CORONAVIRUS INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS  (updated 26.11.2020)

PLEASE REFER TO THE 'FURTHER INFORMATION' SECTION AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE. 

FLU VACCINATIONS FOR PATIENTS AGED 50 - 64 YEARS

We have a limited amount of flu vaccinations available for patients aged 50 - 64 years.

If you are a registered patient within this group, you will be invited to the surgery via a text message to either attend the surgery to be vaccinated or signposted to a community pharmacy.  If you are invited to come to the surgery for a vaccine, it is vital that you read the following information before attending:-

• Please be prepared to wait.  The staff are giving up their time to vaccinate you - the demand will be high and we will be as quick as we can.  Please be understanding.

• Be prepared to follow all COVID safety guidelines, including WEARING OF MASKS, SOCIAL DISTANCING, and use of HAND GEL.

• Please do NOT attend if you, or any member of your family have COVID symptoms which include:-

           - a new continuous cough

           - a high temperature

           - loss of taste or smell

           - or if you are waiting for the results of a COVID test.

• The car park will be out of bounds as patients will be using this space in which to queue.   When you arrive for your vaccination, please make your way to the back of the surgery via the car park where you will be directed from there.   

• Please come alone where possible

IF YOU HAVE HAD ANY OF THE FOLLOWING, THEN PLEASE DO NOT ATTEND THE WALK-IN CLINIC:-

• Severe egg allergy needing hospital admission

• Severe reaction to previous flu vaccination

• You are acutely unwell on the day of the vaccine

Post Vaccine Advice

Flu vaccines are very safe.   Most side effects are mild and only last for a day or so, such as:-

• slightly raised temperature

• muscle aches

• sore arm where the needle went in - this is more likely to happen with the vaccine for people aged 65 and over

Try these tips to help reduce the discomfort:-

• continue to move your arm regularly, a cold compress helps.

• take a painkiller, such as Paracetamol or Ibuprofen - some people including those who are pregnant, should not take Ibuprofen unless a doctor recommends it.

Allergic reactions to the Flu Vaccine

Allergic reactions are very rare and staff are trained in anaphylaxis treatment.

REMEMBER THAT THE FLU VACCINE CANNOT GIVE YOU "FLU", it is not a live vaccine.

If you attend the clinic, we are taking your attendance as consent for the vaccination.   

It would be extremely helpful if you could refrain from ringing Reception with queries unless ABSOLUTELY necessary.  We are already experiencing huge volumes of calls.

On the day of the walk-in clinic, Reception will be closed and no other queries can be addressed at this time. 

PLEASE REMEMBER THAT IF ELIGIBLE, YOU WILL BE INVITED VIA TEXT OR LETTER

WITH THE DETAILS OF THE CLINIC

YOU DO NOT NEED TO CONTACT THE SURGERY.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CO-OPERATION

Welcome to Thames Avenue Surgery        

Welcome to our website where we hope you will find enhanced convenience added to first class healthcare. Find out when we are open and how to see a member of the team. We’ve made life a little easier with practice updates, news on the latest health issues and even access to repeat medication all at your fingertips.

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Check out what patients are saying about our services 

and what we are doing in response to feedback received

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Having your say helps to improve care for everyone so please put us to the test by giving us your feedback each time you use our services.  

Have your say - TAKE OUR TEST today.  

COIL / IMPLANT CLINIC

We are delighted to now offer Coil and Implant Fittings/Removals at the surgery.

For further information about our Contraception Services  please CLICK HERE.

PATIENT SAMPLES

Following a recent Infection Prevention & Control audit carried out at the surgery, we now no longer accept patient samples put through the letter box.     In order to comply with our infection prevention & control procedures, any samples put in the letter box will be discarded.

All patient samples must be handed in directly at Reception during our opening hours so that we can ensure that the sample has been correctly labelled and that it is securely placed in a sealed bag ready for sending to the lab.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CO-OPERATION.  (AUGUST 2019)

IMPROVED ACCESS 'HUBS'

Did you know that you are able to book an appointment to see a GP in the evenings or weekends at one of the many Primary Care Hubs within the Healthy Living Centres across Medway?

Read more.....

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

Data Protection Law changed as from 25th May 2018 - please see our Privacy Notices to give you more information on the data we hold on you, what we do with that data, who we share your data with and your new rights under GDPR.

Your Good Health

Access to a wide range of healthcare services is a key element of a good local practice. We don’t just want to see you when you’re ill we want to make sure you stay healthy too. Check out how we can cover both bases with our clinics and services.

Best practice

Our professional team will ensure you receive the best attention at all times whether you’re attending a specialist clinic or a routine appointment. If you’re new to the area registration is easy and comes with the comfort of discretion and confidentiality assured. 

NOTICE TO PATIENTS re. Requesting Repeat Prescriptions 

As part of our commitment to offer patients a more enhanced online service, we withdrew the facility to request repeat prescriptions directly from our surgery website at the end of July 2018.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused in removing this facility, however this service and more is now provided on an alternative secure website which once registered will enable you to book GP appointments, request repeat medication, view the status of any medication requests and will also give access to some aspects of your medical record.

Please either click on the link below for a registration form or collect a form from Reception. 

Patient Online

Please register to use our Online Services. Learn More...

Accessibility     

Our surgery is accessible to patients using a wheelchair via a ramp at the front entrance.                                                                                                          

There is a disabled space in the car park at the rear of the surgery for any patients displaying a disabled badge in their vehicle.  A disabled toilet and baby changing facilities are also available.  There is also space for prams and buggies opposite reception.