with sadness that we say goodbye to Dr Tina who is taking a well deserved retirement. Her patients have been transferred to new doctors and I am sure we will all miss her presence at Cranham Village and Little Gaynes.

The NHS wants to give people better ways to see their personal health information online. We know that people want to be able to access their health records. It can help you see test results faster. It also lets you read and review notes from your appointments in your own time.

We will eventually be letting you see all the information within your health record automatically. If you are over 16 and have an online account, such as through the NHS App, NHS website, or another online primary care service, you will now be able to see all future notes and health records from your doctor (GP). Some people can already access this feature, this won’t change for you.

This means that you will be able to see notes from your appointments, as well as test results and any letters that are saved on your records. This only applies to records from your doctor (GP), not from hospitals or other specialists. You will only be able to see information from 31/10/22. For most people, access will be automatic, and you won’t need to do anything.

These changes only apply to people with online accounts. If you do not want an online account, you can still access your health records by requesting this information through reception. The changes also only apply to personal information about you. 

The NHS App, website and other online services are all very secure, so no one is able to access your information except you.

Please note your responsibilities.  If you are concerned about these please be very strongly consider if setting up online access to your records is right for you:

1. You’ll need to make sure you protect your login details. Don’t share your password with anyone as they will then have access to your personal information. We cannot be responsible for someone else accessing your records with your log in details. 

2. If you find information in your record which is regarding someone else, eg a letter or test result which has been accidentally saved in your record, you must not share this information and you must report it to the practice immediately so we can correct this.

3. By looking at your records online be aware that you may see test results or information which you find alarming.  You may see these before a clinician has had the opportunity to discuss the results or information with you.  It may be that the clinician you need to discuss the information or results with is a hospital specialist rather than a clinician from the practice.

If you have any queries or concerns, please submit in writing to Dr Akhter via reception or the Practice Manager.

https://www.janechiodini.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/4.-General-Travel-advice-leaflet-May-2018-with-images-3.docx

The above website should help most people to take responsibility for their own travel health and gives them live links to necessary websites.

In line with advice and other practices, we will be closed on September 19th (Monday) for the state funeral of the Queen. 

The same advice would apply as with other bank holidays in terms of accessing healthcare. 

Covid-19 cases and hospitalisations are rising in the capital.

To be protected, make sure you and your family are up to date with your vaccinations, especially if you have a weakened immune system.

Book now: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination/

⦁ Some parents have received hoax messages advising that their children are due childhood vaccinations at the surgery. These have not been sent by us or any NHS authority. Always double check the authenticity of messages from the NHS or re: your health or that of your family.

⦁ Our phone lines are down. This seems to be an issue with BT and they are investigating on how to fix it urgently. Unfortunately, patients will still be held in a queue with the answer phone message. We apologise for the inconvenience caused.

⦁ We are aware of an issue relating to an expired security certificate for the old patient emis access domain.

It is vital that those still using patient access use the new domain: https://app.patientaccess.com

Getting the Covid booster is the best way to protect yourself against any new variants that may develop. We advise all those who are eligible to contact 119 or go online and book your booster.

Please see the pharmacy opening times over christmas and New Years. The surgery is closed during the bank holiday days only. 

Grief in Pieces offers support through a range of options and is open to anyone who has been bereaved by suicide, please see poster attached for more information.

The next bereavement support group will be starting on 26th January 5-7pm (on zoom) and we are now taking bookings.

Below is the referral form that anyone can use, should you need it. 

https://survey.clicktools.com/app/survey/go.jsp?iv=2e0tix3fxh8lx

You can find out more information about Grief in Pieces from the poster attached or by visiting:

https://www.mindchwf.org.uk/our-services/grief-in-pieces-support-for-suicide-loss/

Dr Tehseen Khan, from Spring Hill GP Practice in Stamford Hill, Hackney, is hosting a NEL/London-wide webinar series on three days, answering pre-recorded and live questions about the Covid-19 and flu vaccines. Each day will focus on a different topic:

Thurs, 2nd December, 7-8PM: Covid-19 or flu vaccine when you have an underlying health condition

Tues, 7th December, 7-8PM: Covid-19 vaccine when pregnant or trying to conceive

Tues, 14th December, 7-8PM: Covid-19 vaccine for children aged 12+ and guidance for parents

Register for each webinar, as well as submit any questions you have.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc6hwjKzMGaX6nJaHTdOVb_hRnj-5fFcKrRqKHJ_TAvRR_7Rg/viewform

While the absolute majority of patients are lovely - there has been a noticeable increase in aggression towards staff nationally. Unfortunately we are no exception. We understand that the demand on NHS services is higher than it has ever been and we are all doing all we can to safely manage that demand. 

There is currently a national shortage of blood bottles therefore we will need to request blood tests based on urgency. Please be aware that this will last till the 17th September and we hope that it will be reviewed at that stage.  --> Update November 2021 This issue has now been resolved

We had a virtual review by the CQC and they have maintained our practice rating as Good.  We would also like to take this opportunity to thank all those who responded to the patient survey regarding the practice.

During the 3rd wave - we ask that those visiting the surgery with symptoms of the new variant (cough, sore throat, runny nose, headache, diarrhoea or cold like symptoms) perform a  Lateral Flow Test beforehand. 

We also ask that if your appointment is not urgent, you book an appointment for a later date and save on the day appointments only for issues that are urgent. 

The current waiting time for a routine appointment is 5 days at the surgery. The NHS average nationwide is 10-11 days. We hope that we work together to find a balance between available appointments and need.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued new guidance on the use of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, following concerns around a possible link between the vaccine and extremely rare blood clots.

• Adults aged 30 and over and those with underlying health conditions can still be vaccinated with the AstraZeneca vaccine, as the benefits far outweigh the risks.

• Adults under 30 in cohorts 1 to 9 who have yet to receive the vaccine (for example unpaid carers and health and social care workers) should be offered an alternative vaccine.

• People who had the AstraZeneca vaccine for the first dose should have the same vaccine for their second dose, irrespective of age. Only people with a history of certain types of blood clotting are being advised not to have the second dose.

At the end of March, 20.2 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine had been given in the UK. The risk of developing a blood clot after getting the AstraZeneca jab is around one in 250,000. This can be put into context by comparing with the risk of developing a blood clot from a long haul flight (of over 16 hours) which carries a risk of one per 1,264 flights. In other words, the risk of a blood clot from the vaccine is far lower than from doing things many people do on a regular basis.

Vaccination remains the best way to protect people from Covid-19 and has already saved thousands of lives – everyone should continue to get vaccinated when asked to do so unless advised otherwise.

Knowing the right place for medical help over the Easter holidays can help you get the treatment you need faster.

• You can get an appointment with a GP from 8am to 8pm on both bank holidays.

• Out of hours GP appointments are available every normal weekday evening between 6.30pm and 10pm, and between 8am and 8pm on Saturdays and Sundays, including the Easter weekend. You can book these appointments by calling the GP hub booking hotline on 020 3770 1888 (open from 8am to 8pm) or by calling 111 out of hours.

• You can also get help with minor injuries and illnesses at our community Urgent Treatment Centres at Barking Community Hospital and Harold Wood Polyclinic. These are open 8am to 9pm, seven days a week. You can call NHS 111 to book an appointment or walk in and wait to be seen. You do not need to be registered with a GP.

• Covid-19 vaccinations will be taking place as normal over the bank holidays so if you have an appointment please attend.

• More details.

• Next steps for the Clinically Extremely Vulnerable | Coronavirus GP updates

• As you are aware, the current advice to patients identified as clinically extremally vulnerable (CEV) is to shield until 31 March 2021. As this date approaches, the Department of Health and Social Care is writing to patients to inform them of next steps once current guidance expires.

• The letter confirms that shielding will be paused from 1 April. It should be noted that the letter recommends that extra precautions are still taken by individuals, even after they receive both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.

• Nationally we will continue to update the Shielded Patient List, so it is important that you continue to add and remove patients (as appropriate), as it may be necessary to identify this cohort in the future. Details on how to add and remove people from the SPL are available in full on NHS Digital’s website.

• Covid-19 vaccines 

• If you are aged 70 and over or are clinically extremely vulnerable (high risk) and have not been contacted about having your first vaccine, please contact your GP for a COVID-19 vaccine. 

• If you are a frontline health and social care worker, please book on the national booking system or using the staff booking system applicable in your organisation.

• If you are aged 65-69 please book onto the national booking system for a list of vaccination sites or wait to get a letter from the NHS or be contacted by your GP.

• If you are clinically vulnerable (moderate risk) or you are in receipt of a carer’s allowance, or if you are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if you fall ill, we are vaccinating people in this cohort, but please wait for your GP or council to contact you.

• The NHS is prioritising vaccinating people who experts have agreed will benefit the most. We will let you know when it is your turn. Please see here for advice. 

• There is comprehensive information, guidance, and answers to questions, including vaccination information for frontline health and social care staff, carers and clinical vulnerable (moderate risk) at COVID-19 Vaccination programme | East London Health & Care Partnership (eastlondonhcp.nhs.uk)

• Getting the help you need 

• The NHS in London is very busy as coronavirus infection rates continue to be high, but we’ll help you get urgent care when you need it.  

• Most consultations are over the phone and via video. This is for everyone's safety. We will assess your situation and invite you into the practice if needed. 

• We can arrange same-day appointments if you need urgent care but please don't visit without an appointment. Appointments will be held in the best way to keep you safe from Covid.   

• You can also contact 111, day or night, for other urgent health advice - including if you have concerns about your Covid-19 symptoms. 

• Please remember that 999 and A&E are for emergencies.  

• Please help reduce infections, protect the NHS and keep each other safe by following the latest rules.

• This is a frequently asked questions page bringing together answers to the questions we are getting about the COVID-19 vaccine and the vaccination programme.

There are a number of Easyread resources available to help explain Covid vaccinations.

• COVID-19 vaccination: easy-read resources

• Information on COVID-19 vaccination: easy-read guide

• A guide to your vaccination.

• As you may know, the Covid vaccination roll out programme is ongoing in our local area. 

• These vaccinations are not taking place at the surgery, but instead at a local vaccination hub

• Some people may get letters from other locations like the ExCel centre

• If you have queries about the vaccination please check: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/coronavirus-vaccine/

• The NHS in London will be extremely busy this weekend, but help is available for those who need urgent care.

• If you need to speak to a GP, please call the GP Access hub service on 020 3770 1888 between 8am and 8pm every day.

• At other times, please visit 111.nhs.uk or call 111 if you don’t have online access

• Many local pharmacies are open this weekend. You can find details online on the NHS England website.

• Please remember that both A&E and 999 are available for emergencies only

• If you or someone you live with has any of the main coronavirus symptoms (a high temperature, a new continuous cough, a loss or change in taste/smell):

• • Get a test to check if you have coronavirus as soon as possible. Call freephone number 119 or book at nhs.uk/coronavirus

  • Stay at home and follow the guidance on isolation at nhs.uk/coronavirus  

  • If your symptoms worsen, or you feel that you can’t manage at home, visit 111.nhs.uk/covid-19 or call 111 if you don’t have online access

PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT THE SURGERY RE: THE VACCINE. INFORMATION WILL BE SHARED WITH THOSE ELIGIBLE DIRECTLY

The first phase of the NHS Covid-19 vaccination programme has started. 

When it is the right time you will receive an invitation to come forward. For most people this will be a letter, either from your GP or the national NHS. This letter will include all the information you will need to book appointments, including your NHS number. Please do not contact the NHS to get an appointment until you get this letter. Information on the vaccine is available on here: 

<https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/coronavirus-vaccine/>

In alignment with NHS England and NHS Improvement’s (NHSE-I) commitment to have two Patient and Public Voice (PPV) representatives on the membership of each board, the National Quality Board is recruiting for two Patient and Public 

Voice Expert Advisers to join as members to the National Quality Board (NQB) for 12 months from February 2021-February 2022.

Link to recruitment pack here

Link to application form here

www.germdefence.org/index.html?src=F82006

The above link is a short information site that helps patients reduce risk of disease transmission at home, over Christmas and in other common situations.

Chris Whitty, the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) for England, has endorsed this project as a national urgent priority as previous versions have been proven to be effective in reducing the spread of the disease through top tips etc...

If you have any questions about the project, please visit the website and read the ‘frequently asked questions (FAQs). 

PLEASE NOTE - THE LINK IS SPECIFIC TO THIS SURGERY AND THEY ARE MONITORING NUMBERS OF PEOPLE CLICKING ON IT SO PLEASE DO SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS/ FAMILY REGISTERED AT THE SURGERY.

We are calling on parents and carers of children aged between 11-18 years, and up to 25 year for those with special needs, to encourage their young ones to complete a survey to tell us how they are feeling.

We have worked with a group of 15 young people from our local Youth Councils to design a survey asking others how they are feeling during the second national lockdown and what can be done to support them.

Ask your child to complete the survey here. It should take around 5 minutes to complete and the results are anonymous.

The survey will close on 4 December 2020.

If you’re aged 50-64, your GP will contact you about getting your free flu vaccine from December. Please wait until you are invited by your practice to come forward for your flu vaccine, unless you are in a vulnerable group.

Click here for more information

New short film released by the government shows how coronavirus lingers in enclosed spaces, and how to keep your home ventilated.

Watch it here.

A number of additional phlebotomy clinics have now been opened across Barking and Dagenham, Havering and Redbridge.

As capacity has now been increased across all sites, patients with a booked appointment will be receiving a text asking them to reschedule their appointment for an earlier time, a link to reschedule will be included in this message.

If your appointment was booked online, you will have received a confirmation text that included a link to reschedule or cancel.

You can find a list of blood testing clinics here.

It's really important to reach out and seek help when you need it during these tough times. We have produced a summary guide of our local mental health services. Please share this and encourage colleagues, friends and family members to access support if they need to.

The guide contains details of:

• Adult mental health services

• Mental health services for children and young people

• National support services

• Bereavement services

Click here to view the guide.

The NHS have created a guide for parents and carers of babies and toddlers to help them know what to do if their child is unwell.

View it here.

NHS England/Improvement has produced two new films on flu for people with learning disabilities. One video is aimed at people with a learning disability, and the second is aimed at their carers. Both cover the importance of the vaccine, who is eligible for a free vaccine, where you can get the vaccine and reasonable adjustments. Additionally, on behalf of the NHS, Misfits Theatre Company have produced a brilliant video by people with learning disabilities tackling the misinformation surrounding the flu vaccination.

How people access parts of emergency care in London is changing, with ‘111 First’ helping them to get the right care, in the right place, more quickly.

All Londoners are being asked to contact NHS 111 online or by phone first, before going to a hospital Accident and Emergency department (A&E/ED) if they have an urgent, but not life-threatening, medical need.

Read more here.

We know it has been a tough time recently and many of us have been feeling stressed or anxious. Visit the Every Mind Matters NHS site for guidance, support and advice: https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/ 

In a crisis?

Call Talking Therapies on 0300 300 1554 or visit https://www.talkingtherapies.nelft.nhs.uk/

Or Call Mental Health Direct on 0300 555 1000

(9/11/20)

If you live in Barking and Dagenham and need mental health support you can now contact Mind’s new service, Gateway.

The main aim of Gateway is to be the first point of contact for someone seeking support for their own or someone else’s mental health. The service is available on 01708 457040 from Monday to Friday 9am - 7pm and 10am - 3pm on both Saturday and Sunday. You can also email help@haveringmind.org.uk or use the online referral form on the website www.haveringmind.org.uk

Mind’s experienced Gateway staff will provide support by listening and helping with information, assessment and warm signposting to opportunities for mental health prevention, treatment and recovery.

Please see the leaflet attached to this email.

Cervical and prostate cancer webinar

19 October, 11am – 12.30pm  

Join Zoom Meeting

https://zoom.us/j/98477543407?pwd=c0lVY05LTWJQUExHbmdBNnNUS3p4QT09

These sessions aim to help local people understand key health messages about cancer. The sessions will explain what people can do to prevent cancer, why they should attend screening and how they can recognise the signs and symptoms of common cancers.

For more details contact olive@redbridgecvs.net or call 07984 972487.

Please check out our policies page for our Detailed Practice Privacy Notice as well as links to our various data protection and management policies. 

One of the key areas that you should be aware of is the National Data Opt out and a link is here.

also any further updates will be on that webpage

If you are eligible for a flu vaccine, please ensure that you get it done.  This year it is more important than ever to do so.

Please note that people in the 50-64-year old age group will not be vaccinated until November and December, providing there is sufficient vaccine, and no appointments will be offered for this age group until then. This is to ensure that those who are most at risk are vaccinated first.  If you are 50-64 and you are in one of the other groups which is eligible for the flu vaccination, for example you have a health condition which puts you at risk from the flu, you will be invited earlier.

Please also note that GPs are not to vaccinate this age group until the clinically at risk have been done  This means that no 50-64 year old (other than those who are in the clinical at risk group) should be invited to attend for a vaccine until there is confirmation from the national team that there is vaccine supply for this group. 

From 21 September, there will be three additional blood testing clinics in Redbridge.

 Please see the links below to the latest blood testing information:

• Barking and Dagenham: https://www.barkingdagenhamccg.nhs.uk/Local-services/blood-tests.htm

• Havering: https://www.haveringccg.nhs.uk/Local-services/blood-tests.htm

• Redbridge: https://www.redbridgeccg.nhs.uk/Local-services/blood-tests.htm

(Please note, the downloadable information is the same on each page)

PLEASE NOTE: Messages sent via the above feature will not be reviewed instantly. 

We will endeavour to respond within 24-48 hours (NOT INCLUDING WEEKENDS & BANK HOLIDAYS)

If you are worried that you are acutely unwell or need urgent help then please do not use this feature.

General Practice Transparency Notice for GPES Data for Pandemic Planning and Research (COVID-19)

This practice is supporting vital coronavirus (COVID-19) planning and research by sharing your data with NHS Digital.

The health and social care system is facing significant pressures due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Health and care information is essential to deliver care to individuals, to support health, social care and other public services and to protect public health. Information will also be vital in researching, monitoring, tracking and managing the coronavirus outbreak. In the current emergency it has become even more important to share health and care information across relevant organisations. This practice is supporting vital coronavirus planning and research by sharing your data with NHS Digital, the national safe haven for health and social care data in England. 

Our legal basis for sharing data with NHS Digital

NHS Digital has been legally directed to collect and analyse patient data from all GP practices in England to support the coronavirus response for the duration of the outbreak. NHS Digital will become the controller under the General Data Protection Regulation 2016 (GDPR) of the personal data collected and analysed jointly with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, who has directed NHS Digital to collect and analyse this data under the COVID-19 Public Health Directions 2020 (COVID-19 Direction).

All GP practices in England are legally required to share data with NHS Digital for this purpose under the Health and Social Care Act 2012 (2012 Act). More information about this requirement is contained in the data provision notice issued by NHS Digital to GP practices.

Under GDPR our legal basis for sharing this personal data with NHS Digital is Article 6(1)(c) - legal obligation. Our legal basis for sharing personal data relating to health, is Article 9(2)(g) – substantial public interest, for the purposes of NHS Digital exercising its statutory functions under the COVID-19 Direction.

The type of personal data we are sharing with NHS Digital

The data being shared with NHS Digital will include information about patients who are currently registered with a GP practice or who have a date of death on or after 1 November 2019 whose record contains coded information relevant to coronavirus planning and research. The data contains NHS Number, postcode, address, surname, forename, sex, ethnicity, date of birth and date of death for those patients. It will also include coded health data which is held in your GP record such as details of:

• diagnoses and findings

• medications and other prescribed items

• investigations, tests and results

• treatments and outcomes

• vaccinations and immunisations

How NHS Digital will use and share your data

NHS Digital will analyse the data they collect and securely and lawfully share data with other appropriate organisations, including health and care organisations, bodies engaged in disease surveillance and research organisations for coronavirus response purposes only. These purposes include protecting public health, planning and providing health, social care and public services, identifying coronavirus trends and risks to public health, monitoring and managing the outbreak and carrying out of vital coronavirus research and clinical trials. The British Medical Association, the Royal College of General Practitioners and the National Data Guardian are all supportive of this initiative.

NHS Digital has various legal powers to share data for purposes relating to the coronavirus response. It is also required to share data in certain circumstances set out in the COVID-19 Direction and to share confidential patient information to support the response under a legal notice issued to it by the Secretary of State under the Health Service (Control of Patient Information) Regulations 2002 (COPI Regulations).

Legal notices under the COPI Regulations have also been issued to other health and social care organisations requiring those organisations to process and share confidential patient information to respond to the coronavirus outbreak. Any information used or shared during the outbreak under these legal notices or the COPI Regulations will be limited to the period of the outbreak unless there is another legal basis for organisations to continue to use the information. 

Data which is shared by NHS Digital will be subject to robust rules relating to privacy, security and confidentiality and only the minimum amount of data necessary to achieve the coronavirus purpose will be shared. Organisations using your data will also need to have a clear legal basis to do so and will enter into a data sharing agreement with NHS Digital. Information about the data that NHS Digital shares, including who with and for what purpose will be published in the NHS Digital data release register.

For more information about how NHS Digital will use your data please see the NHS Digital Transparency Notice for GP Data for Pandemic Planning and Research (COVID-19).

National Data Opt-Out

The application of the National Data Opt-Out to information shared by NHS Digital will be considered on a case by case basis and may or may not apply depending on the specific purposes for which the data is to be used. This is because during this period of emergency, the National Data Opt-Out will not generally apply where data is used to support the coronavirus outbreak, due to the public interest and legal requirements to share information.

Your rights over your personal data

To read more about the health and care information NHS Digital collects, its legal basis for collecting this information and what choices and rights you have in relation to the processing by NHS Digital of your personal data, see:

• Policy tab on this website

The Coronavirus outbreak is obviously in the minds of all our patients and staff alike. There is a lot of information out there and sometimes it can be difficult to know what is accurate and what is alarmist. 

• For clear and accurate information about the disease - please refer to the following NHS website:

·       www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/ 

• For patients who are concerned that they may have the Coronavirus or have come into contact with someone who does:

  • The NHS 111 online service has created coronavirus pages that tell patients what they should do based on their particular circumstances. These can be accessed at: https://111.nhs.uk/service/covid-19

• Please do not present at the surgery if you feel that you may have the Coronavirus and instead follow the protocols from NHS 111

If you have travelled from China or have been in contact with someone confirmed as having Coronavirus in the last two weeks, you may be at risk of Coronavirus. Please do NOT leave the house. Instead, ring 111 if:

• You have been in 

·       China

·       Thailand

·       Japan

·       Republic of Korea

·       Hong Kong

·       Taiwan

·       Singapore

·       Malaysia

·       Macau

• in the last 14 days and develop cough, fever or shortness of breath:

• Please do NOT come to the surgery or go to hospital. 

• Please isolate yourself at home and call 111.

• The appropriate Public Health team will advise next steps.

UPDATED: The strike action has been cancelled 4/11/19

Please be aware that the local Queen's Hospital phlebotomy service will not be running from Monday 4th November to Monday 11th November, 2019. This means that patients will need to go to community phlebotomy clinics such as those in Rainham or Cranham Health Centre.

Havering Health watch  would like to invite you to their Network Event Launch to be held on TUESDAY, 1 OCTOBER 2019 in Havering Town Hall, Council Chamber from 10.30am to 12noon.

The event will be opened by the Mayor of Havering and will include presentations about the work of Healthwatch Havering.  

Across north east London, the seven CCGs have been working together to look at how to make sure that people, wherever they live, are able to have the same treatments and procedures. In order to do this in a consistent way, our CCGs want to make changes to what is known as their commissioning policy. This lists specific treatments, procedures and interventions the NHS funds, and who is eligible to have them. 

They  are now beginning six weeks of targeted engagement (until 3 July 2019) so we can discuss our proposals with local people and get their feedback.

 Further information including detailed information about the proposals is here:

www.haveringccg.nhs.uk/oncefornelondon

(28/05/19)

Here are a list of pharmacies that are opened over the Bank Holiday:

• http://www.haveringccg.nhs.uk/havering-news/pharmacies-open-during-the-may-bank-holidays/82706?diaryentryid=236965

Here are the list of places that you can go to for healthcare needs over the bank holiday:

• http://www.haveringccg.nhs.uk/havering-news/know-where-to-go-for-healthcare-in-barking-and-dagenham-havering-and-redbridge-this-may-bank-holiday/82699?diaryentryid=236966

(03/05/19)

From April 1st 2019, Gabapentin and Pregabalin will be reclassified as Schedule 3 controlled drugs. 

These drugs have a variety of uses, but are often used as neuropathic painkillers. Unfortunately, due to a variety of factors - their reclassification was necessary.

How wil this impact patients on these medications?

• We are strongly advised to not give more than 1 months worth at a time

• We must now specify exactly how many are to be taken in a day (i.e. cannot leave it "as directed")

• A prescription is valid for 28 days from issuing

• They cannot be put on Repeat Dispensing - i.e. 6 x 1 month prescriptions issued at surgery

• Any prescription must have the details in words and figures

We urge patients to be careful to put in requests early so as to allow time for the transition process to pass. Thank you for your cooperation.

(16/03/19)

Once a month, all clinical staff have an educational meeting with other Primary Care clinicians from across Havering. This is a chance for updating clinical knowledge and coordinating with our colleagues at the CCG and in Hospital.

The surgery will be closed those afternoons from 2pm. The dates are as follows:

• 12th March 2019

• 9th April 2019

• 21st May 2019

• 11th June 2019

• 9th July 2019

• 10th September 2019

• 8th October 2019

• 12th November 2019

Patient's who need to be seen can phone the Havering Hub on 

0203 770 1888

The Hub Sites are:

North Street Medical Care, 247 North Street, Romford, Essex. RM1 4QJ

Rosewood Medical Centre, 30 Astra Close, Hornchurch, Essex. RM12 5NJ

(13/02/19)

We have received notification from Havering Health that they have extended their opening hours.

Patient's who are not able to see their own GP can book an on the day appointment by telephoning the Havering Hub on 

0203 770 1888

Appointments will be available as follows:

Monday - Friday from 3:30pm - 10pm

Saturday and Sunday from 8am - 8pm

The Lines will be open from 12 for afternoon appointments (3:30pm - 6:30pm) and from 2pm for evening appointments (6:30pm - 9:45pm)

The Hub Sites are:

North Street Medical Care, 247 North Street, Romford, Essex. RM1 4QJ

Rosewood Medical Centre, 30 Astra Close, Hornchurch, Essex. RM12 5NJ

(5/12/18)

On 23 October, Public Health England (PHE) relaunched the national ‘Keep Antibiotics Working’ campaign which highlights the risk posed to individuals and their families if they take antibiotics when they do not need them. The campaign urges the public to always take their doctor’s or nurse’s advice on antibiotics.

After many years of service, Janet Cameron  has retired from the surgery. She will be dearly missed by us and her patients. We wish her the best in future endeavours.

The BHR number for Mental Health Direct is 0300 555 1000

‘We can arrange for you to speak with a mental health professional. We can also advise you about what service to contact to get the support you need.’

Calls from a BT landline are the cost of a local call. Calls from other landlines and mobile providers will vary and may cost more.

Contact our service in Barking and Dagenham, Havering, Redbridge and Waltham Forest

NELFT Mental Health Direct

Tel: 0300 555 1000 (Open to callers based in 4 London boroughs for 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.).

       From the UCLH Cancer Collaborative

*Aged 55-77 and a current or former smoker? Help UCLH Cancer Collaborative Design a New Research Study*

Background

UCLH Cancer Collaborative will soon be launching a large lung cancer early detection study. It aims to detect lung cancer at an early stage, among people who are at high risk of developing it in the future.

We’re looking for four people aged 55-77 who are current or former smokers who would like to be involved in a ‘test run’ of the lung health check, which is an important part of the study.

Why are we doing a test run of the lung health check?

People who participate in the research study will be invited to have a lung health check. The purpose of the ‘test run’ is to assess how much time will be required to do the health check, and to see how it should be done in order to run as efficiently as possible. 

The health check includes a lifestyle questionnaire, taking measurements of blood pressure, height, weight, reading an information sheet and consent form, as well as some other elements. We need four people who would like to be test participants, going through a practice run with the team, and then giving some feedback about the experience afterwards.

We need to do a test run so that we can minimise any appointment delays, and identify any logistical or other requirements that participants in the lung cancer early detection study might have. 

How can you be involved?

We are looking for four people who would like to be our ‘test participants’. Ideally, people in the target age group – aged 55-77 years – who are former or current smokers. 

·        Date and time: Thursday 18th October, 10.00am – 1.00pm

·        Location: UCLH, Mortimer Market Centre, Capper St, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 6JB (nearest stations are Warren Street or Goodge Street – both 5 mins away)

·        Expenses: We can reimburse your travel expenses for attending (you’ll need to complete an expenses form and attach an original receipt).

You’ll be asked to read the study invitation letter and a leaflet before attending, which should not take more than 10 minutes.

By participating in this ‘test run’, you will help the team get the structure and timing of the lung health check right the first time. This will help ensure the study runs as smoothly as possible when it is launched, and provide the best possible experience for the participants.

Are you interested?

If you’re able to help, contact Zoe as soon as possible on z.large@nhs.net or 07950 960 168.

Both Cranham Village Surgery and Little Gaynes Surgeries will be closed for the Bank Holiday weekend from: 

• Friday August 24th 2018 at 6:30pm

To:

• Re-opening on Tuesday August 28th 2018 at 8:00am

If you have an urgent problem that cannot wait until the Surgery re-opens, please telephone our out-of-hours service on: 0845 075 0496

If you require medical advice you can telephone NHS 111

(24/08/18)

If you want to access some features from the surgery online - please go Patient Access website https://www.patientaccess.com/

Follow the prompts. You can register for basic online access. This level of access will allow you to book a single appointment.

(30/07/18)

We've successfully introduced MJog to the surgery. This is an automated text message service that send out a reminder to patients the day before their appointment. 

In order for it to work, we need an up to date mobile phone number. 

If you download the MJog Messenger App on your phone, you can receive the text message reminder for free and without charge to the surgery or the NHS.

(30/07/18)

For those of us suffering from hayfever, the summer can be a very challenging time. There are many techniques that can be used to alleviate the symptoms and almost all antihistamines are available over the counter at your local pharmacist.

(30/06/18)

From the end of July Electronic Prescribing will be possible at the practice.  If you would like to use this, please ask your preferred pharmacy to set themselves up as a primary nomination for your prescription.

(29/06/18)

In line with the GDPR regulations, we have updated our data privacy policy. This includes a Patient Privacy Notice that explains why, how and where we store your data.

(25/05/18)

The new website has been launched. We wanted to keep it simple, informative  and useful. Sections include:

• Home Page Blog: This will be updated with the latest information and updates on a regular basis. 

• Our Team: This lists who you will find at the practice and what their interests are.

• About Us: Basic information about the practice including our history

• Our Services: What services do we provide to the practice population and how you can access them

• Policies: Most policies related to the practice will eventually be housed here and updated as required

• Useful Links: This will include our colleagues in the local and wider NHS but also useful information about the practice such as ratings. We will also aim to put useful links for patients here too.

• FAQs: Any other questions will hopefully be answered here. Everything from how to get a sick note to where the practice boundaries are located

If you have any ideas how we can improve it, please share them by emailing: m.akhter@nhs.net

(21/05/18)

The minutes from the last PPG meeting can be found here. 

If you would like to sign up to join the Patient Participation Group please email m.akhter@nhs.net

(09/05/18)

It is estimated that up to 25% of GP appointments could have been dealt with by another health professional better. However, lack of information means that patients are not aware of the options available to them - or are unable to access them. 

We've made an Active Signposting leaflet that is available at the reception of both surgeries. Alternatively you can download it here.

(01/08/17)

We are calling on parents and carers of children aged between 11-18 years, and up to 25 year for those with special needs, to encourage their young ones to complete a survey to tell us how they are feeling.

We have worked with a group of 15 young people from our local Youth Councils to design a survey asking others how they are feeling during the second national lockdown and what can be done to support them.

Ask your child to complete the survey here. It should take around 5 minutes to complete and the results are anonymous.

The survey will close on 4 December 2020.

Covid-19 cases and hospitalisations are rising in the capital.

To be protected, make sure you and your family are up to date with your vaccinations, especially if you have a weakened immune system.

Book now: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination/

The month of May has 3 bank holidays within it, so we would kindly ask patients to prepare in advance with prescription requests or any other requests that are urgent. 

ELFT, along with North East London NHS Foundation Trust (NELFT) and partners across NEL, are working together to ensure that service users experiencing mental health crises can access support via NHS 111, a freephone number that provides urgent health advice 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to people of all ages.

From 2 April 2024, people living in the London Boroughs of the City of London, Hackney, Newham, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest, Redbridge, Havering, and Barking and Dagenham will be able to call 111 and select option 2, putting them through to a fully trained and qualified mental health professional team based in ELFT’s crisis hub in Tower Hamlets.

The team has a wide range of skills, including on-the-phone brief psychological support and has access to key services and organisations that can offer mental health support to people in their time of need.

Existing local crisis lines in each borough will still be running. This service will run alongside existing provision.

If service users are known to ELFT or NELFT services, they should continue to contact their service in the ways they had been doing so previously during working hours. Those wishing to contact a mental health professional outside of hours - or those who aren’t previously known to services - should contact 111 and select option 2.