Global Supply Disruption to Blood Bottles (02/09/2021)
A supplier to the NHS has advised us of a global shortage of some equipment used for taking blood tests.
Anyone who needs a test for urgent health problems will still get one but where your clinician recommends that it’s safe to do so. Then, you may be asked to come back for a test at a later date, or your appointment may be rescheduled.
Given the nature of the shortage, we cannot give an exact date for when the test will be rescheduled, but please be assured that if your condition or symptoms require it, then you will get a test, and we will be re-booking your test when supplies become more easily available.
If your condition or symptoms change or get worse, please contact the NHS as you would normally.
Make your choice On How Your Data Is Shared
The NHS has been using pseudonymised patient data for more than 10 years to enable the planning and research necessary to provide better services for patients.
Pseudonymisation means that the data that can be used to identify a particular individual has been removed so that it can no longer be attributed to a specific person without the use of additional information.
The results of using GP practice data in this way have, for instance:
- Helped to plan the roll-out of the Covid 19 vaccine programme;
- Are helping to research the effects of ‘long Covid’ and develop treatments to prevent it or lessen its severity;
- Are helping to plan services at local level to meet particular local needs.
Without this data, patients at both local and national level may not receive the best services and treatments that they need.
What is changing?
As from 1st September 2021, a new system, Data Access Request Service (DARS), will replace the existing General Practice Extraction Service (GPES).
The data that DARS will collect from the patient record does not include any data that can directly identify you; your name, address, NHS Number and date of birth are all protected by de-identification software before the data is received by NHS Digital.
The process and purposes of the data extraction are explained by NHS Digital in greater detail here https://www.nhs.uk/your-nhs-data-matters/where-confidential-patient-information-is-used/.
What You Can Do
If you do not want your patient data to be shared outside your practice for purposes other than that pertaining to your direct care, you can opt out of NHS Digital collecting your data by completing a Type 1 Opt-out form.
You can choose to stop your confidential non-GP information (hospitals, clinics etc.) being used for research and planning. You can also make a choice for someone else like your children under the age of 13.
Your choice will only apply to the health and care system in England. This does not apply to health or care services accessed in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
Any choice you make will not impact your individual care.
How to Opt-Out
Type 1 Opt-out from data extraction from your GP Practice
National Opt-out to protect the sharing of your Non-GP Data (Hospitals, Clinics etc.)
Contact:
Email: enquiries@nhsdigital.nhs.uk
Post:
National Data Opt Out
Contact Centre
NHS Digital
HM Government
7 and 8 Wellington Place
Leeds
LS1 4AP
Phone: 0300 303 5678
Covid-19 Vaccinations - Please Read Below
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.
There is comprehensive information, guidance, and answers to questions at COVID-19 Vaccination programme | East London Health & Care Partnership (eastlondonhcp.nhs.uk)
Spring Hill Walking Group -Please click on this link to view details of our walking group.
HACKNEY IMMUNISATION PROJECT - Get Involved!
Vaccines Concerns – Advice for Muslim Parents
The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) have provided the following public statement on flu vaccines, for adults and children. The Council has been proactive in addressing a push for the flu vaccine in the Muslim community.
The information has been agreed by the British Islamic Medical Association and so will be regarded as a credible resource for those who have concerns.
Vaccine Concerns – Advice for Jewish Parents
The childhood nasal spray vaccine has been confirmed as being Kashrus for children of the Jewish religion.
Please find a Vaccine letter from Rabbi A Adler here.
Carers FIRST Hackney
Carers First is commissioned to provide information, advice and support to people who provide unpaid care for an adult in the borough. HWH February Information Exchange.pdf
To find further information and calendar, please go here.
Practice new building
Hackney Council and City and Hackney Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) are considering opportunities to build new premises for our practice.
The site being considered is Belfast Road, N16.
The practice, along with your Patient Participation Group representatives and Heathwatch Hackney, are currently looking into design options and feasibility, and hope to be in a position to share more details in the coming months.
CORONAVIRUS UPDATE | Help the fight against COVID-19
(11th June 2020 | Last update)
Help the fight against COVID-19 by participating in this study. For more info, please click here
COVID-19 COMMUNITY HELP IN STOKE NEWINGTON AND STAMFORD HILL WEST
- Trusted sites to get guidance on Covid-19
- Managing an unwell child during social isolation
- Helping families cope with 'Social Isolation'
- Help in maintaining emotional and physical well-being
Community Support
Domestic Violence - For support to victims of domestic abuse, please see here
For patients currently shielding, it is possible to register here for food and/or prescription delivery.
Food provision
Hackney foodbanks process currently as below:
- Patients can request a referral letter/email from their Practice stating - “'This is a foodbank voucher referral for CLIENT who is currently residing in ADDRESS.”
- The email or letter needs to include:
- Resident’s age
- How many people are living in the household (and their ages)
- Brief reason for referral (e.g. health reasons, benefit delay, loss of work - no need for specifics/personal information).
Once the resident has the referral email/letter, they can find the times and locations of Hackney Foodbanks.
Children who are eligible for free school meals
The majority of schools in Hackney have set up systems for free school meals which include meal vouchers/cards and collections from the child’s school.
Other food provision
The Find Support Services Map has a category for food/meals. You can download a snapshot at anytime - please note that the organisations on here are checked twice a week.
Prescription delivery
When possible, patients should encourage relatives, neighbours or friends to provide support in collecting or delivering medication. Where this support is not available the patient should contact their community pharmacy directly to arrange for their prescription to be delivered.
If the pharmacy is unable to help or the patient cannot get through to the pharmacy, residents can fill out this online form or call the helpline.
Sunday SMEAR Clinics
CONDOM SCHEME
All patients are now eligible to receive free condoms and Sexual Health Test Kits at the practice.
Please speak to reception to register for this scheme or click here to access more information
Mental Health Campaign
One in five over-65s living in the community are affected by depression. Depression and anxiety in later life,
especially over the age of 65, are often dismissed as a normal part of ageing, even though there's often personal or
even physical barriers which can prevent older people from accessing to Improving Access to Psychological Therapies services.
If you're struggling with low mood, anxiety or depression, we can help. To learn more, click here.
The City & Hackney CCG is having a session to discuss blood pressure and the best way to manage it. Please look at further details on the poster below and participate!
You said, We did.......Early morning phone calls
We are aware that some patients working shifts have found it difficult to book telephone appointments. We now have some early morning telephone calls available from 7.30am to 8am on Thursday and Friday mornings. These early morning phone calls are for shift workers or teachers who are unable to answer the phone during the normal working day and can be booked online up to 7 days in advance.
GP earning report: 2017-18 GP earnings report