Nurse Practitioner

Paula Marsden

As a Nurse Practitioner, I have completed a 3 year training programme in addition to my nursing qualification. I have gained expertise in clinical decision making, diagnosis and management of a range of health problems.  I am also able to prescribe medication for a range of conditions.

I work similarly to a GP and you may be offered an appointment with me as an option when you call to be seen on the same day.  I work closely with my colleagues and we ask each other for advice if your problem is not within our area of expertise. You can also make a telephone consultation appointment with me.

My lead area for long term conditions is respiratory health so you will see me for asthma and COPD reviews.  I am family planning trained.

Practice Nurses

As well as basic nurse training the practice nurse has developed her knowledge in asthma care, diabetics, family planning and various health education studies.  She is available for consultation, by appointment, from Monday to Thursday each week.  Please ask at reception or phone the surgery if you would like to see her for immunisations, dressings, suture removal, cervical smears, health checks, travel advice etc. 

Our practice nurse also offer patient over the age of 75 the opportunity to have an Over 75’s check.  This check can be carried out here at the surgery, or if you are unable to come to the surgery the practice nurses will arrange to visit you at home where appropriate. 

Dietician

Referral via GP, nurse or other staff member.  Help and advice for a wide range of conditions including diabetes, overweight, high cholesterol and food allergy.  Also available to advise on general healthy nutrition, for example during pregnancy or for children or elderly people. 

District Nurse

District nurses are fully qualified general nurses who have also undertaken extra training to enable them to provide skilled nursing care and support for patients and their families in their homes.  They work closely with GP's, health visitors, school nurses, social workers etc and can put people in touch with other organisations such as day centre, carers groups, social services, physiotherapists, etc.  District nurses advise and help the elderly, the acute and chronically ill, the disabled, those needing post-hospital treatment, the terminally ill, the bereaved, and those with HIV/AIDS.  If you would like to see the district nurse please discuss this with one of the doctors or nurses. 

Phlebotomy Service

The Surgery has an in-house phlebotomy service.  This enables patients to have blood samples taken quickly and efficiently at a convenient location.  The phlebotomist is available on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday mornings – by appointment only. 

Well Person Health Check 

Initial registration and regular assessment by the nurses to a standard protocol is offered by appointment. Patient between the ages of 40-74 who have not been seen at the surgery for a period of 5 years may request a consultation with a clinician, at which time any appropriate investigations will be made. 

Confidential Advice & Information for Teenagers 

We offer advice and information on the following:- Diet, Contraception, Drugs, Alcohol, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Emergency Contraception, Smoking, skin Care, Puberty/Growing up and Periods. All information given or anything you discuss with the doctors and the practice nurses is completely Confidential. 

Contraceptive Services & Safer Sex

The nurses and the doctors are available by appointment to provide contraception and advice.  This advice will be confidential, irrespective of age.  Free condoms are available.

Emergency Contraceptive Services

You may or may not be aware that there are two forms of emergency methods of contraception that can be used if you have had unprotected sexual intercourse and want to prevent pregnancy. 

They are:- 

• The Pill - Two special doses of a pill prescribed by a doctor taken 12 hours apart.  It works by altering the body's hormone balance.  Treatment must start within 3 days  ie: 72 hours after sex.  The sooner the better.  This can be 96-99% effective.  Your period may be earlier or later than usual.*
• The IUD 'Coil' - Fitted into the womb by a doctor within 5 days after sex.  The sooner the better.  This is usually 100% effective and can be used as an on going form of contraception if it is suitable for you.* 

* Important:  After either form of emergency contraception has been given it is important to see your doctor/nurse 3-4 weeks later whether or not you have had a period. 

If you are unable to get an appointment with either a doctor or nurse at the surgery, or the surgery is closed, or should you not wish to discuss contraception or sexual matters at the surgery, there are alternative places to go for help: 

Family Planning Clinics

Please ask at the reception desk for details of addresses, telephone numbers & opening hours of local family planning clinics.

• Hospital Accident & Emergency Department.  Open 24 hours. 
• Lydia Clinic, Sexual Health Clinic at St Thomas' Hospital. Tel: 020 7188 7188.  No appointment necessary.  Please phone for opening times.
• Brook Advisory Centre.  374 Brixton Road, Brixton.

Family Planning Services 

All doctors and the nurses have special training in family planning and are pleased to offer advice.  Please make an appointment. 

Antenatal Services

A doctor runs a clinic at the surgery for those women who want shared care.  Most of our patients live in North Lambeth and attend St Thomas' Hospital for NHS deliveries.  The health visitor is available to give information, advice and support, and offers all parents a home visit to discuss issues relating to pregnancy and preparing for parenthood.

We also have a Surestart Midwife attached to our surgery who is available by  appointment on a Monday 

Child Health Clinic

Held every Wednesday between 2-4 (well children only). There is a doctor for development checks (8 weeks only) and Post Natel checks for mum can also be done at the same time (Appointment is required for this please phone the surgery to book). A nurse available to give immunisations here at the surgery also on a Wednesday between 2.00pm and 4.00pm. No appointment is needed for Immunisations.  

Vaccinations and Immunisations

Many childhood illnesses such as mumps, measles, polio etc are easily preventable through vaccinations.  A full range of vaccinations and immunisations are available at this surgery, and we will be inviting you to bring your child to attend.  We recommend that you make it a priority to complete the full course of immunisations to ensure that your child is protected from unnecessary illness.  The doctors, nurses or health visitor will happily answer any queries you may have.

Breast Feeding Support & Information

Please Click Here

Nutritional Advice

Advice can be given on healthy eating.  Cholesterol levels can also be monitored.  Please make an appointment with one of our nurses. 

Travel

Our nurses are available for travel advice and immunisations by appointment. We hold a Travel Clinic every Monday afternoon.

Cervical Cytology

Cervical cancer is a source of preventable death and illness, and routine screening is a demonstrably effective way of diagnosing it at an early stage, when it can be easily cured.  The surgery carries out a screening programme and we would strongly encourage you to attend for cervical smears when you receive an invitation letter.  

Travel Vaccinations

If you require any vaccinations relating to foreign travel you need to make an appointment with the practice nurse to discuss your travel arrangements.  This will include which countries and areas within countries that you are visiting to determine what vaccinations are required.  There is further information about countries and vaccinations required on the links below

Europe & Russia	North America
Central America	South America
Caribbean	Africa
Middle East	Central Asia
East Asia	Australasia and Pacific

It is important to make this initial appointment as early as possible  - at least 6 weeks before you travel - as a second appointment will be required with the practice nurse to actually receive the vaccinations.  These vaccines have to be ordered as they are not a stock vaccine.  Your second appointment needs to be at least 2 weeks before you travel to allow the vaccines to work.

Some travel vaccines are ordered on a private prescription and these incur a charge over and above the normal prescription charge.  This is because not all travel vaccinations are included in the services provided by the NHS.

Travel Health Questionnaire

To help us offer the appropriate advice, please fill out the online form before coming to see the nurse.

Travel Questionnaire

Find out what support you can get if you’re struggling because of coronavirus

The Government has created a service to help patients find out what help and advice is available for those who are struggling. For more information, please click here

Lambeth Council have also created this document to direct patients to local services

Lambeth-wide shopping service to support vulnerable residents

A borough-wide shopping service was recently launched. The service is targeted at people who are vulnerable and self-isolating delivered in partnership between Lambeth council and social enterprise onHand.

VITAL Meals

Vital meals are providing meals to 

• All NHS staff & all Key Workers

• Children now unable to access a cooked meal due to school closures

• Single parent families who are unable to shop because they are not allowed to take their children to the supermarket and can’t leave them at home

• Those on low income/Universal Credit/those who have lost their jobs and are now unable to afford regular supplies

• Homeless shelters/hostels

• Housing associations

The postcodes currently covered are: all W & SW Postcodes, SE1, 5, 11, 17, 21, 24 & 27, NW5, 1 & 3, N7, E2 & E3.

If you or anyone you know needs a meal, PLEASE contact on hello@theplattery.com

Lambeth Early Action Partnership

For information on support from LEAP, please click here.

Face coverings when using NHS services

All patients and visitors to NHS services must wear a face covering at all times. This includes hospitals, community clinics and GP services. Evidence has confirmed that face coverings can help reduce the risk of transmission if you are suffering from coronavirus, but not showing symptoms. 

• The government has set out advice for people on how to make their own face coverings easily at home, using scarves or other textile items. These face coverings should cover the mouth and nose, whilst allowing the wearer to breathe comfortably and can be as simple as a scarf or bandana that ties behind the head to give a snug fit.
• Please wash your hands or use hand sanitiser before putting on a face covering and after taking it off. Please avoid touching your face covering whilst wearing it to avoid transmission of the virus.
• If you attend an appointment without a face covering, you will be provided with a face mask in an emergency.
• Thank you for your understanding at this very challenging time. We recognise this is a significant change to the way we operate however we have taken these steps in coordination with the latest guidance.

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