Noticeboard

We are here for you when you need us – how to access services

If you need the help of a GP, practice nurse or other health professional that works in our surgery, we are here for you.

GP practices are busier than they have ever been and we want you to know how to get the help you need from us.

As you will know, we have been open throughout the pandemic, offering you telephone and online appointments. Face to face consultations are available for those who need them. We have continued to help many thousands of patients each week, alongside planning and delivering the COVID-19 vaccination programme.

There are some things that patients can do to help make sure we can see everyone who needs us, as quickly as possible. Please continue to contact us by phone or online as this helps us to manage people entering our practice building; it is much better if you don’t come to the practice unless you have an appointment.  We need to keep social distancing in our practice building to keep everyone safe, we also ask that you always wear a mask while in the surgery. Please remember that appointments are a set amount of time so it is only safe to discuss one or two health issues. If you have more to discuss please mention this when you speak to reception staff.

Our busiest times of the day on the phones are between 8am and 10am so if you can, we would suggest that you call outside of this time.

During the pandemic the use of our online system https://florey.accurx.com/p/F81216 increased. It is a great way to get clinical advice for your condition, however, it is worth remembering that each consultation takes a significant of time to review and there are lots of other ways to get advice. Also, you will not get an instant response to these so if it is urgent please call the practice or contact 111.

On our website we have links to key NHS information and advice. Please also go to  www.nhs.uk which is a as a source of trusted health advice about your or your child’s condition. Your local pharmacist is also there for you as an expert in medicines. They can offer advice for certain ailments. They will also know when you need to contact a GP or another more urgent service. Many pharmacies are open in the evening and at weekends, you can find them on the NHS website. You can also find out how to make the most of your pharmacist.

Remember if the situation is urgent you can contact NHS 111 by visiting www.111.nhs.uk or by calling 111.  They can also support with a mental health crisis if you select option 2.

You don’t need to see a GP to refer yourself for some mental health services. Find out more at https://www.hpft.nhs.uk/services/community-services/wellbeing-service/ If you are worried about your mental health and any harm you may cause yourself please contact your practice.

Remember to always dial 999 straight away when it is a real emergency, for example if you think someone is having a heart attack or a stroke.

Please continue to use general practice when you need to, we are open and there for you.

Thank you for your support - The River Surgery.

 NEW ONLINE CONTACT FACILITY - ACCURX

You can now contact us online with a medical, administrative or prescription query by using the link https://florey.accurx.com/p/F81216

We aim to respond to your queries within 2 working days. Please do not use this online form for urgent or emergency requests as they may be missed. 

TELEPHONE CALLS

Please note - all incoming and outgoing phone calls at the surgery are recorded for training and quality purposes.

SHARPS BIN DISPOSAL

From January 1st 2019 you will no longer be able to return your sharps bins to your local pharmacy. Epping Forest Council has arrangements in place for the disposal of used sharps bins, details of which can be found by clicking on the link below.

Epping Forest sharps bin disposal information

EVENING AND WEEKEND GP APPOINTMENTS

The West Essex Evening and Weekend GP service provided by HUC (Herts Urgent Care) offers additional, pre-booked appointments at convenient times to suit your needs.  

Please see the attached information or contact reception for details.

HUC Patient Information

PATIENT PARTICIPATION GROUP MEETING

Currently suspended due to COVID19 restrictions.

Physiotherapy Self Referral

Patients can now find full details of how to complete the self-referral process for Physiotherapy on the EPUT website via the following link:

 

https://eput.nhs.uk/our-services/essex/west-essex-community-health-services/adults/rehabilitation/musculo-skeletal-physiotherapy/physiotherapy-self-referral-form/

 

On this page it explains how patients can complete a Physiotherapy Self-Referral Form themselves and then email or post it to EPUT. Or, patient's can simply phone EPUT directly to discuss the self-referral process, if they would prefer to do so by calling: 01279 827404 (lines open 09:00 – 16:00 Monday to Friday).

 

TEXT MESSAGES

Due to the new GDPR requirements, we are no longer be able to text you unless we have your explicit consent. Please call into the surgery to complete a consent form if you have not already done so. 

PARKING RESTRICTIONS

Please note that you cannot park on the single yellow lines in Rous Road and Hurst Road between the hours of 1 and 2pm. You may park there at any other time. Please also be aware that neighbouring Dene Road is now resident permit parking only. You may want to try and avoid these times when planning your visit to the surgery.

 

Welcome to The River Surgery

We are confident that our website will provide clear and concise help and give our patients the information they require in an easy and convenient format. It has been designed with the patient’s needs at the forefront of everything, from checking surgery times to letting us know what you think of us.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information

COVID VACCINATIONS

Please don’t contact the surgery to seek a vaccine. You can book your vaccine via the National Booking Service on 119 or online https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination/

Please continue to follow all the guidance in place to control the virus and save lives, even if you have already had your vaccine.

AstraZeneca (AZ) Vaccine - please click on the link below for the latest guidance.

COVID-19 vaccination and blood clotting - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

ONLINE BOOKING - PLEASE NOTE THIS IS TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED

This is to mitigate any risk that potentially infected patients might book appointments online and attend the practice.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, we are taking steps to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all patients and staff at the practice.

We ask that if you have symptoms of a high temperature or a new, continuous cough, or you live with someone that is experiencing any of these symptoms that you self-isolate as per NHS Guidance (see the latest COVID-19 advice).

Appointments

We are telephone triaging the majority of appointments with our clinicians when you call to make an appointment; however some face to face appointments are available. These appointments are limited so as to maintain social distancing and comply with COVID-19 infection control requirements.

If you book a telephone consultation, a clinician will assess your case over the telephone and advice will be given. You may also be offered a video (AccuRx) consultation.

Please telephone the surgery from 8am each week day to book a consultation with a clinician.

AccuRx Video Link Patient Instructions

You will only be asked to attend the practice for a face to face assessment by the clinician if this is necessary.

Please DO NOT attend the surgery unless advised to do so by a clinician.

Please be assured that you are not 'wasting our time' and that it is important to seek advice if you have any health concerns.

Immunisation for children during COVID-19

Please continue to book in your children for their routine immunisations. As long as all members of the household are well and not displaying symptoms of Coronavirus or other infections, children should have routine childhood immunisations as normal.

We are taking appropriate measures to minimise the risk to staff and patients by reducing the number of people coming into the surgery, therefore only one parent/guardian is to accompany the child.

Cervical smears

We continue to carry out routine cervical smears.

Please telephone the surgery to book your appointment.

B12 injections

We continue to carry out Vitamin B12 injections.

Please telephone the surgery to book your appointment.

If you have any chronic conditions such as asthma / COPD or diabetes and have any concerns, please contact the surgery to arrange a telephone consultation with a clinician. 

Prescriptions

Repeat prescriptions can be requested online or posted through our secure letterbox at the staff entrance at the front of the building.

If you have a nominated pharmacy, your prescription will automatically be sent there.

If you do not have a nominated pharmacy please contact the surgery and we will arrange this for you.

We are still providing other routine appointments such as Mother and baby checks, childhood immunisations, vaccinations, dressings and smears. Please contact Reception for further information.

Sepsis Awareness Information

Please click on the leaflet below to find out how to spot Sepsis and serious illness in children.

Spotting Sepsis in Children

Serving You

Our dedicated team are here to treat those minor ailments that occur as well as providing specialist management of long-term conditions and clinics covering a wide range of healthcare issues. The technology also means you can now do a lot of things from the comfort of your home such as order a repeat prescription or cancel an appointment.

Partners in Care

Once registered, patients and healthcare professionals work together to ensure the most appropriate care is provided. This partnership philosophy extends even further and our active patient group exists to make sure that patient needs and the practice offering are always heading in the same direction.

Safeguarding Adults and Children

The River Surgery is committed to protecting children and vulnerable adults and we will make their welfare our highest priority. Where additional support is necessary this will include working with other agencies. If you have any concerns about a child or vulnerable adult please contact the surgery.

Useful safeguarding contacts:

NSPCC helpline: 0808 800 5000 If you're worried about a child, even if you're unsure, contact NSPCC professional counsellors for help, advice and support.
Childline 0800 1111: Offers free, confidential advice and support for any child 18 years or under, whatever the worry.
MIND: Mental Health Support with specific advice on ‘Coronavirus and your wellbeing’. www.mind.org.uk
YoungMinds: Supporting children and young people and their parents/carers with their mental health and wellbeing. Specific advice on managing self-isolation and anxiety about coronavirus. https://youngminds.org.uk
ICON: Babies cry: You can cope. http://iconcope.org/
SafeLives: Specific resources for domestic abuse and COVID. https://safelives.org.uk/news-views/domestic-abuse-and-covid-19

IRISi interventions: irisi.org/iris/find-your-local-iris-site/

REFUGE for women and children against domestic abuse https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/ 

The freephone, 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 2000 247

Essex Compass https://www.essexcompass.org.uk/

Essex Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0330 333 7 444

Helpline available from 8 am to 8 pm weekdays and 8 am to 1 pm weekends. Messages will be responded to within 24hrs.

Essex Police https://www.essex.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/c19/coronavirus-covid-19/domestic-abuse/

If you have any reason to think someone is in immediate danger, or your life may be at risk, call 999.

If you’re deaf, hard of hearing or can't communicate verbally you can register with the emergencySMSservice. Text REGISTER to 999. 

If you’re experiencing domestic abuse or are concerned for someone who is, report it to us by calling 101.

If you’re deaf, hard of hearing or can't communicate verbally: use our textphone service on 18001 101.

Access & Facilities

The surgery has access ramps and toilet facilities for patients who use a wheelchair. The surgery has a car park at the rear. Please note there are parking restrictions in the surrounding roads between 13:00 and 14:00.

A hearing loop is available in reception.

For visually impaired patients, if any assistance is required, please make the receptionist aware. Guide dogs are welcome at the surgery.

(Site updated 23/06/2021)
For appointments and prescriptions please use the Online Services link above. Alternatively, just click here.
 
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