ADVERTORIAL
Stoptober is back – give it a
go and quit smoking for good SMOKERS IN Southwark are being supported to quit smoking this October, as part of the annual Stoptober campaign.
The Stoptober stop smoking challenge encourages smokers to take part in the nation’s biggest quit attempt and give up for 28 days from 1 October. If you’re a smoker, quitting is the best thing you can do for your health and the health of those around you. It helps you feel better, save money and protect your family from the harm of second-hand smoke. Research shows that if you can make it to 28-days smoke-free, you’re five times more likely to quit for good. Just go online and search ‘Stoptober’ for more information and to get started. But smokers won’t be alone in their quit journey – the most successful quit attempts are made with the right support and using a combination of methods.
Support options available to smokers include face-to-face help from local stop smoking services, GPs and pharmacists, together with a Personal Quit Plan, the Stoptober app and daily email tips. The Southwark stop smoking service is available all year round and with their help you are three times more likely to quit than if you go it alone. The service has trained advisers to help you quit, regular sessions to encourage you to keep going, and expert advice on the choice of medication that works for you. For information on Southwark stop smoking services, call 0800 169 6002 or email the team: gst-tr. stopsmokingsouthwark@nhs.net. Alternatively, you can visit a pharmacy stop smoking service and the location of participating pharmacies are found on the CCG’s website: www. southwarkccg.nhs.uk/your-health/ healthy/stopping-smoking
GP surgeries awarded gold for LGBT care
Extra GP and nurse appointments available in Southwark PEOPLE IN Southwark have access to extra GP and nurse appointments from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week, including bank holidays.
MELBOURNE GROVE and Hambleden Medical Practices are the first GP surgeries in Southwark to receive a Pride in Practice Gold award for meeting the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) patients.
The gold award is the highest possible rating available and recognises the efforts of the GP surgeries in ensuring
that LGBT patients get the best possible care. Delivered by the LGBT Foundation, Pride in Practice is a programme available to all GP surgeries in the borough. It works with the surgery staff to strengthen relationships with LGBT patients and confidently support their needs. Surgeries that sign up receive personalised and ongoing support
from the LGBT Foundation through dedicated account managers and access to resources. Congratulations to everyone at the Melbourne Grove and Hambleden Medical Practices for this tremendous achievement! Find out more about Pride in Practice on the ‘Equality and inclusion page’ at www.southwarkccg.nhs.uk
Extra appointments in the evenings and at weekends offer greater access and more convenience for patients. The service, called the Extended Primary Care Service, covers most of the things you’d normally see your GP or nurse about. The extra appointments are provided at two locations in the borough:
• Lister Health Centre in Peckham • Spa Medical Centre in Bermondsey. To book an appointment, please contact your GP surgery as normal. This is not a walk-in service; you need to book an appointment to be seen. If you’re not sure whether the service is appropriate for you, just ask your surgery, which will ensure you are seen in the right place. For more information, visit our website: www.southwarkccg.nhs. uk/8to8