COVID UPDATE 24.02.2021

Covid-19 vaccines 

If you are aged 70 and over or are clinically extremely vulnerable (high risk) and have not been contacted about having your first vaccine, please contact your GP for a COVID-19 vaccine. 

If you are a frontline health and social care worker, please book on the national booking system or using the staff booking system applicable in your organisation.

If you are aged 65-69 please book onto the national booking system for a list of vaccination sites or wait to get a letter from the NHS or be contacted by your GP.

If you are clinically vulnerable (moderate risk) or you are in receipt of a carer’s allowance, or if you are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if you fall ill, we are vaccinating people in this cohort, but please wait for your GP or council to contact you.

The NHS is prioritising vaccinating people who experts have agreed will benefit the most. We will let you know when it is your turn. Please see here for advice. 

There is comprehensive information, guidance, and answers to questions, including vaccination information for frontline health and social care staff, carers and clinical vulnerable (moderate risk) at COVID-19 Vaccination programme | East London Health & Care Partnership (eastlondonhcp.nhs.uk)

Getting the help you need 

The NHS in London is very busy as coronavirus infection rates continue to be high, but we’ll help you get urgent care when you need it.  

Most consultations are over the phone and via video. This is for everyone's safety. We will assess your situation and invite you into the practice if needed. 

We can arrange same-day appointments if you need urgent care but please don't visit without an appointment. Appointments will be held in the best way to keep you safe from Covid.   

You can also contact 111, day or night, for other urgent health advice - including if you have concerns about your Covid-19 symptoms. 

Please remember that 999 and A&E are for emergencies.  

Please help reduce infections, protect the NHS and keep each other safe by following the latest rules.   

We have made some changes to our services to ensure that we are able to continue delivering safe and effective care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Face to face appointments are available to all our patients, but you will be asked to discuss your conditions over the phone or online using our online e-consult service first to assess what would be most appropriate for you.

Sign up to our online services

Sign up for online services by filling in this form, signing it and sending it back to us by email to wfccg.shernhallsurgery@nhs.net along with a clear photo of yourself holding your photo ID next to your face. 

Please note the appointment booking function is currently suspended.

Requesting medications 

As above, sign up to online services and request your medications online, stating your preferred pharmacy. You can also call to nominate your pharmacy. Otherwise post or drop your request through the letter box. In some cases older people will be able to order their medication over the phone.  

Letters, forms and certificates

All letters and certificates will be sent via email. Please provide your email address when making a request. 

New patient registrations

Call the surgery and we will email you our registration forms which you will need to return to us via email along with ID. 

Welfare support and assistance

Waltham Forest Council are providing support to over 70s and vulnerable residents with essentials such as food supplies, prescription collections, emergency home repairs and social contact.

To access this support call their helpline 020 8496 3000.

Please visit the Community help network webpage for more information: https://www.walthamforest.gov.uk/content/covid-19-community-help-network

If you are experiencing financial difficulties due to COVID-19 please see the below links for available support, including food vouchers, a referral to a local food bank, and help paying your housing costs.

https://walthamforest.gov.uk/content/local-welfare-assistance-lwa

https://walthamforest.gov.uk/content/discretionary-housing-payments

ONLINE CONSULTATIONS- You can now receive medical advice from the comfort of your own home. Please use the icon at the bottom of the page to seek medical help.