Latest News

ALERT - Flu Jab Scam

NHS England and NHS Improvement - East of England have been alerted to an issue whereby a patient appears to have been the victim of a scam relating to flu jabs.

The patient was contacted over the phone by a person purporting to be a GP working at their local GP practice and that, for a fee, the GP could attend their home to administer their flu jab. Unfortunately the patient gave out their bank account details and has sadly suffered a financial loss.

“If someone claiming to be from the NHS contacts you by phone and asks for a payment, please be aware they could be a criminal trying to trick you. Most NHS services are free at the point of use and NHS professionals are very unlikely to ask for fees such as prescription charges by phone. We advise you not to share bank account details or other financial information unless you are sure of who you are talking to.”

We would ask that you continue to be vigilant.

Contacting us to report NHS fraud

You can report any concerns or suspicions you have about fraud or corruption within the NHS or wider health group to the NHS Counter Fraud Authority by calling our FREE 24hr confidential fraud reporting hotline powered by Crimestoppers on 0800 028 4060.  You can also make a report to the NHSCFA using our online NHS fraud-reporting tool.

Should you have any queries you can contact NHS England and NHS Improvement by:

Telephone: 0300 311 22 33
Email: england.contactus@nhs.net
General Post (including complaints): NHS England, PO Box 16738, Redditch, B97 9PT

MoreLife - a success story

The practice asked MoreLife (weight management programme) to run a group for patients back in October 2017.  It was a fantastic success with almost all patients losing a significant amount of weight. Click on the link below to read how well 'John' did on the programme.

MoreLife - a success story

Stop Smoking Service

Please click on the link below for further information

Stop Smoking Service

Care Navigation - new service for patients over the age of 16

Patients over the age of 16 years can now access a care navigation service.  This free service is delivered in partnership by Community Agents Essex, Age UK Essex and the Provide Essex Lifestyle Service.  If you are struggling with a non-clinical issue and it is impacting on your health and well-being, you can self refer to the service.  Please click on the link below for further information.

Care navigation - patient leaflet

VIRGINCARE - join the Citizens' Panel

Share your views and help shape local health care care services - click on the link below for further information.

Citizens' panel poster

Health help Now - a new website/app has been launched to help people find the right treatment

A new digital tool to help people find local health services and advice has been launched in West Essex.  As part of the Evening and Weekend GP service, the Health help Now website and app gives detailed advice and guidance on the most common ailments and symptoms.  The tool also recommends the best place for treatment - showing which nearby services are open.

West Essex residents can access the site online: http://westessex.healthhelpnow.nhs.uk/ or search on your smartphone app store for Health help Now.

The app is broken down into different age groups - baby, child, teenager, adult and older adult - making it easier for people to find the right treatment for them.  Health help Now also offers advice on lots of health problems - such as what to do if you accidentally run out of medication.  It links to local services including pharmacies, the community and voluntary sector and social care.

Ask for Angela safety campaign

An innovative safety campaign which allows people who feel vulnerable in pubs or bars to discreetly signal for help, has recently been rolled out.

The scheme allows customers who could be feeling threatened or unsafe on a date to get help by approaching the bar and "Asking for Angela."

People can be taken aside or to a safe location so they can speak in confidence about what help they may need.

Staff could then call someone a taxi, contact their friends or family or ask the individual causing the distress to leave the venue.

Click on the link below to see the poster displayed at our practice.

Ask for Angela

NHS free weight management programme

If you struggle to manage your weight, why not make a change and join a FREE weight management programme run by your local NHS?  See link below:

Weight management programme

CQC Report

Please click on the link below to read the CQC's assessment of our practice.

CQC Report 15 October 2014.pdf

St Margaret's radiology and pathology services 

Radiology: Patients needing plain x-rays can attend St Margaret's Hospital without an appointment at the following times: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday - 8am-4pm, and 8am-7.30pm Wednesdays only.

Pathology: Opening times for blood tests are Monday-Friday, 8.30am-3.45pm.  Please note that blood tests for children are carried out at Princess Alexandra Hospital and are by appointment only.  These can be made by calling 01279 827030 between 9am and 10am.

AgeUK - Toenail Cutting Service - The Limes Medical Centre - Epping

Looking after your toenails will help you to keep mobile. Keeping mobile can help you to avoid becoming isolated and housebound - it will also help you to reduce the likelihood of having a fall and to avoid the general discomfort which accompanies long toenails. As we grow older something as simple as cutting your own toenails can become much harder, or even impossible.

Essex Age UK are holding Toenail cuttting sessions at The Limes Medical Centre, Epping. To book an appointment with one of their trimmers who are trained by the NHS Podiatry Service please either call 01245 423 333 between 09.00 and 16.00 on weekdays or email them at toenails@ageukessex.org.uk.  There is a £15 charge for this service.

The sessions will be held on:   

Help with health costs

Can you get help with the cost of:

• NHS prescriptions?
• NHS dental treatment?
• Sight tests?
• Glasses or contact lenses?
• NHS wigs and fabric supports?
• Travel to receive NHS care?

Please click on the link below for further information on getting help with health costs.

Help with health costs

Food for Thought - Garden Placements

Designed for those who would benefit from a supportive and therapeutic environment doing practical activities

Please see attached document for further information:

Food for Thought

Non-Emergency Patient Transport Services

Please click on the link below to find out whether you are eligible for patient transport provided by East of England Ambulance Service:

Patient Transport Service

Please click on the link below for information relating to voluntary transport services:

Community Transport

MMR Catch Up Programme

Measles is a highly infectious and unpleasant illness that can lead to serious complications, including blindness and even death.

The initial symptoms of measles include:

• cold like symptoms
• red eyes and sensitivity to light
• fever
• greyish white spots in the mouth and throat

After a few days a red-brown spotty rash will appear. This usually starts behind the ears, then spreads around the head and neck, to the legs and the rest of the body.

If you think you child may have measles contact your GP straight away.

For further information regarding the MMR Catch Up Programme please click on the link below:

http://www.nhs.uk/news/2013/04April/Pages/New-MMR-catch-up-campaign-one-million-children-targeted.aspx

West Essex Clinical Commissioning Group (WECCG)

West Essex Clinical Commissioning Group (WECCG) has the responsibility of commissioning healthcare for the population of West Essex.

The commissioning group is made up of 38 general practices within the 3 localities that make up West Essex; Epping Forest, Harlow and Uttlesford who work together to ensure the best possible healthcare is available to everyone in West Essex.

For further information regarding WECCG and for all the latest news and events please click on the link below:

http://www.westessexccg.nhs.uk/ 

Join our Patient Reference Group

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)

For further information please click on the link below:

PALS Poster

Job Vacancies

For all current Job Vacancies please click on the right hand side link on this screen

Chlamydia Testing 15-24 year olds

If you are between the ages of 15-24 you are eligible for a free confidential chlamydia test. Please come into the surgery to get a kit which you can do yourself and send off. Even if you have had testing done before - it is best to be checked every year.