Health in Wandsworth - a guide for new residents by Cavendish Care Products

Health in Wandsworth A guide for new residents

“GPs deal with a whole range of health problems of people living in their local community. They also provide health education, offer advice on smoking and diet, run clinics, give vaccinations and carry out simple surgical operations.” Houda al-Sharifi, Joint Director of Public Health

Health in Wandsworth A guide for new residents

“Everyone should register with a GP as soon as possible. A family doctor will direct you to the best specialist care when you need it, and can help you stay healthy throughout your life” Councillor Kathy Tracey

“If you are new to Wandsworth then it will help you and your family to have a quick read through our booklet on Health in Wandsworth and find out why it is important to register with a family doctor.” Councillor James Maddan

Contents Who can get free health care? ............................................... 4 Family doctors or GPs ............................................................5 • What to bring when you register with a GP • Language help GP surgeries in Wandsworth ................................................6 Dentists ..................................................................................9

“In the UK everyone needs to register with a family doctor, also called a GP. You should register as soon as you can and not wait until you or your family are ill.” Nicola Jones, Chair and Clinical Lead, Wandsworth CCG

© Produced by Wandsworth Public Health Department, January 2013. This booklet was produced by Wandsworth Public Health Department with assistance from Lifetimes charity and in partnership with Wandsworth Borough Council. Wandsworth Public Health Department wishes to thank all those who contributed to the production of this publication.

Opticians ................................................................................9 Improving your health ...........................................................10 • • • • • •

Immunisation Children’s Health Diabetes Sexual health Mental health Alcohol and drugs

• • • • • •

NHS stop smoking service Healthy weight Health checks Cancer screening Get active Health trainer service

Further information ...............................................................16

Who can get free healthcare?

Family doctors or GPs In the UK everyone needs to register with a family doctor, also called a GP. You should register as soon as you can and not wait until you or your family are ill. They are the person to see about any health problems you have before you go to a hospital. GPs can treat you for many illnesses, prescribe you medicine or send you onto a hospital if you need it. GPs can also help you improve your health like if you want to stop smoking or lose weight.

all residents or anyone with resident status overseas students on courses longer than 6 months anyone lawfully working in the UK for a UK based employer

entitled to free NHS care and treatment

free emergency treatment at GP surgery, family planning clinic and Accident & Emergency (A&E) department

may be charged for hospital treatment

There are a number of other exceptions where all or some NHS treatment may be free. Please ask at the hospital providing treatment for further information or see the Department of Health website at www.dh.gov.uk/health/category/policy-areas/ nhs/charges/ Please note: Some NHS treatment is not free (see for example Dentists). You may be asked to provide paperwork such as a student or employment letter to prove that you are entitled to free NHS care and treatment. If you are given an NHS number this does not give you free healthcare if you are not otherwise entitled to it.

To find a GP call the Wandsworth find-a-doctor helpline on 020 8355 1330 or visit www.wandsworthccg.nhs.uk

What to bring with you when you register with a GP

refugees or asylum seekers

overseas visitors (here for more than 24 hours but less than 3 months)

You can register temporarily with a GP if you are here for more than 24 hours but less than 3 months.

GPs may want you to bring along some proof of identity, address or immigration status. You do not have to provide this but it helps GPs know who you are. GPs can still register you without this but they can decide not to as well. GPs cannot refuse to register you based on your race, gender, religion, class, age, sexual orientation, appearance, disability or medical condition. If you have problems registering you can call the Patient Advice & Liaison Service (PALs) on 020 8871 5189.

Language help If you do not speak or understand English you can get help. Let your GP know that you need an interpreter when you book your appointment and they can organise one for you. You do not need to pay for this. You can also read information about health in your own language on the NHS website www.nhs.uk search for languages hub.

GP surgeries in Wandsworth 1. Balham Health Centre Tel: 020 8673 8268 120 Bedford Hill, SW12 9HS 2. Balham Park Surgery Tel: 020 8772 8772 236 Balham High Road, SW17 7AW 3. Battersea Fields Practice Tel: 020 7627 7100 3 Austin Road, SW11 5JP 4. Battersea Rise Group Practice Tel: 020 7228 0195 17 Battersea Rise, SW11 1HG 5. Bedford Hill Family Practice Tel: 020 8673 1720 120 Bedford Hill, SW12 9HS 6. Tooting South Medical Centre Tel: 020 8682 0521 22 Otterburn Street, SW17 9HQ 7. Bridge Lane Health Centre Tel: 0844 477 3306 20 Bridge Lane, SW11 3AD 8. Brocklebank Group Practice Tel: 020 8812 5400 249 Garratt Lane, SW18 4DU 9. Chartfield Surgery Tel: 020 8788 3252 30 Chartfield Avenue, SW15 6HG 10. Chatfield Medical Centre Tel: 0844 499 6606 50 Chatfield Road, SW11 3UJ

Tel: 020 8672 5141 219 Upper Tooting Road, SW17 7T Tel: 020 8672 5487 27 Trevelyan Road, SW17 9LR 13. Earlsfield Practice (two sites) Tel: 020 8946 5681 2–4 Steerforth Street, SW18 4HH Tel: 020 8874 1121 280 Trinity Road, SW18 4DU 14. Elborough Street Surgery Tel: 020 8874 7113 81 Elborough Street, SW18 5DS

15. Furzedown Primary Care Centre Tel: 020 8677 0083 88e Eardley Road, SW16 6BL

16. Granville Road Surgery Tel: 020 8874 2471 78 Granville Road, SW18 5SG 17. Inner Park Road Practice (two sites) Tel: 020 8394 7690 86-88 Inner Park Road, SW19 6DA

Tel: 020 8394 7690 Augustus Road, SW19 6DA 18. Lavender Hill Group Practice Tel: 020 7924 4413 19 Pountney Road, SW11 5TU 19. Clapham Junction Medical Practice Tel: 020 7223 5520 263 Lavender Hill, SW11 1JD

20. Balham Hill Medical Practice 11. Clapham Junction Medical Practice Tel: 020 8673 1776 Tel: 020 7228 4172 143 – 145 Balham Hill SW12 9DL Winstanley Road, SW11 2EJ 21. Open Door Surgery (two sites) 12. Dr Freeman & Partners (three sites) Tel: 020 8673 1476 Tel: 020 3458 5900 47 Boundaries Road, SW12 8EU 103 MacMillan Way, SW17 6AT

Tel: 020 8672 3133 62 Upper Tooting Road, SW17 7PB

25. St Johns Hill Surgery - Begg Practice Tel: 020 8812 5350 162 St John’s Hill, SW11 1SW

22. Queenstown Road Medical Practice Tel: 020 7819 6446 26. St Pauls Cottage Surgery 14 Queenstown Road, SW8 3RX Tel: 0844 477 3123 114 Augustus Road, SW19 6EW 23. Sai Medical Centre Tel: 020 8673 9693 27. Streatham Park Surgery (two sites) 17b Balham Park Road, SW12 8DT Tel: 0844 477 3500 91 Mitcham Lane, SW16 6LY 24. Southfields Group Practice Tel: 020 8875 5429 Tel: 0844 477 3500 492 Merton Road, SW18 5AE 139 Franciscan Road, SW17 8DS

28. The Alton Practice Tel: 020 8788 4844 208-210 Roehampton Lane, SW15 4LE

41. Triangle Surgery Tel: 020 8874 1700 2 Broomhill Road, SW18 4HX

29. Danbury Avenue Surgery Tel: 0844 477 3782 351 Danebury Avenue, SW15 4DU

42. Tudor Lodge Health Centre Tel: 020 8780 0125 8c Victoria Drive, SW19 6AE

30. Falcon Road Medical Practice Tel: 020 7228 1619 47 Falcon Road, SW11 2PH

43. Wandsworth Medical Centre Tel: 0844 477 3230 90–92 Garratt Lane, SW18 4DD

31. The Greyswood Practice Tel: 020 8769 0845 66 Eastwood Street, SW16 6PX

44. Waterfall House Tel: 020 8672 1327 223 Tooting High Street, SW17 0TD

32. Heathbridge Practice Tel: 0844 477 1877 125 Upper Richmond Road, SW15 2TL

45. Trinity Medical Centre Tel: 020 8672 3331 278–280 Balham High Road, SW17 7AL

33. The Heritage Medical Practice Tel: 020 3370 9131 119 Northcote Road, SW11 6PW

46. Cavendish Surgery Tel: 020 8672 3331 298 Cavendish Road, SW12 0PL

34. The Junction Health Centre Tel: 0333 200 1718 Arches 5-8 Grant Road, SW11 2NU 35. Mayfield Surgery Tel: 020 8780 5650/020 8780 5770 246 Roehampton Lane, SW15 4AA 36. Putneymead Medical Centre Tel: 020 8788 0686 266 Upper Richmond Road, SW15 6TQ 37. Roehampton Surgery Tel: 020 8788 1188 191 Roehampton Lane, SW15 4HN 38. The Surgery Tel: 020 8812 4170 162 St John’s Hill, SW11 1SW 39. Thurleigh Road Practice Tel: 020 8675 3521 88a Thurleigh Road, SW12 8TT 40. Tooting Bec Surgery Tel: 020 8682 0352 313 Balham High Road, SW17 7BA

Walk-in centres 47. The Junction Health Centre Tel: 0333 200 1718 Arches 5-8, Clapham Junction Station Grant Road, SW11 2NU 48. Queen Mary’s Minor Injuries Unit (no children under 2) Tel: 020 8487 6999 Roehampton Lane, SW15 5PN Accident & Emergency 49. St George’s Hospital Tel: 020 8672 1255 Blackshaw Road, SW17 0QT

Dentists You can register with a dentist when you are well to help detect gum disease, tooth decay and mouth cancer. You will have to pay to see a dentist on the NHS unless you qualify for free treatment. NHS dental treatment is free for: • children and young adults • some HC2 or HC3 certificates under 18 (or under 19 and in (may have to pay some of the full-time education) costs) • pregnant women or with • NHS Hospital Dental Service newborn in past 12 months outpatient or inpatient (although you may have to pay for your • people receiving certain dentures or bridges) benefits To find out the cost of dental care and a dentist near you, call the find-adentist helpline on 020 8335 1339 or visit www.nhs.uk If you need to see a dentist in the evenings or at the weekend because you are in pain call your local practice which will have an answer message with what to do. You can also call NHS 111.

Opticians You should have regular eye tests to pick up any problems early and to see if you need to get glasses for the first time or change your current glasses. You will usually need to pay for these services. Eye-testing is free for: • children and young adults • people 40 or over, and your mother, under 18 (or under 19 father, brother, sister, son or daughter and in full-time education) has been diagnosed with glaucoma • People aged 60 or over • people receiving certain benefits • someone registered blind, • some HC2 or HC3 certificates (may partially sighted, with have to pay some of the costs) diabetes or glaucoma You can find an optician in your high street or on the NHS website www.nhs.uk. You can also call NHS 111. 9

Improving your health

Diabetes

By registering with a doctor you will be able to find out about and use many public health services that will help to prevent illness and improve your health.

Diabetes is a serious lifelong condition that can also cause other health problems. If you have diabetes you need to make sure you see your doctor regularly for health checks.

Immunisation

If you have symptoms like feeling very thirsty, going to the toilet a lot, particularly at night, extreme tiredness, weight loss and loss of muscle, and also if you have a family history of diabetes or you are of South Asian origin, you should see your GP, who will organise a diabetic health check.

Vaccinations (jabs) protect children and adults from various infectious diseases which can cause long term ill health and in some cases death. In Wandsworth children have baby jabs at 2, 3 and 4 months, MMR at 12 and 18 months, preschool boosters just after 3 years old, girls in year 8 have the HPV jab and all children have a booster before leaving school.

Diabetes UK is a charity which provides information, advice and support for people with diabetes. They can be contacted on 0845 120 2960 or visit www.diabetes.org.uk

Speak to your doctor today to make sure your children are up to date or call Wandsworth Immunisation Helpline on 020 8812 6090. Visit www.nhs.uk to read more about these vaccinations.

Children’s health There are Health Centres around Wandsworth that offer services for children and families, such as ante-natal and post-natal clinics. Many offer a child health drop-in clinic and breast feeding clinic to support new parents. Other services are available such as children’s therapies but they require an appointment and sometimes referral from a GP. There are also Children’s Centres that provide support and activities for parents and carers with children aged 0-5, including play, parenting skills, special needs support and help getting back to work. The activities are free, although some require booking.

Sexual health Sexual health services are available in doctor’s surgeries, sexual health and contraception clinics, family planning clinics, pharmacies and young people’s services. They include confidential information about sex, safer sex, contraception as well as diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). At some clinics, you can turn up and wait but at others you may need an appointment or to be referred by your GP. You can get emergency contraception, including the morning after pill, from your GP surgery, some pharmacies, most NHS walk-in centres or minor injury units, family planning clinics or sexual health clinics. For confidential information and advice call the Sexual Health Line on 0800 567 123 or visit www.swish.nhs.uk

Contact the Family Information Service to find your nearest Health Centre and Children’s Centre, and information on what services they provide, on 020 8871 7899 or at www.wandsworth.gov.uk/fis

Mental health

NHS Stop smoking service

It is very common to feel mentally unwell; one in four people will experience mental illness in their lifetime. Your doctor can help you to decide what treatments you need, including medication or talking therapies where you can talk to a specially trained person about negative thoughts and feelings.

Smoking causes one in five deaths in adults over 35 in England. It also affects people living with a smoker, especially children, through passive smoking. Giving up smoking increases your chances of living a longer and healthier life.

If you think you have a mental health problem you should see your doctor first. You can also refer yourself to a talking therapy service for anxiety or depression by calling 020 3513 6264. Wandsworth MIND aims to improve the quality of life of people suffering from mental distress. For more information call 020 8875 9156 or visit their website www.wandsworthmind.org.uk Outside normal working hours you could call NHS 111 or Crisis Line on 0800 028 8000. You can also call the Samaritans (a national charity) on 020 8789 9121 or 020 7734 2800 or visit the website www.samaritans.org.uk

Alcohol and drugs You may need help if you always feel the need to have a drink, you get into trouble because of your drinking, your work, education or home life is being affected or if other people warn you about how much you’re drinking. Your doctor can help by referring you to a community alcohol service, free local support groups, day-centre counselling or one-to-one counselling. You may be prescribed medication to help with withdrawal symptoms. If you think you may have a problem with alcohol or drugs go and see your doctor, or call the drug and alcohol service directly on 020 7498 6149 or visit their website www.blenheimcdp.org.uk

You are four times more likely to stop smoking with the help of an NHS stop smoking advisor and medication. If you would like help, ask at your doctor’s surgery, in your local pharmacy or call Wandsworth Stop Smoking Service on 0800 389 7921, email stopsmoking.team@wandsworth.gov.uk or visit www.wandsworth.gov.uk/stopsmoking

Healthy weight If you’re overweight, then losing weight will help to improve your health. Your doctor can help you with information and advice or you can also call our local weight management service yourself. Many of these services are free: • New Mum, New You offers workshops and exercise for new mums. There is also a Toddler and Mini Boost service where parents and carers with young children (up to 4 years old) can learn about a healthier lifestyle. Call 020 8323 1725 or visit www.mytimehealth.org.uk • MoreLife Clubs offer healthy living support to 5-17 year olds and their families. Call 0113 812 5233 or visit www.more-life.co.uk • Momenta is a weight management club for adults which offers advice, support and exercise. Call 020 7231 7225 or visit www.discovermomenta.com There is also practical information online at www.nhs.uk/LiveWell

NHS health checks If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re registered with a doctor and aged 40 to 74 you may be invited for an NHS health check. The health check gives you and your doctor a clearer picture of your health, and helps you take action to reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and kidney disease. Together, these four conditions are the largest cause of death in the UK. Visit www.healthcheck.nhs.uk for more information or ask in your surgery.

Cancer screening We offer free cancer screening to patients who are registered with a GP. It is important to attend appointments, as finding out early can increase your chances of survival significantly. All women age 25 to 65 are invited for cervical screening (smear test) every three to five years and all women over 50 should have a mammogram (X-ray picture of the breast) every three years. All men and women over 60 are sent a bowel screening test every two years.

term health problems like raised blood pressure, diabetes, osteoarthritis, asthma, angina, depression or obesity. In Wandsworth we also run the Physical Activity Clinic which is a 30 minute one-to-one (NOT an exercise class) for people who do little or no physical activity. Your GP can refer you to this service.

Health Trainer service In Wandsworth we offer a service called the Health Trainer service where a trained professional works with you over six sessions to help you set goals to improve your health. The Health Trainers help to boost your confidence and motivate you to make positive changes. The sessions are set at a time and place that suit you (no home visits). People often use the Health Trainer Service to develop themselves, cut down on alcohol, manage their weight, learn about healthy eating, get active or cut down or stop smoking. If you are interested in this service you can be referred by your doctor or you can refer yourself by calling 020 8871 5055 or emailing footsteps@wandsworth.gov.uk

Speak to your doctor or contact the local breast screening unit on 020 8725 2723 or freephone 0800 7076060 for bowel screening advice. Visit www.cancerscreening.nhs.uk for more information.

Get active Research shows that regular exercise can improve your health, confidence and quality of life. Even a little bit of activity can significantly lower your risk of developing serious diseases. Your doctor can refer you to a 10-week supervised gym-based exercise programme called Wandsworth Exercise. This is for adults with long-

Further Information

National organisations

If you have a computer there is lots of information in different languages about illness, improving your health, treatments and services on the NHS website www.nhs.uk. You can also find information at a local library and use the computers there. To find your local library please visit www.wandsworth.gov.uk/libraries

Asylum Aid: 020 7354 9264 www.asylumaid.org.uk

The next couple of pages have some useful contact information for people new to the borough.

Wandsworth Council Switchboard: 020 8871 6000 www.wandsworth.gov.uk Adult Social Services Access Team: 020 8871 7707 or 020 8812 5270 for learning disabilities Adult Care Information Service: www.wandsworth.gov.uk/acis Benefits Service: 020 8871 8080 Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Services: 020 8871 6622 Family Information Service: 020 8871 7899 www.wandsworth.childrensservicedirectory.org.uk Applying for social housing in Wandsworth: 020 8871 6812 Assistance with private renting: 020 8871 6171 If you are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless: 020 8871 6840 Lifelong Learning: 020 8871 7639

Advice and information for immigrants, refugees and asylum Seekers

Migrant Helpline: 01304 203977 Refugee Action: 020 7952 1511 Assisted Voluntary Return Helpline: 0808 800 0007 www.refugee-action.org.uk Refugee Council (multi-lingual advice line): 0808 808 2255 www.refugeecouncil.org.uk UK Border Agency (visas, asylum) www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk

Local organisations Merton and Wandsworth Asylum Welcome: 020 8646 6564 / 07956 990 671 Klevis Kola Foundation (family integration support): 020 8355 3410 Refugee Home School Project (Katherine Low Settlement): 020 7585 0339

Legal and benefits advice South West London Law Centres: 020 7585 0716 Wandsworth Citizens Advice Bureau: 020 7042 0333 www.wandsworthcabx.org.uk Multi-lingual online advice from Citizens Advice: www.adviceguide.org.uk/england/languages.htm Age UK Wandsworth: 020 8877 8940 www.ageuk.org.uk/wandsworth Disability and Social Care Advice Service: 020 7978 7306 www.dascas.org.uk

Local NHS Service Homeless, Refugee and Asylum Health Team at Balham Health Centre: 020 8700 0623 16

Find the right medical help in Wandsworth Staying healthy

Eat well, get active, stop smoking, limit your alcohol and know your body.

Treat yourself

For minor aches and pains treat yourself with medicines such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. Keep a medical kit stocked for minor cuts and bruises.

Telephone advice

Call 111 for medical advice.

(NOT life-threatening)

Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Calls are free.

Over the counter

Visit your pharmacy for advice on minor conditions, allergies, medicines and more.

Visit your doctor

Book an appointment with your GP for health issues, diagnosis of symptoms and referrals to hospital.

(GP)

To find a doctor call 020 8355 1330 or visit www.nhs.uk

Out of hours (evenings/ weekends)

If you think your GP surgery may be closed, you should still call them – you may be put through to the out of hours service or a recorded message with a contact number. You can also call 111.

Urgent care

For urgent treatment that isn’t life threatening, like infections, cuts, burns or emergency contraception, go to a walk-in centre. You do not need to be registered or make an appointment. In Wandsworth, these include The Junction Health Centre, Queen Mary’s Minor Injury Unit and Urgent Care Centre at St George’s A&E.

Emergencies

For life-threatening situations like chest pain, difficulty breathing, heavy bleeding, broken bones, blacking out, fits or seizures go to your nearest Accident and Emergency Department or call 999. Hospitals around Wandsworth include St George’s Hospital, Kingston Hospital, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and St Thomas’ Hospital.

For health advice and information, please visit www.nhs.uk