Archives: Clinics and Services - Forge Close Surgery (2024)

How to Request a Repeat Prescription

Repeat prescriptions are medications which your doctor would like you to continue on a regular basis.

Repeat prescriptions may be ordered in several ways:

Online

You can order your repeat prescriptions viaNHS Appor Patient Access on a computer, iPad or a phone app. The surgery will give you a log in and password to access this.

Other requests for repeat prescriptions should be in writing or via email to[emailprotected]The Receptionists are not permitted to take requests for repeat prescriptions over the telephone.

In Person

Fill in a prescription request form or underline the items needed on the tear-off side of your prescription and drop it into the surgery. Please do not order any medications you do not need.

Post

If a stamped addressed envelope is supplied, your prescription can be returned via Royal Mail.Find our postal address.

Electronic Prescription Service

GP online services allow you to access a range of services via your computer or mobile.

Once you have signed up, you will be able to:

• Book or cancel appointments online with a GP or nurse
• Renew or orderrepeat prescriptionsonline
• View parts of your GPhealth record, including information about medication, allergies, vaccinations, previous illnesses and test results

The service is free. Everyone who is registered with a GP can have access to their practice’s online services.

Prescription Costs

Prescription charges are as follows:

• Prescription (per item): £9.35
• 3-month PPC: £30.25
• 12-month prepayment certificate (PPC): £108.10

If you pay for prescription items frequently, you may find it cheaper to buy a prepayment certificate. You can do this byvisiting here.

Private Prescriptions

A private prescription can only be issued if the medication is not available on the NHS; the prescription is not paid for by the NHS and the cost is paid for by the patient. It is charged by the cost of the medicine and the pharmacists charge for supplying it.

Please note a prescription is a legal document which the doctor who has signed it is responsible. Doctors who are seen privately cannot issue NHS prescriptions.

Your GP is unable to convert a private prescription into an NHS prescription.

The NHS provides sickness certificationonly after seven continuous days of illness. If you need a sick note to cover this period of sickness you should complete a Self Certification (SC2) form which is available from your employer or on theHMRC website.

Please visit theDirect Gov websitefor full information about fitness for work following a period of sickness. After this period a NHS certificate may be issued but you will need to contact the surgery as it may be necessary to discuss your request with your GP.

Do I need a note saying I’m fit for work?

No. You do not need to see your GP again to be ‘signed back to work’.

NHS Bromley Musculoskeletal (MSK) Services

Self-Refer to our NHS Physiotherapy service:

Getting help

We deliver a range of NHS Physical (Musculoskeletal) Health services that involve helping people from age 16+ to the elderly, from all walks of life. We have a team of experts who are committed to improving the way you move and enhancing your quality of life, by giving you the most suitable treatment for an injury or condition.

What is Self-referral?

If you are 16 years or older and have back, neck, joint or general muscle problems you can now self-refer to physiotherapy without the need for a GP appointment. You can still see your GP to be referred, but self-referral aims to give you rapid access direct to a physiotherapy assessment. Self-referral gives you rapid access to a physiotherapist without the need to see your GP, thus improving your access and wait time. It puts you in control of your care.

How does it work?

If you feel that you would benefit from our services and are registered with a Bromley GP and you would like to self-refer, then follow the instructions below:

Online referral

Using this online Physiotherapy assessment tool will allow you to answer a series of questions in your own time. We can then direct you to the most appropriate care for you as quickly as possible. You can access this tool 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Alternatively we will contact you within 7 days to confirm a telephone or video appointment with a Physiotherapist to understand your problem and guide your next steps.

Please have your NHS number ready – if you don’t have your NHS number to hand then simply use the NHS website.

We are happy to register new NHS patients within our practice boundary area.

How to Register

To register with our practice please follow the link below to complete the online registration form.

You will also be required to complete the following form:

• New Patient Questionnaire

AND provide two proofs of your current address, dated within the last three months.

Practice Boundary

Please enter your postcode below to ensure you live within our service boundary before attempting to register with the Surgery.

All eligible people living in the Practice’s catchment area can register with Forge Close Surgery as a regular patient.

If you do not have a fixed address, please see the next page ‘New Patient Registration Forms’.

Temporary Patient

Any GP Surgery can be contacted if you need urgent treatment and

• You’re away from home
• You’re not registered with a GP Surgery
• It’s a medical emergency

Please call the Surgery to book an appointment; you will be asked to complete the temporary patient registration form prior to your appointment.

Overseas Visitors

Those who visit the UK from overseas must pay for their care when they are in England.

In 2015 changes were made to how the NHS charges overseas visitors for healthcare so the NHS does not lose out on income for the services these patients have received.

For information for overseas visitors pleasesee here.

Our Clinical Pharmacy Team

Did you know that your GP surgery has access to a team of clinical pharmacists to help support with your health management? Many people aren’t aware and are unsure about how a clinical pharmacist can assist them.

Clinical pharmacists work as part of your GP surgery team to assist with day-to-day medicine issues. They are highly trained experts in medicines, who also consult with and treat patients directly.

This includes providing extra help to manage long-term conditions, advice for those on multiple medications and better access to health checks.

Their role is pivotal to improving the quality of care and ensuring patient safety.

Clinical pharmacists in GP surgeries are an integral part of the NHS Long Term Plan to make it easier for patients to have access to the right health professional for their needs.

The Bromley GP Alliance clinical pharmacists are from various backgrounds and well experienced in diverse areas including community, hospital, outpatient or mental health pharmacies – each bringing their unique insights and skills to provide Bromley residents with the best care.

How can a clinical pharmacist help me?

• If you have a long term condition, a clinical pharmacist can offer advice on the medicines you are taking to ensure you get the best outcome.
• They can help you make changes to your lifestyle to help you stay well.
• If your medicine is making you feel worse or causing other symptoms, a clinical pharmacist can help by reviewing your medication and help plan appropriate management.
• If you take multiple medicines, a clinical pharmacist can help you plan and manage them.
• They can also provide health checks such as checking your blood pressure and arranging blood tests.
• Clinical pharmacists may be able to prescribe your medicines in the same way as your GP.

Clinical pharmacists have vast clinical knowledge and they are there to help you.

Your GP surgery will always direct your query to the most appropriate member of the team, so, the next time a clinical pharmacist from your practice gives you a call, be assured you are speaking to a highly trained professional, who is eager to help with your query and help you get well.

This blog was written by Geeta Maharaj, who is one of BGPA’s clinical pharmacists working in Bromley.

Please review our list of Non NHS work that we offer at the practice, which attract a fee. This includes certificates, forms, medical examinations and various travel vaccinations.