Virtual Group Consultations (VGCs) are an innovative way to bring together individuals for support with long-term conditions using an online platform, helping them to better manage their own health and share their experiences and learning.
While a traditional clinician and patient appointment, such as an asthma or diabetes review, lasts around 10-15 minutes, virtual group consultations can run for 60 – 90 minutes and allow up to 12 participants to spend more time with their healthcare team, and each other.
The sessions are led by a facilitator, who could be any member of the practice team, with input from a variety of our skilled clinicians.
How does a VGC work?
After signing up, you will be sent an invite by email or text with joining instructions.
You will need a computer, tablet or smartphone that has a video and audio function so that you can join a Microsoft Teams meeting.
A Group Consultation Facilitator will guide you through the session to ensure you get the best from it.
Who is eligible for a VGC?
We offer VGCs to patients who are 18+ years old.
We are planning VGCs covering the following conditions and topics:
Asthma
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM)
Weight loss dietitian
Check back regularly for new conditions and topics, and information on future dates.
Reviews from patients who have taken part in a VGC:
“I really enjoyed it! It was very useful, beautiful presentations, and it was good to hear someone else’s experience.”
“It was really good, usually I have a 5 min phone call which feels like a very quick tick box. This felt a lot better and active.”
“I like how they explained how my body is working with asthma and about the different inhalers.”
Upcoming Dates
Asthma – Dates coming soon
Type 2 Diabetes – Dates coming soon
Weight loss dietitian advice – Dates coming soon
Frequently Asked Questions
I’m not very good with technology, can I still take part?
Yes! We have a variety of patients joining, some of whom are using Teams for the first time. To join, you just need to be able to click on a link that we send to you in a text message or email. The facilitator is there to familiarise you with how things work and assist you if needed.
How does confidentiality work if I am discussing my health in front of a group of other people?
Only eligible participants are sent a link to join the meeting. All participants who join a VGC are required to agree to a confidentiality agreement before taking part. Everyone is asked to take part in a quiet and private environment where they are not going to be overheard. Participants are not permitted to record, film or photograph any part of the session.
I’ve had this condition for years, will I learn anything?
Almost definitely yes! Clinicians can inform you of updates in treatment for your condition. You will also learn from other participants as they share their lived experiences with the same condition and things that have helped them.
Travel Vaccinations
Due to a worldwide shortage of several travel immunisations we are unable to provide a full travel service.
Patients need to go to a private travel clinic or pharmacy who offer travel clinics, we recommend that you seek a travel consultation/advice at least 8 weeks before departure; for further information visit www.travelhealthpro.org.uk.
The practice will provide patients with the following NHS vaccinations provided patients provide the nurse with evidence of a prior travel consultation:
Hepatitis A for adults – free for eligible NHS patients
Hepatitis A for children – currently unavailable – free to eligible NHS patients
Typhoid – free for eligible NHS patients
Tetanus (DTP) – free for eligible NHS patients
It is advisable to check out the latest information on passports, visas, security issues, flu epidemics etc. for travelling overseas.
Details can be found on the Foreign & Commonwealth Office website: www.fco.gov.uk/en.
Please remember that when traveling abroad, we are not insured, and we are not in the best position to give you medical advice. As a result, we will be unable to consult with you until you are back in the UK. This includes telephone and online consultations.
Smoking Cessation
If you smoke and would like help and advice on how to give up, please contact our local stop smoking service suing the details provided below. If you have difficulties contacting the clinic directly then please speak with reception who can make you an appointment at a Smoking Cessation Hub.
If possible please try to telephone reception before 11:00 if you require a home visit.
A doctor or nurse may phone you back as it may be that your problem can be dealt with by telephone advice, or that it would be more appropriate to send a nurse, or indeed arrange a hospital attendance.
House visits are only available for patients who are housebound because of illness or disability.
Please remember that several patients can be seen in the practice in the time that it takes to make one home visit; there are also better facilities for examining and treating patients at the Surgery.
Family Planning and Sexual Health Services
Should you wish to receive family planning advice, have a pill check and collect contraceptive pill prescriptions, have swabs and a cervical smear or need to discuss and arrange a coil check or removal, then please book an appointment with one of our Practice Nurses by telephoning reception.
For Long term Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC) services, please call reception so that they can arrange an appointment at one of four Greenwich Live Well Centres. The centres provide coil fittings, checks & removals plus implant fitting and removal.
The doctors do not provide medical care for home deliveries.
Antenatal and postnatal care is offered by all of the doctors at the practice .
For the 6 week postnatal check, reception can arrange for a double appointment with a doctor.
Please bring a urine sample before seeing the doctor/nurse (pots are available from reception) for all antenatal checks.
Pregnancy can be overwhelming with all of the questions you might have. We have devised a sheet that tells you what happens next, your choices, dietary advice etc. this can be downloaded from the link below.
We offer all new babies a health check at 8 weeks. This is followed by a vaccination appointment with one of our practice nurses. We strongly recommend immunisations to protect all babies and young children. We are unable to vaccinate children without parental consent. We would be grateful if you could bring their red book along with you, as it gives details of your child’s previous immunisations.
The doctors, nurses and health visitors are happy to discuss and to advise on all immunisations and any concerns you might have about the development of your baby.
Health Visitors are located on the 2nd floor of the Wallace Health Centre.
Test Results, Blood Tests and X-rays
Test Results
You can request your test results online by completing the Test Results triage below.
Tests requested by us
If your test was requested by your GP, you can request your results in the following ways:
If you’re registered for Online services, request your test results via Patient Access*
If you aren’t registered for Online services, request your test results via our Online Form (admin query)
If you already have a Patient Access account, you can request test results 24/7 by using the link above; if you don’t have an account and would like to learn more please click the link below; alternatively you can complete the form below to order your prescription.
If tests have not been requested by the practice, please consult the clinic where the test was requested/the doctor who requested the tests, for results.
For more information about your test results please contact the Hospital, Urgent Care Centre or Minor Injuries Unit where the test was conducted.
Alternatively you can contact the ward or department where you had your test directly.
Blood Test Results
Your blood results will be back at the practice within 7-10 working days.
If the results indicate you need a review then you will be called or written to, to make an appointment.
X-Ray Results
Please allow 14 days before contacting the surgery to see if we have received the results of an X-ray, at which time the receptionist will be able to advise further on whether a follow up appointment needs to be made.
If an X-ray result is received into the practice before 14 days, and the GP needs to see the patient, they will call the patient and arrange for them to come into the practice sooner.
If you have been ill for 7 days or less you don’t need to see a Doctor. You can complete a Self Certification form yourself. However some employers insist on a Doctor’s note regardless. A Doctors note under these circumstances involves a charge of £40.
Many employers have their own self-certification forms. If your employer doesn’t have its own form your can download this Self Certification Form (PDF). Please print it, fill it in and hand it in to your employer.
You do not need to see a Doctor.
Sick / Fit Note for more than 7 days
If you are sick for more than seven days, your employer can ask you to give them some form of medical evidence to support payment of SSP (statutory sick pay).
It is up to your employer to decide whether you are incapable of work. A medical certificate, now called a ‘Statement of Fitness for Work’ (see below) from your doctor is strong evidence that you are sick and would normally be accepted, unless there is evidence to prove otherwise.
You could also provide evidence from someone who is not a medical practitioner, e.g. a dentist. Your employer will decide whether or not this evidence is acceptable. If your employer has any doubts, they may still ask for a medical certificate from your GP.
