If you are pregnant and considering abortion, you are not alone. Around 1 in 3 UK women have an abortion by the time they are 45. An abortion is classed as a type of procedure that allows you to terminate a pregnancy and the pregnancy is ended either by taking medicines or having a surgical procedure.
Making the choice to end a pregnancy is a big decision for anyone, so making sure you have all of the information and resources available to you in order to make an informed decision, is crucial.
With this in mind, we outline some key information relating to getting an abortion in the UK.
At the start of the process, you will be able to openly and confidentially discuss your feelings regarding your current pregnancy and possible abortion. Often this chat will take place either over the phone or in-person. You’ll likely be able to choose but it’s likely that this will take place over the phone.
You will be given all of the relevant and necessary information you need to make an informed decision and this will allow you fully explore all the options available. All of the information you discuss will be totally confidential.
After the abortion you may opt to see support service for additional guidance, support or emotional after care. Be mindful that some of these support services are geared towards promoting the view of a wider organisation, so make sure that you are using a verified organisation. Contact an organisation through your GP for advice on getting the necessary support in your area.
Lots of our patients will have abortions paid for via the National Health Service (NHS). In some cases, information about your location and GP may be required to see if funding is available. If you are a European national currently in the UK but don’t have access to NHS funding and are more than 10 weeks pregnant, please reach out to the Abortion Support Network for further guidance. You will be able to discuss NHS-funded treatments and see if you are eligible to receive this.
Your well-being should always be a number one priority. At NHS GP, we offer a range of clinical services for everyone including NHS including abortion services, weight loss management, drug and alcohol support and plenty more. Get your body and mind in the right place today and contact us for more information.
As the nights get longer and the weather gets colder, the chances of catching a cold or the flu increase. By getting a flu vaccine, you can be protected from the risk of getting seriously ill.
Read on to find out why you should consider getting a flu vaccine this winter.
A flu vaccine causes antibodies to develop in the body that will help to protect from any influenza viruses that enter your body. Scientists work hard to identify which strains of the flu are likely to be more prevalent this season, designing the flu vaccine to combat these strains. No vaccines contain live viruses so will not give you the flu itself, just act as prevention.
The flu vaccine gives the best protection against flu and if you do catch it, the symptoms are likely to be milder and not last as long. It will also stop you from spreading the flu to other people who may be more at risk.
Because of the number of people staying indoors during the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, people are less likely to have built up any natural immunity to protect against the flu this year. If you get the flu and COVID-19 at the same time, you are much more likely to become seriously ill.
By getting vaccinated, you’re protecting yourself from both of these serious illnesses. If you’re eligible for your second dose of the COVID-19 jab or the booster, it is completely safe to have this and the flu jab at the same time.
The flu vaccine is given free on the NHS for a few key groups. These are people who:
If you don’t fall into any of these categories, you can still get the flu vaccine, but it will not be available for free. You can have your flu vaccine at your GP surgery, a pharmacy, or at a hospital, depending on their availability. You should book soon to get your appointment as quickly as possible.
Most adults can and should get the flu vaccine, but you should avoid it if you are currently ill with a high temperature or have had a serious allergic reaction in the past. This may be due to an egg allergy. If so you can ask your GP for a low-egg or egg-free vaccine.
If you’re still unsure and live in the North London area, you can register with NHS GP online and book a video consultation, where a trained practitioner can explain to you the benefits of the flu vaccine. Alternatively, contact us at 0208 902 4792 if you have any questions.
It happens every year. Thousands of students leave home for the first time to travel to university in a different city. In the excitement of moving away, making new friends and getting stuck into the university experience, some tasks are forgotten about. One of these is registering with a new local GP.
Read on to find out why it’s very important not to forget to register with a new GP at university.
Registering with a local GP enables you to access the right health care whenever you need it. Unless you have a serious issue that requires calling 999 or going to A&E, visiting a GP will normally be the place you need to go for physical or mental health concerns.
Students often become ill much easier than other groups, due to new people from many different places mixing together for the first time. There is a lot of danger from different viruses such as mumps, which can spread quickly through students if unvaccinated. You should make sure your vaccines are up to date before you go to university or immediately after arriving. If you have ongoing health conditions such as asthma, diabetes or epilepsy, it is vital to register to a university GP so you can get guaranteed access to the medicine you need.
Most UK based students will already be registered at their home GP, but we recommend you swap to a GP that is closer to your university address, as this is where you will spend most of your time. If you go home for holidays and need a GP, it is easy to be seen as a temporary patient or for emergency treatment. If you are an international student who is pursuing a full course of study for longer than six months, you are entitled to register with the NHS, meaning you don’t have to worry about not having access to healthcare.
You need to know a few facts about yourself in order to register at your new GP, so be prepared with this information:
For most 1st year students, the most convenient place to register is probably a health centre that is attached to your university. However, once you move away from campus and out into the community, you might find a more convenient local GP near your new accommodation.
If you live in the North London area, register with NHS GP for online GP services. This offers a range of health management tools, GP video consultation and the ability to manage ongoing prescriptions or appointments. For any questions, give us a call on 0208 902 4792 or visit our website now to complete our quick and easy online registration.
A medical issue is always scary, no matter how serious it can be. You may find yourself instinctively typing 999 into your phone for any problem, but could 111 actually be the right choice for your issue?
Read on to find out in what situation you should call 111 or 999.
You should call 111 if you think you may need to go to A&E, but the situation isn’t life-threatening or limb-threatening. A trained operator can provide you with urgent care and assessment over the phone. Problems you may want to call 111 for include:
Through 111 you can have a telephone or video consultation with a clinician, or they may book you an appointment to attend A&E or the Minor Injuries Unit. Booking an appointment with 111 in advance will save you waiting a long time in a hospital waiting room and taking up the space of someone who may need urgent help before you. 111 can be helpful if you’re not registered at a surgery, or you need advice and your surgery is closed for the day.
You should call 999 in a life-threatening medical emergency. This is when you or someone else is seriously ill or injured, putting their life at risk. Here are a few cases when you should call 999 and some of the symptoms:
If you believe you or someone is having a heart attack or stroke, call 999 immediately as every second counts with these conditions.
The simplest way to put it is that 999 is for emergencies and 111 is for non-emergencies.
If you’re unsure about who to call, always make 111 your first choice. They will ask questions about the issue and get you the help you need. They can help book an appointment for you, or get your urgent help if your emergency is more serious. You can even get help online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at https://111.nhs.uk/.
If you have a less serious issue, get in touch with NHS GP for online GP services. It’s quick and easy to register and you get access to a range of health management tools, GP video consultations and ongoing prescriptions or appointments at your local GP Practice in North London. Give us a call on 0208 902 4792 if you have any questions, or register online now.
he coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine helps to make us all safer. It has been proved safe and effective by independent experts, and gives you the best protection against coronavirus.
Who can currently get the COVID-19 vaccine?
The NHS is currently offering the COVID-19 vaccine to people most at risk from coronavirus.
At this time, the vaccine is being offered to:
Residents in a care home for older adults and their carers
All those 80 years of age and over and frontline health and social care workers
All those 75 years of age and over
All those 70 years of age and over and clinically extremely vulnerable individuals
The order in which people will be offered the vaccine is based on the government’s priority list
Wait to be contacted
The NHS will get in touch with you directly when it is your turn to be vaccinated. Please don’t contact your doctor or the NHS asking about vaccination; this is not a service that you are able to book in advance. The NHS will contact you when your turn comes in the months ahead. If you are contacted, please do attend the appointment.
In the meantime, it is vitally important that we all continue to follow the national public health guidance: wash your hands regularly, wear a face covering in enclosed spaces and maintain safe social distancing. COVID-19 is still very much among us and highly infectious: the risk of catching it is the same as ever for people who have not been vaccinated.
There is more information about the COVID 19 vaccine on both the Government and the NHS websites, so please take time to click on these links and read through these pages if you want to find out more. You can also read the COVID vaccination guide for adults leaflet
We will keep you updated as plans for the vaccine programme progress in Brent.
Wembley NHS COVID Vaccination Centre
Appointments for the Wembley large vaccination site are by appointment only. You will only be able to book an appointment when you receive a letter from the NHS Covid-19 Vaccination Booking Service. You will not be able to book an appointment until you receive your invite letter.
This letter will provide all the details you need to book a vaccination at a centre within 45 minutes of your home address. Please do not turn up at a vaccination site without an appointment, you will not be vaccinated.
You will be sent a letter from NHS Covid-19 Vaccination Booking Service when it is your turn to book in for your vaccination. Letters will initially go to people aged 80 and over who live in reasonable travelling distance of the locations that are open, and who haven’t already been vaccinated through other NHS vaccination services.
Please do not contact the council regarding bookings. All appointments are handled by the NHS Covid-19 Vaccination Booking Service.
Directions for getting the Vaccination Centre, instructions for arrival and information about car parking, please visit the NHS North West London website
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the vaccine safe?
Yes. The NHS only offers Covid-19 vaccinations to the public once independent experts have signed off that it is safe to do so. The MHRA, the official UK regulator, has said that both vaccines have good safety profiles and offer a high level of protection. The NHS says they have full confidence in the MHRA’s expert judgement and processes.
Could the vaccine be less effective for black people and other minority groups?
No, there is not any evidence that either of the vaccines will work differently among different ethnic groups. Around 10% of the Pfizer and Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine trial participants were Black or African.
Can Muslims have the vaccine under Islamic law?
Yes, after discussion with experts, the British Islamic Medical Association encourages individuals to take the COVID vaccine as advised by their medical practitioner.
Does the vaccine include pork, gelatine or other animal products?
No, there is no material of animal origin in either vaccine. All ingredients are published in healthcare information on the MHRA’s website.
For detailed answers to all questions about the COVID vaccine, including how housebound residents will be vaccinated and when second doses will be given, please visit the NHS North West London website
Video: Getting the COVID Vaccine in Brent
Frontline care manager Yvonne Olasunkanmi explains what it was like to get the vaccine, why getting it was so important to her and encourages other Black, Asian and minority ethnic residents across the borough to get the vaccine when they are invited.
Video: Why the COVID Vaccine is safe and effective for everyone
Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities have been among the worst affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Our Deputy Director of Public Health Dr John Licorish has recorded an important message for resident
WATCH Dr John Licorish’s message for residents
If you have any questions about the NHS COVID Vaccination Programme, please speak to a trusted person, such as your GP, or visit the NHS website
You can also watch this webinar
Staying safe
COVID-19 vaccine will always be free in the UK and delivered by the NHS. Patients will be sent a letter by the NHS call/recall service informing them of their eligibility, and receive a call from Primary Care Networks, offering the choice of booking at a GP-led vaccination centre or using the national booking service.
Remember, the vaccine is free of charge:
The NHS will never ask you for your bank account, card details, PIN or banking password.
The NHS will never ask you to press a button on your keypad when on the phone
The NHS will never arrive unannounced at your home to administer the vaccine.
The NHS will never ask you to prove your identity by sending copies of personal documents such as your passport, driving licence, bills or pay slips.
Everyone has a responsibility to help stop Covid-19. From wearing a mask to avoiding crowds and constant handwashing, everything you do to help slow the spread will contribute to keeping the country safe. NHS coronavirus testing is part of this strategy.
Here’s why coronavirus testing is important.
There are multiple tests available for testing for coronavirus. In the UK, you have the option of the PCR test or the rapid lateral flow test. Both tests are free to take. They may be administered by a health professional, or you may be given a kit to test yourself at home.
The PCR test is usually taken by those who already have symptoms or who have been exposed to the virus. The test involves using a swab that is rubbed over the tonsils or the back of the throat, as well as inside the nose. The test is placed in a tube and sent to a lab for testing. You should take a PCR test if you have a fever, a new cough that is constant, or a change to your sense of smell or taste. You should also take it if you know you have been exposed or if your rapid lateral flow test shows positive. If your PCR test comes back negative, you need to talk to a doctor. A good option for this, if you have mild or no symptoms, is a GP online consultation. This allows you to discuss the issue with your GP, but you don’t need to expose anyone at the office.
This test is meant for those who do not have symptoms, but which to ensure they do not have coronavirus. The test is quite simple and gives a rapid result. You’ll need to fill the tube with the provided liquid, though some come with a pre-filled tube. You should blow your nose before the test. Rub the swab over your tonsils or the back of your throat and then inside your nose. Some tests use only the nose swab. The end of the swab is then dipped in the liquid and then squeezed onto a test strip. You’ll need to wait the allotted amount of time and then look at the result. This test should be repeated every three or four days until your exposure window is over if you have been exposed.
Testing is the only way to know for certain if someone has the virus. The test can check whether the person has symptoms or not. It’s important to know if you are positive. However, remember that even if the test is negative, you could still have the coronavirus. This means, if you are exposed to someone who is definitely positive, you need to take extra precautions for the next couple of weeks.
If you have been exposed, you should follow COVID-19 advice:
– Wash your hands frequently
– Practice physical distancing
– Wear a face mask
After a test that comes up positive, you’ll need to isolate yourself and have those who have been in contact with you tested.
Here are some reasons you should consider regular testing to ensure you’re negative:
It’s essential that everyone do their part to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. This means you need to know if you are infected. Testing for the virus allows us to improve everyone’s health and ensure that fewer people become ill. Whether you are vaccinated or not, it’s important to continue testing to be certain you’re not carrying the virus without knowing it.
Even if you don’t have symptoms or only have mild symptoms, you can begin treatment for COVID-19 as soon as you know you are positive. Since one-third of those infected with the virus don’t have symptoms, it’s important to check regularly if you are out and about. The moment you are aware of a positive test result, you should self-isolate, so you don’t pass the virus on to others. Anyone who is living in the same house or flat should also be tested to see if they are positive. Even if you don’t have any symptoms, you can still be contagious.
If you have been able to get vaccinated, you may feel more confident about your health. You know that you’re less likely to develop serious symptoms even if you are infected. However, it’s important that you still take care not to infect other people. Not everyone can get the vaccine, and this means they are vulnerable to the virus. Small children and those with health issues that make it impossible to vaccinate them can be in danger if others are carrying the virus and expose them. To prevent this, test yourself regularly and be sure to avoid exposing anyone else if you test positive.
One of the biggest issues with COVID-19 is the possibility of a health system collapse. To ensure the NHS doesn’t overexert itself or use up all resources, it’s important that people are tested and treated as soon as they test positive. This reduces the chances of a patient requiring more intensive care and using up valuable resources. Those resources may then be used for other reasons, since the usual diseases and accidents still occur.
Everyone is capable of saving a life or even multiple lives. By testing, you ensure that you know when you are sick, despite being asymptomatic. You can then take extra care not to infect someone else. This may seem simple or irritating, but it makes a huge difference to those who are not exposed because of your actions.
Everyone is frustrated with the restrictions and lockdowns that have become a normal part of life. With the pandemic stretching on, there is definitely some pandemic fatigue, but it’s important to continue taking measures to control the virus. It’s only possible to reduce the restrictions if everyone is testing and taking precautions.
Whether you are testing at home or at a testing site, be aware that if you do test positive, you need to isolate yourself. This is the first thing you should do, to limit exposure to others around you.
Next, you can schedule a GP online consultation, which you can do via NHS online. This will allow your doctor to talk to you about the options for treatment and to provide you with details on when to seek outside help. In many cases, you can remain at home to recover. This is one of the reasons NHS coronavirus testing is so important, as it helps people get the test results early on. They can then take the first steps toward recovery before the virus has really taken hold.
You’ll need to monitor your symptoms and talk to your doctor if they get worse. The doctor may make suggestions for medications to help ease any symptoms you have. These can be delivered by a pharmacy, so you never need to leave the house, for a consultation or getting your medication.
The ability to see a doctor online has changed the way we treat coronavirus. It’s now possible to stay home for the entire process, including getting a test to do at home. If you’re interested in getting more Covid-19 advice, you can look at the NHS online page to learn more about the available tests, doctor’s appointments online, and advice for staying safe during the pandemic.
Did you know you can test at home? With NHS coronavirus testing kits, it’s possible to do the test at home and get the results within half an hour for the rapid test. Let’s learn a bit more about the home COVID-19 test and how to use it.
There are two main types of coronavirus tests that are used in the UK. These may be administered by a health worker or you may use the home test kit.
PCR: This test is recommended for anyone who is experiencing symptoms, including:
– Loss of taste or smell
– High temperature
– Persistent cough
The test takes longer to do and is considered more accurate. You can do this test and then send it in to a lab, which will test your sample and give you the results.
Rapid lateral flow test: This type of test is similar to a pregnancy test in the way it works, but it provides faster results than the PCR test. You should consider taking this test if you don’t have symptoms but feel you may have been exposed. It can be taken twice a week to ensure you’re not infected.
You can pick up your test at a test site or you can have it sent to your home. Either option works well.
Step 1: Clean your hands thoroughly.
Step 2: Open the test and set out all the items on a clean surface.
Step 3: Blow your nose and wash your hands.
Step 4: Use the swab to carefully rub where your tonsils are or would be. You should not touch the swab to your tongue, teeth, or gums.
Step 5: Using the same swab, insert it in your nose about 2.5 cm and swirl it lightly around the nostril.
Step 6: Drop the swab side of the stick down in the tube and close it tightly.
Step 7: Place the tube in the provided bag.
Step 8: Return the test to the test site worker or post it in a Royal Mail priority post-box. It cannot be sent via a non-priority post-box or the Post Office.
Step 9: Wait for your results.
The most common type of home COVID-19 test is the rapid lateral flow home test. It doesn’t require sending the sample to a lab and the results are available in 15-30 minutes, depending on the test.
There are two versions of these tests. One requires a throat and nose swab and the other is only for a nose swab. Be sure to check the instructions to determine which type of test you have.
Step 1: Wash your hands thoroughly.
Step 2: Take everything out of the kit and place it on a clean surface.
Step 3: Put the tube in the tube holder. If it’s not pre-filled, fill it with the provided liquid and close the lid.
Step 4: Blow your nose and wash your hands.
Step 5: If you have a nasal only test, skip to the next step. Use the swab to rub your tonsils or where they should be. Do not touch the swab to your gums, teeth, or tongue.
Step 6: Use the same swab and insert it into your nose about 2.5 cm and swirl it around.
Step 7: Put the swab end of the stick into the tube and let it soak up the liquid.
Step 8: Squeeze out the test tube liquid onto the test strip.
Step 9: Wait the amount of time listed in the instructions and check the test. You should see one or two lines.
Step 10: Record your test results online with the QR code or the ID number.
You can take this test more frequently since it is a rapid test. It’s recommended that you take it every three or four days to ensure you catch any infection early on.
You can take a home test whenever you suspect you may have been exposed to coronavirus. It’s worth the peace of mind to take a rapid test. You should also take a test if:
If you are told to present a negative test result for any occasion, you should take a test. You may also wish to test yourself twice a week to ensure you know if you are positive very quickly. Anyone in a high-risk occupation will want to do this.
It can be scary to see a positive test result, but if you do get a positive, don’t panic. First, you’ll need to stay away from other people and self-isolate. This means you should not have contact with anyone outside the home and it’s best to stay away from those in the home, as well, until they have been tested.
You’ll need to self-isolate for up to two weeks, or until you test negative, but your doctor can advise you on this. Speaking to a doctor is the next step in staying safe. Once you’ve received a positive result, you should contact your doctor and get their Covid-19 advice. It’s essential that you follow your doctor’s advice and report any symptoms you may develop. If you’re prescribed medicine, then you should make sure you take it as ordered.
If you need to know more about coronavirus and NHS coronavirus testing, NHS online offers plenty of information to keep you up to date. You’ll also find clinical services offered online so you can consult with a doctor and get personalised attention.
The doctor will evaluate your results and ensure you have the necessary treatment. They will also advise you if you need to visit the hospital for more intensive care. To schedule NHS online clinical services, you can visit our page.
It’s normal to have moles, but sometimes they can become dangerous. That innocent looking dark mark could be a sign of skin cancer, so checking your moles every few months is essential. If you have a history of melanoma, check even more often. If you notice anything different, check with your doctor.
Here’s when you need to get a mole checked.
There is no one look for moles. They may be any colour from skin tone to a range of browns or even black. While most are flat, some are raised and soft to the touch. However, normal moles should be evenly coloured and will have smooth edges – it’s when changes appear that you should be mindful and seek a professional opinion.
When should you consider seeing a doctor about a mole? Here are the signs you need to get it checked:
It can be difficult to tell a regular mole from a dangerous one, so if you have any concerns about a spot on your skin, it’s best to show it to a dermatologist. They will be able to tell you if there’s cause for concern or not. From there, you may take the recommended steps to either remove the mole or determine if it is cancerous.
If you’re looking for a skin specialist but aren’t ready or able to get to a clinic, you can get online advice from a dermatologist. This allows you to see a doctor without leaving your home and will reassure you if you’re worried about a mole. The doctor will examine your symptoms and photos of the mole and can discuss the options for treatment if needed.
Are you looking for a qualified skin specialist to look at your worrisome moles? Contact NHS GP today to book an appointment with our dermatologist.
Acne is a skin issue that plagues teenagers, but it can also affect you long into adulthood. It can be devastating to your self-esteem to deal with large blemishes on your face and body, not to mention it’s often uncomfortable. What can you do to prevent acne from forming in the first place?
Here are five top ways of preventing acne.
You should gently wash your face every morning and night with warm water and gentle soap. There are some soaps that are specially formulated to help with acne and these may help, but they can also be drying. You may wish to use acne soap just once a day. Washing regularly will reduce the amount of dirt that collects in your pores and can also rinse away oils and sweat that can clog the pores.
The acne products that you may use tend to dry out the skin, which can cause peeling and more issues with your skin. To prevent this, you should look for a moisturiser that says non-comedogenic on the label as it’s a much gentler formula.
You’ll find many acne preventing products are available. These usually use lactic acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and benzoyl peroxide. You should always start out with a very small amount, as these products can be drying and may affect your skin adversely. If you notice any issues or sensitivities, you should stop using the product.
If you usually wear makeup, you need to avoid it while you’re dealing with an outbreak. Eye makeup rarely causes issues, but anything that could clog the pores on your face should be avoided. In between breakouts, use oil-free mineral makeup and remove it once you are home.
Your hair can transfer oil to your face, which may contribute to your acne breakouts. Keep hair off the face and be sure to wash it frequently. You want to avoid oily hair touching your face, but it’s also a good idea to skip gels and products that could get on your face and irritate the skin. If it stays on your hair after a shower, it can block your pores, so keep your hair back.
If these tips don’t reduce or eliminate your acne, it’s time to look for professional help. A dermatologist can help you find the routine that works for your face and may recommend a better product to use.
To learn more about how to prevent acne, contact our online dermatologist.
Speaking to your doctor about your health concerns doesn’t necessarily take place in the doctor’s office these days. Thanks to COVID-19, the world of medicine has changed drastically, and patients now have more options than ever. One of these is talking to your doctor online instead of visiting them.
Here are five top benefits of online medical consultations.
There’s no chance of picking up an illness from sitting in the waiting room. Since most people who visit the doctor are ill with something, it’s an area that is ripe with germs and viruses. You can avoid this by staying home and having your consultation without anyone else around.
Often you have to wait for an appointment to see your doctor. However, online consultations allow you to speak to a doctor much sooner. This is ideal if you’re worried about your symptoms or simply want to feel better as soon as possible. In many cases, you can arrange your consultation immediately, even if it’s not an ideal time.
Being sick usually means you just want to curl up in bed and stay there. Now you can talk to your doctor from the bed and be sure to get treatment for your illness without ever leaving the house. Many pharmacies offer delivery now and this means you can simply have the doctor call in your prescription and have it delivered to your home.
No one wants to deal with heavy traffic when they’re not feeling well or if they have a sick child. With online medical consults, you can skip driving or calling an Uber to take you in. You’ll save time and eliminate some of the most stressful parts of visiting the doctor.
You’ll save money by not having to get transportation to the doctor’s office. If you work, you can also ensure that you don’t lose money to take time off for a doctor’s visit. Instead, you can do it from your desk at work if you really need to. It’s a useful alternative to taking the day off to go and see the doctor.
Online consults are a big improvement over always having to go to your doctor. While not all problems can be solved or properly examined and diagnosed online, many issues are simple enough that your doctor doesn’t need to see you in person – this is the new face of medicine and it’s making life much simpler for many.
Interested in getting an online medical consultation? Learn more on the NHS GP.
