The government has scheduled 9 bank holidays for England in 2023.
| Monday | New Year's Day |
| Friday | Good Friday |
| Monday | Easter Monday |
| Monday | Early May bank holiday |
| Monday | Bank holiday for the coronation of King Charles III |
| Monday | Spring bank holiday |
| Monday | Summer bank holiday |
| Monday | Christmas Day |
| Tuesday | Boxing Day |
Disclaimer:
This report is based on our own perspective. It may not mirror the experiences in other practices.
,
,
Covid - the pandemic that was
On 23 March 2020, the Prime Minister instructed the country to begin its first national lockdown. Two weeks before, the WHO had declared the outbreak as a pandemic.
23 months later, on 24 February 2022, the government lifted all remaining restrictions in England. This was the start to the "Living with Covid" plan.
Living with Covid-19
Earlier, the Secretary of State for Health had alluded to the Covid situation as "transition from pandemic to endemic." (Evening Standard, 20 January 2022)
,
Yet, all is not well with the nation...
,
,
The hidden epidemics
As the Prime Minister announced the first lockdown, he emphasized that there was a danger that "more people are likely to die, not just from Coronavirus but from other illnesses as well."
Since the pandemic began, we have indeed seen some of these other illnesses were undiagnosed or undertreated, often because people were not comfortable with going to hospitals and GP surgeries for blood tests or just to have a check up.
So now is the time for everyone to catch up.
,
,
Diabetes and Pre-diabetes
The number of people who have Diabetes has been growing not only in the UK, but also worldwide.
The WHO reported that from 108 million in 1980, it has risen to 422 million in 2014.
,
One writer described it as "the silent epidemic" (World Economic Forum, 14 December 2000).
The International Diabetes Federation calculated that, 4.2 million people died of diabetes or its complications in one year alone (2019).
You can compare this with 5.29 million deaths from Covid over the two years since the pandemic began.
,
,
At Alexandra Surgery:
,
,
What is Pre-diabetes?
(also known as Impaired Fasting Glycaemia, or Non-Diabetic Hyper-glycaemia)
Diabetes is defined by numbers - if the blood sugar is high enough then doctors diagnose diabetes.
However, there is a stage when blood sugar is a little higher than average, but not quite high enough to be labelled as diabetes. We call this Prediabetes.
,
,
Prediabetes is also becoming more common, very quickly.
At Alexandra Surgery:
,
To put these figures into perspective,
Number of adults registered at A.S. = 4,773
Number of adults with diabetes = 433 that is, 1 in 11 adults
Number of adults with pre-diabetes = 416 almost the same number as diabetes
,
,
So what's the big deal? Pre-diabetes means I haven't got diabetes, right?
No you haven't - yet. But you are highly likely to go on to having it. Unless you do something to stop it in its tracks.
In the last 2 months, 22 people at Alexandra Surgery had developed new diabetes.
Diabetes isn't just about sugar levels.
It is a metabolic disorder that affects processes all over your body, and patients can end up with:
- Heart attack / Stroke
- Kidney failure and dialysis
- Blindness
- Foot ulcers, gangrene and amputation
- Nerve numbness and loss of control of bowels or bladder
- Impotence (men)
- Frequent bladder and vaginal infections (women)
What can I do if I have Prediabetes?
There is no drug treatment. However, lifestyle changes can make a huge difference.
We can refer you to the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme. You can read about it here:
NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme
,
,
,
,
Hypertension
High blood pressure, otherwise known as Hypertension, has also been described as a "Global Epidemic". (Journal of Hypertension, April 2021)
! UNDER CONSTRUCTION !
,
,
Coronary Heart Disease
This was labelled an "epidemic from the 20th century" in the American Journal of Medicine (September 2014)
! UNDER CONSTRUCTION !
,
,
PHONES DOWN
Wednesday, 7 June 2023 11:55am
We have a telephone outage. 😕
Engineers have been alerted.
Please contact reception by other methods - email, eConsult, in person.
Sorry for the inconvenience.
TELEPHONES DOWN 18.04.2023 4:30pm
Our phone lines stopped working :(
Engineers are investigating the fault.
You may contact us by eConsult [link on this page]
Thank you for bearing with us.
Apologies for the inconvenience m(._.) m
.
Abhi, practice manager.
.
COVID "PASSPORT"
From 27 January 2022, EU countries require a special pass for visitors from the UK.
This is an Official document issued by the UK government Department of Health.
To obtain yours, please go online:
Apply for Digital COVID Passport
www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/get-digital-covid-pass
DO NOT TRY TO TRAVEL WITH A LETTER FROM THE GP.
NHS GP practices are not registered with EU government health departments.
-
-
COVID-19 VACCINE EXEMPTION
The law:
New legislation has been passed by the UK parliament:
The Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) (Amendment) (Coronavirus) Regulations 2021
The Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) (Amendment) (Coronavirus) (No. 2) Regulations 2022
Note:
The government has instructed NHS organisations to withhold further action for unvaccinated staff.
The legislation is being reviewed and may be amended.
-
How the Healthcare employers will put this into practice:
VCOD for healthcare workers - guidance 1
VCOD for healthcare workers - guidance 2
-
Exemptions for healthcare workers:
The law allows for a number of reasons not to be vaccinated.
Some reasons are for temporary exemption, some reasons are longer term.
COVID-19 medical exemptions: proving you are unable to get vaccinated
Applying for exemption
As a first step, please call 119 to ask for NHS COVID Pass medical exemption application form.
The 119 adviser will ask you for some details.
The form will be sent to you. You then need to forward it to your doctor (at the hospital or GP surgery).
Applying for medical exemption from Covid vaccine
PLEASE NOTE. Any exemption comes from NHS centrally. Your doctor cannot guarantee you will be granted the exemption.
-
Where to send the report - for hospital specialists or family doctors:
Summary Care Record application (SCRa)
-
-
COVID-19 CASES
Please stay safe. New cases are on the rise rapidly!
National and Local case numbers can be found on the government websites:
Coronavirus - UK summary
Daily cases:
27 December 2021: 109.077
28 December 2021: 138,831
29 December 2021: 183,037
30 December 2021: 189,213
31 December 2021: 189,846
Coronavirus - Office for National Statistics (ONS)
-
At Alexandra Surgery:
From 01 December 2021 until midnight on New Year's Eve (31 December 2021), we have received:
| Total patients had PCR tests = 724 | |
| PCR test result Negative = 455 | (Age 0-17: 102, Age 18-49: 212, Age 50-74: 103, Age 75 and older: 38) |
| PCR test result Positive = 231 (31.9% of patients tested) | (Age 0-17: 45, Age 18-49: 133, Age 50-74: 44, Age 75 and older: 9) |
| PCR test result 'Unknown' = 38 | (Age 0-17: 6, Age 18-49: 13, Age 50-74: 13, Age 75 and older: 6) |
-
SELF ISOLATION
If your Covid PCR test is positive, the rules for isolation have changed.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-households-with-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection
-
The rules for sick notes have also changed. Please see Requests for Certificates and Letters page.
https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/caring-carers-and-long-term-conditions/when-do-i-need-a-fit-note/
-
"VACCINE PASSPORT"
If you had Covid-19 (Coronavirus) vaccines in the UK, you can see them in the NHS App on their mobile phones.
(Please note this is different from the NHS Covid-19 App)
The App also generates a QR code, known as the Covid Pass, or vaccine passport.
If you had the vaccine in a different part of London or another city in the UK, It may take a few days for the information from the vaccination centre to be transferred. If after waiting a few days, it does not happen, please get in touch with us and we can try to query with the NHS computing department.
If you had the vaccine in another country,
If the vaccine is one of those approved by MHRA, and you have an NHS number:
You may book an appointment with NHS Digital to show your proof of vaccination. NHS Digital can then add to your NHS record.
For details please see https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/tell-nhs-about-coronavirus-vaccinations-abroad/
If your vaccine is not among those approved by MHRA, you can still let us know, and we can update your GP records.
This information should then appear in your Immunisation records page.
However, we cannot make the QR code appear. That can only be done by NHS Digital.
Please tell us (1) the name or manufacturer of the vaccine, (2) the date you had the injection, (3) the serial number, (4) the expiry date of the vaccine, (5) which arm you had the injection.
-
-
CORONAVIRUS VACCINE
Who can have the vaccine, and When?
Please see the section "What is new?" on this website.
How to arrange being seen at the vaccination clinic?
There are two options to receive the Coronavirus (Covid-19) vaccine:
1. Pre-book appointment - choose a place and time slot yourself online, or ask the surgery staff to choose for you
2. Walk in without appointment (see below)
Find a walk-in coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination site - England:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/find-a-walk-in-coronavirus-covid-19-vaccination-site/
.
Walk-in vaccination clinics - North Central London CCG area:
(this covers Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey and Islington)
https://northcentrallondonccg.nhs.uk/my-health/covid-19/covid-19-vaccinations-in-north-central-london/walk-in-vaccination-clinics/
https://northcentrallondonccg.nhs.uk/my-health/covid-19/walk-in-vaccination-clinics/
.
Getting a COVID vaccine if you are not registered with a GP
Anyone can have the Covid vaccine at Walk In clinics, even if you do not have a GP.
You just cannot ask GP surgery to book an appointment, if you are not registered with the practice.
https://www.london.gov.uk/coronavirus/how-get-vaccine/getting-covid-vaccine-if-you-are-not-registered-gp#:~:text=You%20do%20not%20need%20to,not%20registered%20with%20a%20GP.
.
Of course, we do encourage everyone to register with a GP. You may not need to see a doctor often, but he/she will be there for you.
To register with us, please see New Patients tab. You do not need to prove who you are; it does not matter if you don't have the right to stay in this country. All we ask for is some way to keep in touch.
.
Week of 10 April 2023
We hope you enjoyed the warm weather on the Easter weekend.
Please note the roadworks are still going on, unfortunately:
- Grove Road: No parking
- Junction of Alexandra Palace way/ Priory Road: Closure (need diversion to reach Hornsey Central clinic)
NHS STAFF ON STRIKE (Update for 11-15 April 2023)
We are aware that hospital services are disrupted by junior doctors going on strike.
The team at Alexandra Surgery does not include junior doctors. and will continue to look after our patients normally.
Patients will be able to book appointments, both routine and urgent.
Team members at work this week (10-14 April)
-Administrators
-Clinicial pharmacists
-General practitioners
-Healthcare assistants
-Nurse
-Physician associate
-Receptionists
NOT at work this week:
-Social prescriber
-Wellbeing coach
We understand this can be a difficult time. Please do not go to A&E departments unless you have a serious condition.
-
INFLUENZA VACCINE 2022 update
Update 06.10.2022
Flu vaccines in stock!
We have now received delivery of various types of Flu Vaccines, for different age groups:,
- For younger children (age 6 months onwards): Sanofi injection
- For children (age 2 or older): AZ Fluenz nasal spray
- For adults (age 17-64): Sanofi injection
- For older adults (age 65 and above): Seqirus Adjuvenated injection
- For people who cannot take the Sanofi injection or the Fluenz nasal spray: we also have a Seqirus C injection.
All vaccines are quadrivalent - they cover all 4 viral strains as recommended internationally.
Who is eligible for flu vaccine on the NHS?
all children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2022
all primary school aged children (from reception to Year 6)
those aged 6 months to under 65 years in clinical risk groups
pregnant women
those aged 65 years and over
those in long-stay residential care homes
carers
close contacts of immunocompromised individuals
frontline staff employed by the following types of social care providers without employer led occupational health schemes:
a registered residential care or nursing home
registered domiciliary care provider
a voluntary managed hospice provider
Direct Payment (personal budgets) or Personal Health Budgets, such as Personal Assistants
How to get the flu vaccine?
Please book via GP reception.
We will be calling or texting patients or parents over the next few days.
You do not need to wait for the reminder - just book at your convenience.
,
INFLUENZA VACCINE 2022
23.09.2022
There has been some delay in delivery of vaccines from the suppliers. :(
We expect the first delivery around the weekend of 24 Septmeber 2022.
These may arrive in small batches at a time.
Particular vaccines for different age groups may also come separately.
You should be able to book appointments for the end of September or beginning of October.
POLIOMYELITIS ALERT - UPDATE 22.09.2022
UK Health Security Agency has detected Poliomyelitis virus in the sewers of North London.
What does that mean?
1. People infected with Poliomyelitis virus can pass it on in their faeces (poo), or by sneezing/ coughing.
2. Some places use a Poliomyelitis vaccine that is a live virus and given by mouth, so a small amount can appear in the faeces (poo).
How serious is Poliomyelitis?
Some people will get away with a mild illness.
Severe cases however may end up with paralysis (myelitis = inflammation of the spinal cord), and may be unable to breathe.
Before we had modern ITUs, these cases had to be kept alive by lying in a box called an "Iron Lung".
Read about the Iron Lung and see pictures
Is there any danger to people in North London?
UK HSA is not aware of any cases of severe Poliomyelitis in the region.
On the other hand, the tests suggest some people with the virus are spreading it to others.
Children are offered vaccination with Poliomyelitis vaccine (a different one, given by injection) starting when they are 8 weeks old. However the percentage of children getting the vaccine has fallen in recent years. That means a higher chance that the virus can spread and infect others.
What can I do?
If you or your child missed the vaccines in infancy, you can now pick up where you left off.
Simply ask GP reception to book an appointment with the nurse.
-
21.08.2022
Parents have received text messages from the government.
Children aged 1 to 9 are at higher risk. They are advised to have a Polio vaccine booster.
There are special vaccine boosters for different age groups: 1yr to 3yr 3mos, 3yr 4mos to 5yr, 6yr to 9yr.
We can give the vaccine at Alexandra Surgery.
Please contact GP reception, or if you are not sure, ask to speak with nurse Dhurata.
--
22.09.2022
Vaccinations UK have set up polio vaccination clinics in Haringey for children aged 6-9 years old who are up to date with their routine childhood immunisations.
“NHS Health Alert: Polio is spreading in London. Your child is eligible to receive a supplementary polio vaccine, which will help to protect them from the disease.
Bruce Castle Museum & Archive on Lordship Lane (N17 8NU) is running a polio vaccination clinic on Sunday 25th September from 1:00pm-5:00pm for all eligible children.
To book, email polio@v-uk.co.uk with your child’s name, date of birth, address and contact number.
For more details about this clinic, and others in the area, click here: Polio vaccination clinics - North Central London Integrated Care System (nclhealthandcare.org.uk).”
--
-
25.11.2022
Alexandra Surgery has an exciting opportunity for a Medical Receptionist to join our friendly GP Practice in North London.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated person to join our team. No experience is required, but good communication skills, ability to use computers, and attention to detail are essential. We look after vulnerable people and expect you to be always compassionate and professional. Ours is a growing team of multi-professionals, so willingness to cooperate with different people is key to success!
Duties include answering phones, booking appointments, liaising with patients, answering queries, dealing with pharmacies, community services and hospitals, general administration tasks, and maintaining an efficient filing system.
We will provide training on the job, including medical terminology and how the health system works, and you may have opportunity to take part in health checks for patients.
Hours required are Monday to Friday – between 8 am to 1pm. Salary will depend on experience.
To find out more about us, check out our website www.alexandrasurgery.com.
You can apply for this job by sending your CV and written application to Ms Abhirami Sivananthan (Abhi), our Practice manager. We will also need to see copies of your identity document and proof of addresss (utility bill), as well as conduct a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Ms Abhirami Sivananthan, (please ask for Abi)
Practice Manager, Alexandra Surgery,
125 Alexandra Park Road, London N22 7UN
Tel: 020 8888 2518
Email: alexandrasurgery@nhs.net
CHRISTMAS 2022 AND NEW YEAR 2023
We wish our patients, their families and carers a happy and healthy holiday.
In case you need urgent health advice, please follow the information below the Opening Times:
OPENING TIMES :
SUNDAY | MONDAY | TUESDAY | 2022 - 2023 WEDNESDAY | THURSDAY | FRIDAY | SATURDAY |
18 December Closed - | 19 Open 0800 - 1830 | 20 Open 0800 - 1830 | 21 Open 0800 - 1830 | 22 Open 0800 - 1830 | 23 Open 0800 - 1830 | 24 Closed - |
25 Closed - | 26 Closed - | 27 Closed - | 28 Open 0800 – 1830 | 29 Open 0800 - 1830 | 30 Open 0800 - 1830 | 31 Closed - |
1 January Closed - | 2 Closed - | 3 Open 0800 - 1830 | 4 Open 0800 - 1830 | 5 Open 0800 - 1830 | 6 Open 0800 - 1830 | 7 Closed - |
-
GP APPOINTMENTS and HEALTH ADVICE WHEN SURGERY IS CLOSED :
Click on the underlined links or Copy and paste the web address
or go to "Opening Times" tab then "When We Are Closed" section.
https://www.alexandrasurgery.com/page1.aspx?p=3&t=2
GP Hub- For doctor or nurse appointments when we are not open, call 0300 053 9499.
Walk In Centre https://www.nhs.uk/services/clinic/finchley-nhs-walk-in-centre/X92277
Find a Pharmacy https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy/find-a-pharmacy
NHS 111 https://111.nhs.uk/
A&E department (Casualty) https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/urgent-and-emergency-care-services/when-to-go-to-ae/
CHRISTMAS 2022 AND NEW YEAR 2023
Friday 23 December 2022 | Open 8:00am to 6:30pm |
Saturday 24 December
Sunday 25 December
Monday 26 December
Tuesday 27 December | Closed |
Wednesday 28 December
Thursday 29 December
Friday 30 December | Open8:00am to 6:30pm |
Saturday 31 December 2022
Sunday 1 January 2023
Monday 2 January | Closed |
Tuesday 3 January | Open 8:00am to 6:30pm |
-
For doctor or nurse appointments when we are not open, call 0300 053 9499.
Full explanation please see "When We Are Closed" tab above.
-
-
The government has scheduled 9 bank holidays for England in 2022.
*Additional bank holiday announced for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's funeral
For a list of dates please go to
https://www.gov.uk/bank-holidays
LAS (London Ambulance Service) industrial action
[Disclaimer: This is to share what we know, it is not an official notice and things may work out differently.]
On Wednesday 21 December 2022, a number of 999 crew members will go on strike from midday to midnight.
Emergency measures have been planned.
-
To the best of our understanding,
Army personnel have been trained to carry out some ambulance duties.
If a patient attends the GP surgery and the doctor decides he/she needs to go to the hospital:
Life or limb threatening emergency will be lifted by ambulance. The call centre will assess the condition by telephone before they despatch crew.
Other cases may need to go by taxi. It may be possible to claim the fare back from the Borough.
If taxi is not available, patient may need to go by car - the car should have commercial insurance.
Patients at home:
111 will increase use of Urgent Community Response (UCR) staff, and Rapid Response Teams (RRT).
-
At Alexandra Surgery we will do our best to help our patients with needs, through the difficult period.
-
When We Are Closed
APPOINTMENTS IN EVENINGS, ON WEEKENDS AND DURING HOLIDAYS:
GP Hubs (by appointment)
Patients registered with Alexandra Surgery may book an appointment with a GP or Nurse at a Haringey GP Hub.
This service is open in the evenings, on the weekends, and during bank holidays.
Appointments are allocated to Alexandra Surgery patients at this Hub:
Bounds Green Group Practice, Gordon Road, London N11 2PF
How to get there:
(Gordon Road is diagonally opposite Bounds Green station, towards Scout Park)
Google map
Times:
Monday to Friday: 1830 to 2000
Saturday: 0900 to 1700
To book an appointment, please contact your surgery when we are open, or
call 0300 053 9499 during the Hub opening hours
You may be seen by someone from your practice, or by another local GP or Nurse or Healthcare Professional.
These clinics are for booked appointments only. It is not an emergency walk-in service.
=
BANK HOLIDAY – Monday 19 September 2022
We are saddened to learn of the passing away of Queen Elizabeth II.
We would like to express our sincere condolences to the Royal Family at this difficult time.
The surgery will close for the day of her funeral, Monday 19 September 2022, as a mark of our respect for her.
Please follow the links at the bottom of this page for detailed information.
Computer network - Restored.
Update 06.10.2022
The NHS IT department has responded speedily with experienced personnel on our site. The fault was traced and rectified.
We apologise for the delay that some patients experienced during the morning.
Dr Athee and team.
When We Are Closed
GP Hubs (by appointment)
Patients registered with Alexandra Surgery may book an appointment with a GP or Nurse at one of 5 "Hubs".
This service is open in the evenings, on the weekends, and during bank holidays.
The times vary from hub to hub.
www.haringeygpfederation.co.uk/evening-and-weekend-appointments
The clinics ("Hubs") are located at:
Bounds Green Group Practice, London N11 2PF
Lawrence House Surgery, N15 4JR
North Middlesex University Hospital, N18 1QX
Queenswood Medical Practice, N8 8JD
Somerset Gardens Family Health Centre, N17 8NW
To book an appointment, please contact your surgery when we are open, or
call 0300 053 9499 during the Hub opening hours
You may be seen by someone from your practice, or by another local GP or Nurse or Healthcare Professional.
These clinics are for booked appointments only. It is not an emergency walk-in service.
=
GP COMPUTER NETWORK DOWN 
Unfortunately a total outage occurred around 10 a.m. today (Thursday 6th October 2022).
We are unable to connect to the patient records system (EMIS).
The NHS IT department in North Central London has been alerted.
In the meantime, our team will do our best to help you, but may not be able to carry out all the usual tasks.
Please bear with us while engineers look into the problem, and we try to continue looking after our patients.
If you have an urgent problem, do please let us know.
Dr Athee and team
Clinical Pharmacist
This month we welcome a new Clinical Pharmacist.
Clinical Pharmacist in a GP practice
Nosa Ikiddeh is taking over the role of Clinical Pharmacist at Alexandra Surgery.
It is the same service that Linda Nwoye began on 8 May 2019.
As GPs have been grouped into Primary Care Networks over the summer, the attached team members have also moved around a bit.
https://www.doctorlink.com/
You may have received a leaflet through your door.
We are training our team members and shall begin providing this service soon.
For details see https://www.doctorlink.com/
CORONAVIRUS VACCINE
Social Prescriber
We have a new colleague, Karen Davis, who can listen to your non-medical problems and signpost you to find solutions. (from mid August 2021)
Karen works at this practice on Friday. Your doctor may have noted your problem and refer you to her.
You may also contact the surgery to ask for her help.
.
Clinical Pharmacist update 1
From January 2021 we welcome Sehrish to the team as the second clinical pharmacist.
She will work on Mondays and mainly consult over the telephone.
.
Clinical Pharmacist review
*see updates 1, 2* (scroll up)
Our new clinical pharmacist Eiden will contact patients to go through their long term medication, and advise about other ways that help improve their long term conditions.
Examples are high blood pressure, diabetes and asthma.
Eiden works with us on Fridays.
These reviews are usually conducted over the telephone. Your doctor may have identified you and refer to Eiden. If you feel you need advice in this area, you may also contact the practice to ask to talk to him.
Sept 2020
Service usage during controlled access due to coronavirus pandemic
Service usage during controlled access weeks 1-28
Health checks by distance consultation
We are offering Self Care health checks, which you can do in the privacy and comfort of your own home, with the support of the practice team.
Please select the Health checks page from the menu to the right of this page.
North London Partners in Health and Care Information Exchange notice
We are joining up your health and care records to improve the local services you receive. What does this mean for you?
Being able to see your health and social care records at any time and in different places means health and care professionals can make quicker and safer decisions about your care
Health and care professionals have shared information on paper for many years – we now plan to do this using digital technology.
GP practices and other health and care organisations are joining up the electronic records of all adults and children across Barnet, Camden, Islington, Enfield and Haringey (north central London) so that those delivering care can understand all your needs and make the best decisions about your care with you.
If you do not want to be part of this, you can opt out:
Please see attached a copy of the patient leaflet, page 7 has the opt out form which you could print off.
You can read more about this programme at:
www:northlondonpartners.org.uk/joined-up-health-record
NLP Resident Leaflet
We have updated our privacy notice, which can be seen on our website (link).
Tell us what you think about the alternative ways to access GP services
The Covid-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic has obliged GP practices to provide a smaller range of services. Partly this is for safety reasons, and partly because the hospitals have restricted referrals and test requests from GPs.
We continue to provide consultations, repeat prescriptions, medical certificates and letters, and we are able to do this in a number of ways:
- telephone call
- AccuRx video call (via smart phone)
- e-Consult (24/7 online service)
- Doctor Link
- EMIS Patient Access online
- email
- fax
- face-to-face at the practice on a solo basis without waiting
- referral to GP Hub
- referral to Coronavirus Hot Hub
With the gradual relaxation of the lockdown, we look forward to reopening at some time.
We would like to know, when we reopen, if it will be useful to keep some of these options available to you, or mothball all of them until a future pandemic?
Please answer our survey:
https://forms.gle/pZFJMQmNSfqSyzqD9 or
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/22WRMXN
Cervical Screening Text Messaging Scam
21 May 2020
Public Health England has received reports of a possible scam where women receive text messages claiming to be from the NHS Cervical Screening Call and Recall service.
The message advises the recipient they are overdue for screening and asks them to call a mobile number and provide personal details.
These messages are not from the NHS Cervical Screening Programme.
Action Fraud Line has been alerted.
Alert ! Colo-Rectal Cancer in Younger People
Colo-Rectal Cancer (Bowel Cancer) is now the 3rd most common cancer worldwide. [1]
Around 40,000 new cases are diagnosed in the UK every year. 1 in 20 people in the UK will develop bowel cancer during their life time. [2]
9 out of 10 people with bowel cancer are aged over 60. However bowel cancer is also seen in people as young as in their 20's. [3]
Research suggests that lifestyle factors affect the risk of bowel cancer: eating processed foods and red meat, drinking alcohol, obesity and lack of physical exercise are associated with increased risk. [4]
So, if you are in the younger age group, please read about it.
Never Too Young
Speak to your doctor if you have concerns.
References:
1. Colorectal cancer statistics. World Cancer Research Fund.
https://www.wcrf.org/dietandcancer/cancer-trends/colorectal-cancer-statistics
2. Bowel cancer. NHS Inform.
https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/cancer/cancer-types-in-adults/bowel-cancer
3. Bowel cancer incidence statistics. Cancer Research UK.
https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics/statistics-by-cancer-type/bowel-cancer/incidence#heading-One
4. How diet, nutrition and physical activity affect colorectal (bowel) cancer risk. Continuous Update Project.
https://www.wcrf.org/dietandcancer/colorectal-cancer
Influenza vaccine (Flu jab)
For patients prone to becoming ill with the 'flu in winter:
Which kind of influenza vaccine (flu jab) can I get?
There are 3 types of influenza vaccine that your GP can give you:
- aTIV (adjuvanted trivalent influenza vaccine) – for age 65 and over
- QIV (egg-grown quadrivalent influenza vaccine) – for age 18 to 64
There are two sub-types:
- QIVe (egg-grown)
- QIVc (cell-based)
- LAIV (live attenuated influenza vaccine) – for age 2 to 17
Which influenza vaccine is available at my GP surgery?
Supplies of influenza vaccine are distributed nationally.
As of 19/09/2019, Alexandra Surgery has received:
aTIV: between 100 to 200 doses
On 09/10/2019, Alexandra Surgery received:
QIV: 150 doses
Delivery of other vaccines is expected in the next few weeks.
Who can get the flu jab free of charge?
The following are priority groups defined by NHS England:
- all children aged two to ten (but not eleven years or older) on 31 August 2019
- those aged six months to under 65 years in clinical risk groups
- pregnant women
- those aged 65 years and over
- those in long-stay residential care homes
- carers
- close contacts of immunocompromised individuals
How can I get the flu jab from my GP surgery?
You may receive a call from the team at the surgery. However, if you haven't heard yet:
First, check this web page to confirm that the suitable flu jab is in stock.
Please contact the reception and ask for an appointment for flu jab.
These are usually short appointments for 5 minutes. If you need a consultation or check-up, please book a separate appointment.
More information about influenza vaccine:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/flu-influenza-vaccine/
http://vk.ovg.ox.ac.uk/vk/inactivated-flu-vaccine
FIRE DRILL
We will be holding a scheduled Fire Drill on Thursday 14 October 2021 at 5pm.
Please do not be alarmed.
This is to ensure that, in the event of an actual fire, our team can help everyone evacuate to safety.
Please note: This replaces the previous schedule of a fire drill on Wednesday 13 October. That will now not happen.
.
.
Clinical Pharmacist Update 2
We are pleased to inform our patients that Raiesa has joined our team from the second week in September.
Together with Eidin and Sehrish, we now have three Clinical Pharmacists looking after your needs.
The three work on different days of the week, so at least one of them will be available every day (except when they are on leave).
They will review medication in a range of long term conditions (for example Asthma, COPD, Diabetes, Hypertension), and also people who have a large number of different medications.
They advise doctors about the benefits and risks of some medicines in individual cases.
Raiesa can do adult influenza vaccine (flu jab).
Sometimes the pharmacists may help out at Covid vaccine clinics, don't be surprised to see one of them there.
Coronavirus vaccine pop up clinic:
There’s a #Pfizer #COVIDVaccine walk-in clinic in Wood Green Mall (opposite the cinema) #N22 this Saturday from 10am-4pm, as well as on 7, 14, 28 August.
18+, live nearby & not yet had both jabs? Then please do drop in (no appt needed) & #GetProtected to help #KeepHaringeySafe
From Haringey https://twitter.com/haringeycouncil/status/1416291728240349186
If you're in the #N17 area today (Saturday 17 July), why not head on over to the pop-up vaccination clinic in the car park behind Holcombe Market?
The Pfizer vaccine will be available at this clinic, which will be open from 9:30am to 6:30pm.
There will be a SUPER SUNDAY pop-up vaccination clinic at Tottenham Spurs on 20 June.
You can walk in or pre book.
The Pfizer vaccine will be suitable for younger people as well.
CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR
Please note Christmas and Boxing Day this year (2021) both fall on a weekend.
Therefore Monday 27th and Tuesday 28th December will be replacement public holidays.
New Years Day (2022) will also be a Saturday.
Consequently Monday 3rd January will be a bank holiday.
Patients and carers are advised to request repeat prescriptions in good time.
Some pharmacies may be open over the holiday period. For details please check:
https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy/find-a-pharmacy
.
.
.
PHONE LINE MAINTENANCE
15.12.2021 Importance: Very high
.
The surgery telephone system is being replaced in the coming three or four weeks.
On 16.12.2021 ~10 a.m. there may be brief interruption, when engineers make essential preparation. This should last about 15 minutes only.
In case you require urgent medical assistance, please call the emergency help line:
07725 725538
Your call may be answered by an administrator, who will pass on messages to our clinically trained team.
.
The exact date of full installation will be determined by the engineer site visit.
Work will be expected to last for up to 4 hours. There may be downtime when the telephone lines temporarily do not connect.
Unfortunately, the engineers are not able to do this out of hours, although we did ask.
.
If you wish to make routine requests (repeat prescriptions, medical certificates, non emergency appointments),
please try to call the next morning, send us an email, use one of the apps linked to the GP computer,
When you request prescriptions via NHS app, Patient Access (website or app), or myGP app, it goes straight into the doctor's inbox.
.
In case you require urgent medical assistance, please call the emergency help line:
07725 725538
Your call may be answered by an administrator, who will pass on messages to our clinically trained team.
.
This upgrade has been in the pipeline for a long while, and delayed several times due to the pandemic, and then pressure on suppliers.
The new phone system will be totally digital and can be managed with the computer system.
We hope this will reduce the frustration that many of you have at present.
We thank you for your constructive comments and bearing with us while the old system is plodding on.
And of course, we look forward to your feedback when the new system is up and running (fingers crossed)!
.
Dr Athee and the Team
.
.
.
COVID-19 Positive and Contacts
The rules have been updated in the wake of the OMICRON variant.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/self-isolation-and-treatment/when-to-self-isolate-and-what-to-do/
For those WITHOUT symptoms:
Lateral flow test
If lateral flow test positive --> Go for PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test.
Book online https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test, or call 119.
.
For those WITH SYMPTOMS:
PCR test
If PCR positive --> NHS Test and Trace will usually advise you what to do - Isolate for 10 days.
.
For CONTACTS of positive cases:
NHS Test and Trace will usually inform you that you were in contact with a case.
If age over 18 and unvaccinated
- Isolate for 10 days.
.
If age under 18
- No need to isolate,
- Get a PCR test,
- Reduce social contacts.
EXCEPT:
If contact with Omicron variant
- Isolate for 10 days.
.
If fully vaccinated (second dose two weeks or longer ago)
- No need to isolate,
- Get a PCR test,
- Reduce social contacts.
EXCEPT:
If contact with Omicron variant
- Isolate for 10 days.
COVID-19 vaccines
.
.
.
COVID-19 VACCINE eligibility
BOOSTER:
Further update following Prime Minister's announcement on 12.12.2021
Age 18 to 29: It is the government's intention that everyone aged 18 and above (who has had the second dose three months ago) will have the opportunity to get a booster before the new year.
https://twitter.com/10DowningStreet/status/1470134880080125954
The online booking system will be open to you from Wednesday 15 December 2021
.
Update following NHS England's announcement on 12.12.2021
Age 30 to 39: can get booster 91 days after the second dose
Please use the online booking system, from Monday 13 December 2021
You can book one month in advance (that is, go online two months after your second dose)
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination/
Some clinics may offer walk in appointments, please enquire with the clinic directly.
.....
(Update 08.12.2021)
Age 40 and above: can get booster 91 days after the second dose
If you test Covid positive, wait 28 days before third dose.
Age 18 to 39: [booster - await further announcement *SEE UPDATES 12.12.2021*] EXCEPT:
Age 16 to 39 with a Health condition that means high risk, and text message, email or letter from specialist: can get booster 91 days after the second dose
If you test Covid positive, wait 28 days before booster
,
THIRD DOSE: (primary course)
People with weak immune system, advised by a specialist: can get third dose 8 weeks after the second dose
If you test Covid positive, wait 28 days before third dose.
,
SECOND DOSE:
Age 18 and above: can get second dose 8 weeks after the first dose
Health and Social care worker: can get second dose 8 weeks after the first dose.
If you test Covid positive, wait 28 days before second dose.
Age 16 to 17: can get second dose 12 weeks after the first dose EXCEPT:
Age 16 to 17 with a Health condition that means high risk: can get second dose 8 weeks after the first dose
If you test Covid positive, wait 12 weeks before second dose. [NOTE different rule for this group]
Age 16 to 17 who live with another person at high risk: can get second dose 8 weeks after the first dose
If you test Covid positive, wait 28 days before second dose.
,
Age 12 to 15: [second dose - await government announcement] EXCEPT:
Age 12 to 15 with a Health condition that means high risk: can get second dose 8 weeks after the first dose
Age 12 to 15 who live with another person at high risk: can get second dose 8 weeks after the first dose
NOTE: Some clinics may not offer to 12 to 15 year olds, please check beforehand.
If you test Covid positive, wait 28 days before second dose.
,
FIRST DOSE:
Age 12 and above: can get first dose
If you test Covid positive,
Age 18 and above: wait 28 days before first dose.
Age 12 to 17 with a Health condition that means high risk: wait 28 days before first dose
Age 12 to 17 not at high risk: wait 12 weeks before first dose.
,
,
Walk-in vaccination clinics:
You can go to a Walk-in site if you have a text message, letter or email to have the vaccine.
To find your nearest Walk-in site:
https://northcentrallondonccg.nhs.uk/my-health/covid-19/walk-in-vaccination-clinics/
Each clinic has different opening hours, please check before you go.
.
FIRE DRILL
A fire drill will be held
in Alexandra Surgery
on Wednesday 22 June 2022
at 17:00 (5:00 pm)
The place of assembly is
on Alexandra Park Road outside the surgery
On hearing the signal
Please proceed to the place of assembly.
Follow the directions of our Fire Warden.
Do not stop to collect belongings.
27.05.2020
CHANGES TO OUT OF HOURS GP SERVICE
Alexandra Surgery is looking at ways to improve patient access to Out of Hours (OoH) Service.
We are discussing some options and would like patients to help shape the service.
We invite you to answer a simple survey.
Only two questions!
We are sending out the invitation during the Platinum Jubilee week or the week after.
(The system will only send in small batches, so some members of a household may receive it later than others.)
If you have not received one, you may download from the link
https://forms.gle/AscNqrysonus62Dh8
.
.
SPRING BANK HOLIDAY and PLATINUM JUBILEE WEEKEND
Please note that this year the last Monday in May will NOT be a bank holiday.
Instead, the Spring Bank Holiday will fall on Thursday 2 June 2022.
The Minister for Culture announced in November last year that this will be followed by a special bank holiday on Friday 3 June to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.
.
The surgery will be open on Monday 30 May 2022 during usual hours.
We will be closed from Thursday 2 June to Sunday 5 June inclusive. We will reopen on Monday 6 June at 8:00 am.
If you need urgent medical help during the holiday weekend, please see "Opening Times" or "What is New" sections.
.
EARLY MAY BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND
Pharmacy opening info:
https://northcentrallondonccg.nhs.uk/news/may-bank-holiday-pharmacy-opening-times/
26.04.2022 11:50
TELEPHONE LINE DIVERSION
We are suffering an outage on the network :(
As a temporary measure our telephone lines are diverted to mobile phones.
We are trying our best to keep up a normal service, but you may experience a small delay in answering your call.
Kindly bear with us while the engineers rectify the problem.
Alexandra Surgery team
TELEPHONE DISRUPTION
We apologise for the sudden breakdown of our telephone line on Wednesday 13.04.2022 around 12:30pm.
Service has been fully restored.
We have lodged a stern complaint to the telephony provider and also to the government watchdog for telecommunications.
TELEPHONE DISRUPTION
Wednesday 13.04.2022 12:30pm
We are experiencing a temporary disruption in our telephone line.
This has been reported to the phone company and they are looking into the problem.
Our apologies and if you need help urgently, please call 111.
PLEASE NOTE EASTER 2022 OPENING HOURS: We are open until Thursday 14 April 6:30pm, then we will reopen on Tuesday 19 April at 8:00am.
EASTER HOLIDAY WEEKEND 2022
Thursday 14 April : open 8am - 6:30pm
Friday 15, Saturday 16, Sunday 17, Monday 18 April: closed
Tuesday 19 April: open 8am - 6:30pm
-
If you need a repeat prescription, please request it a few days before the holiday.
-
We wish our patients a happy and healthy holiday weekend.
However, if you need urgent medical help, you may contact:
GP Hubs (hours vary): 0330 053 9499
www.haringeygpfederation.co.uk/evening-and-weekend-appointments
NHS 111 (24 hours): 111
Your local pharmacy can also give advice on minor conditions.
CCTV proposal
We are considering installation of CCTV on our surgery premises.
The background for this proposal, and the principles governing recording data, are outlined in the consultation paper.
We would like to hear if you:
- have concerns about safety in the reception/ waiting areas, with people acting aggressively?
- feel installation of CCTV can help make you feel safer?
- have issues with the use of CCTV recording?
- have suggestions about how we can make CCTV less intrusive or more effective?
CCTV proposal - consultation with patients
To respond please speak or write to Abhi, practice manager.
Dates: the month of April 2022
-
COVID "passport"
Since 27 January 2022, the 27 EU countries require an OFFICIAL pass for visitors from England.
This may be obtained from www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/get-digital-covid-pass
-
-
Covid Vaccine exemption
A number of occupational groups are subject to new legal requirements to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19.
Certain individuals who are unable to be vaccinated, may apply to the NHS for exemption status.
Please see the Coronavirus/ Covid-19 page.
-
AUGUST BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND 2022
BANK HOLIDAY – Monday 19 September 2022
We are saddened to learn of the passing away of Queen Elizabeth II.
We would like to express our sincere condolences to the Royal Family at this difficult time.
The surgery will close for the day of her funeral, Monday 19 September 2022, as a mark of our respect for her.
To get healthcare advice during the holiday, and to contact GP Hubs that are open,
please go to the page “Opening Times” – then the section “When We Are Closed”.
Bank holiday 19 September 2022 - London pharmacy opening hours
(NOTE: Some pharmacies have announced that they will open on that day, but be closed during the hour when the funeral takes place. We advise you to check their websites or telephone the store.)
WELCOME TO ALEXANDRA SURGERY! (Flip book)
If you require urgent medical advice,
- URGENT APPOINTMENTS may be booked on the same day.
If we are unable to find you an appointment slot, we may arrange for you:
- TELEPHONE CONSULTATION with the doctor
- Request the doctor to see "EXTRA" patients.
CHILDREN who are unwell will always be a priority. Please speak to reception.
Access Hubs for Haringey
Need to see a GP or Nurse in the evening or at the weekend?
Appointments are now available for all patients registered at any Haringey practice.
Monday to Friday: 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Saturday and Sunday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
Contact your GP practice, or call 0330 053 9499 during the above Hub opening hours, to book an appointment at one of three locations:
Bounds Green Group Practice, 2 Gordon Road, London N11 2PF
Somerset Gardens Family Health Centre, 4 Creighton Road, London N17 8NW
Queenswood Medical Practice, 151 Park Road, London N8 8JD
(Please note opening hours will vary between hubs)
You can make an appointment if you are registered at any practice in Haringey (this includes Alexandra Surgery).
You will be able to see a local Haringey GP or healthcare professional. If may be someone from your practice, and if not, it will be another local GP, Practice Nurse or Healthcare Assistant.
OTHER WAYS YOU CAN GET HELP FOR YOUR HEALTH PROBLEMS
If you feel unwell and you can get some advice
Pharmacies can give advice and treatment for common conditions. Please visit the CCG website to view the list of pharmacies open during the festive period.
NHS Choices Visit the NHS website, which has a comprehensive list of conditions, how to treat them and how to tell if it is something serious. It includes information about childhood illnesses and management. The site can be translated into many languages (just click on ‘translate’ at the top right of every page). Click here to visit the site: www.nhs.uk
If you want more information about your symptoms Visit the NHS website, which has a comprehensive list of conditions, how to treat them and how to tell if it is something serious: www.nhs.uk
The site can be translated into many languages (just click on ‘translate’ at the top right of every page).
If it is not an emergency but you are not sure what to do
Call 111, a free NHS phone number to call when you need medical help fast, but it’s not an emergency. They’ll assess you and advise you what to do or where you should go to get the best treatment for your condition. The service operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Calls to 111 are free, including from mobiles.
If you want British Sign Language: NHS 111 offers a video relay service that allows you to make a video call to a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter. Go to the website www.interpreternow.co.uk/nhs111 for more details.
If you want translation services follow these steps:
- Call 111 but not press any buttons. The call will then go straight through to a health advisor
- When you first talk to the health advisor you should say what language you speak - for example, ‘Turkish’
- The health advisor will contact Language Line and they will then have a 3 way call with you
Please be aware that calls using Language Line may take longer to set up.
If you require sexual health advice or emergency contraception
There are a number of sexual health walk in clinics available across Haringey. Click here for more details and opening hours over the holidays (pdf of clinics and opening times is available in the downloads box).
In an emergency dial 999 Please be advised that over the Christmas period, Accident & Emergency (A&E) services are likely to be extremely busy, and if you go to A&E you will have a long wait. If your illness or injury is not life threatening, please call 111 for clinical advice, assessment and direction to the most appropriate service.
OUT OF HOURS APPOINTMENTS
OUR DOORS ARE OPEN
(We were never really closed)
During the pandemic, as instructed by the NHS, we looked after our patients on a "Telephone First" basis.
Doctors held telephone consultation with patients, sometimes with the help of video consultation.
If the doctor considered it necessary to see the patient in the surgery, he/she would arrange a face-to-face appointment.
The surgery never stopped running - in fact we worked extra on bank holidays - and we never stopped seeing patients face to face.
We have been advised that we can safely unlock the doors now.
We may have to keep low the numbers inside the building at one time, so sometimes we may have to ask you to wait outside.
We also ask you to observe all safety precautions if you come inside:
1) Check you do not have symptoms of coronavirus infection;
2) Check your temperature;
3) Wear a face covering - you may ask for a transparent visor (face shield) free of charge;
4) Sanitise your hands;
5) Avoid touching surfaces as far as possible. The self service machines are out of use at the moment.
SPRING BANK HOLIDAY and PLATINUM JUBILEE WEEKEND
Please note that this year the last Monday in May will NOT be a bank holiday.
Instead, the Spring Bank Holiday will fall on Thursday 2 June 2022.
The Minister for Culture announced in November last year that this will be followed by a special bank holiday on Friday 3 June to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.
.
The surgery will be open on Monday 30 May 2022 during usual hours.
We will be closed from Thursday 2 June to Sunday 5 June inclusive. We will reopen on Monday 6 June at 8:00 am.
If you need urgent medical help during the holiday weekend, please see "Opening Times" or "What is New" sections.
.
.
EARLY MAY BANK HOLIDAY 2022
On Monday 2nd May 2022, the surgery will be closed.
We will re-open on Tuesday 3rd May at 8:00 am.
We wish our patients a happy and healthy holiday weekend.
However, if you need urgent medical help, you may contact:
GP Hubs (hours vary): 0330 053 9499
www.haringeygpfederation.co.uk/evening-and-weekend-appointments
NHS 111 (24 hours): 111
Your local pharmacy can also give advice on minor conditions.
https://northcentrallondonccg.nhs.uk/news/may-bank-holiday-pharmacy-opening-times/
The Alexandra Surgery Team
EASTER HOLIDAY WEEKEND 2022
We will be open until Thursday 14 April 6:30pm.
Then we will re-open on Tuesday 19 April at 8:00am.
-
If you need a repeat prescription soon, please request it a few days before the holiday begins.
-
We wish our patients and their families a happy and healthy holiday.
However, if you find yourself unwell during the weekend, you may get professional advice from the options above.
-
General Practice appointments out of hours
We thank all of you (more than 400!) who responded to our earlier survey.
This is a version from the NCL CCG. Click on the above link to view.
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN THE AREA - August 2022
We have seen a number of road closures, diversions and parking restrictions in the area. Some are temporary measures and a few are permanent changes.
Please observe road signs carefully and allow extra time for travel to and from appointments.
We try to share what we know on on Twitter feed @AlexandraSurg 
TELEPHONE LINES NOT WORKING - 07.09.2022
Our telephone lines have gone down this morning. ⚠️
.
The telephone company, as a temporary measure, is diverting our landlines to mobile phones in the surgery. ☎️ ➡️ 📲
There may be a little delay in taking your calls; please bear with us.
.
Engineers are looking into the problem. 🚧
We are sorry for the inconvenience. 🙇♀️🙇♂️
.
You may continue to use our variety of online services (eConsult, NHS App, Patient Access, my GP). 💻📱
You may also email us or come to the reception.
📧 alexandrasurgery@nhs.net
.
Note: For a life threatening condition, please do not wait to get through on the phone - Call 999. 🚑
.
Dr Athee and team
AUGUST BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND 2022
We will be open until 6:30pm on Friday 26 August.
We will open again at 8:00am on Tuesday 30 August.
We hope our patients and their carers will enjoy a healthy holiday weekend.
If you need urgent health advice, several places are ready to help. From the top menu bar open Opening Times, then 'When We Are Closed' tab.
/
TELEPHONE LINE BREAKDOWN - 04.08.2022
Our telephone lines have been disrupted this morning. 😠
We have called the telephone company urgently. 🚧
While the engineers are looking into the problem, you may continue to use our variety of online services (eConsult, NHS App, Patient Access, my GP). 💻📱
You may also email us or come to the reception.
📧 alexandrasurgery@nhs.net
We are sorry for the inconvenience. 🙇♀️🙇♂️
Note: For a life threatening condition, please do not wait to get through on the phone - Call 999. 🚑
Dr Athee and team
FIRE DRILL
A fire drill will be held
in Alexandra Surgery
on Wednesday 22 June 2022
at 17:00 (5:00 pm)
The place of assembly is
on Alexandra Park Road outside the surgery
On hearing the signal
Please proceed to the place of assembly.
Follow the directions of our Fire Warden.
Do not stop to collect belongings.
REDUCED TELEPHONE CONNECTION
15.06.2022 5pm
Our telephone system is not working fully. We can receive your call, and can call some people, but some extensions inside the surgery do not connect properly.
This may cause some delay in picking up your call, or putting you through to our colleagues in another room.
We have registered a fault, lodged a complaint, and may inform the ombudsman.
Hope the engineers can put things right quickly, so we can continue to give you the service you usually have.
Dr Steve
27.05.2020
CHANGES TO OUT OF HOURS GP SERVICE
Alexandra Surgery is looking at ways to improve patient access to Out of Hours (OoH) Service.
We are discussing some options and would like patients to help shape the service.
We invite you to answer a simple survey.
Only two questions!
We are sending out the invitation during the Platinum Jubilee week or the week after.
(The system will only send in small batches, so some members of a household may receive it later than others.)
If you have not received one, you may download from the link
https://forms.gle/AscNqrysonus62Dh8
.
SPRING BANK HOLIDAY and PLATINUM JUBILEE WEEKEND
Please note that this year the last Monday in May will NOT be a bank holiday.
Instead, the Spring Bank Holiday will fall on Thursday 2 June 2022.
The Minister for Culture announced in November last year that this will be followed by a special bank holiday on Friday 3 June to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.
Reference: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/extra-bank-holiday-to-mark-the-queens-platinum-jubilee-in-2022
.
The surgery will be open on Monday 30 May 2022 during usual hours.
We will be closed from Thursday 2 June to Sunday 5 June inclusive. We will reopen on Monday 6 June at 8:00 am.
Please request your repeat prescriptions well in advance.
If you need urgent medical help during the holiday weekend, please see "Opening Times" or "What is New" sections.
.
EARLY MAY BANK HOLIDAY
On Monday 2nd May 2022, the surgery will be closed. We will re-open on Tuesday 3rd May at 8:00 am.
If you need urgent medical help during the holiday weekend, please see "Opening Times" or "What is New" sections.
.
PLEASE NOTE EASTER 2022 OPENING HOURS: We are open until Thursday 14 April 6:30pm, then we will reopen on Tuesday 19 April at 8:00am.
ACCESS TO THE SURGERY
13.04.2021
Unfortunately road works are being carried out on Albert Road (outside O.R. Tambo recreation ground).
This has meant cars from the Bounds Green direction cannot reach the surgery directly. Buses are also diverted via Alexandra Palace and Park Avenue.
TELEPHONE DISRUPTION
Wednesday 13.04.2022 12:30pm
We are experiencing a temporary disruption in our telephone line.
This has been reported to the phone company and they are looking into the problem.
Our apologies and if you need help urgently, please call 111.
PLEASE NOTE EASTER 2022 OPENING HOURS: We are open until Thursday 14 April 6:30pm, then we will reopen on Tuesday 19 April at 8:00am.
These fact sheets have been written to explain the role of UK health services, the National Health Service (NHS), to newly-arrived individuals seeking asylum. They cover issues such as the role of GPs, their function as gatekeepers to the health services, how to register and how to access emergency services.
Special care has been taken to ensure that information is given in clear language, and the content and style has been tested with user groups.
Open the leaflets in one of the following languages
CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR
Please note Christmas and Boxing Day this year (2021) both fall on a weekend.
Therefore Monday 27th and Tuesday 28th December will be replacement public holidays.
New Years Day (2022) will also be a Saturday.
Consequently Monday 3rd January will be a bank holiday.
-
-
-
-
There are extra long weekends before Christmas and before New Year. Will the surgery be open?
The surgery is closed from 24 December 6:30 p.m. We will reopen on Wednesday 29 December at 8:00 a.m.
We shall close on 31 December 6:30 p.m. and reopen on Tuesday 4 January at 8:00 a.m.
Dr Athee and the Team wish our patients and their carers a healthy and happy holiday.
-
What can I do if I need health advice during this time?
There are a number of ways to look for medical help. Please see:
-
Where can I find a pharmacy open near me?
Pharmacists can advise on many health issues. Please check:
-
I am having a blood test on Christmas Eve or New Year's Eve - will the results be held up all weekend?
Don't worry, we will monitor the results inbox until midnight.
-
If I am worried about Covid (coronavirus), who can help?
Please stay safe. For info on testing, isolation and vaccination, refer to:
-
-If you had the vaccine in another country, do please let us know, and we can update your GP records.
Please tell us (1) the name or manufacturer of the vaccine, (2) the date you had the injection, (3) the serial number, (4) the expiry date of the vaccine, (5) which arm you had the injection.
This information should then appear in your Immunisation records page.
However, we cannot make the QR code appear. That is done by a separate government department called NHS Digital.
TESTING FOR CORONAVIRUS
Coronavirus* tests
.jpg "Coronavirus where you can go for test")
There are two kinds of tests for Coronavirus infection.
- Test for whether you have the virus infection now.
This test is now open to any member of public who has symptoms of coronavirus.
It requires swabs from the nose and throat.
You can watch a video of how the test is done:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCqo7MhQT6U
This can be done by a trained professional at a testing site. Or by yourself or a family member at home.
- This looks for the virus itself. It is called Antigen test.
- The test is useful when you are having new symptoms, or soon after you have been in contact with another person with infection.
- The virus shows up in the nose and throat from day 3 to day 7 of contact with the virus – that is the best time to do this test.
You should request this test yourself. When booking the test, the NHS may ask for an Identity Check. Your GP cannot refer you.
To request this test:
.
- Test for infected people without symptoms ("asymptomatic")
Many work places (especially in health care and social care) routinely test staff every week. This is arranged by the employers, for workers without symptoms.
Workers who test positive will have to self isolate even if they are not unwell.
With the latest lockdown, the government also indicated that secondary school students would be tested before they return to school.
In Haringey, children from age 12 upwards can access this testing at:
48 Station Road, Wood Green, N22 7TY.
Free rapid COVID-19 testing site in Haringey (4 January 2021)
/
- Test for whether you have had the virus infection in the past.
This test is open to NHS staff and care home workers, and some patients in care.
It requires a blood sample from a vein in your arm.
- This looks for the body’s reaction to the virus. It is called Antibody test.
- This test is useful if you once had symptoms, but was not tested for the virus antigen at that time.
- The test is best done at least a month after the symptoms – the immune system takes two to four weeks to develop antibody. (By that time the virus antigen has disappeared.)
- Some people catch the virus but have little or no symptoms. If you are one of them, this test can also show you had caught the virus some time ago.
To request this test:
- Ask your NHS workplace, or
- Ask your GP surgery (Your GP will have to refer you to the hospital and you may need to show you work in the NHS or a care home)
If you do not qualify for the NHS antibody test, some private clinics in London offer antibody test. If you are interested you may search on the internet for "coronavirus antibody test London".
10.06.2020
* A word about vocabulary
To make this easier to read, we have used the word ‘Coronavirus’ above. Technically, there are many different Coronaviruses. The particular virus that is causing the pandemic is SARS-CoV-2 or nCov-2019. The disease it causes is called Covid-19. Really, they are pointing to
Coronavirus tests for NHS staff and the public
Advice to NHS staff - antibody test
Assessment for NHS staff - risk at workplace
.
.