Somers Town Medical Centre
77-83 Chalton Street
London, NW1 1HY
Tel: 020 7387 6855

Patient Communications Letter October 2009

To all our Patients,

It is always very helpful for us to know what you think about the Practice and what you think about the changes that have been made and your suggestions for future changes. We review all your comments and propositions and we would like to assure you that we are in the process of making positive modifications.
Through comments received we are now aware of some of your concerns.
In order to deal with these systematically we will be reviewing some of the following arrangements as priorities.
We always try our best to make changes where necessary however, it might not always be possible to implement all the proposed changes in all areas.

Appointments system
On Monday 2nd November 2009 we will be introducing a daily Duty Doctor morning rota session. This doctor will be responsible for triaging patients requesting urgent/home visit appointment requests. Please contact our reception team between 08:30-09:15am if this service is required and they will forward your information to the doctor to contact you.

Our pre - bookable appointments that are now available up to 4 weeks in advance, routine 24 hour and 48 hour advance appointments remain as previously.

We also now have a Patient Texting Service. You will receive Text message reminders for your booked appointment in advance. Please let us know if you wish to cancel your booked appointment. We hope this service will help you to attend your appointments on time. It is important that in order to provide this service we have your up to date mobile number on our system.
Please do not forget to give us your up to date mobile number.

Waiting Times in surgery
Some of the Comments suggested that the waiting time in the surgery can be anything up to an hour. In order to offer as many appointments as possible, the appointment length(10min) is often not long enough to address all aspects of the consultation thoroughly. We have already changed the appointment set up to allow catch up time for the Doctors. We can assure you these delays happen as Doctors have to allow adequate time in relation to individual consultations; this cannot be helped in most cases. You could help by asking for double appointment if you feel your consultation will not be adequately covered in our normal ten minute appointment slot

Our aim is to offer comprehensive Primary health care service in a friendly and helpful environment. We will keep you informed of any further changes in order to meet your expectations.
Thank you Wishing you best of health.

Health Charities

01 Dec - 28 Feb
Marie Curie

Marie Curie Cancer Care is a UK charity dedicated to the care of people with terminal cancer and other illnesses. Over the financial year 2010/11, we reached a total of 31,799 patients

01 Dec - 28 Feb
YouthHealthTalk

Youthhealthtalk enables young people, their family and friends, and professionals such as doctors and teachers to understand young people's experiences of health, illness and life in general. The website feature real-life accounts of issues such as effect on work and education, social life and relationships, consulting health professionals and treatment.

03 Sep - 28 Feb
Macmillan Cancer Support

One in three of us will get cancer and it’s the toughest thing most of us will ever face. If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, or a loved one has, you’ll want a team of people in your corner supporting you every step of the way. Macmillan provide practical, medical and financial support and push for better cancer care.

BBC Health

GMC guidance on assisted suicide

The General Medical Council launches guidelines on assisted suicide to help it decide if doctors should face a disciplinary panel on the issue.

NHS translation bill 'tops £23m'

The NHS in England spends £59,000 a day on translating documents and providing interpreters, according to a health think tank.

Campaign to cut smoking in cars

A campaign to stop people smoking in cars when carrying children - and which could pave the way for a ban - is launched by the Welsh government.

Transplant jaw made by 3D printer

An 83-year-old woman is fitted with a jaw made by a 3D printer in what doctors say is the first operation of its kind.

'Birth defect risk' for diabetics

The risk of birth defects increases four-fold if the pregnant mother has diabetes, a study of 400,000 pregnancies in England suggests.

'A little too much drink' warning

Drinking "just a little more than they should" puts people at risk of serious illness including heart disease, stroke and cancer, the government is warning.

Malaria toll 'is twice as high'

The number of deaths worldwide from malaria has been underestimated, according to data published in the medical journal the Lancet.

Health bodies reject NHS reforms

Physiotherapist leaders have joined the Royal College of GPs in calling for the health bill in England to be scrapped, increasing pressure on the government.

Under 10s have eating disorders

A number of children under 10 are treated in hospitals in Northern Ireland for eating disorders, the Department of Health says.

Weekend hospital admission fears

Research which suggests that patients are more likely to die in hospital if they are admitted at the weekend is backed up by a major study.

Health Protection Agency

Current alert level: Level 3 - Cold Weather Action in one or more regions of England

There is a 100% probability of severe cold weather between 1000 on Monday and 1000 on Friday in parts of England.

Health Protection Agency confirms new incinerator study

A new study to further extend the evidence base as to whether emissions from modern well run Municipal Waste Incinerators affect human health has been approved by the Health Protection Agency.

HPA helps solve radon problems in West Oxfordshire homes

Hundreds of homes across West Oxfordshire have been found to have high levels of radioactive gas radon. Last summer, the Health Protection Agency invited about 9,000 householders across West Oxfordshire to apply for a free test for radon, a naturally occurring gas present in all homes.

HPA helps solve radon problems in Orkney homes

Hundreds of householders across Orkney are being advised to act to protect their health, after HPA tests detected high levels of radioactive gas radon.

Cornish radon hotspot targeted

Thousands of households in a part of Cornwall with historic radon problems are being offered a free test for levels of the radioactive gas radon.

New Guidelines to Control Group A Streptococcal (GAS) Infections in UK Hospitals Launched

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) together with the group A streptococcal (GAS) Working Group* has today launched new guidelines for the investigation, control and prevention of GAS infection in acute healthcare settings, including maternity units, in the UK.

Whooping cough cases increase

Cases of whooping cough (pertussis) reported to the Health Protection Agency (HPA) in England and Wales have more than doubled from 421 cases in 2010 to 1040 in 2011. Increases in levels of whooping cough are seen every three to four years and figures in 2011 are in line with cases reported in the last peak year of 2008.

HPA publishes second migrant health report

The Health Protection Agency’s (HPA) second report on Migrant Health, and the first UK-wide report is published today.

Levels of norovirus within seasonal norms

Norovirus is highly contagious and can be transmitted by contact with an infected person; by consuming contaminated food or water or by contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. The virus spreads rapidly in closed environments such as hospitals, schools, nursing and residential homes.

HPA warns winter sun seekers to seek protection from malaria

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) is reminding UK travellers visiting friends and family or taking winter sun holidays to ensure they take anti-malaria tablets when visiting countries where malaria is prevalent.

Clinics & Services

Travel Information

At Somers Town Medical Centre we offer the following Clinics & Services;

Nurse Clinics

The Nurse will be able to see you for any of the following:-

New Patient Health Checks
Cervical Smear Tests
Travel Advice
Ear Syringing
Wound Dressing
Blood taking BP checks
Dietary Advice
Diabetic Clinic
CHD Clinic
Asthma Monitoring
Spirometry
Flu - Walk in Clinics
Contraceptives – Pill Check/Advice/Condoms (Condoms are also available at reception)

Baby Clinic

A Baby Clinic, is held on a Tuesday morning between 10.30am and 11.30am. This is a walk-in clinic and you do not need to book an appointment as long as you arrive in between these times. The clinic offers childhood vaccines, and general check-ups, height and weight etc. This clinic is for well-babies ONLY, if your child is unwell, please do not bring them to the baby clinic. If your child is due a Six-Week Check you will be sent an allocated appointment during baby clinic hours by post. If you are unable to keep appointment offered to you, please telephone to re-schedule, so that it can be offered to somebody else.

Diabetic & Coronary Heart Disease Clinic

The surgery offers annual check ups in special clinics. If you suffer with any of these conditions, you will be sent an appointment directly from us, to come in for the clinic. You may need blood tests prior to these appointments, but you will be advised if this is needed.

Travel Clinic

The Practice at present does not have a specific travel clinic, but if you do need travel advice of vaccines, please book an appointment to see the Practice Nurse at least 4-6 weeks before you travel wherever possible. Please note there are charges for administration costs and vaccines, please check with Practice Nurse about items we charge before your appointment.

Counselling Sessions

We currently offer counselling. The Psychologist operates the sessions on Wednesday mornings, by referral only. If you feel you would benefit, please speak to one of our GP’s, who will refer you if necessary.

Camden Carers Centre

The practice is committed to helping its patients who are carers. A carer is a family member , neighbour or friend who spends time supporting or looking after someone who is unable to manage on their own, because they have a disability , a long term illness, a mental health or substance misuse problem or they may be frail. Please let your doctor, nurse or reception know if you are a carer or if you have someone caring for you. You may find it beneficial for your doctor to refer you to Camden Carers Centre, who can provide support and advice.

Citizens Advice Bureaux (CAB)

The Practice has a CAB worker who works at the surgery on Monday afternoons. You can self-refer to this service or be referred by a doctor or nurse. You will then be offered an appointment. Please ask reception for assistance.