IMPORTANT
BLOOD TEST DELAYS
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.
BBC News: NHS blood test tube shortage: Doctors 'facing difficult choices'
COVID-19 Vaccination Status/Proof Of Vaccination
From 17th 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.
You can prove your vaccination status:
Please note: GP surgeries are not able to provide you with a letter that shows your COVID-19 vaccination status.
For more information please visit www.gov.uk/guidance/demonstrating-your-covid-19-vaccination-status-when-travelling-abroad
Sidcup Medical Centre Is A 'Total Triage' Practice
Our clinicians, reception staff and administrative team believe that we can offer our patients a better more efficient service if we use eConsult as a total triage system for all requests both clinical and administrative. The exceptions to this are appointments with the practice nurse.
When you complete an eConsult your query will be assessed and a decision will be taken to the most appropriate course of action. For instance; arranging an appointment, organising investigations or an administrative task to be carried out.
Parents Guidance On What To Do When Your Child Is Ill
When your child is ill or injured it is very difficult to decide if/when to call your child's GP, NHS 111 or go to the Accident & Emergency Department.
During the current situation and while the government is asking everyone to stay home, it can be confusing to know what to do.
Click here for guidance.
eConsult - Contact Our Doctors Online
If you require support over the weekend (including bank holidays) you can still use eConsult for self-help and pharmacy advice regarding your condition.
If you have a medical problem and you're not sure what to do please call 111 or use their online service
For medical emergencies please call 999. For example; chest pains, significant shortness of breath or a suspected stroke.
Mind In Bexley
Sick Certificate (med3)
You should not require a sick certificate from a clinician for the first seven days of your sickness. However your employer may require you to complete a self-certificate (SC2). For any illness lasting longer than seven days you may need to see or speak to a clinician to obtain a sick certificate or for subsequent renewals.
Please do not ask your GP for a sick certificate if you are off work because of Coronavirus. You can apply for an isolation note to send to your employer as proof you need to stay home. Your employer can check the validity of an isolation note using the check an isolation note service.
Self-Referral Physiotherapy
Adult MSK (Musculoskeletal) Service - Bexley
Advice For Women During COVID-19
Please note that:
- Contraception
- Emergency contraception
- Abortion care
- Sexual assault care
- Emergency removal or LARCs
Have been classified ass essential, meaning that you should always be able to access these services. Your first point of contact should be the place you usually access care for your sexual and reproductive healthcare. This could be you GP surgery, local sexual health or family planning clinic. Please complete an eConsult if you require an appointment or advice from a GP at Sidcup Medical Centre.
For more information in regards to accessing sexual and reproductive healthcare as lockdown eases please see The Faculty of Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare leaflet.
There are many non-medical issues that can make people feel stressed, isolated or unwell. Community connect is a new service supporting local people improve their health and
well-being by connecting them with activities and support services in the community. Our well-being co-ordinators can help you find support for issues outside of the usual care that your GP or nurse may be able to provide. For more information please visit www.communityconnectbexley.co.uk
(Site updated 01/09/2021)