1. Where can I go to get help for my health out of hours?

    Advice and Information -

    Health issues unfortunately don't leave us alone at the weekend and people are often in need of medical assistance out of hours. Using NHS guidelines, we have provided some advice and information on where you can go for help when your GP is closed.

  2. Do you need help getting to hospital?

    Advice and Information -

    Find out what support is available to help you travel to your hospital appointments.

  3. Thinking about end of life care for you and your family

    Advice and Information -

    End of life care is support for people who are in the last months or years of their life. The guidance on the NHS website helps you know what to expect, how to plan ahead and how to manage your day to day decisions.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. What To Expect From a Pharmacy Visit

    Advice and Information -

    A new guide for patients and the public which explains what they can expect from pharmacy professionals and pharmacies.

  9. 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.

  10. 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).

  11. NHS Health Checks - Bexley

    News -

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

  12. Healthwatch Bexley Pharmacy Review 2017

    Report -

    During June and July 2017 we gathered the views of local people on their experiences of using pharmacy services in Bexley.

  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. Healthwatch Bexley Balanced Eating School Survey Report

    Report -

    Obesity in Bexley is identified as a key public health concern and a priority of the Health and Wellbeing board. In Bexley, the levels of obesity, both for children and adults, is significantly higher than national and regional levels.

  15. 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.

  16. Dressing Clinic Evaluation

    Report -

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

  17. Patient Experience of Urgent Care in Bexley

    Report -

    Read our enter and view report for Erith hospital and Queen Mary's Urgent Care Centres

  18. Audiology Services

    Report -

    This report presents the views of Bexley residents using local audiology services. The consultation period ran from March 2019 to December 2019.

  19. Mind In Bexley

    News -

    Mind In Bexley have a temporary service change in place following Government advice.

  20. Cancer and coronavirus

    News -

    If you have cancer, it’s understandable you might feel anxious about COVID-19. The Government and the NHS have both confirmed that cancer treatment should continue to be prioritised during the response to the COVID-19 emergency.

  21. 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.

  22. Dental and Orthodontic treatment following the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in England

    Advice and Information -

    Information guide about the re-opening of NHS orthodontic services following the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

  23. What to expect when visiting Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

    Advice and Information -

    Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust are doing everything they can to keep patients safe - it is vital people attend their appointments.

  24. 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.

  25. What can you expect when you’re discharged from hospital?

    Advice and Information -

    The usual processes the NHS follows to discharge you from hospital have changed during the coronavirus pandemic. Here’s what you can expect when it’s time to leave hospital.

  26. When should I get a Covid test?

    Advice and Information -

    With testing hitting the headlines in recent days, and increasing numbers of people trying to get a Covid test, it can be confusing to know when you should, or shouldn’t seek a Covid test.

  27. 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.

  28. NHS 111: How do I book a timeslot at A&E?

    Advice and Information -

    From the 1 December you’ll be able to book a slot at your local A&E if you need to by calling NHS 111. Find out what is changing and what it means for you and your loved ones.

  29. 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.

  30. 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.

  31. 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.

  32. 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

  33. Response to death of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh

    Response -

    Sir Robert Francis QC, Chair of Healthwatch England responds on behalf of our staff and volunteers.

  34. 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.

  35. Re-instate Receives Long Term Funding

    News -

    Re-Instate has received long-term funding to support the development of its Living Well project.

  36. NHS app ready to become vaccine passport

    News -

    England’s NHS app will be available to use as a vaccine passport from Monday, the government has said – but only for those who have had both doses of the jab.

  37. 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.

  38. Bulbanks Medical Centre Merger - FAQ's

    News -

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

  39. 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.

  40. Dr Thavapalan GP Practice - Change of Partnership

    News -

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

  41. How can your pharmacy help you?

    Advice and Information -

    Did you know that pharmacies provide advice and information on minor illnesses and ailments? Take a look at how they can help you.

  42. What to expect when waiting for care

    Advice and Information -

    Waiting for planned medical care or surgery can be a frustrating time. That’s why it’s so important that while you wait, you get regular, clear and accessible updates so that you can plan your next steps.

  43. What should I expect after being referred for mental health support?

    Advice and Information -

    Your mental wellness is as important as your physical health but seeking help can be daunting. Here's what to expect when you seek support for your mental health.

  44. Smoking Report

    Report -

    During the Covid-19 pandemic, evidence suggests that fewer people are stopping smoking and more ex-smokers are relapsing.

  45. 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.

  46. 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.

  47. 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.