• Emergency Contraception
  • Psychology / Counselling Service
  • Turkish, Vietnamese & Chinese Advocay Service
  • Chlamydia Screening
  • Child Health Surveillance
  • Post-natal Care
  • Cervical Smears
  • Chronic Disease Management
  • Flu Vaccinations
  • Pneumococcal Vaccinations
  • Travel Vaccinations
  • Private Medicals and Forms
  • Private Referrals and Prescriptions
  • Fit Notes
  • Dietitian
  • Family Planning
  • Young People Services

The practice offers a Chlamydia screening service for both male and female 16-24 year olds. You can either collect a self screening kit from the surgery or make an appointment with one of our practice nurses. If you are aged over 24 years and have concerns regarding Chlamydia, please contact reception and make an appointment with one of our practice nurses.

The doctor or nurse carries out regular reviews of patients with chronic diseases such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, COPD or cancer. You will be monitored regularly and be invited for a full review once a year.

Supporting you with your Sexual and Reproductive Health

We arehere to provide honest advice about contraception, pregnancy, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and pleasure.

You can expect safe friendly, non-judgemental help and services whatever your gender, age, disability or sexual orientation.

Don’t be afraid to talk to one of our GPs or practice nurses if you’re worrying about anything such as how to avoid a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or an unwanted pregnancy.

Don’t want to get pregnant?

Your GP practice can help you avoid an unwanted or unplanned pregnancy.

It can be tricky to know which type of contraception to use to prevent pregnancy because there are so many options.

Your GP practice can help you decide which one is right for you! Examples include condoms, the pill, contraceptive patch, vaginal ring, the coil and implant.

Some practices can fit coils or implants that last for a few years so you don’t have to think about it, and they are reversible; this is why they are called Long Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARC).

Coils and implants (Long-Acting Reversible Contraception): ask your GP practice if they can fit these first (rather than going to a sexual health clinic like the Clifden Centre or the Ivy). If your own GP practice doesn’t do coil or implant fittings or removals, they may be able to book you an appointment at one of the following practices:

The Nightingale Practice – this practice accepts referrals from all City & Hackney practices.

The Lawson Practice

Spring Hill Practice

Kingsmead Practice

Sexual Health London (pill and patch): You can order contraception online from Sexual Health London via this website – https://www.shl.uk/. You can choose what regular contraceptive you want and if you want a 3, 6 or 12 months supply. If you choose to order online, you will need to complete an online consultation with LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor which will be reviewed. You can pick up your contraceptive from a Lloyds Pharmacy, including some Sainsbury’s stores, or have it delivered by post.

Safe sex – want to protect yourself and your partner(s)?

Young Hackney: If you are under the age of 25 years, you can access free condoms from a range of local venues listed here: Free Condoms – Young Hackney.

Worried about an STI?

If you have had unprotected sex or are worried you might have caught a sexually -transmitted infection (STI) because you have symptoms, please contact us for confidential, sensitive help. We can get you the right tests and help you make sure sexual partners are notified, if you test positive.

Free Home STI testing: If you are over the age of 16 you can also order a free STI test kit to be delivered to your home via this website –https://www.shl.uk/. You complete a simple form online, order the kit and your results are sent to you by text or email. It is simple, fast and secure!

Chlamydia testing: GPs and practice nurses will often offer chlamydia screening to people seeking sexual health advice. If you are between the age of 15 and 24 years old, it is recommended that you have a Chlamydia test annually or on every change of person you have sex with.

HIV testing: If you are concerned that you might have HIV or you are a newly registered patient at our practice, feel free to ask for an HIV test.

Cervical screening: All women aged between 25 – 65 years are entitled to participate in the national cervical screening programme – www.nhs.uk/conditions/cervical-screening. There’s information for all eligible groups including trans women, women who have undergone surgery, and had the HPV vaccination.

Support for LQBTQI+ community: 56 Dean Street is a specialist sexual health clinic in London. For more information please see here: https://www.dean.st/about-us/

Need Emergency Hormonal Contraception?

Emergency hormonal contraception is available to buy from most pharmacies.

You can also complete an online consultation and order the emergency contraceptive pill for free from the Sexual Health London service – https://www.shl.uk/.

Do you think you are at risk of catching HIV?

Pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV (PrEP) can significantly reduce the chances of catching HIV. If you would like to find out more, please see: HIV prevention | Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

Need abortion care?

Please speak to your GP who can listen and provide safe support should you require a pregnancy termination, or you can self-refer to the British Pregnancy Advisory Services by calling: 0345 730 4030 or completing the online form: https://www.bpas.org/contact-us/request-an-appointment/

Thinking about pleasure?

Here is a helpful guide to sexual pleasure and problems: Sexual wellbeing – Sexwise

Need more information?

You can also check out these sites for lots more information about how to avoid unwanted pregnancy, have safer sex and avoid or manage sexually transmitted infections (STIs):

Sexwise: www.sexwise.org.uk

NHS website: www.nhs.uk

Homerton: https://www.homerton.nhs.uk/sexual-health/

Self-certification forms for the first week of your illness are available from your employer or the surgery. If you remain unfit to work after this time a doctor’s note may be required by your employer. Please make an appointment to see the doctor for this. Private medical certificates for periods of time less than one week can be requested from the doctor. There is a fee payable for this certificate.

Influenza immunisation protects effectively against ‘true’ influenza. This vaccination is offered to all patients aged 65 and over and those less than 65 years with any long term condition such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease and COPD, as well as those on long term steroids or immunosuppressants. This service is available from the beginning of October each year. Any patient fulfilling any of these criteria should contact the practice nurse to discuss having a routine vaccination each winter.

All new mums will be invited to have a 6 week post-natal check. Babies will have a developmental check at the same time. Please contact the surgery for a triple appointment for you and your baby.

All non-NHS work such as holiday cancellation forms, To Whom It May Concern letters, private medical examinations/ certificates etc, will incur a fee. If you require any of these services, please contact reception as you may need to book an appointment outside normal surgery hours.

If you feel you would benefit from seeing a counsellor or psychologist, please ask your GP to refer you. there is a wide range of services available in the local area.

Cervical smears are provided by appointment with one of our nurses. These are routinely done between the ages of 25 and 65. Cervical smears are carried out every 3 years up until the age of 50 and, thereafter, every 5 years. Abnormal smears will be followed up more frequently.

The doctors carry out developmental checks by arrangement for infants’ around 6-8 weeks of age. Routine childhood vaccinations are carried out by the practice nurse by prior appointment. Parental permission is required for all vaccinations. If a parent or guardian is arranging for another responsible adult to bring the child for immunisation, this must be discussed with the nurse prior to the immunisation and consent must be provided in writing.

  • The practice offers a confidential emergency contraception service. This service is available on a daily basis. The ‘Morning After’ pill is effective if taken during the 72 hours after you have been at risk. You can speak to our receptionists in absolute confidence to make an urgent appointment.

Important Update
Posted on: 19th November 2024

Following a review of prescribing policies, the Practice has decided to discontinue prescribing sedatives, such as diazepam and temazepam, for managing flight anxiety. Below is an overview of the rationale behind this decision.

Why Sedatives Are No Longer Prescribed for Flight Anxiety

  1. Clinical Guidelines
    • According to the British National Formulary (BNF), benzodiazepines like diazepam are not recommended for treating phobias or mild anxiety.
    • Prescribing such medications for fear of flying falls outside approved guidelines, posing legal and ethical risks for doctors.
  2. Safety Concerns During Flights
    • Sedatives can impair alertness and reaction times, potentially compromising safety during an emergency evacuation.
    • These medications may increase the risk of blood clots (Deep Vein Thrombosis – DVT) during long flights due to reduced movement during unnatural sleep.
  3. Unpredictable Side Effects
    • While sedatives are typically calming, some individuals may experience agitation, aggression, or disinhibition, which could pose risks to themselves and other passengers.
  4. Legal and Practical Issues
    • Diazepam and similar medications are controlled substances and may be illegal in some countries, leading to confiscation or legal trouble.
    • Managing these medications across multi-leg journeys can be challenging, especially if prescriptions are unavailable abroad.
  5. Insurance Implications
    • Failure to declare medications and conditions to travel insurers could void policies, leaving individuals without coverage.

 

Alternatives for Managing Fear of Flying

The aviation industry recommends professional flight anxiety courses, which have proven to be effective. Examples include:

Additionally, smartphone meditation or relaxation apps may help manage anxiety.

 

Further points for consideration:

Flight anxiety is not classified as a General Medical Services (GMS) condition under the GP contract, and GPs are not obligated to prescribe medications for this purpose. Patients who still wish to use sedatives are advised to consult a private GP.

For more information on diazepam and related medications, visit the NHS website.

 

References and Further Information:

Pneumococcal vaccination is offered to all children as part of the routine immunisation programme, however it is also offered to all patients aged 65 years and over and those less than 65 years with a long term condition. For most patients it is a single injection, but certain groups of patients may require a booster after 5 years.

If you wish to see a consultant privately you must discuss the matter in advance with your GP who will provide a referral letter if appropriate. Prescriptions from private consultants will not automatically be provided on an NHS prescription.

If you require vaccinations for foreign travel, please book an appointment with the practice nurse to discuss your travel plans. This includes reviewing the countries and specific areas you plan to visit to determine the necessary vaccinations.

Planning Your Vaccinations:

  • Early Preparation: Schedule your initial appointment 6–12 weeks before your travel date to allow enough time for a full vaccination course.
  • Complete the Travel Questionnaire: Appointments cannot be booked until we receive your completed Travel Questionnaire. You can click on this link (Travel Vacc Form.doc) to gain access to the softcopy, or walk into our practice to get a hardcopy form.
  • Follow-Up Appointment: Some vaccines are not routinely stocked and need to be ordered. Ensure your second appointment is at least two weeks before you travel to allow time for the vaccines to take effect.

Additional Information

Detailed information about vaccination requirements for specific regions can be found via the links below:

 Africa

East Asia

Australasia and Pacific

Europe & Russia

Caribbean

Middle East

Central Asia

North America

Central America

South America

Important Notes

  • Not all travel vaccinations are covered by the NHS. Some may require a private prescription or payment.
  • You can book your GP appointment using our online system.
  • For more information, visit the Travel Vaccinations page on the NHS website.

We provide advocacy services in the following languages:
Turkish – Every Monday PM, every Tuesday PM
Vietnamese & Chinese – Please ask at reception for advocacy booking

Please book an appointment with the reception team

While we prefer to see young people with their parents, we are willing to offer a confidential and sympathetic consultation to any young person if requested, to offer advice about emotional development, contraception, health education, or any health related problem. Please make an appointment with the doctor or nurse.