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UK childhood immunisation schedule

Important changes to the UK childhood immunisation schedule

There have been recent changes to the routine childhood immunisation schedule in the UK. These updates are designed to better protect children from serious diseases and to protect vulnerable people within families and the wider community.

Measles Risk in Southwark

There is a real risk of measles outbreaks in London, with regular cases occurring locally. Because of this risk, for many years children in Southwark have been offered a measles-containing vaccine at 12 months and 18 months.

Measles is a serious illness and can cause long-term complications, particularly in babies and young children.

Introduction of the MMRV Vaccine

The vaccines given at 12 months and 18 months is now called MMRV. The MMRV vaccine protects against:

  • Measles
  • Mumps
  • Rubella
  • Varicella (chickenpox)

It is very important that your child receives two measles-containing vaccines before the age of 2 years. These will now be given as MMRV at the ages listed above, or later if your child has not previously received them. The MMR vaccine is no long available for children. 

If Your Child Has Already Had a Chickenpox Vaccine

If your child has previously received the varicella (chickenpox) vaccine once or twice, it is completely safe for them to also receive the MMRV vaccine. This is the vaccine they will be offered.

Additional Vaccine at 18 Months (From July 2024)

For children born on or after 1 July 2024, there is now an additional vaccine at 18 months. This is the same vaccine given before 6 months of age and protects against:

  • Diphtheria
  • Tetanus
  • Polio
  • Hepatitis B
  • Pertussis (whooping cough)
  • Hib

This extra dose has been added to:

  • Strengthen children’s immunity
  • Help prevent the spread of serious diseases
  • Support efforts to eradicate these illnesses from the community

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is the MMRV vaccine safe?

Yes. The MMRV vaccine is safe and has been widely used to protect children from serious illnesses.

2. What if my child has already had the chickenpox vaccine?
Your child can still safely have the MMRV vaccine, even if they have had one or two chickenpox vaccines before.

3. Why does my child need two measles vaccines?

Two doses give the best protection. Having both doses before age 2 greatly reduces the risk of measles and serious complications.

4. What if my child missed a vaccine?

Your child can still receive the MMRV vaccine later if they missed it at 12 or 18 months.

Read more …UK childhood immunisation schedule

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Take a test UK

Take A Test UK
Respiratory Symptoms: Virology Testing Service

We are now live with a self-swabbing service, enabling our patients to test at home for the following viruses:

  • Flu
  • Covid
  • RSV

Patient eligibility

  • The service is open to all ages
  • You must be able to provide a self-swab within 7 days of symptom onset
  • Eligible symptoms include sore throat, runny nose, and shortness of breath
  • You do not need a GP appointment to access this service

How to access the service

  • Click on this link: TakeATestUK 
  • You will need to enter a voucher code to obtain a test kit
    Our voucher code: G85034
  • Results are sent directly via SMS (positive or negative)
  • You should only contact the practice about your results if you are struggling with your symptoms

Results & timescales

  • Swabs are sent to Bristol for testing
  • Results are usually available within 1 week
  • The practice will also receive an email copy of all results – these will be filed for information

More information: 

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ADHD

Adult ADHD provision in Southwark (seeking a diagnosis)


In Southwark, there is limited provision for Adult ADHD services with our local NHS mental health trust. Independent providers are usually used by the NHS for assessment for Adult ADHD under the right to choose scheme.

  1. If you asking seeking an Adult ADHD assessment please complete the adult ADHD questionnaire: self-report scale (ASRS-V1.1)

https://add.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/adhd-questionnaire-ASRS111.pdf

You can either send us the form via email (please call us for our email address) or drop a copy to the reception team who will scan on your records.

  1. You will then be sent by text a booking link for a routine telephone consultation with one of our clinicians to discuss your symptoms and your options for referral for an assessment.
  2. You will have 2 choices to either seek a referral on the NHS right to choose system or you can consult a private service provider directly yourself.
  3. If you are seeking a NHS referral we will pass this to the South East London Adult ADHD referrals triage service who will review the referral and contact either contact you to discuss your options or inform us directly if they do not accept the referral. We can no longer make a direct referral under right to choose to a provider of your choice; if you wish to use NHS right to choose, we have to refer to the triage service and they will discuss next steps with you.
  4. Once assessed by an ADHD provider, if they deemed you would meet the criteria for medication then they will discuss options with you including potential risks and side effects. It is standard practice that the provider will initiate and monitor the medication until you are on a stable dose (usually over a 3-month period).
  5. The provider may then ask us as your GP practice to take over the prescribing of these medications under a written shared agreement. This involves a 6-monthly check of your heart rate, blood pressure, weight and height and at least an annual review by an ADHD specialist.
  6. Please note the practice reserves the right to decide whether we will take over prescribing. It should NOT be assumed that will automatically be agreed by us.
  7. Please note that adult ADHD medications are controlled drugs and are rated amber 3 on the South East London prescribing formulary which means that all patients on these medications must have a shared care agreement. Therefore, you must remain under the care of both the practice and the ADHD provider whilst taking these medications.
  8. We will only accept shared care prescribing on the following criteria:
  • a. The diagnosis has been made by a GMC registered Psychiatrist (UK based Medical Doctor specialised in Psychiatry)
  • b. The ADHD provider will continue to offer at least an annual review of the medication and your health by a GMC registered Psychiatrist
  • c. The ADHD provider will remain available for both direct contact by yourself and for us for clinical advice and reviews for any medication side effects, medication dose adjustments and medication shortages
  • d. A written shared care agreement plan is provided to us
  1. The above criteria must be met on whether you consult a private ADHD provider or on the NHS right to choose pathway. It will be your responsibility to check on these requirements beforehand. We will not agree to shared care prescribing if these conditions are not met.
  2. If we do not agree to take on shared prescribing, then you will need to decide if you purchase the medications via your ADHD provider directly.
  3. If you have recently registered with the practice and wish for us to take over your current prescribing for ADHD medications, please book a routine appointment.
  4. You will need to demonstrate the conditions of shared care prescribing including a written agreement is in place. If this is not the case or your were diagnosed in another country then you will need to seek a UK based ADHD provider to put this in place.
  5. By agreeing to shared care prescribing with the practice you must follow the recommendations of the agreement. The practice will support you with the 3 to 6-month monitoring of your heart rate, blood pressure, weight and height. We have practice pods that you can use at all sites without an appointment, or you can book an appointment with our Nursing team.
  6. If you are delayed in the physical monitoring requirements, we will send you a reminder by text and give you a grace period of one month. If you continue to not have this done then we will no longer continue prescribing for you as you have not followed the shared care prescribing agreement.
  7. If you are delayed in your ADHD review with an ADHD provider (usually annual for stable patients) then we will text you a reminder to have this done and give you a grace period of 6 weeks. It is your responsibility to arrange this. If this is not done, then we will no longer continue prescribing for you as you have not followed the shared care prescribing agreement.
  8. If you are having all your care privately with an ADHD provider and we are not involved in shared care prescribing we will still support you with having the physical checks of heart rate the 3 to 6-month monitoring of your heart rate, blood pressure, weight and height. You can still use our practice pods or see our Nursing team as your ADHD provider will need these measurements.
  9. If you are having all your care privately with an ADHD provider and can no longer afford to fund this yourself then we will explore with you if it is possible to link you in with a NHS right to choose provider for shared care prescribing. We are unclear at this time if the new South East London triage ADHD service will accept such referral cases. In the meantime, you will need to decide if continue to your current arrangements privately or stop your medications.

Please note the following Service Exclusion Criteria

  • Patients with acute mental health needs and require access to an emergency mental health service.
  • Patients currently receiving treatment in secondary mental health services.
  • Patients who have an existing ADHD assessment in progress or have been accepted on a waiting list for this service for 18 weeks or less.
  • Patients who have previously received an assessment for ADHD.
  • Patients with a moderate or severe learning disability.
  • Patients who may require an assessment for Autism (ASD).
  • Patients with an ongoing substance misuse/alcohol dependency issue.

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LGBTQ+

LGBTQ+ Health 

 Pride in Practice

We support everyone regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation and strive to ensure all our patients have an empathic and quality experience.

We recognise that many people in the LGBTQ+ community are often reluctant to ask for medical help because of negative experiences they may have had in the past.

All our staff at the practice are working to improve their understanding of the issues facing our LGBTQ+ patients and positively support them in accessing the care they need.

As a reflection of our commitment to LGBTQ+ patients, in 2026 we will be working towards the Pride in Practice scheme run by The LGBT Foundation.

This scheme identifies GP surgeries that are fully committed to ensuring that their LGBTQ+ patients are treated fairly and are able to discuss their issues openly with their GP or other healthcare clinician.

  • Changing your gender on your medical record

    Patients may request to change gender on their patient record at any time and do not need to have undergone any form of gender reassignment treatment to do so.

    We must advise you, the patient, that changing your gender on your records would mean that you will be supplied with a new NHS number which is not reversible, and we will need to register you as a new patient. Your old NHS number will no longer exist and your existing medical information will be transferred into your new medical record minus any information relating to your previous identity.

    To revert to your previous gender, we would need to issue you with a third NHS number and transfer your then existing medical information minus any information relating to your previous identity to your new record.

    Please note: Upon changing your gender it is important that you understand that you will not receive automatic invites for screening for certain cancers and conditions. It is important that you read and understand this leaflet NHS Screening Guidance for Trans Patients before requesting to change your medical records.

    We suggest you discuss with your doctor any future screening that maybe relevant to your gender at birth. We, as a practice, are responsible for inviting you to discuss appropriate screening at the relevant time.

    If you agree to the above, please complete and submit our change of details form.  Please ensure we have your up-to-date contact information.

  • Information for Trans people: NHS Screening Programmes

    When changing your gender, it is important that you understand that you will not recieve automatic invites for screening for certain cancers and conditions. It is improtant that you read and understand the guidance produced by the NHS so that you are fully informed. 

    We use trans as an umbrella term to embrace the diverse range of identities outside the traditional male/female definitions. These include transgender, gender fluid and non-binary. 

  • Sexual health for gay and bisexual men

    Find out more at the NHS website here

  • Sexual health for lesbian and bisexual women

    Find out more at the NHS website here

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Routine Requests

Routine appointments

You can request a routine appointment by filling in one of our online forms below. The forms are open 7am to 6.30pm Monday to Friday.  To help us respond to your request by the end of the day, we strongly encourage patients to contact us as early in the day as possible, ideally before 4 pm if possible.

Alternatively, we can complete the form for you. If you require help please call us on 020 3302 3007 or come into reception.

One of our senior clinicians will review your request 

  • Requests received before 4pm will be reviewed and responded to the same day.

  • Requests received after 4pm will receive a response before the end of the next working day.

You may be offered:

  • A face to face or telephone appointment
  • Advice
  • Signposting to a more suitable team or service.

When you complete the online form, please give as much information as you can and please mention if you have multiple issues to address or require an interpreter. This is to ensure you are booked into the most appropriate appointment type.

  • I have a health problem

    • A new health problem
    • Follow up for an existing health problem
    • A routine health check not listed

    I have a health problem

  • I have a routine care request

    • NHS Health Checks (you will be invited for this appointment with a nurse if you are aged between 40 - 74 and do not have an existing health condition. This is a screening appointment for risk of cardiovascular disease. Please note this only takes place every 5 years.)
    • Cervical screening (smear tests)
    • Long term condition reviews (for example COPD, asthma, diabetes)
    • Medication reviews (including HRT and contraception pill checks)
    • Pre-travel appointments
    • Blood tests (for long term conditions and medication reviews
    • Smoking cessation
    • Vaccinations (eg shingles or flu)

    I have a routine care request

Read more …Routine Requests

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