We have added a link to the NHS England You and Your General Practice to help you better understand how general practice works and how we can work together to make your care as effective and supportive as possible.
This guide is a great way to understand what you can expect from us and how you can get the most from the NHS. It has lots of helpful information, including:
- What happens when you contact your practice to request an appointment
- Who might help you
- How to find and use online services
- The best way to get help when the practice is closed
- How to give feedback or raise concerns.
It’s all about clear communication, mutual respect, and making sure everyone gets the best from their GP services. We encourage all our patients to take a few minutes to read it – It’s a helpful resource for understanding your rights, responsibilities, and how we can support your health and wellbeing.
This publication is available in multiple languages and can be viewed on the same page. Please note that it may take a few minutes for the translated version to open in your browser.
Pharmacy First and Pharmacy First Plus Service – You could be eligible for free prescription medication if you have a consultation for certain conditions with local pharmacy (subject to criteria).
Pharmacy First service builds on the NHS Community Pharmacist Consultation Service which has run since October 2019. The consultation service enables patients to be referred into community pharmacy for a minor illness.
Pharmacists are qualified healthcare professionals and can offer clinical advice and medicines for all sorts of minor ailments, with a same day consultation at a time that suits you and free prescription for any of the below mentioned conditions.
Click on this link to complete self-referral for minor illness consultation with local pharmacy
Patients are now able to refer themselves to a Pharmacy for minor illnesses, such as:
Acute sore throat
Sinusitis
Uncomplicated urinary tract infection
Infected insect bites
Ear ache
Shingles
Impetigo
Pharmacy First Plus service Offer of free medicine is only for adults on low income, NHS low-income scheme and in possession of HC2 certificate, Income support or income related employment allowance, Income based job seeker’s allowance, Tax credit exemption certificate, Pension credit guarantee credit, Universal Credit and meets certain criteria, Homeless and in possession of ‘Letter of Homelessness’, Young people aged 16,17 or 18 years and in full time education, part-time education, or undertaking an accredited level 1 apprenticeship, Patients aged under 16 years who have at least one parent who would be eligible as per above.
Professional health care advice, treatments, and medicines for common illnesses from your local pharmacy, without the need for an appointment or self refer here:
Click on this link to complete self-referral for minor illness consultation with local pharmacy
Allergies
Athlete’s foot
Cold sores
Conjunctivitis
Constipation
Contact Dermatitis
Diarrhoea
Dry/sore eyes
Dyspepsia
Ear wax
Fever
Haemorrhoids
Headache
Head lice
Insect bites and stings
Itching due to chicken pox
Minor burns and scalds
Mouth ulcers
Nappy rash
Scabies
Soft tissue injury/musculoskeletal joint injury
Sore throat
Teething
Threadworm
Viral upper respiratory tract infection
Vaginal thrush
At risk of vitamin D deficiency
Find a local participating pharmacy here: Think Pharmacy First – South East London ICS
111 is the NHS non-emergency number. It’s fast, easy and free. Call 111 and speak to a highly trained adviser, supported by healthcare professionals. They will ask you a series of questions to assess your symptoms and immediately direct you to the best medical care for you. NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Calls are free from landlines and mobile phones. In case of a life-threatening emergency, please dial 999.
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