1. Registering with your GP: understanding your rights

    Advice and Information -

    People have told us they can have problems registering with a GP. This article explains more about your rights and what do to if you are refused the right to register.

  2. Accessibility checklist for GP surgeries

    Advice and Information -

    Help make sure that your practice meets people’s accessibility requirements using this checklist from Healthwatch Slough.

  3. Do you need help travelling to NHS services?

    Advice and Information -

    Find out what support is available to help you when travelling to your GP, hospital or other NHS services.

  4. Erith Urgent Care

    Report -

    An independent review of the Urgent Care Centre (UCC) site at Erith Hospital found it unfit for purpose. This report outlines the proposed move from an UCC at Erith Hospital to Erith Health Centre.

  5. Flu Vaccination Report

    Report -

    The uptake of the flu vaccine for the 2017-18 winter season in Bexley was below the national average, therefore, we undertook a study to look at the reasons for this and try to understand some of the barriers to being vaccinated.

  6. Urgent Care Public Consultation

    News -

    Bexley residents will be please to hear that the go ahead has been given to develop a new Urgent Care Centre at Darent Valley Hospital.

  7. NHS Long Term Plan Engagement Report - South East London

    Report -

    Healthwatch in the South East London area, have been working together. We have obtained the views of South East London residents, to support the implementation of the local Long Term Plan.

  8. Rapid Engagement 8-8 GP Access Survey Results

    Report -

    GP practices across Bexley are working together to improve GP services by creating more appointments, reduce waiting times and make sure residents have access to quality services across the Borough.

  9. Patient Participation Group Audit Report

    Report -

    Read the findings and recommendations following our audit of Patient Participation Groups (PPGs) in Bexley on behalf of the Bexley Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).

  10. NHS Health Checks - Bexley

    News -

    Are you eligible for the free NHS Health Check? Uptake across the borough is very low.

  11. Enter & View Report - Look and Listen

    Report -

    Tackling barriers to healthcare and improving GP access and quality of care for people with a learning disability in Bexley.

  12. Review of General Practice online complaints information - Bexley

    Report -

    A lack of awareness of how to make a complaint is a common concern across the Bexley Borough

  13. NHS Winter Comms Evaluation

    Report -

    We teamed up with the other South London Healthwatch groups to provide support to assist the NHS London region with the evaluation of the effectiveness of the Transforming Primary Care Programme’s winter communications programme.

  14. Should I see a pharmacist instead of a doctor?

    Advice and Information -

    Avoid the wait at the GP and know when to visit your pharmacist instead. Look at how your pharmacist can help you.

  15. Dressing Clinic Evaluation

    Report -

    Our evaluation of the dressings clinic which trialed for six months at Queen Mary’s hospital.

  16. GP Access & Quality of Experience for People with Learning Disabilities

    Report -

    This snapshot study seeks to explore the experience of people with learning disabilities when accessing their GP surgery, in addition to the quality of care they receive when accessing the service.

  17. Local NHS assures patients health services are open and accessible

    Blog -

    The NHS in Bexley is urging patients to continue accessing health services for symptoms and conditions requiring medical care.

  18. Join us and the Care Quality Commission to help shape health and social care services post COVID-19.

    News -

    Help patients, key workers and your community by telling us about a recent experience of health and social care services in Bexley.

  19. Are digital consultations working for you during COVID-19?

    News -

    Since the Coronavirus pandemic, many more GP and outpatient consultations are being handled through the phone or online systems, instead of face to face.  Some people find this change easy and convenient, but for others it can create difficulties.

  20. Getting the most out of the virtual health and care experience

    News -

    Using people’s experiences, we have created top tips for both patients, health and care professionals on how to get the most out of digital consultations.

  21. Flu Vaccinations 2020

    Advice and Information -

    ‘Just’ the flu? There’s no ‘just’ about it. In an average year, the flu virus kills 11,000 people and hospitalises thousands more. The flu vaccine is the best protection for you and those around you. Read more about the vaccination here.

  22. I am in individual and I want personalised care

    Advice and Information -

    All London residents can now have a personalised care plan. The plan is linked to all the urgent care services including 111, the out of hours GPs, the London Ambulance Service and all the emergency departments.

  23. Flu Vaccination Children Aged 2-3 Years

    Report -

    This report presents the views of parents with children aged two to three years old, living in the London Borough of Bexley about their thoughts and knowledge concerning the children’s flu vaccine.

  24. Flu Vaccination Under 65s with Underlying Health Conditions

    Report -

    This report presents the views of individuals aged under 65 with underlying health conditions, living in the London Borough of Bexley, regarding their thoughts and knowledge of the flu vaccine.

  25. New messaging for over 70's in London to get their first Covid vaccination

    Advice and Information -

    Enabling more South East Londoners over the age of 70 to get their first COVID vaccination

  26. Do you know anyone who could benefit from a GP Access card?

    News -

    Previously known as My Right to Healthcare, GP Access cards allow people who aren't registered with a GP practice, have no fixed address or identification to communicate their right to healthcare.

  27. Digital Inclusion Report

    Report -

    The lockdown imposed from March 2020 brought with it some radical changes to how people are able to access health and care services.

  28. South East London Healthwatch Patient Group

    News -

    Following a successful recruitment process, local Healthwatch in south east London has established a Patient Group to provide the added value of patient and public experience through a regional lens.

  29. Bulbanks Medical Centre Merger - FAQ's

    News -

    Bulbanks Medical Centre has now merged with Riverside Surgery on Thursday July 1st 2021.

  30. GP Data for planning and research collection: what you need to know

    Advice and Information -

    The NHS is making some changes to how it collects and uses patient data. To make sure you're clued up, read some frequently asked questions about the upcoming GP Data for planning and research collection below.

  31. Annual Report 2020/2021

    Report -

    The 20/21 Annual Report highlights our work, what we've achieved and our plans for next year.

  32. Dr Thavapalan GP Practice - Change of Partnership

    News -

    After serving his practice and the community for 35 years Dr Thavapalan is retiring.

  33. Top tips to get the most out of your GP appointment

    Advice and Information -

    Do you struggle to speak to your doctor about your medical concerns? You’re not alone. Take a look at these top tips to make the most out of your GP appointment.

  34. NHS sets plan to improve GP access

    News -

    The NHS has published a plan for improving access to GP appointments for patients alongside supporting GPs and their teams.

  35. GP Access Report

    Report -

    The Covid-19 pandemic and lockdowns affected people's access to their GP surgeries. Our report details residents experiences of trying to book and attend appointments at their GP practice since lockdown restrictions were lifted on 19 July 2021.

  36. GP Access For Deaf British Sign Language Users

    News -

    Are you a deaf British sign language user? Please take part in our latest survey.

  37. Staying well through winter

    Advice and Information -

    Looking after yourself during the winter months is important. Help Bexley’s health and care services this winter by taking good care of yourself and using the right service when you need it.

  38. Colonoscopy confidence: your common sense bowel check

    Advice and Information -

    It's natural to feel anxious or worried if you're told you need a colonoscopy, but it's important to have the test if you are referred.

  39. Download Healthwatch Engand's Annual Report to Parliament

    News -

    Together we’re making a real difference to people’s lives! Read the Healthwatch England annual report to find out the impact our collective work has had on communities across England.

  40. British public satisfaction with the NHS lowest in 25 years – Healthwatch England response

    Response -

    More people in England, Scotland and Wales are now dissatisfied (41%) with the NHS than are satisfied for the first time since 2002, according to a report from King’s Fund and Nuffield Trust.

  41. What medical support are you entitled to if you’re new to the UK?

    Advice and Information -

    For new arrivals to the UK it can be confusing where to go if you need medical assistance. Here we outline your rights as a refugee, where you can access emergency help and how to register for a GP.

  42. Riverside Surgery - Pier Road and Mill Road - telephone number change

    News -

    Important information about Riverside Surgery Pier Road and Mill Road

  43. Need Some Help with 'Digital'?

    Advice and Information -

    Bexley Digital Champion volunteers are based in a variety of organisations all over Bexley offering FREE one-to-one support at your pace.

  44. The Healthy Start Scheme

    News -

    The Healthy Start Scheme is a government-funded programme that aims to help parents give their young children the best start in life by subsidising food shopping.

  45. 10 top tips to get the most out of your GP appointment

    Advice and Information -

    We know from our conversations with the public that some patients report feeling rushed during appointments and struggling to make themselves heard. Here are some tips that could help you get the most out of visiting your GP.