Important Notice: Patients will be required to produce Identification for prescriptions, letters/reports, blood test forms collection

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Patient News

26 Mar, 2024
Important Notice: ID requirement for prescriptions, letters/reports, blood test forms collection

Dear Patients, Please note that as of  Monday 1st April 2024, patients will be required to produce Identification when collecting prescriptions, letters/reports, blood test forms. Whilst this may seem extreme, we have had to implement this to tighten up our processes for GDPR/confidentiality. You will be asked by the reception team to produce ID and failure to do so will result in patients being turned away. A form of ID can be Passport, Driving licence, British Resident Permit Cards. Please note that we can only hand information to you or if there is consent or Lasting power of attorney for health and wellbeing on the records for a relative to collect this on your behalf 

Dear Patients, Please note that as of  Monday 1st April 2024, patients will be required to produce Identification when collecting prescriptions, letters/reports, blood test forms. Whilst this may seem extreme, we have had to implement this to tighten up our processes for GDPR/confidentiality. You will be asked by the reception team to produce ID and failure to do so will result in patients being turned away. A form of ID can be Passport, Driving licence, British Resident Permit Cards. Please note that we can only hand information to you or if there is consent or Lasting power of attorney for health and wellbeing on the records for a relative to collect this on your behalf 

Important Information: Same-Day Urgent Appointment Booking Guidelines

Dear Patients, we would like to remind you all, that when booking same day urgent appointments, the reception team will ask you for a brief reason for your appointment. The reception team have been given a list of conditions/concerns from the GP’s that they deem to see as urgent. By giving the reception team a brief reason, allows them to prioritise your appointment depending on the nature of your condition/concerns. If you tell the receptionist that your problem is personal, they will only book you an appointment in a routine appointment as they cannot navigate your appointment with correct clinicians. Please note that for same day urgent appointments, unfortunately we cannot negotiate the time of the appointment nor the clinician you are booked in with. We have a set criterion for urgent appointments which the reception team will follow  

Dear Patients, we would like to remind you all, that when booking same day urgent appointments, the reception team will ask you for a brief reason for your appointment. The reception team have been given a list of conditions/concerns from the GP’s that they deem to see as urgent. By giving the reception team a brief reason, allows them to prioritise your appointment depending on the nature of your condition/concerns. If you tell the receptionist that your problem is personal, they will only book you an appointment in a routine appointment as they cannot navigate your appointment with correct clinicians. Please note that for same day urgent appointments, unfortunately we cannot negotiate the time of the appointment nor the clinician you are booked in with. We have a set criterion for urgent appointments which the reception team will follow  

26 Mar, 2024
22 Feb, 2024
Junior Doctors Strike 24th Feb to 28th Feb 2024

Choose the right NHS service for you and your family

If you need medical help during planned strike action, please use NHS services wisely to make sure care is available to those who need it most.  

Strike action is taking place from 7am on the 24 February to 11:59pm on the 28 February 2024.This will mean that NHS services will be busier than normal, and some appointments may be cancelled. Please attend your booked appointments unless you are told otherwise.

Make sure you have enough of any medication you need, and remember, your local pharmacist can advise on minor medical problems. You can find your nearest pharmacy at NHS.uk

If you have a health concern that is not life-threatening, support is available at NHS111 online or by phoning NHS 111. If it is a life-threatening emergency such as serious illness or injury, you should still call 999.

Choose the right NHS service for you and your family

If you need medical help during planned strike action, please use NHS services wisely to make sure care is available to those who need it most.  

Strike action is taking place from 7am on the 24 February to 11:59pm on the 28 February 2024.This will mean that NHS services will be busier than normal, and some appointments may be cancelled. Please attend your booked appointments unless you are told otherwise.

Make sure you have enough of any medication you need, and remember, your local pharmacist can advise on minor medical problems. You can find your nearest pharmacy at NHS.uk

If you have a health concern that is not life-threatening, support is available at NHS111 online or by phoning NHS 111. If it is a life-threatening emergency such as serious illness or injury, you should still call 999.

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Where to Go for Medical Care

Please find below a link to a patient information sheet showing where to go for medical care.

cbplus.org.uk | Patient-Information-Sheet 2024

Please find below a link to a patient information sheet showing where to go for medical care.

cbplus.org.uk | Patient-Information-Sheet 2024

16 Feb, 2024
11 Jan, 2024
My RFL Care Patient Portal

My RFL Care Patient Portal is a secure online system provided by the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust that allows you to view information from your hospital record. 

You can access My RFL Care from your computer, tablet, or smartphone.

Registering for the patient portal will help you view and manage your outpatient appointments, view test results, receive secure messages from your care teams, complete questionnaires and receive letters and documents.

For further information please visit the Royal Free website here: https://www.royalfree.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/my-rfl-care-patient-portal

My RFL Care Patient Portal is a secure online system provided by the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust that allows you to view information from your hospital record. 

You can access My RFL Care from your computer, tablet, or smartphone.

Registering for the patient portal will help you view and manage your outpatient appointments, view test results, receive secure messages from your care teams, complete questionnaires and receive letters and documents.

For further information please visit the Royal Free website here: https://www.royalfree.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/my-rfl-care-patient-portal

Charedi and wider Jewish Community Childhood Vaccinations

Before they go back to school, check your children’s vaccinations are up to date.

Immunise children 0 – 18 who are unvaccinated or have missed any vaccinations, including MMR or their Year 9 vaccinations for Polio, Diphtheria, Tetanus and Meningitis ACWY.

Catch up via your GP or clinics below and please bring your red book.

WALK IN'S AND APPOINTMENTS ARE AVAILABLE AT SUNDAY CLINICS 

10.30 AM - 4.45 PM

  • at Spring Hill Practice, 57 Stamford Hill, N16 6XP
  • at Stamford Hill Group Practice, 2 Egerton Road, N16 6UA

Book now on 020 8525 4250 or contact the lead immunisation nurse on 07469 351784.

Keep your children safe as they go back to school. Continue to protect them against serious illnesses such as measles & polio. Vaccinations save lives and it's never too late to get your first dose.Dr. Tehseen Khan, GP at Spring Hill Practice

Something as simple and safe as vaccinating our children not only protects them, but can also help protect older relatives and our wider community, by stopping the spread of infections.Dr. Charlotte Benjamin, Chief Medical Officer, NHS NW London

"Vaccination against diseases like measles, pertussis and polio is both safe and incredibly effective. Due to a recent local increase of these vaccine-preventable diseases, it’s important to stress that timely vaccination can help protect both children, and the wider community at the same time."Dr. Tamara Djuretic, Joint Director of Public Health Barnet and the Royal Free Group

Vaccines protect you, your family, and our community.

Before they go back to school, check your children’s vaccinations are up to date.

Immunise children 0 – 18 who are unvaccinated or have missed any vaccinations, including MMR or their Year 9 vaccinations for Polio, Diphtheria, Tetanus and Meningitis ACWY.

Catch up via your GP or clinics below and please bring your red book.

WALK IN'S AND APPOINTMENTS ARE AVAILABLE AT SUNDAY CLINICS 

10.30 AM - 4.45 PM

  • at Spring Hill Practice, 57 Stamford Hill, N16 6XP
  • at Stamford Hill Group Practice, 2 Egerton Road, N16 6UA

Book now on 020 8525 4250 or contact the lead immunisation nurse on 07469 351784.

Keep your children safe as they go back to school. Continue to protect them against serious illnesses such as measles & polio. Vaccinations save lives and it's never too late to get your first dose.Dr. Tehseen Khan, GP at Spring Hill Practice

Something as simple and safe as vaccinating our children not only protects them, but can also help protect older relatives and our wider community, by stopping the spread of infections.Dr. Charlotte Benjamin, Chief Medical Officer, NHS NW London

"Vaccination against diseases like measles, pertussis and polio is both safe and incredibly effective. Due to a recent local increase of these vaccine-preventable diseases, it’s important to stress that timely vaccination can help protect both children, and the wider community at the same time."Dr. Tamara Djuretic, Joint Director of Public Health Barnet and the Royal Free Group

Vaccines protect you, your family, and our community.

29 Nov, 2023
16 Nov, 2023
Age UK Barnet Winter Info

Please see below information from Age UK Barnet.

Winter Home Checks for over 55s

Age UK Barnet's vetted Handyperson team is now offering Winter Home checks to help Barnet residents over 55 save money and stay safe and warm. 

Our Handyperson team can:

* Set heating timers and thermostats

* Assist with installing draught proofing

* Carry out light bulb checks

* Test smoke alarms 

* Help read energy meters

* Check window and door latches to minimise draughts

* Sweep leaves from essential pathways 

* Assess for trip hazards and ensure safety rails are secure

* Provide advice on security, locks, key safes and ring door bells.

The one-hour winter checks cost £25 (free for people on means-tested benefits) - but all draught proofing materials are free! 

Please call us on 020 8150 0963 or email handyperson@ageukbarnet.org.uk.

Household Support Fund

Just a reminder that our Household Support Fund team is still here to hand out grants to Barnet residents over 55 who are finding it hard to make ends meet. The grants can be used to pay utility bills and food costs as well as wider essentials. 

Please call Age UK Barnet on 0208 203 5040 and ask for the Household Support team or email support@ageukbarnet.org.uk

The House hold Support Fund is being distributed by Age UK Barnet on behalf of Barnet Council. 

For more details about who can apply please see the Age UK Barnet website:  https://www.ageuk.org.uk/barnet/our-services/household-support-fund-978859a4-3be7-ec11-b5cf-0003ff552688/

Please see below information from Age UK Barnet.

Winter Home Checks for over 55s

Age UK Barnet's vetted Handyperson team is now offering Winter Home checks to help Barnet residents over 55 save money and stay safe and warm. 

Our Handyperson team can:

* Set heating timers and thermostats

* Assist with installing draught proofing

* Carry out light bulb checks

* Test smoke alarms 

* Help read energy meters

* Check window and door latches to minimise draughts

* Sweep leaves from essential pathways 

* Assess for trip hazards and ensure safety rails are secure

* Provide advice on security, locks, key safes and ring door bells.

The one-hour winter checks cost £25 (free for people on means-tested benefits) - but all draught proofing materials are free! 

Please call us on 020 8150 0963 or email handyperson@ageukbarnet.org.uk.

Household Support Fund

Just a reminder that our Household Support Fund team is still here to hand out grants to Barnet residents over 55 who are finding it hard to make ends meet. The grants can be used to pay utility bills and food costs as well as wider essentials. 

Please call Age UK Barnet on 0208 203 5040 and ask for the Household Support team or email support@ageukbarnet.org.uk

The House hold Support Fund is being distributed by Age UK Barnet on behalf of Barnet Council. 

For more details about who can apply please see the Age UK Barnet website:  https://www.ageuk.org.uk/barnet/our-services/household-support-fund-978859a4-3be7-ec11-b5cf-0003ff552688/

The National Problem Gambling Clinic

The National Problem Gambling Clinic is an established provider of gambling treatment in the UK. It has gained an international profile through research, presentations at conferences and the provision of training for problem gambling services worldwide.

The team assesses the needs of gamblers as well as those of their partners and family members.

You can self-refer by phone or email: -

Further information is available here.

The National Problem Gambling Clinic is an established provider of gambling treatment in the UK. It has gained an international profile through research, presentations at conferences and the provision of training for problem gambling services worldwide.

The team assesses the needs of gamblers as well as those of their partners and family members.

You can self-refer by phone or email: -

Further information is available here.

18 Oct, 2023
12 Oct, 2023
Check what help you could get to pay for NHS costs

If you live with a long-term condition, you may be able to save money on your prescriptions.

A Prescription Prepayment Certificate will save you money if you pay for more than three items in three months, or 11 items in 12 months.

If you are on a low income, you could be entitled to help with NHS costs or free prescriptions depending on your circumstances.

Check if you’re eligible for help using the online eligibility checker. It only takes a few minutes.

If you live with a long-term condition, you may be able to save money on your prescriptions.

A Prescription Prepayment Certificate will save you money if you pay for more than three items in three months, or 11 items in 12 months.

If you are on a low income, you could be entitled to help with NHS costs or free prescriptions depending on your circumstances.

Check if you’re eligible for help using the online eligibility checker. It only takes a few minutes.

Information On Managing Long Term Conditions

We are improving the way we work with patients with long-term conditions

Patients living with certain long-term conditions will be encouraged to attend a Yearly Health Check. Long-term conditions are those that impact over a long period of time, such as diabetes and heart diseases. 

Patients will receive personalised care and support from healthcare professionals from their general practice. This will cover things that patients say matter most to their health and wellbeing, from the best treatment for their condition, to wider things like employment, housing, and mental health.

Our goal is that by planning care together with care, patients will have the confidence to manage their health, reduce their risk of being admitted to hospital, and have a better quality of life.

Who is this for?

Initially, we will cover nine long-term conditions: 

  • Cardiovascular disease (for example, strokes, health failure, ischaemic heart disease, and peripheral artery disease)
  • Diabetes
  • Hypertension (High blood pressure)
  • Hyperlipidaemia (High cholesterol)
  • Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
  • Atrial fibrillation
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Asthma
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

In the future, we will look to expand this to cover more long-term conditions.

What can you expect?

If you have one of the long-term conditions listed above, you will be encouraged to have at least three check-ins per year. Each stage is described below for you:

1. Attend your Check and Test Appointment

In your Check and Test Appointment, a health professional will carry out all the checks and tests you need to monitor and manage your long-term condition. You may be sent for a blood test and have other checks like a blood pressure check and weight check. We may discuss lifestyle factors such as smoking and exercise with you too.

If you need an interpreter, please let us know so we can arrange one for your appointment.

2. Receive your test results and your Care Plan

After two to four weeks, you will receive your test results (by post, text, or email, however you prefer).

We will also send a blank document called a Care Plan. 

A Care Plan is an agreement between you and your healthcare professional to help manage your health and support day to day. In your Care Plan, you can record things that are important to your health and well-being. This can include anything from your life, like employment, housing, or mental health. 

A Care Plan covers:

  • What is important to you and the goals you have
  • How to get the most out of your medication
  • The care and support you need from others

A healthcare professional will review your Care Plan with you in your Discussion Appointment. You can start filling out your Care Plan before your appointment or you can fill it during your appointment.

3. Attend your Discussion Appointment

You will then be invited to a Discussion Appointment with a healthcare professional. This may be another team member (such as a nurse, health care assistant, pharmacist, social prescriber link worker) who is best placed to support your care and can spend more time with you. This appointment will take around 30 minutes.

You can discuss your long-term conditions, test results, treatment, and anything else that is affecting your health, from housing to employment. Together we will look at what matters most to you and agree some goals. Your Care Plan will be updated with what has been agreed. 

4. Attend your Follow-Up Appointment

Three to six months later, you will be invited to a Follow-Up Appointment. This will last up to 15 minutes and is an opportunity to update your Care Plan with a healthcare professional, considering what is going well and where you may need more support. You may have more than one Follow-Up Appointment in a year.

Watch the short film below to see an example of a patient’s journey through the key stages of the process and help you understand what to expect from your Yearly Health Check.

With subtitles - https://youtu.be/2uNlBbuHflY

Without subtitles - https://youtu.be/FhTbMDLpMQ0

How will I be contacted if this is for me?

We will contact you via text, phone call, or letter to organise your appointments. We will contact patients over the year so please do not worry if you do not hear from us right away. If you are concerned or have questions, please contact us.

We are improving the way we work with patients with long-term conditions

Patients living with certain long-term conditions will be encouraged to attend a Yearly Health Check. Long-term conditions are those that impact over a long period of time, such as diabetes and heart diseases. 

Patients will receive personalised care and support from healthcare professionals from their general practice. This will cover things that patients say matter most to their health and wellbeing, from the best treatment for their condition, to wider things like employment, housing, and mental health.

Our goal is that by planning care together with care, patients will have the confidence to manage their health, reduce their risk of being admitted to hospital, and have a better quality of life.

Who is this for?

Initially, we will cover nine long-term conditions: 

  • Cardiovascular disease (for example, strokes, health failure, ischaemic heart disease, and peripheral artery disease)
  • Diabetes
  • Hypertension (High blood pressure)
  • Hyperlipidaemia (High cholesterol)
  • Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
  • Atrial fibrillation
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Asthma
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

In the future, we will look to expand this to cover more long-term conditions.

What can you expect?

If you have one of the long-term conditions listed above, you will be encouraged to have at least three check-ins per year. Each stage is described below for you:

1. Attend your Check and Test Appointment

In your Check and Test Appointment, a health professional will carry out all the checks and tests you need to monitor and manage your long-term condition. You may be sent for a blood test and have other checks like a blood pressure check and weight check. We may discuss lifestyle factors such as smoking and exercise with you too.

If you need an interpreter, please let us know so we can arrange one for your appointment.

2. Receive your test results and your Care Plan

After two to four weeks, you will receive your test results (by post, text, or email, however you prefer).

We will also send a blank document called a Care Plan. 

A Care Plan is an agreement between you and your healthcare professional to help manage your health and support day to day. In your Care Plan, you can record things that are important to your health and well-being. This can include anything from your life, like employment, housing, or mental health. 

A Care Plan covers:

  • What is important to you and the goals you have
  • How to get the most out of your medication
  • The care and support you need from others

A healthcare professional will review your Care Plan with you in your Discussion Appointment. You can start filling out your Care Plan before your appointment or you can fill it during your appointment.

3. Attend your Discussion Appointment

You will then be invited to a Discussion Appointment with a healthcare professional. This may be another team member (such as a nurse, health care assistant, pharmacist, social prescriber link worker) who is best placed to support your care and can spend more time with you. This appointment will take around 30 minutes.

You can discuss your long-term conditions, test results, treatment, and anything else that is affecting your health, from housing to employment. Together we will look at what matters most to you and agree some goals. Your Care Plan will be updated with what has been agreed. 

4. Attend your Follow-Up Appointment

Three to six months later, you will be invited to a Follow-Up Appointment. This will last up to 15 minutes and is an opportunity to update your Care Plan with a healthcare professional, considering what is going well and where you may need more support. You may have more than one Follow-Up Appointment in a year.

Watch the short film below to see an example of a patient’s journey through the key stages of the process and help you understand what to expect from your Yearly Health Check.

With subtitles - https://youtu.be/2uNlBbuHflY

Without subtitles - https://youtu.be/FhTbMDLpMQ0

How will I be contacted if this is for me?

We will contact you via text, phone call, or letter to organise your appointments. We will contact patients over the year so please do not worry if you do not hear from us right away. If you are concerned or have questions, please contact us.

20 Sep, 2023
8 Aug, 2023
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Patients name the best GPs | Surgeries rated in NHS poll
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NHS App: A More Secure and Reliable Way to Receive Messages from Your Surgery

Please click the link below to download the NHS App.

NHS App | www.nhs.uk

Please click the link below to download the NHS App.

NHS App | www.nhs.uk

18 Aug, 2023
6 Jul, 2023
Patient Parking At Ravenscroft Medical Centre

Due to parking being used by unauthorised members of the public, Ravenscroft Medical Centre have chosen to go with a private parking company to monitor the parking facilities 24/7.

As some of you may be aware, we have two patient bays available in the front car park for patients to use.

From Monday 10th July 2023, the parking monitoring system will go live, which means that you will need to give reception your number plate if you have parked in one of the front two bays.

Any cars, that park in the yellow marked area ‘No Parking’ will receive a Parking Charge notice fine as this needs to be kept clear for emergency services and if the GP’s need to attend to a patient urgently in the community.

If you are going to come to practice to collect a Prescription/Letter/blood test form, you will have a 20 minutes grace period to park there to ONLY collect.

If you are a relative or carer dropping a patient off or collecting them, you will also get the 20 minutes grace period.

If you have any further concerns about the new arrangement, please contact the Practice Manager, Puja Raikundalia (Via email: ravenscroftmc@nhs.net) who can assist with any questions you may have. Please mark to the attention of the Practice Manager.

Due to parking being used by unauthorised members of the public, Ravenscroft Medical Centre have chosen to go with a private parking company to monitor the parking facilities 24/7.

As some of you may be aware, we have two patient bays available in the front car park for patients to use.

From Monday 10th July 2023, the parking monitoring system will go live, which means that you will need to give reception your number plate if you have parked in one of the front two bays.

Any cars, that park in the yellow marked area ‘No Parking’ will receive a Parking Charge notice fine as this needs to be kept clear for emergency services and if the GP’s need to attend to a patient urgently in the community.

If you are going to come to practice to collect a Prescription/Letter/blood test form, you will have a 20 minutes grace period to park there to ONLY collect.

If you are a relative or carer dropping a patient off or collecting them, you will also get the 20 minutes grace period.

If you have any further concerns about the new arrangement, please contact the Practice Manager, Puja Raikundalia (Via email: ravenscroftmc@nhs.net) who can assist with any questions you may have. Please mark to the attention of the Practice Manager.

How you make a complaint about primary care services is changing on 1 July 2023

From 1 July 2023 the way members of the public make a complaint about primary care services to the commissioner is changing. By primary care services we mean GPs, dentists, opticians or pharmacy services.

There are two ways you can make a complaint:

  • You can complain to the healthcare provider: this is the organisation where you received the NHS service, for example a GP surgery or dental surgery.
  • Or you can complain to the commissioner of the service: this is the organisation that paid for the service or care you received.

After 1 July 2023 if you want to make a complaint about primary care services to the commissioner you will need to contact North Central London Integrated Care Board instead of NHS England.

You can do this by: 

Telephone: 020 3198 9743

E-mail: nclicb.complaints@nhs.net

Post: North Central London Integrated Care Board Complaints Team Laycock PDC Laycock Street London N1 1TH 

If you have a formal complaint to make, it is always advisable to try and resolve an issue directly with the provider in the first instance.

Members of the public with ongoing complaints received on/after 1 July 2022 will receive a letter from NHS England informing them that the ICB is now handling their complaint with confirmation of their case handler. 

Members of the public with any ongoing complaints received before 1 July 2022 will receive a letter from NHS England informing them that their complaint is being retained by NHS England with confirmation of their case handler.

If you have any queries, please contact england.contactus@nhs.net You have the right to make a complaint about any aspect of NHS care, treatment or service, and this is written into the NHS Constitution on GOV.UK. Find out more about how to feedback or make a complaint about an NHS service.

From 1 July 2023 the way members of the public make a complaint about primary care services to the commissioner is changing. By primary care services we mean GPs, dentists, opticians or pharmacy services.

There are two ways you can make a complaint:

  • You can complain to the healthcare provider: this is the organisation where you received the NHS service, for example a GP surgery or dental surgery.
  • Or you can complain to the commissioner of the service: this is the organisation that paid for the service or care you received.

After 1 July 2023 if you want to make a complaint about primary care services to the commissioner you will need to contact North Central London Integrated Care Board instead of NHS England.

You can do this by: 

Telephone: 020 3198 9743

E-mail: nclicb.complaints@nhs.net

Post: North Central London Integrated Care Board Complaints Team Laycock PDC Laycock Street London N1 1TH 

If you have a formal complaint to make, it is always advisable to try and resolve an issue directly with the provider in the first instance.

Members of the public with ongoing complaints received on/after 1 July 2022 will receive a letter from NHS England informing them that the ICB is now handling their complaint with confirmation of their case handler. 

Members of the public with any ongoing complaints received before 1 July 2022 will receive a letter from NHS England informing them that their complaint is being retained by NHS England with confirmation of their case handler.

If you have any queries, please contact england.contactus@nhs.net You have the right to make a complaint about any aspect of NHS care, treatment or service, and this is written into the NHS Constitution on GOV.UK. Find out more about how to feedback or make a complaint about an NHS service.

28 Jun, 2023
4 May, 2023
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TRAVELLING ABROAD?

Whilst abroad, please be aware that we will NOT be able to:

  • Provide any medical advice by phone, email, fax  or video link
  • Provide an electronic transfer or faxed prescriptions, should you run out of medication
  • Source a doctor or medical assistance
  • Ensure there are suitable medication supplies at your intended destination
     

Whilst abroad, please be aware that we will NOT be able to:

  • Provide any medical advice by phone, email, fax  or video link
  • Provide an electronic transfer or faxed prescriptions, should you run out of medication
  • Source a doctor or medical assistance
  • Ensure there are suitable medication supplies at your intended destination
     
Choose the right NHS service for you and your family this Easter

If you need medical help this Easter weekend, please use NHS services wisely to make sure care is available to those who need it most.

Strike action from Tuesday 11 to Friday 14 April will mean that services will be busier than normal, and some appointments may be cancelled. Please attend your booked appointments unless you are told otherwise.

Make sure you have enough of any medication you need as pharmacies may have different opening hours or be closed. Your local pharmacist can advise on common conditions and you can find your nearest at https://www.nhs.uk/

If you have a health concern that is not life-threatening, support is available at NHS 111 online or by phoning NHS 111. If it is a life-threatening emergency such as serious illness or injury, you should still call 999.

If you need medical help this Easter weekend, please use NHS services wisely to make sure care is available to those who need it most.

Strike action from Tuesday 11 to Friday 14 April will mean that services will be busier than normal, and some appointments may be cancelled. Please attend your booked appointments unless you are told otherwise.

Make sure you have enough of any medication you need as pharmacies may have different opening hours or be closed. Your local pharmacist can advise on common conditions and you can find your nearest at https://www.nhs.uk/

If you have a health concern that is not life-threatening, support is available at NHS 111 online or by phoning NHS 111. If it is a life-threatening emergency such as serious illness or injury, you should still call 999.

11 Apr, 2023
14 Dec, 2022
Information for the public on industrial action

Regardless of any strike action taking place, it is really important that patients who need urgent medical care continue to come forward as normal, especially in emergency and life-threatening cases – when someone is seriously ill or injured, or their life is at risk.

If we have not contacted you, please attend your appointment as planned. The NHS will contact you if your appointment needs to be rescheduled due to strike action.

GP services are not impacted by this strike action. Please continue to attend your GP appointments, unless you are contacted and told otherwise.

On days where there is strike action, patients should only call 999 if it is a medical or mental health emergency (when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk).

Ambulances will still be able to respond in these situations, but this may only be where there is an immediate risk to life.

Where the situation is not life-threatening, alternative support will be available through NHS 111 online or through the NHS 111 helpline, and where possible, it is advised that you arrange alternative transport.

The NHS.UK website has more information on when to call 999 and when to go to A&E.

FAQs: https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/information-for-the-public-on-industrial-action/

Regardless of any strike action taking place, it is really important that patients who need urgent medical care continue to come forward as normal, especially in emergency and life-threatening cases – when someone is seriously ill or injured, or their life is at risk.

If we have not contacted you, please attend your appointment as planned. The NHS will contact you if your appointment needs to be rescheduled due to strike action.

GP services are not impacted by this strike action. Please continue to attend your GP appointments, unless you are contacted and told otherwise.

On days where there is strike action, patients should only call 999 if it is a medical or mental health emergency (when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk).

Ambulances will still be able to respond in these situations, but this may only be where there is an immediate risk to life.

Where the situation is not life-threatening, alternative support will be available through NHS 111 online or through the NHS 111 helpline, and where possible, it is advised that you arrange alternative transport.

The NHS.UK website has more information on when to call 999 and when to go to A&E.

FAQs: https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/information-for-the-public-on-industrial-action/

Strep A (Scarlet fever) infection information for patients

For most children, scarlet fever is thankfully a mild illness, easily treated with antibiotics.

In this video Dr. Gandalf covers what is Strep A, how it might affect your child, and what the treatments might be in under 3 minutes with links to more information below. 

Here’s what you need to know, so you are aware when to worry and when you may need to seek help: -

Video Link: https://youtu.be/_x8AzCinXtM

00:00 What is a strep A infection 

00:08 What are the symptoms of strep A infection 

01:08 How do I manage a strep A infection? 

01:58 Treatment for a strep A infection 

02:40 More info on Strep A 

More details:

NHS.uk advice: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/scarlet...

Gov.uk update: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk...

For most children, scarlet fever is thankfully a mild illness, easily treated with antibiotics.

In this video Dr. Gandalf covers what is Strep A, how it might affect your child, and what the treatments might be in under 3 minutes with links to more information below. 

Here’s what you need to know, so you are aware when to worry and when you may need to seek help: -

Video Link: https://youtu.be/_x8AzCinXtM

00:00 What is a strep A infection 

00:08 What are the symptoms of strep A infection 

01:08 How do I manage a strep A infection? 

01:58 Treatment for a strep A infection 

02:40 More info on Strep A 

More details:

NHS.uk advice: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/scarlet...

Gov.uk update: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk...

7 Dec, 2022
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What happens when you make an appointment?

Our team will ask you why you need an appointment. Please do give as much information as you can. 

We use what you tell us to decide the help you need and how quickly it is required. We also think about who would be the best person to see you, and where and when you should be seen. 

Let’s work together and make sure you receive the right care at the right time. 

Any information you share is treated in the strictest of confidence.

Our team will ask you why you need an appointment. Please do give as much information as you can. 

We use what you tell us to decide the help you need and how quickly it is required. We also think about who would be the best person to see you, and where and when you should be seen. 

Let’s work together and make sure you receive the right care at the right time. 

Any information you share is treated in the strictest of confidence.

Extended Access Service

From the 1st October 2022, as part of our contract, our PCN will be providing extended access clinics for planned care for our patient population. The opening hours of our hubs are Monday to Friday 6.30pm to 8pm and Saturday to Sunday from 9am to 1pm. 

Hubs are situated across 7 different GP practices, depending on your appointment and time, you could be attending any of them. 

Services offered within extended access services (EAS) are focused on planned care. EAS does NOT replace any urgent services currently offered by NHS such as 999 and 111.  
Services offered in EAS can range in variety, from health and wellbeing, First Contact Practitioner: MSK, Medication reviews and more. 

Accessing the appointments can be done through your GP Practice. If you need to cancel an appointment or rearrange an appointment there is a dedicated email address nclicb.southwestbarnet-pcn5@nhs.net and telephone line 020 8457 3911.

(Please be aware that email mailbox is not monitored frequently and is not to be used for any urgent requests).

From the 1st October 2022, as part of our contract, our PCN will be providing extended access clinics for planned care for our patient population. The opening hours of our hubs are Monday to Friday 6.30pm to 8pm and Saturday to Sunday from 9am to 1pm. 

Hubs are situated across 7 different GP practices, depending on your appointment and time, you could be attending any of them. 

Services offered within extended access services (EAS) are focused on planned care. EAS does NOT replace any urgent services currently offered by NHS such as 999 and 111.  
Services offered in EAS can range in variety, from health and wellbeing, First Contact Practitioner: MSK, Medication reviews and more. 

Accessing the appointments can be done through your GP Practice. If you need to cancel an appointment or rearrange an appointment there is a dedicated email address nclicb.southwestbarnet-pcn5@nhs.net and telephone line 020 8457 3911.

(Please be aware that email mailbox is not monitored frequently and is not to be used for any urgent requests).

27 Sep, 2022
7 Sep, 2022
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Bowel Cancer Screening Campaign

Your next poo could save your life.

We are supporting a London-wide campaign to encourage more patients to do their free NHS bowel cancer screening home test, which checks if you could have bowel cancer. 

People who are the right age are sent a free NHS FIT (Faecal Immunochemical Test) kit every two years. You use it to collect a small sample of poo and post it back to an NHS lab.

The campaign by NHS London, “Your next poo could save your life”, urges more people to use their kit – a message we wholeheartedly endorse. 

Screening can help prevent bowel cancer and find it at an early stage when it’s easier to treat. People who complete their screening are 25% less likely to die of bowel cancer. The kits are for people with no symptoms and most people get the all-clear. 

If you are aged 56, 58 (on or after 16 May 2022) or 60 to 74 and we have your correct address, you will be sent a kit every 2 years. Please use it. By April 2025, bowel cancer screening kits will be for everyone aged 50 to 74 in England.

To find out more and hear from other Londoners about their experience of bowel cancer screening, visit www.healthylondon.org/bcs

If you have symptoms of bowel cancer which last for three weeks or more, please contact the practice and ask for an appointment.

Your next poo could save your life.

We are supporting a London-wide campaign to encourage more patients to do their free NHS bowel cancer screening home test, which checks if you could have bowel cancer. 

People who are the right age are sent a free NHS FIT (Faecal Immunochemical Test) kit every two years. You use it to collect a small sample of poo and post it back to an NHS lab.

The campaign by NHS London, “Your next poo could save your life”, urges more people to use their kit – a message we wholeheartedly endorse. 

Screening can help prevent bowel cancer and find it at an early stage when it’s easier to treat. People who complete their screening are 25% less likely to die of bowel cancer. The kits are for people with no symptoms and most people get the all-clear. 

If you are aged 56, 58 (on or after 16 May 2022) or 60 to 74 and we have your correct address, you will be sent a kit every 2 years. Please use it. By April 2025, bowel cancer screening kits will be for everyone aged 50 to 74 in England.

To find out more and hear from other Londoners about their experience of bowel cancer screening, visit www.healthylondon.org/bcs

If you have symptoms of bowel cancer which last for three weeks or more, please contact the practice and ask for an appointment.

Community Mental Health Services

Please join the mental health team  on 30 September when they will be telling you about the many changes they are making to community mental health services, and asking you for your feedback on what they have done so far and what you want them to do next. 

Their Community Mental Health Transformation Programme is working across five boroughs, Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey and Islington. Staff from each will be at Hornsey Vale Community Centre, in Haringey, 1-4pm, to talk about the work that they are doing and listen to your thoughts on what they need to do to make services better for you; they’ll also have some small discussion groups and will be serving refreshments.

Community Mental Health Services Flyer

Please join the mental health team  on 30 September when they will be telling you about the many changes they are making to community mental health services, and asking you for your feedback on what they have done so far and what you want them to do next. 

Their Community Mental Health Transformation Programme is working across five boroughs, Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey and Islington. Staff from each will be at Hornsey Vale Community Centre, in Haringey, 1-4pm, to talk about the work that they are doing and listen to your thoughts on what they need to do to make services better for you; they’ll also have some small discussion groups and will be serving refreshments.

Community Mental Health Services Flyer

29 Jul, 2022
27 Jul, 2022
BPPN Meeting at Finchley Memorial Hospital

The next BPPN meeting is taking place on Monday 5th September at 11am – 12:30pm. Please be aware that the meeting is on-site at Finchley Memorial Hospital Room 19.02. You will be provided with a Teams/Zoom link closer to the meeting date so you can dial in if you are unable to attend in person.

The next BPPN meeting is taking place on Monday 5th September at 11am – 12:30pm. Please be aware that the meeting is on-site at Finchley Memorial Hospital Room 19.02. You will be provided with a Teams/Zoom link closer to the meeting date so you can dial in if you are unable to attend in person.

Royal Free out-patient appointments call centre

If you have any questions about your out-patient referral or appointment at the Royal Free London, please contact the out-patient appointments call centre. The team will be able to answer your questions including if you’re waiting to be booked and about your upcoming appointments. The call centre can be contacted by calling 020 7443 9757. 

If you have queries about an in-patient / day-surgery appointment contact the relevant admissions team, depending on where your procedure is due to take place: -

Barnet Hospital or Chase Farm Hospital: 020 3758 2011

Edgware Community Hospital: 020 7830 2849 ext. 38279

Royal Free Hospital: 020 7830 2849

Please note all lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am-6pm (excluding bank holidays).

If you have any questions about your out-patient referral or appointment at the Royal Free London, please contact the out-patient appointments call centre. The team will be able to answer your questions including if you’re waiting to be booked and about your upcoming appointments. The call centre can be contacted by calling 020 7443 9757. 

If you have queries about an in-patient / day-surgery appointment contact the relevant admissions team, depending on where your procedure is due to take place: -

Barnet Hospital or Chase Farm Hospital: 020 3758 2011

Edgware Community Hospital: 020 7830 2849 ext. 38279

Royal Free Hospital: 020 7830 2849

Please note all lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am-6pm (excluding bank holidays).

You must wear a mask in all NHS healthcare settings

Although regulations regarding mask wearing have relaxed, you are still required to wear a mask when visiting any NHS healthcare setting. This includes GP practices.

Although regulations regarding mask wearing have relaxed, you are still required to wear a mask when visiting any NHS healthcare setting. This includes GP practices.

Patients who have received COVID-19 vaccinations overseas

If you live in England and have had one or more of your COVID-19 vaccinations administered overseas, you can have your vaccination details added to your NHS Record. You can then generate an NHS COVID Pass for domestic use and international travel if you meet certain certification requirements.

Eligible vaccines

You can use this service if you’ve had one or more of the following vaccines:

  • Moderna
  • AstraZeneca
  • Pfizer
  • Janssen

There will remain a small number of countries and territories where this service will not be enabled. However, international COVID-19 certification accepted at the UK border is also accepted at events and venues in England.

Book an appointment to register your overseas vaccinations

To register your overseas vaccinations, you’ll need to book an appointment at a selected list of vaccination centres across England.

Book an appointment to register your overseas vaccination with the NHS.

Staff are not able to register your overseas vaccinations unless you book in advance.

Details of your overseas vaccination will then be recorded in the National Immunisation Management System.

If you’re registered with a GP in England and were vaccinated in Scotland, Wales or the Isle of Man, you do not need to book an appointment at a vaccination centre. Those registered with a GP in England who received Novavax, Valneva and Medicago vaccinations administered in the UK can also access an NHS COVID Pass.

If you need help using this service, contact the NHS COVID Pass service by telephoning:

  • 119 from the UK
  • 0151 905 0119 from overseas (you’ll be charged according to your carrier’s rates)

If you live in England and have had one or more of your COVID-19 vaccinations administered overseas, you can have your vaccination details added to your NHS Record. You can then generate an NHS COVID Pass for domestic use and international travel if you meet certain certification requirements.

Eligible vaccines

You can use this service if you’ve had one or more of the following vaccines:

  • Moderna
  • AstraZeneca
  • Pfizer
  • Janssen

There will remain a small number of countries and territories where this service will not be enabled. However, international COVID-19 certification accepted at the UK border is also accepted at events and venues in England.

Book an appointment to register your overseas vaccinations

To register your overseas vaccinations, you’ll need to book an appointment at a selected list of vaccination centres across England.

Book an appointment to register your overseas vaccination with the NHS.

Staff are not able to register your overseas vaccinations unless you book in advance.

Details of your overseas vaccination will then be recorded in the National Immunisation Management System.

If you’re registered with a GP in England and were vaccinated in Scotland, Wales or the Isle of Man, you do not need to book an appointment at a vaccination centre. Those registered with a GP in England who received Novavax, Valneva and Medicago vaccinations administered in the UK can also access an NHS COVID Pass.

If you need help using this service, contact the NHS COVID Pass service by telephoning:

  • 119 from the UK
  • 0151 905 0119 from overseas (you’ll be charged according to your carrier’s rates)
10 Mar, 2022
Covid-19 Booster Vaccination - Update 13th Dec 2021

The NHS vaccination programme will offer every adult the chance to book a covid-19 booster vaccine by the end of the year to protect the nation against the Omicron variant.

As part of the biggest and fastest vaccine programme in health service history, online bookings are available for all those in their 30s and above from today.

The best way to get your vaccine is by booking online at www.nhs.uk or by calling 119 – please do keep checking availability as appointments are loaded onto the system every day. The website and phoneline are understandably very busy and we thank you for your patience when booking.

The national booking service will then open up to everyone aged 18 and over from Wednesday this week.

The NHS is prioritising bookings for boosters and is urging people to book a slot to guarantee their vital jab. Some sites offer walk-in appointments where no appointment is needed. Please check here for clinics with walk-in availability and their opening hours www.happyhealthylives.uk/vaccinationdrop-ins

GP teams have been asked to clinically prioritise their services to free up maximal capacity to support the covid-19 vaccination programme, alongside delivering critical appointments such as cancer, urgent and emergency care. This might mean that for some people, routine appointments are postponed as part of the national mission to roll out boosters.

Scientists are very concerned about the spread of Omicron due to the speed with which it spreads and because two doses do not appear to provide much protection but thankfully, a booster dramatically improves this.That is why the Government has asked the NHS to prioritise boosters over other routine care.

We appreciate your support and understanding – and urge you to come forward for your vaccination as soon as possible.

The NHS vaccination programme will offer every adult the chance to book a covid-19 booster vaccine by the end of the year to protect the nation against the Omicron variant.

As part of the biggest and fastest vaccine programme in health service history, online bookings are available for all those in their 30s and above from today.

The best way to get your vaccine is by booking online at www.nhs.uk or by calling 119 – please do keep checking availability as appointments are loaded onto the system every day. The website and phoneline are understandably very busy and we thank you for your patience when booking.

The national booking service will then open up to everyone aged 18 and over from Wednesday this week.

The NHS is prioritising bookings for boosters and is urging people to book a slot to guarantee their vital jab. Some sites offer walk-in appointments where no appointment is needed. Please check here for clinics with walk-in availability and their opening hours www.happyhealthylives.uk/vaccinationdrop-ins

GP teams have been asked to clinically prioritise their services to free up maximal capacity to support the covid-19 vaccination programme, alongside delivering critical appointments such as cancer, urgent and emergency care. This might mean that for some people, routine appointments are postponed as part of the national mission to roll out boosters.

Scientists are very concerned about the spread of Omicron due to the speed with which it spreads and because two doses do not appear to provide much protection but thankfully, a booster dramatically improves this.That is why the Government has asked the NHS to prioritise boosters over other routine care.

We appreciate your support and understanding – and urge you to come forward for your vaccination as soon as possible.

Proof of vaccination for 12-15yr olds

Please find below current information and guidance from NHS England and the UK Government on proof of vaccination for 12-15yr olds, as of the 22/11/21:

“Only citizens aged 13 years and older can access the NHS App.

If you're aged 16 or over, you can get a digital NHS COVID Pass for travel.

If you're 18 or over, you can also use your digital NHS COVID Pass for domestic events and venues.

People under 18 do not have to show proof of their vaccination or test results for domestic events or venues in England.

You can get a COVID Pass Letter if:

  • you're aged 16 or over
  • you're fully vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine used in the UK
  • you had your vaccination in England or the Isle of Man
  • you’re registered with a GP in England or the Isle of Man

A GP is NOT able to issue a pass or any form of documentation that is valid for travel.

Persons travelling should always consult the ever changing requirements for entry into countries they intend to travel to.  Some countries for example will allow children access if they are travelling with fully vaccinated adults with no requirements for testing, other countries insist that children have PCR tests prior to travel.

There is no current planned change to citizens under the age of 16 being able to access a COVID Pass for travel."

Please find below current information and guidance from NHS England and the UK Government on proof of vaccination for 12-15yr olds, as of the 22/11/21:

“Only citizens aged 13 years and older can access the NHS App.

If you're aged 16 or over, you can get a digital NHS COVID Pass for travel.

If you're 18 or over, you can also use your digital NHS COVID Pass for domestic events and venues.

People under 18 do not have to show proof of their vaccination or test results for domestic events or venues in England.

You can get a COVID Pass Letter if:

  • you're aged 16 or over
  • you're fully vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine used in the UK
  • you had your vaccination in England or the Isle of Man
  • you’re registered with a GP in England or the Isle of Man

A GP is NOT able to issue a pass or any form of documentation that is valid for travel.

Persons travelling should always consult the ever changing requirements for entry into countries they intend to travel to.  Some countries for example will allow children access if they are travelling with fully vaccinated adults with no requirements for testing, other countries insist that children have PCR tests prior to travel.

There is no current planned change to citizens under the age of 16 being able to access a COVID Pass for travel."

Patient Access Emails

EMIS Health have received reports from both Patient Access users and people who have never registered for the service, that they have received Covid passport emails purporting to be from Patient Access. 

They would like to share the following guidance from Patient Access: -

  • EMIS Health advise users of Patient Access to check the name and email address of the sender; all emails from Patient Access will come via an email address that ends in @patientaccess.com.
  • EMIS Health advise users never to click on any log in links that you receive via email but to visit the site via the address bar of your browser instead so that you know you are on the genuine Patient Access log in page. You can find more information and guidance on our information security page here: https://www.patientaccess.com/security
  • EMIS Health strongly advise users to set up their Memorable Word security feature, as well as using biometrics (fingerprint ID) if they use the app.
  • Email addresses used to register for Patient Access account are secure. They do not share any data and no data is ever saved or stored on any device you use to access Patient Access.

EMIS Health have received reports from both Patient Access users and people who have never registered for the service, that they have received Covid passport emails purporting to be from Patient Access. 

They would like to share the following guidance from Patient Access: -

  • EMIS Health advise users of Patient Access to check the name and email address of the sender; all emails from Patient Access will come via an email address that ends in @patientaccess.com.
  • EMIS Health advise users never to click on any log in links that you receive via email but to visit the site via the address bar of your browser instead so that you know you are on the genuine Patient Access log in page. You can find more information and guidance on our information security page here: https://www.patientaccess.com/security
  • EMIS Health strongly advise users to set up their Memorable Word security feature, as well as using biometrics (fingerprint ID) if they use the app.
  • Email addresses used to register for Patient Access account are secure. They do not share any data and no data is ever saved or stored on any device you use to access Patient Access.
Why are GP practices working differently?

At Ravenscroft Medical Centre we have face-to-face, video and telephone appointments to make sure you get the right care from the right person. 

We remain open and are grateful for your patience as we continue to deliver the largest vaccination programme in the history of the NHS whilst supporting our patients.

Our staff are here to help and abuse will not be tolerated.

We know these are challenging times for everyone. As restrictions ease – please be kind as we work differently to protect our patients and staff and help stop the spread of Covid-19.

Why are GP practices working differently? - Leaflet

At Ravenscroft Medical Centre we have face-to-face, video and telephone appointments to make sure you get the right care from the right person. 

We remain open and are grateful for your patience as we continue to deliver the largest vaccination programme in the history of the NHS whilst supporting our patients.

Our staff are here to help and abuse will not be tolerated.

We know these are challenging times for everyone. As restrictions ease – please be kind as we work differently to protect our patients and staff and help stop the spread of Covid-19.

Why are GP practices working differently? - Leaflet

Blood Tests – Supply Issue

A supplier to the NHS has advised us of a shortage of some equipment used for taking blood tests.

Anyone who needs a test for urgent health problems will still get one but only where your clinician recommends that it’s safe to do so. You may be asked to come back for a test at a later date if your need is not urgent. 

Given the nature of the shortage, we cannot give an exact date for when any non-urgent tests will begin to be scheduled, but please be assured that if your condition or symptoms require it, then you will get a test, and we will be scheduling less urgent tests when supplies become more easily available. 

If your condition or symptoms change or get worse, please contact the practice by submitting a PATCHS request.

A supplier to the NHS has advised us of a shortage of some equipment used for taking blood tests.

Anyone who needs a test for urgent health problems will still get one but only where your clinician recommends that it’s safe to do so. You may be asked to come back for a test at a later date if your need is not urgent. 

Given the nature of the shortage, we cannot give an exact date for when any non-urgent tests will begin to be scheduled, but please be assured that if your condition or symptoms require it, then you will get a test, and we will be scheduling less urgent tests when supplies become more easily available. 

If your condition or symptoms change or get worse, please contact the practice by submitting a PATCHS request.

Recent events in Afghanistan

We are conscious that some patients may be affected by current events in Afghanistan.

If you are a member of the Afghan community or a military veteran (including family members) and recent events have affected you, please seek help by completing a referral form for yourself on the IAPT website.

We are conscious that some patients may be affected by current events in Afghanistan.

If you are a member of the Afghan community or a military veteran (including family members) and recent events have affected you, please seek help by completing a referral form for yourself on the IAPT website.

Short term changes to Phlebotomy services in North Central London

Please check this leaflet to see details on changes to the phlebotomy services.

Please check this leaflet to see details on changes to the phlebotomy services.

Infection prevention control guidelines to remain in place

The highest priority for the NHS remains the safety of staff, patients and visitors. While COVID restrictions will end in many settings in England from 19 July, everyone accessing or visiting healthcare settings must continue to wear a face covering (unless they are exempt) and follow social distancing rules.

Public Health England’s infection prevention control guidelines and hospital visiting guidance are therefore set to remain in place for all staff and visitors and across all health services including hospitals, GP practices, dentists, optometrists and pharmacies to ensure patients and staff are protected.

Read the infection prevention control guidance for further details.

The highest priority for the NHS remains the safety of staff, patients and visitors. While COVID restrictions will end in many settings in England from 19 July, everyone accessing or visiting healthcare settings must continue to wear a face covering (unless they are exempt) and follow social distancing rules.

Public Health England’s infection prevention control guidelines and hospital visiting guidance are therefore set to remain in place for all staff and visitors and across all health services including hospitals, GP practices, dentists, optometrists and pharmacies to ensure patients and staff are protected.

Read the infection prevention control guidance for further details.

End abuse in GP Practices

The below video gives examples of abuse some GP practice reception teams have experienced first-hand, in their own words. Although most of our patients might find it unthinkable, our team have had to deal with similar comments and abuse, both over the phone and face-to-face. This is unacceptable and we will not hesitate to call it out when it occurs. 

By sharing this we would like to highlight the issues faced by GP practice staff across the country but also to be thankful that, in contrast, most of our patients are generally gracious and courteous when speaking to our team. We are always trying to help, including when signposting patients to the most appropriate healthcare resource, and we thank our patients so much for being kind to us as it helps us to help you.

It is not in anyone’s job description to be abused or threatened in the workplace.

Watch Video

The below video gives examples of abuse some GP practice reception teams have experienced first-hand, in their own words. Although most of our patients might find it unthinkable, our team have had to deal with similar comments and abuse, both over the phone and face-to-face. This is unacceptable and we will not hesitate to call it out when it occurs. 

By sharing this we would like to highlight the issues faced by GP practice staff across the country but also to be thankful that, in contrast, most of our patients are generally gracious and courteous when speaking to our team. We are always trying to help, including when signposting patients to the most appropriate healthcare resource, and we thank our patients so much for being kind to us as it helps us to help you.

It is not in anyone’s job description to be abused or threatened in the workplace.

Watch Video

Supporting your recovery after COVID-19

As you find yourself recovering from COVID-19 you may still be coming to terms with the impact the virus has had on both your body and mind.

These changes should get better over time, some may take longer than others, but there are things you can do to help.

The “Your Covid Recovery” website is designed to help you understand what has happened and what you might expect as part of your recovery.

Further information is available here.

As you find yourself recovering from COVID-19 you may still be coming to terms with the impact the virus has had on both your body and mind.

These changes should get better over time, some may take longer than others, but there are things you can do to help.

The “Your Covid Recovery” website is designed to help you understand what has happened and what you might expect as part of your recovery.

Further information is available here.

Opting out of sharing your confidential patient information

You can tell us if you do not want your confidential patient information held in your GP medical record to be used for purposes other than your individual care. This is commonly called a type 1 opt-out.

To opt-out please use the form below and send/hand it in to reception (not electronically).

Type 1 Opt-Out Form

Further information is available here.

You can tell us if you do not want your confidential patient information held in your GP medical record to be used for purposes other than your individual care. This is commonly called a type 1 opt-out.

To opt-out please use the form below and send/hand it in to reception (not electronically).

Type 1 Opt-Out Form

Further information is available here.

Proof of Covid-19 Vaccination Status

From 17 May 2021, people in England who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 can demonstrate their vaccination status for international travel. A full course is currently two doses of any approved vaccine. Vaccine status will be available from: 

  • the NHS App which you can download from app stores
  • the NHS website
  • 119 - by requesting a paper letter

You will need to register to use the online services, if you have not already. It may take more than a week for your identity to be checked and verified.

If you cannot access the online services, and you have had both doses of the vaccine, you can request a paper letter from the NHS by calling 119. Only call 119 if you are due to travel outside the UK in the near future and have had your second dose more than 5 working days ago. It may take up to 7 working days for the letter to arrive.

When you're planning your travel, you should check the latest information on demonstrating your COVID-19 status when travelling abroad on the gov.uk website. Make sure there is enough time to get proof of your COVID-19 vaccination status before you are due to travel.

From 17 May 2021, people in England who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 can demonstrate their vaccination status for international travel. A full course is currently two doses of any approved vaccine. Vaccine status will be available from: 

  • the NHS App which you can download from app stores
  • the NHS website
  • 119 - by requesting a paper letter

You will need to register to use the online services, if you have not already. It may take more than a week for your identity to be checked and verified.

If you cannot access the online services, and you have had both doses of the vaccine, you can request a paper letter from the NHS by calling 119. Only call 119 if you are due to travel outside the UK in the near future and have had your second dose more than 5 working days ago. It may take up to 7 working days for the letter to arrive.

When you're planning your travel, you should check the latest information on demonstrating your COVID-19 status when travelling abroad on the gov.uk website. Make sure there is enough time to get proof of your COVID-19 vaccination status before you are due to travel.

PATCHS to Replace eConsult

In response to our patients’ feedback we have commissioned a new online consultation service called PATCHS which is more user-friendly, and when you need our help it only asks 4 questions to be submitted for triage.

From Thursday the 29th April 2021 you can access PATCHS via the home page of this website. 

  • You’ll be asked to enter your email address and set a password.
  • Once you have registered, you can access PATCHS via this website or opening the PATCHS app on your smartphone. Login by entering your registered email address & password.
  • Choose the appropriate option and answer a few simple questions to help your GP understand your problem.
  • Your answers are sent to your GP who responds as quickly as possible. Initial responses may be via online message or phone, with face-to-face or video consultation appointments scheduled if necessary.

For more information on Patchs you can visit their website

Please remember that we mainly use your mobile phone and email address to contact you, so ensure you have given us your latest contact information.

In response to our patients’ feedback we have commissioned a new online consultation service called PATCHS which is more user-friendly, and when you need our help it only asks 4 questions to be submitted for triage.

From Thursday the 29th April 2021 you can access PATCHS via the home page of this website. 

  • You’ll be asked to enter your email address and set a password.
  • Once you have registered, you can access PATCHS via this website or opening the PATCHS app on your smartphone. Login by entering your registered email address & password.
  • Choose the appropriate option and answer a few simple questions to help your GP understand your problem.
  • Your answers are sent to your GP who responds as quickly as possible. Initial responses may be via online message or phone, with face-to-face or video consultation appointments scheduled if necessary.

For more information on Patchs you can visit their website

Please remember that we mainly use your mobile phone and email address to contact you, so ensure you have given us your latest contact information.

New addition to the practice

Dr Debbie Frost M.A. (Cantab), MBBS (UCLH), MRCGP (UK), DRCOG (UK)

We are delighted to inform you that Dr Debbie Frost will be joining Ravenscroft Medical Centre, as a GP Partner, on the 1st May 2021.

She has been a local GP Partner at Millway Medical Practice in Mill Hill for nearly 30 years.

Dr Frost specialises in Women’s Health and has an interest in Mental health.

In addition, she is a Deputy Medical Director at NHS England and was formerly the Chair of Barnet CCG, working alongside Dr Subel on the CCG Board, improving the care of the people of Barnet. She sat on the Health and Wellbeing Board and has done work with the Local Government Association

We welcome Dr Frost to our practice and look forward to a long and happy association. 

Dr Debbie Frost M.A. (Cantab), MBBS (UCLH), MRCGP (UK), DRCOG (UK)

We are delighted to inform you that Dr Debbie Frost will be joining Ravenscroft Medical Centre, as a GP Partner, on the 1st May 2021.

She has been a local GP Partner at Millway Medical Practice in Mill Hill for nearly 30 years.

Dr Frost specialises in Women’s Health and has an interest in Mental health.

In addition, she is a Deputy Medical Director at NHS England and was formerly the Chair of Barnet CCG, working alongside Dr Subel on the CCG Board, improving the care of the people of Barnet. She sat on the Health and Wellbeing Board and has done work with the Local Government Association

We welcome Dr Frost to our practice and look forward to a long and happy association. 

Please contact NHS 111 for any urgent, but not life-threatening, health problem

The NHS in London is making it easier and safer for patients to get the right treatment at the right time, without waiting for long periods of time to be seen in an Accident and Emergency (A&E) department. 

The NHS is asking patients with an urgent, but not life-threatening, health problem to contact NHS 111 first if they think they need to attend an A&E. You can either call 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. 

NHS 111 can now book time slots in all local A&Edepartments across England for those who need them, including at North Middlesex University Hospital, Barnet Hospital, the Royal Free Hospital, UCLH and the Whittington

If you need urgent or emergency care, NHS 111 will advise you where you need to go for treatment and a timeslot will be booked for you. NHS 111 can also make direct appointments at GP surgeries and urgent treatment centres or send an ambulance if your condition is serious or life-threatening. 

By contacting NHS 111 first if you think you need to attend A&E for an urgent, but not serious or life-threatening medical need, you will:

  • speak with a health care professional earlier, and get the right treatment first time
  • be able to arrange an urgent face-to-face appointment, if needed.
  • avoid waiting for a long time in A&E waiting rooms.

More doctors, nurses, pharmacists, paramedics, dental nurses and trained health advisors than ever before are available to look after Londoners as part of the NHS 111 service. 

Callers in mental health crisis who call NHS 111 are assessed with the same care as callers with physical symptoms. Once assessed, the call is transferred to local mental health crisis services to ensure callers receive timely specialist mental health support.

Arrangements will not change for people with life-threatening illnesses or injuries, who should still dial 999 immediately. If you do make your own way to an A&E, you will still receive medical care. 

However, using 111 first will help you get quicker, safer care in the right environment. These changes will help the NHS to minimise the risk of coronavirus spreading by allowing more space for social distancing in A&E waiting rooms.

The NHS in London is making it easier and safer for patients to get the right treatment at the right time, without waiting for long periods of time to be seen in an Accident and Emergency (A&E) department. 

The NHS is asking patients with an urgent, but not life-threatening, health problem to contact NHS 111 first if they think they need to attend an A&E. You can either call 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. 

NHS 111 can now book time slots in all local A&Edepartments across England for those who need them, including at North Middlesex University Hospital, Barnet Hospital, the Royal Free Hospital, UCLH and the Whittington

If you need urgent or emergency care, NHS 111 will advise you where you need to go for treatment and a timeslot will be booked for you. NHS 111 can also make direct appointments at GP surgeries and urgent treatment centres or send an ambulance if your condition is serious or life-threatening. 

By contacting NHS 111 first if you think you need to attend A&E for an urgent, but not serious or life-threatening medical need, you will:

  • speak with a health care professional earlier, and get the right treatment first time
  • be able to arrange an urgent face-to-face appointment, if needed.
  • avoid waiting for a long time in A&E waiting rooms.

More doctors, nurses, pharmacists, paramedics, dental nurses and trained health advisors than ever before are available to look after Londoners as part of the NHS 111 service. 

Callers in mental health crisis who call NHS 111 are assessed with the same care as callers with physical symptoms. Once assessed, the call is transferred to local mental health crisis services to ensure callers receive timely specialist mental health support.

Arrangements will not change for people with life-threatening illnesses or injuries, who should still dial 999 immediately. If you do make your own way to an A&E, you will still receive medical care. 

However, using 111 first will help you get quicker, safer care in the right environment. These changes will help the NHS to minimise the risk of coronavirus spreading by allowing more space for social distancing in A&E waiting rooms.

COVID-19 vaccine: NHS Engagement with Barnet residents

Vaccines are our best defence against the virus alongside effective social distancing, wearing a mask and washing your hands.

The NHS has planned extensively to deliver the largest vaccination programme in our history. This will be a huge task.

Now that we have a vaccine that has been confirmed as safe and effective by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), we can begin to roll it out to those groups who the independent Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) have decided need it most when the supplies are available to us.

The NHS is working closely in partnership with local councils in Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey and Islington.

The COVID-19 vaccines have to go through the same rigorous testing and safety checks that other vaccines go through, before they can be used to help protect us during this pandemic.

We would like to ask people living in Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey and Islington – North Central London – to share their views on the prospect of COVID-19 vaccinations being made available. 

The survey will only take 5 – 10 minutes. (it took me 4 minutes)

Click here to participate.

The closing date for the survey is 24 December.

Vaccines are our best defence against the virus alongside effective social distancing, wearing a mask and washing your hands.

The NHS has planned extensively to deliver the largest vaccination programme in our history. This will be a huge task.

Now that we have a vaccine that has been confirmed as safe and effective by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), we can begin to roll it out to those groups who the independent Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) have decided need it most when the supplies are available to us.

The NHS is working closely in partnership with local councils in Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey and Islington.

The COVID-19 vaccines have to go through the same rigorous testing and safety checks that other vaccines go through, before they can be used to help protect us during this pandemic.

We would like to ask people living in Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey and Islington – North Central London – to share their views on the prospect of COVID-19 vaccinations being made available. 

The survey will only take 5 – 10 minutes. (it took me 4 minutes)

Click here to participate.

The closing date for the survey is 24 December.

Covid Vaccination Updates

Following extensive trials, the first safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine has been approved in the UK and is now available to priority groups.

Vaccinations are being delivered according to priority groups identified by the Joint Committee of  Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).  The initial vaccinations may not take place at your GP Practice (Ravenscroft Medical Centre is not delivering the Pfizer/BioNtech vaccine), but rather a local vaccination service let by GPs, practice nurses and community pharmacists who are responsible for delivering the vaccine to people in your community.

When it is the right time for you to receive your vaccination, you will receive an invitation to come forward.  This may be via the phone or through a letter from either your GP or the NHS national booking system.

We know that lots of people will be eager to get protected but we are asking people not to contact us to get an appointment as you will not be able to get one until you are contacted

Following extensive trials, the first safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine has been approved in the UK and is now available to priority groups.

Vaccinations are being delivered according to priority groups identified by the Joint Committee of  Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).  The initial vaccinations may not take place at your GP Practice (Ravenscroft Medical Centre is not delivering the Pfizer/BioNtech vaccine), but rather a local vaccination service let by GPs, practice nurses and community pharmacists who are responsible for delivering the vaccine to people in your community.

When it is the right time for you to receive your vaccination, you will receive an invitation to come forward.  This may be via the phone or through a letter from either your GP or the NHS national booking system.

We know that lots of people will be eager to get protected but we are asking people not to contact us to get an appointment as you will not be able to get one until you are contacted

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Advice in your region:

England | Scotland | Wales | Northern Ireland | Ireland

Get the latest NHS information and advice about coronavirus (COVID-19).

Check if you or your child has coronavirus symptoms

Find out about the main symptoms of coronavirus and what to do if you have them.

Testing and tracing

Information about testing for coronavirus and what to do if you're contacted by the NHS Test and Trace service.

People at high risk

Advice for people at higher risk from coronavirus, including older people, people with health conditions and pregnant women.

Social distancing and changes to everyday life

Advice about avoiding close contact with other people (social distancing), looking after your wellbeing and using the NHS and other services during coronavirus.

GOV.UK: coronavirus – guidance and support

Government information and advice.

Advice in your region:

England | Scotland | Wales | Northern Ireland | Ireland

Get the latest NHS information and advice about coronavirus (COVID-19).

Check if you or your child has coronavirus symptoms

Find out about the main symptoms of coronavirus and what to do if you have them.

Testing and tracing

Information about testing for coronavirus and what to do if you're contacted by the NHS Test and Trace service.

People at high risk

Advice for people at higher risk from coronavirus, including older people, people with health conditions and pregnant women.

Social distancing and changes to everyday life

Advice about avoiding close contact with other people (social distancing), looking after your wellbeing and using the NHS and other services during coronavirus.

GOV.UK: coronavirus – guidance and support

Government information and advice.

Patient information - Covid-19

Our doors are now open again and we are seeing some patients for face-to-face consultations.  We are also still speaking to patients via telephone and video link.  Please use online consultation for all non-urgent medical advice.  You can reach us on either 020 8455 2477 or 020 8455 9530.  

In order to fully utilise our service, we ask you to access our online services.  Medication in particular is much easier to request online and you can nominate a pharmacy from whom you wish to collect your medications.

Our doors are now open again and we are seeing some patients for face-to-face consultations.  We are also still speaking to patients via telephone and video link.  Please use online consultation for all non-urgent medical advice.  You can reach us on either 020 8455 2477 or 020 8455 9530.  

In order to fully utilise our service, we ask you to access our online services.  Medication in particular is much easier to request online and you can nominate a pharmacy from whom you wish to collect your medications.

Related Information