Please see the list of services below provided by our practice nurses, please contact the practice to book your appointment. You will be asked what the appointment is for so we can allocate the appropriate time for the service you require. Each appointment is varied in time.
Babies & Children
8 weeks baby checks
All routine baby, childhood and adolescent immunisation.
Chronic disease management: Asthma, Diabetes and COPD.
Diabetes reviews
Discuss test results
Dressings
Ear syringing
ECGs
Elderly support
Emergency wound care: severe cuts and grazes
Family planning: contraception advice, coil checks
Medication reviews
Minor burns
NHS health checks
Pain management of acute and chronic conditions
Post-operative: advice, wound care suture/clip removal
Pregnancy
Routine injections: flu, shingles, pneumococcal, tetanus, pertussis, men acwy etc.
Spirometry (lung function) test
STI screenings
Terminal care
Therapeutic injections
Travel advice and vaccinations: holidays, gap year and relocation
Urine tests
Advanced Practice Nurse Services
Please see the list of services below provided by our advanced practice nurse, please contact the practice to book your appointment. You will be asked what the appointment is for so we can allocate the appropriate time for the service you require. Each appointment is varied in time.
Antenatal care
Compete clinical care
Coordinate patients end of life care
Diabetes management
Diagnoses and manages treatment plans for patients at risk of developing a long-term conditions
Monitor elderly population and at Risk patients – planning all care together
Manages learning disability health checks
Offers treatment with complex needs
Prescribes and reviews medications
Referrals
Supports and promote healthy lifestyles
Practice Nurse Services
Please see the list of services below provided by our practice nurses, please contact the practice to book your appointment. You will be asked what the appointment is for so we can allocate the appropriate time for the service you require. Each appointment is varied in time.
Babies & Children
8 weeks baby checks
All routine baby, childhood and adolescent immunisation.
Chronic disease management: Asthma, Diabetes and COPD.
Diabetes reviews
Discuss test results
Dressings
Ear syringing
ECGs
Elderly support
Emergency wound care: severe cuts and grazes
Family planning: contraception advice, coil checks
Medication reviews
Minor burns
NHS health checks
Pain management of acute and chronic conditions
Post-operative: advice, wound care suture/clip removal
Pregnancy
Routine injections: flu, shingles, pneumococcal, tetanus, pertussis, men acwy etc.
Spirometry (lung function) test
STI screenings
Terminal care
Therapeutic injections
Travel advice and vaccinations: holidays, gap year and relocation
Urine tests
Shingles vaccination
What is Shingles?
Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is caused by the reactivation of a latent varicella zoster virus (VZV) infection. Primary VZV infection manifests as chickenpox, a highly contagious condition that is characterised by an itchy, vesicular rash. Following this initial infection, the virus enters the dorsal root ganglia and remains there as a permanent, dormant infection. Reactivation of this latent VZV infection, generally occurring decades later, causes shingles.
Common symptoms
The predominant symptom of shingles is pain, often with associated paraesthesia (pricking, tingling or numbness). This is followed by the development of a painful rash, similar in appearance to that of chickenpox, which forms itchy, fluid-filled blisters that usually persist for two to four weeks. These disturbances occur in a unilateral dermatomal distribution, corresponding to the ganglia in which the viral infection is located. Other symptoms may include headache, photophobia, malaise and fever.
Shingles FAQs
How is shingles different to chickenpox?
Although both shingles and chicken pox are caused by VZV, they are two different conditions. The main symptom of chickenpox, which usually occurs in children, is an itchy rash. Shingles, more commonly occurring within the older population, is predominantly characterised by pain.
How common is shingles?
Around 1 in 5 people who have had chickenpox (usually in childhood) go on to develop shingles. That means that 10s of thousands of people in England and Wales will get shingles each year.
How is the shingles vaccine given?
As an injection into the upper arm.
Is there a cure?
There is no cure for shingles. Painkilling medication can be used to relieve the symptoms until the condition resolves (usually within 4 weeks). Associated secondary conditions can prove extremely difficult to treat and may lead to long-term complications.
Who can have the shingles vaccination?
Shingles vaccination is available to all people aged 70 or 78.
In addition, anyone who was previously eligible (born on or after 2 September 1942) but missed out on their shingles vaccination remains eligible until their 80th birthday.
When you’re eligible, you can have the shingles vaccination at any time of year.
The shingles vaccine is not available on the NHS to anyone aged 80 or over because it seems to be less effective in this age group.
Once you become eligible for the shingles vaccination, your doctor will take the opportunity to vaccinate you when you attend the surgery for general reasons, or for your annual flu vaccination.
You can have it at the same time as your flu jab in the autumn, if you wish.
If you are worried that you may miss out on the shingles vaccination, contact your GP surgery to arrange an appointment to have the vaccine.
Do you need to have the shingles vaccination every year?
No, it’s a one-off injection.
Will there be any side effects from the shingles vaccination?
It’s quite common to get redness and discomfort at the vaccination site, as well as headaches, but these side effects should not last more than a few days. See your GP if you have side effects that last longer than a few days, or if you develop a rash after having the shingles vaccination.
What about people who are not 70 yet? Will they get the shingles vaccine?
People under the age of 70 will get the shingles vaccine during the year following their 70th birthday.
It’s not available on the NHS to younger people because shingles is more common in the over-70s.
What about people who are not aged 70 or 78? Can they have the vaccine?
Anyone who was previously eligible for shingles vaccination but missed out can have the vaccine. This means:
anyone in their 70s who was born after 2 September 1942
anyone aged 79
The shingles vaccination programme is being staggered this way because it would be impractical to vaccinate everyone in their 70s in a single year.
Why can I not have the shingles vaccination if I’m over 80?
The vaccine does not work as well in people over the age of 80.
For more information on Shingles vaccinations and eligibility please click here.
Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis Booster for a pregnant woman
A pregnant woman should have a Tdap booster shot in the third trimester of every pregnancy to protect the fetus.
Whooping cough vaccine (Pertussis)
Pregnant women can help protect their babies by getting vaccinated against whooping cough (pertussis). Having the vaccination helps protect your baby from catching whooping cough in the first few weeks after they’re born, as they will get some of the immunity from you.
The best time to have the whooping cough vaccine is between 20 weeks (after your scan) and 32 weeks. But if for any reason you miss having the vaccine, you can still have it up until you go into labour.
Pneumonia is an infection in one or both lungs, it causes inflammation which can make it difficult to breathe. It can affect people of any age, but it’s more common, and can be more serious, in certain groups of people, such as the very young or the elderly, those with long term conditions such as diabetes and those with a weakened immune system.
What causes pneumonia?
There are many causes of pneumonia, the most common are viruses and bacteria, such as the coronavirus (COVID-19) or Streptococcus bacteria.
What are the symptoms of pneumonia?
Pneumonia symptoms can develop suddenly over 24 to 48 hours, or they can come on more slowly over several days. According to the NHS common symptoms are:
A cough: which may be dry, or produce think yellow, green, brown, or blood-stained mucus (phlegm)
Difficulty breathing: your breathing may be rapid and shallow, and you may feel breathless, even when resting
Rapid heartbeat
Rapid heartbeat
Feeling generally unwell
Sweating and shivering
Loss of appetite
Chest pain: which gets worse when breathing or coughing
Less common symptoms include:
Coughing up blood
Headaches
Fatigue
Feeling sick or being sick
Wheezing
Joint or muscle pain
Feeling confused and disorientated, particularly in elderly people
If you have a high temperature, a new, continuous cough or a loss or change to your sense of smell, use the 111 online coronavirus service. If you have other symptoms of pneumonia, contact your GP or use the regular 111 online service.
Who should have the pneumococcal vaccine?
A pneumococcal infection can affect anyone. However, some people need the pneumococcal vaccination because they are at higher risk of complications. These include:
all children under the age of two
adults aged 65 or over
children and adults with certain long-term health conditions, such as a serious heart or kidney condition.
How often is the pneumococcal vaccine given?
Babies receive the pneumococcal vaccine as three separate injections, at 2 months, 4 months and 12-13 months.
People over-65 only need a single pneumococcal vaccination which will protect for life. It is not given annually like the flu jab.
People with a long term health condition may need just a single one-off pneumococcal vaccination or five-yearly vaccination depending on their underlying health problem.
How long before the pneumonia vaccine takes effect?
It can take between 2 to 3 weeks to become fully effective and be immunised from pneumonia.
When should I get the pneumococcal vaccine?
Unlike the flu vaccine, which must be given seasonally, the pneumonia vaccine can be given at any point in the year, as you can develop pneumonia all year round. However, flu season and the winter months is a particularly important time to get vaccinated against pneumococcal pneumonia.
Can I get the flu vaccine and pneumonia vaccine at the same time?
Yes, you can book an appointment with our practice nurse or speak to a member of our reception team to book your flu and pneumonia vaccine.
Do I need to book an appointment?
We recommend you that you book an appointment with our practice nurse by calling our Reception team on 020 8675 3521.
What are the pneumonia vaccine side effects?
Like all vaccines, pneumonia vaccines can cause some side effects. Most are mild and get better in a few days. Some patients don’t have any side effects of the vaccine.
The most common side effects are:
Pain, swelling, hardness or redness where the injection has been given
Decreased of appetite
Increase in temperature
Muscle and joint pains
Very rarely the vaccines may cause a severe allergic reaction. This would normally happen within minutes of receiving the vaccine. Our pharmacist will be prepared to treat you appropriately should this occur.
Can I get the vaccine if I’m feeling unwell?
No, if you’re feeling unwell with a high temperature, we advise that you don’t get the vaccine. If you’ve already booked an appointment and feel unwell, please call your chosen pharmacy to cancel or change to a time when you are feeling better.
For more information on pneumonia, please click here.
Vaccinations
Influenza immunisation
From October to January every year we offer a free flu immunisation to all of our patients over the age of 65 and to those in clinical ‘At-Risk’ groups (i.e. asthmatics, diabetics, patients suffering from heart or renal disease).
If you are eligible, our administrative team will contact you each year by text message, phone or letter to offer you an appointment. We hold special Saturday Flu clinics as well as other clinics throughout the day to ensure that all our eligible patients can attend at a time that works for them. Appointments are bookable via patient online services and by calling through to reception.
We are unable to provide flu immunisations privately so if you do not fall into one of the NHS eligible groups, we will be unable to provide you with your flu jab. Local pharmacies provide a private flu immunisation programme.
This year the government have announced that ages 55-65 will also be eligible for a flu vaccine. Please note that people in the 50-64 year old age group will not be vaccinated until November and December.
No appointments will be offered for this age group until then, at that point it will be subject to vaccine supply. This is nationally directed – not the decision of the practice – and is to ensure that those who are most at risk are vaccinated first.
If you are 50-64 and you are in one of the other groups eligible for the flu vaccination – for example you have a health condition which puts you at risk from the flu – you will be invited earlier.
If you are eligible and aged 18 and over, you can also have the vaccine done at your local pharmacy.
Children aged between 4 to 11 on 31st of August 2020 (Reception and school years 1 to 7) will have their vaccination under the School vaccination programme and not in General practice. For further information regarding this please contact your child’s School as they will advise when these will be taking place and what to do if your child misses it at school.
Travel Health Clinic
Travel Advice and Travel Vaccination (including yellow fever)
If these are required, we advise patients to book an appointment with our Practice Nurse.
Before Travelling:
PLEASE COMPLETE YOUR TRAVEL RISK ASSESSMENT FORM AND ARRANGE YOUR APPOINTMENT 6-8 WEEKS BEFORE YOUR DEPARTURE DATE
Our travel service is only available to registered patients at the practice.
All patients are required to complete a travel risk assessment form prior to being offered an appointment. Once you submit your risk assessment form.
Patient’s contacting us with less than adequate notice of their intention to travel will not be seen at the practice for an appointment and will be advised to contact/attend a private travel clinic. You will only be offered a clinic appointment that is a minimum of 10-14 days prior to your departure date.
This is to ensure that any vaccines you need to receive can take effect. Any vaccines received after this time do not allow for sufficient time to produce antibodies against diseases from vaccination.
We regret that our Nurses are unable to routinely offer travel advice over the phone. Please use the Travel Health Pro website (Travel Health Pro) to find out what vaccinations you may need and to research any travel risks associated with your travel destination. In regards to the schedule of which vaccinations are to be administered and how long vaccines last, please find further information here: NHS Travel Vaccinations.
Please note that our reception team are not clinically trained and will be unable to advise on what vaccinations you may need for your upcoming travel plans. Please consult a private travel clinic should you wish to discuss your upcoming travel plans prior to your booked appointment or if you are unable to be seen in the practice.
The surgery is an authorised yellow fever centre and provides a full range of travel requirements. Any charges that apply for immunisations compare favourably with other private travel clinics.
We would thoroughly recommend that all patients planning to travel outside the EU visit the NHS Fit for Travel (https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/home.aspx) website, it contains a huge amount of useful information on immunisations and healthcare abroad.
We provide the following NHS Travel Vaccinations:
Hepatitis A (FREE)
Typhoid (FREE)
Diptheria/Tetanus/Polio (DTP) (FREE)
Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR) (FREE)
Yellow Fever / Yellow Fever certificate – Charge will apply
Note: Not all offered travel services at the practice are free of charge. Please click HERE to view the private charges for vaccination certificate prices and the private vaccines we offer at the practice.
We do not provide the following Private Travel Vaccinations:
Rabies
Japanese Encephalitis
Tick Borne Encephalitis
Please note that we are unable to give you advice ahead of time on the vaccinations listed above. If your travel destination requires that you have any of the vaccinations listed above, you will need to arrange for this separately via a private travel clinic. NOTE: if you require a Yellow Fever certificate this must be issued a minimum of 10 days prior to departure. Some of these vaccinations may require a course to be completed over several weeks.
Prior to attending your appointment for travel vaccinations, please help us by completing the following questionnaire.
This practice follows the national policy for childhood immunisation. Further information can be found on the NHS Immunisation Schedule website.
We have developed a short video “TB, BCG and your baby – video for parents and carers” that outlines the changes to neonatal BCG and who is now eligible.
If you have missed your school leaver tetanus shot, you can have it done at the surgery.
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Vaccine
Human papilloma virus (HPV) is the name of a family of viruses that affect the skin and the moist membranes that line your body, such as those in your cervix, anus, mouth and throat. These membranes are called the mucosa.
The HPV vaccine has been offered to all girls and in school year 8 for over 10 years. Since September 2019, the vaccine has also been offered to year 8 boys. This is because the evidence is clear the HPV vaccine helps protect both boys and girls from HPV-related cancers.
The programme is delivered largely through secondary schools, and consists of two doses that are given over a 6-12 month period.
Minor Surgery
Dr. Ismat Nasiruddin is able to offer certains types of minor surgery depending on patient suitability and need. The health authority limits the type of lesions we can remove but troublesome skin lesions and ingrown toenails etc. are some examples. A doctor or nurse will need to refer you for this service after reviewing the skin lesion.
Dr Christopher is able to offer certain types of minor surgery/ steroid joint injections, depending on patient suitability and need. These are to be discussed with any GP in a consultation and if deemed helpful/appropriate he may be able to offer you such a procedure. The NHS has a narrow window of what can and can’t be offered but if at all possible, and if this is something that he feels appropriate, he will of course aim to help.
These procedures are to be offered on a case by case basis and often will need some form of imaging prior to the procedure.
Sexual Health (Men’s)
Sexual Transmitted Infections (STIs)
It is important to look after your sexual health whatever your age. Safer sex means protecting yourself and your partners from unwanted pregnancies and from catching STIs.
If you are sexually active, you may be at risk of catching an STI (also known as a STD). Practising safer sex and always using a condom reduces the risk of infection and pregnancy.
If you think you may have an STI we would advise you to get tested.
There are six clinics across the three boroughs, offering contraception and sexual health testing, treatment and advice and are opened for six days a week including Saturdays. The services provided in these clinics are free and confidential. You can book an appointment yourself or attend in an emergency. You do not need your GP to refer you for care, nor do you need to live locally.
You can also call the booking and advice line on 0333 300 2100 to check which clinic you should use. Lines are open 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and on Saturday mornings. A recorded message gives useful information outside of these hours.
You can also find other clinics and services near you on the NHS Choices website.
Getting it on offers information for young people aged 13 to 19 about sexual health and drug and alcohol services in South West London.
Young people under the age of 25 can get free condoms from the Come Correct scheme available across a number of boroughs in London, and those aged between 16 and 24 can get a free chlamydia test.
To facilitate young people’s access to condoms and STI testing, METRO has introduced a new online service for under 25s living in Richmond and Wandsworth to order free condoms, lube and chlamydia tests.
Your local pharmacy
Young peoples services in pharmacies provide free condoms and chlamydia testing for under 25s.
Weight Loss
Weight Management
If you would like to know more about weight and diet advice, we offer a weight management clinic giving you advice on how to lose weight and stay healthy.
A range of options are available to support people with weight loss. To understand which of them may be the best fit for you please arrange an appointment with your GP who will be happy to discuss them with you.
One suitable option may be our Health Trainers who offer 1:1 sessions for people wanting to improve their health and change their behaviour. They can support individuals with healthy eating, weight management and getting physically active.
Many doctors now believe that when it comes to your health, your waist measurement is important.
While knowing your body mass index (BMI) is a good way to decide if you are overweight, it does not tell the whole story.
BMI is a measure of how healthy your weight is for your height. You can work out what your BMI is by using the NHS Choices BMI healthy weight calculator. – Already linked.
If you have a high BMI, you are likely to be carrying extra fat. But your health could be at greater risk depending on where you store that fat.
Having a large amount of tummy fat (compared to fat around your bottom or thighs) makes you more likely to develop diabetes and heart problems.
A healthy waist circumference for men is less than 94cm (37 inches), and for women it’s less than 80cm (32 inches).
Losing weight and keeping it off isn’t easy, but it has many benefits. You may only need to make small changes to your lifestyle to maintain a healthy weight.
If you would like to find out more about how you can lose weight in a healthy way please book an appointment with one of our nurses.
For more general information about weight loss, please see the websites below:
