Practice Newsletter: October 2025

 
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Our Telephone Prompts Have Changed

As part of a national NHS initiative to improve access and efficiency in general practice, we have updated our telephone system in line with the government’s Total Triage model. 

From now on, all requests to the practice whether for appointments, medical advice, or administrative queries will need to be submitted via our online triage form, available on our website. 

 

What’s Changing? 

When you call the practice, the new telephone prompt will guide you on how to: 

  • Access the triage form via our website 
  • Submit your request for medical or non-medical help 
  • Receive timely responses from our team 

This new system helps us ensure that every request is safely and efficiently assessed by the most appropriate clinician or team member. 

Need Help Using the Triage Form? 

We understand that not everyone can access or use online services. We want to reassure our patients that: 

  • Carers 
  • Patients aged 75 and over 
  • Anyone unable to use the internet will continue to receive support from our team. 

Our reception staff will be happy to assist in completing the triage form on your behalf when you call or attend the practice in person. 

Thank You for Your Support.

We kindly ask for your understanding and patience as we make this important transition. 

Our goal is to improve how we prioritise and deliver care, ensuring everyone gets the help they need, in the right way and at the right time. 

Thank you for working with us to help improve your care. 

 

Flu Vaccinations Now Available

We have started giving flu vaccines at the Practice. Vaccines have been ordered based on the number of patients registered with us, so by having your jab here, you are helping us minimise waste and make the most of our supply.

If you have not booked yet, please contact us or simply drop in.

We are running walk-in clinics where, if staff are available, you may be vaccinated on the spot or offered an appointment.

You are eligible for a free flu jab if you are:

  • Pregnant
  • Aged 65 or over
  • Aged 2 or 3 on 31 August 2024
  • Aged 6 months to under 18 in a clinical risk group
  • Aged 18 to under 65 in a clinical risk group
  • Living in a long-stay care home
  • A Carer (including Carer’s Allowance)
  • A close contact of someone with a weakened immune system Flu can be serious – especially if you have underlying health conditions.

Please book your flu jab as soon as you receive your text invite.

 

Stoptober 2025

Wells Park Practice is encouraging people to quit smoking together this Stoptober with help from 
the free smoking cessation support and services provided by Smokefree Lewisham. 

Join the thousands of local peop who have quit smoking with our support. 

Quitting smoking is one of the best things to do to improve personal health and wellbeing. It helps 
with breathing more easily, moving better, and saving money. This year’s theme, “let’s dump smoking together”, highlights the power of quitting alongside others and taking advantage of the free, confidential support available locally. 

stop-smoking

How Does It Work?

Anyone who lives, works, or is registered with a GP in Lewisham can access support through Smoke Free Lewisham: 

  • Up to 12 weeks of one-to-one help (face-to-face or virtual) with a specialist stop smoking practitioner 
  • Guidance on managing cravings and withdrawal symptoms 
  • Free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products 
  • Vape Quit Kits and stop smoking medication (for 18+ year olds only) 
  • Access to the Smoke Free App 

Find out more

 

Slimming World

Are you thinking about improving your health and losing weight?

Slimming World offers a supportive, non-judgmental environment to help you build healthier habits and stay on track. With local groups running nearby, Slimming World provides:

  • Weekly group support
  • Commitment and accountability
  • A flexible, sustainable approach to weight loss

Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for up to 12 weeks of group support completely free.

You can self-refer by visiting the Slimming World website, or contact the surgery and we will be happy to discuss a referral for you.

 

Staff Changes

A warm welcome to Dejaun and Danielle who joined our care navigating team this month. 

 

Facts and Figures

Here are some facts and figures about our activities in September 2025:

  • 4926 incoming calls
  • 4141 calls answered (84.1%)
  • 980 telephone appointments
  • 9151 appointments offered
  • 350 Blood tests
  • 3228 prescriptions issued 
  • 40 Home Visits
  • Friends and Family Test: 95.2% of patients rated our services as very good or good. 
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Practice Closure

We will close for staff training at 12:30pm on Thursday 20 November and reopen at 8am on Friday 21 November. If you need urgent medical assistance which cannot wait until the surgery reopens, please contact SELDOC who will be providing GP cover on 07483 155 397.

Regards,
Antonia 

Published: Oct 20, 2025