We are moving to ta total triage model

15th August 2023Patient information, Practice information

To improve access for all our patients. We will encourage and help you to submit an online consultation when you need an appointment. This will be triaged to the most appropriate clinician by our Duty team and you will be informed of the outcome with 10 working hours after submitting your online consultation. Please put as much information on the online consultation as possible as this will help the Duty Doctor to find the right help for you. We will be asking feedback monthly from our patients as we launch this new model.

You can check your investigation results on the NHS App so make sure you have this set up. If you need help, come and ask one of our reception team. You can also check the progress of your referrals on the app

Merchant Street Surgery Patient Participation Group 29th September 2021 @ 6pm

22nd September 2021Patient information, Practice information

Are you interested in having your say about the changes in your practice?

Our patient group is expanding, please join us to help shape the future of our services. We would love to see you!

If you are interested in joining this forum please leave your details at reception or email us: THCCG.F84118-Workflow@nhs.net

Alternatively, we welcome any comments and suggestions via the email address provided above, or in person at the surgery. Thank you!

Covid-19 Vaccines

22nd February 2021Patient information

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.

Kooth Online Counselling for young people

18th February 2021Mental Health, Online services, Patient information, Self care

Tower Hamlets Clinical Commissioning Group have commissioned the online counselling service Kooth, a service delivered by XenZone.

Kooth is a free online counselling and emotional well-being support service providing young people aged 11-25 years in Tower Hamlets with a free, safe and secure means of accessing support with their emotional health and wellbeing from a professional team of qualified counsellors.

Kooth is a well-established, award winning online counselling service and is accredited by The British Association of Psychotherapy and Counselling (BACP). Founded in 2001, they are leading pioneers of online counselling in the UK, having won a number of prestigious awards.

Kooth has no referrals or waiting lists. Young people can access this service anonymously by signing onto the Kooth site (Please refer to the Kooth guide to signing up). Kooth provides unique out of office hours’ provision and is open 7 days per week, 365 days a year from noon until 10pm weekdays and from 6pm until 10pm on Saturday and Sundays, with reduced cover Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day and Bank Holidays.

Introducing the NHS app

19th September 2019Online services, Patient information, Self care

The NHS App provides a simple and secure way for patients to book GP appointments, order repeat prescriptions and access a range of other healthcare services.

Who is it suitable for?

The NHS App is for people aged 13 and over who are registered with a connected GP surgery. You can use some of the app’s features without your GP surgery being connected.

How does it work?

With the NHS App you can:

  • check your symptoms – find reliable NHS information on hundreds of conditions and treatments, and get immediate advice
  • check your test results and of your referrals
  • book appointments – search for, book and cancel appointments at your GP surgery
  • order repeat prescriptions – see your available medications and request a new repeat prescription
  • view your medical record – get secure access to your GP medical record
  • register to be an organ donor – easily manage your preferences on the NHS Organ Donor Register
  • choose how the NHS uses your data – register your decision on whether it can be used for research and planning

Self care

31st July 2019Patient information, Self care

Did you know that 10 of the most minor ailments seen by GPs can also be treated by you at home?

By treating yourself at home you could save a trip to the surgery and free up time for the GPs to see patients with more serious health problems.

Read about some of the most effective home treatments on the NHS Choices website for:

  • Back pain
  • Dermatitis
  • Heartburn and indigestion
  • Nasal congestion (blocked nose)
  • Constipation
  • Migraines
  • Coughs
  • Acne
  • Sprains and strains
  • Headaches

Visit the NHS website for more information

Patient Access

30th July 2019Online services, Patient information

Book GP and pharmacy appointments, order online prescriptions and view your medical record at your convenience. Patient Access, in partnership with NHS.

How do I set up a Patient Access account?

To get online access, you will need to contact us so that we can generate your PIN which you can then collect from our reception.

When you come to collect your PIN, we ask that you bring along some photo ID (a passport, photo driving licence etc). This is so that we can verify your identity and protect your confidentiality.

Once you have your PIN you can register with emis access straight away. If you have already registered for this service click any of the EMIS services we offer above.

Once you are logged in you will be taken to an external website called Patient access online where you will be required to register yourself. After registration is completed you will need to login with your user name and chosen password.

Have you had your flu vaccine?

9th May 2019Patient information

Give the surgery a call NOW and book an appointment.

Are you pregnant?
Are you 65 years or over?
Do you have diabetes?
Do you have COPD or asthma?
Do you have heart disease?
Do you have a weak immune system?

It is recommended that you have a flu jab if you are in any of the above groups. If you are not sure whether you need one give us a call anyway and we will advise you. If you are not eligible for the flu jab, we will not be able to vaccinate you but you can have it done privately at the pharmacy.