Flu vaccinations
Vaccinations started in September and continue over the winter months, with appointments available throughout the season.
Priority is given to those who are most at risk of flu. Details are available on the NHS website: www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/flu-influenza-vaccine/
Please note that if you are aged between 50 and 64 and are not in a clinical at risk group, the earliest you will be offered a flu vaccination is November.
Thank you in advance for your patience, understanding and cooperation.
To keep you, other patients and our staff safe everyone must wear a face covering
If there are any reasons why you cannot wear a face covering please speak politely to a member of staff about this.
Abusive behaviour against our staff is not acceptable. We are all in this together.
Appointments
We would like to advise patients that if an appointment is booked on the day which is not urgent it may need to be re-scheduled if more urgent requests come in. To ensure you are not kept waiting please make sure we have your mobile phone number so that we can send you a message.
Telephone Consultations
Over the past few weeks there has been a significant increase in the number of patients who are not answering their phones when they have requested a clinician to call them. This is very frustrating for the clinical staff and has a serious impact on resources.
We would therefore ask you to ensure you keep your phone close by when you have requested a call. Missed calls will not be able to be re-booked on the same day.
Change in rules regarding face coverings
It was announced yesterday that from July 24th 2020 everyone is required to wear a face covering when entering a shop or business.
This is in addition to wearing one on Public Transport which has been mandatory for some time now. Visit the following website for transport exemption cards:
https://www.asthma.org.uk/advice/triggers/coronavirus-covid-19/what-should-people-with-asthma-do-now/#Facemask
If you feel you are unable to wear a mask for auditory/sensory/breathing reasons, please visit www.keepsafe.org.uk/mask and download an exemption card for you to show if asked why you are not wearing one.
Please note, it is NOT the responsibility or the role of the Surgery to issue anyone with an exemption letter or certificate. Please visit the website above for more information.
Closure of GP walk-in service at White Horse
Patients are advised that the walk-in GP service at White Horse, Northfleet, ended on 30 June 2020. This is the first step towards implementing a linked urgent treatment centre at Gravesham Community Hospital and Darent Valley Hospital, following a public consultation last year, in line with the Government’s Long Term Plan. In taking that decision, it was also agreed at that time that the contract held with Fleet Healthcare to provide the walk-in GP service would not be extended when it expired on 30 June 2020.
Patients who need to urgently see a GP should contact us and we will do our best to offer an on-the-day appointment if clinically needed. You may be asked to visit another local surgery for your appointment. Alternatively, you can call NHS 111 for advice and direction to the nearest available service where appropriate.
The Miinor Injury Unit at Gravesham Community Hospital, Gravesend, remains open for urgent minor injuries and some minor illnesses. For life-threatening conditions, call 999.
Further information is available on the NHS Kent and Medway Clinical Commissioning Group website.
Following NHS guidelines we are still operating a telephone triage service before inviting patients in to the Practice. We have a mix of clinicians available and you will not necessarily be triaged or seen by a doctor.
FACE MASKS
With immediate effect we will require anyone entering the Surgery to wear a face mask or face covering. 24/06/2020
Help to Care app launched
Help to Care, a new mobile phone app, has been launched to support people who care for others in Kent and Medway. You can download the app by searching for Help to Care in the app store on your Apple device or in Google Play if you have an android device.
Covid-19 Privacy Notice
Prescription Ordering Direct Service (POD)
The POD service is available for you to order your repeat medication, by 'phone on 0300 131 1100 or by using the Healthera App. Please note that Monday and Tuesday are extremely busy days and you may have to wait longer for your call to be answered. From Monday 4th May 2020 the opening times will be extended to 8am to 5pm.
B12
If you have been having regular B12 injections at the Surgery please see the advice under Further Information on the right side of the page.
THE CEDARS SURGERY
would like to invite you to join DoctorLink.
We have been looking at how we can improve access to Practice services; DoctorLink is our new online service where you can access advice and appointments on line.
Registration is simple and you can register here:
For all urgent appointments, we ask that you undertake a symptom assessment through DoctorLink.
The symptom checker will ask you a number of questions to help to identify your problem.
The outcome of your assessment will direct you to the right treatment, whether emergency care, your GP, nurse or self care.
If your outcome indicates that an appointment is required, you simply click on the request appointment link.
Once the request has been submitted, you will then be contacted by the Practice Team, to arrange an appointment within the identified timeframe (as outlined in the outcome of your symptom checker).
The information you provide will be shared with our clinical team (where appropriate) and will assist in providing robust information of your problem to the required clinical team member prior to your appointment.
You can even download the app:
Telephone Lines
Our telephone lines are currently very busy and in order for our staff to maintain a safe distance from one another we have reduced the numbers of staff in Reception at the same time. Please help us by using the POD (phone or Healthera App) to order your repeat medication. Please be patient - we will answer your call as soon as possible.
MED3 (sick note)
NHS 111 has established a service for patients who require certification because they are self-isolating in line with government advice. Follow this link:
https://111.nhs.uk/isolation-note
Prescriptions
Please be aware that during the Coronavirus outbreak your prescription may take a little longer than usual. Please be patient with our staff who are working extremely hard under difficult conditions. Thank you.
COVID-19 UPDATE
Please do not book a GP appointment or attend the practice if you, or anyone in your household, have symptoms associated with coronavirus including a new continuous cough or a high temperature.
If you have symptoms associated with coronavirus including a new continuous cough and a high temperature, you are advised to stay at home for 7 days. If you live with other people, they should also stay at home for at least 14 days to avoid spreading the infection outside the home.
If your symptoms are serious, or get worse, NHS 111 has an online coronavirus service that can tell you if you need further medical help and advise you what to do.
Only call 111 direct if you are advised to do so by the online service or cannot go online.
For the latest coronavirus advice please visit www.nhs.uk/coronavirus.
COVID-19
If you have a cough and/or high temperature do not leave your home for 7 days from when your symptoms started. Do not visit the surgery. Routine face to face GP appointments have been suspended. If you need to speak to a GP then it will be a telephone consultation. No home visits will be made. Essential nursing appointments will continue but annual health checks will be suspended.
CORONAVIRUS
If you are concerned that you may have Coronavirus, or may have come into contact with someone who has , the NHS 111 online service has created Coronavirus pages that tell patients what they should do based on their particular circumstances.
These can be accesed at: https://111.nhs.uk/service/covid-19
FAX MACHINE
From 1st February 2020 our fax machine has been de-commissioned and we are no longer able to send or received messages via fax.
CARERS
Are you a carer? please see under "Further Information" about the help that is available and fill in the form so that we can add you to our carer's register.
Blood Tests
We are now offering our patients appointments on a Saturday morning to have a blood test. Please telephone reception for availability.
Dr Hina Zaidi has joined the practice for the final part of her specialist GP training. She is supported by the rest of our clinical team and is working towards her target of 10 minute appointments - please support her in this by presenting with a single complaint.
Thank you
P.O.D.
Please be aware that when you telephone the Prescription Ordering Direct service to order your medication they will only be able to process medicines which are "on repeat". Medicines which are not on repeat will have to be ordered in writing or in person at the practice. This is to ensure medication is being used appropriately.
PALS
Patient Advice and Liaison Service
If you are experiencing difficulty with any of the care provided by Darent Valley Hospital then PALS are there to help.In our experience patients have found this invaluable when unable to speak to the team managing their care. This is a confidential service for people who would like information, help or wish to comment about any of the services provided by the hospital.
PALS
Darent Valley Hospital
Darenth Wood Road
Dartford
Kent
DA2 8DA
Tel: 01322 428382
Email: dgn-tr.PALS@nhs.net
Mobile Phone Numbers
Please ensure we have your correct mobile number so we can send you text reminders and you can access the My GP App
Care Quality Commission
For our latest inspection report please see under Further Information
The Cedars Surgery is a Training Practice
In association with:
Kent Surrey & Sussex GP Deanery and Canterbury Christ Church University
Currently training under supervision:
Dr Hina Zaidi
Trainees you may see at our surgery:
FY2 - These are fully qualified doctors who have worked at least one year as hospital doctors. They work under supervision.
ST1, ST2, ST3 - Doctors in specialist training in General Practice. The number next to ST indicates the year of training they are currently in.
PA - Physicians associates - This is a new and exciting role in the NHS.
Physician Associates are collaborative healthcare professionals with a generalist medical education, who work alongside doctors, GP's and surgeons providing medical care as an integral part of the multidisciplinary team.
If you see any of our trainees and have any concerns please speak to a member of the reception staff.
Your opinion is extremely valuable and we will often request feedback from patients regarding our trainees.
Improved Access
Many more GP appointments now available in Dartford, Gravesham & Swanley
We are delighted to announce that from 1st October 2018, you can book to be seen by a GP, nurse and other health professionals until 8pm Monday to Friday, and at weekends and bank holidays.
This is part of a national drive to improve access to GP services and give people the opportunity to see health professionals at a time that suits them.
The appointments won't always be at this surgery, but your notes will available to the GP, nurse or other health professional, providing you give your consent.
To find out more, and book one of these appointments, please contact us and speak to the receptionist, who will help you see the right person for your needs.
We will offer the new appointments routinely but please tell us if you particularly need a Saturday, Sunday or evening slot. We will also tell you where the appointment will be.
Please ring NHS111 as usual if you need medical assistance when we are closed and it cannot wait until we re-open.
This is the new app available to keep track of your repeat medications, nominate your preferred pharmacy and order your medication.
It is available from the App Store
TELEPHONE CALL RECORDING
We record all incoming and outgoing telephone calls for training and monitoring purposes.
Pulmonary Fibrosis Support Group
Pulmonary Fibrosis Support Group
HEALTH HELP NOW
Find the right health service online - anytime
See under Further Information to the right of this page
Worried about someone you know?
Online Access to Medical Records
From 31st March 2015 patients will be able to access their online Patient Summery data as well as book appointments and order repeat prescriptions. Sign up at Reception (you will need photo id). If you are already signed up to online services you will be required to provide photo id to access the new service.
BLOOD PRESSURE
When did you last have your blood pressure checked? Come in to the surgery and use the BP machine (ask at Reception). If you have your own BP monitor please bring in your readings so we can update your records.
Patient Participation Group
If you would be interested in joining our PPG please click on the link on the right hand side of this page or ask in the Surgery.
DEMENTIA FRIENDS
We have a number of trained Dementia Friends at the Surgery
See the Dementia Diary produced by the Swanley Dementia Friendly Community Forum
Dementia_Diary_2015_to_2017
24hr Dementia Helpline: 0800 500 3014
HEALTH HELP NOW
An innovative new service launched by the NHS to help you find the right treatment.
Health Help Now News
Opening Hours
Find out when our practice is open, what the GP consulting times are and what to do if you need help when the practice is closed. Find out more
Like To Register?
New to the area and would like to join our practice? We would be happy to help you. Fill in our registration forms and come see us. Find out more
(Site updated 19/10/2020)