Battersea Youth Clinic

Welcome to the Battersea Youth Clinic. The aim of the clinic is to offer a safe space for the young people of Battersea to access healthcare services and other local support. Whether it be advice on mental health, contraception, medicines, a sports injury or something more serious. We know having an appointment with a GP can be daunting and we want to help with this. A youth link worker will be part of the service, to support you through the process.

Telephone, video or face to face appointments will be available. Patients will need to be registered with one of the 5 practices in Battersea but this is very easy and can be done online via one of the links.

The clinic offers a wider service linking young people with other organisations that can help with issues like loneliness, emotional wellbeing, bullying, family problems, crime etc. E.g. putting you in touch with sports clubs, youth clubs, mentoring, mediators, counselling, careers advice etc.

This service is run in collaboration with Enable and with South West London & St George’s Mental Health Trust.

Confidentiality: We are here to listen not to tell.

• You can be sure that anything you discuss with any member of this practice – family doctor, nurse or receptionist – will stay confidential.
• Even if you are under 16 nothing will be said to anyone – including parents, other family members, care workers or tutors – without your permission.
• The only reason why we might have to consider passing on confidential information without your permission, would be to protect you or someone else from serious harm. We would always try to discuss this with you first.
• If you are being treated elsewhere – for example at a hospital or a young people’s centre – it is best if you allow the doctor or nurse to inform the practice of any treatment you are receiving.
• If you have any worries about confidentiality, please feel free to ask a member of staff.

If you would like to book an appointment with our Youth Link worker, please use the form on one of the practice websites, or contact one of our practices.

Community Health and Wellbeing Worker Project

Community health and wellbeing workers visit people in their homes to provide advice and connect them to NHS, council and voluntary sector support. The workers focus on every aspect of life that can influence health, including housing, employment, social isolation and financial pressures, linking people with the help they need. Encouraging early detection, prevention and better management of illness are also a key part of the programme.

We have partnered with South West London Integrated Care System, Community Empowerment Network, Public Health Wandsworth and Wandsworth Council, Enable and other local organisations to launch this scheme in Battersea.

We are now in the second year of the project and have 2 Community Health and Wellbeing Workers on the Rollo and Doddington estates and are looking to expand further.

From Brazil to Battersea – how community health and wellbeing workers link people to the help they need – NHS South West London Integrated Care Board (icb.nhs.uk)

Care co-ordinators

Care Coordinators play an important role within our practices to proactively identify and work with people, including the frail/elderly and those with long-term conditions, to provide coordination and navigation of care and support across health and care services.

First Contact Physiotherapy (FCP)

What is First Contact Physiotherapy?

First Contact Physiotherapists (FCP) are experienced musculoskeletal (MSK) physiotherapists, with expertise in assessing, diagnosing, and managing MSK conditions.

We provide this service in collaboration with Surrey Physio and St Georges Hospital Physio team.

How to access an FCP appointment?

You do not need to see a GP to get an appointment with an FCP. Contact your practice to request an appointment and explain that you have an MSK problem (joint, bone, muscle, tendon), and they can book you directly with one of the FCP team. You can also ask your GP, or any other practitioner to do this if you have an appointment with them about something else. There is no referral form required. This service is available to patients aged 16 years and older.

What do expect during your FCP appointment?

Your FCP will take a detailed history of your condition, they may also question some of your past medical history to gain a better understanding of your symptoms, your general health and help rule other pathologies. They will then assess the joints causing problems to aim to gain a detailed diagnosis, which will be explained to you.

The FCP will work with you to come up with a plan, generally this is some rehabilitation exercises and advice on management of your condition. The FCP service is not a physiotherapy treatment service, but your FCP will always make you aware to return if your condition is not getting better.

We may use the GetUBetter self-management app, for exercise progression. If you wanted to trial this before seeing an FCP you can gain access here;

Register for GetUBetter: www.app.getubetter.com/request-access

If your FCP feels you need ongoing physiotherapy treatment, they will refer to the local St. George’s or AQP service.

If your FCP feels that you need further investigations or referral, they are able to refer you for X-rays, scans, or to hospital- based services, or to the local joint injection service.

The FCP’s work closely with the GPs, and often liaise about conditions and work together if this is required for the management of your condition (e.g. prescriptions.)

For more information about what do expect during your FCP appointment- please watch the below video:

When to see your FCP – social media version on Vimeo

Health and Wellbeing Coaching

What is Health and Wellbeing Coaching?

Health and Wellbeing Coaching is a service that empowers you to take control of your health and wellbeing. It supports people to change behaviours and lead healthier lifestyles.

This service is provided in collaboration with Enable.

Who is Health and Wellbeing Coaching for?

Health and wellbeing coaching is here to support people to make lifestyle changes. You may benefit from seeing a health and wellbeing coach if you:

• Would like to make changes in areas such as diet, physical activity, exercise, sleep or stress
• Would like support with a long-term health condition, whether that be new or existing

What will the sessions involve?

Your health and wellbeing coach will offer up to 6 sessions which can take place in your GP practice or over the phone. Your coach will work with you to understand what your health and wellbeing goals are and together you can decide which areas you would like to discuss.

Over the course of the sessions with your coach you will explore why you would like to change your behaviours. You will discuss what matters to you most and discover how you would like to achieve your goals based on your lifestyle and values.

Mental Health Workers

Assistant psychologists are important members of the healthcare team. They work closely with psychologists and others to help people who are experiencing a variety of feelings, such as sadness, worry, or anger.

They will talk to you and help teach you new ways to manage your emotions. This can help you feel better and understand yourself more. Assistant psychologists also support your family, so they can understand how to help you too.

Remember, if you ever feel overwhelmed, it’s okay to ask for help. Assistant psychologists are here to make sure you feel heard and supported.

This service is run in collaboration with South West London & St George’s Mental Health Trust.

Paramedics

Paramedics are highly skilled healthcare professionals who play a crucial role in providing care within our communities. They are trained to respond quickly to a range of health concerns, from minor injuries to more serious conditions.

In primary care, paramedics provide vital support to patients of all ages. They can assess and treat minor illnesses, manage wounds, and assist those with long-term conditions. They also play an important role in helping people stay safe and healthy at home, reducing the need for hospital visits.

Paramedics are dedicated to providing compassionate and expert care, ensuring that patients receive the right treatment in the right place at the right time. Their skills and expertise are invaluable in helping our communities thrive.

Pharmacy Team

Our pharmacy team works closely with your GP to manage chronic conditions and review your medications, especially if you are elderly, live in a care home, or have multiple health concerns. They provide personalised care, addressing any questions or concerns you may have about your medications.

In addition to patient care, our pharmacy team also plays a key role in prescription management, ensuring your medications are dispensed accurately and efficiently. They also contribute to education and training within our practice, keeping our team up to date on the latest developments in medication and healthcare.

By having pharmacists as part of our team, we can provide comprehensive care, allowing your GP to focus on diagnosing and treating more complex conditions. This collaborative approach ensures that you receive the best possible care, tailored to your individual needs.

Physician Associates (PAs)

Physician Associates are skilled healthcare professionals who work alongside doctors, providing comprehensive medical care as part of our team. They are trained to manage a wide range of health conditions, from minor illnesses to more complex cases.

In our PCN, Physician Associates contribute significantly to patient care. Working under the supervision of a GP, they can see patients with both acute and chronic health concerns, conduct physical examinations and develop treatment plans. They are also involved in health promotion and disease prevention, empowering our patients to take control of their health.

While Physician Associates work under the supervision of experienced doctors, they are trained and capable of making informed decisions about patient care. Their expertise and dedication allow our doctors to focus on the most complex cases, ensuring that all patients receive the highest standard of care.

Physician Associates are a valuable asset to our team, helping us provide comprehensive and accessible healthcare to our community. Their contribution allows us to meet the growing demands of modern healthcare, ensuring that everyone receives timely and effective treatment.

Social Prescribers

Social prescribing is a service that enables staff in primary care to support their patient’s wellbeing through non-medical “prescriptions”. As link workers they will spend time with each patient, to focus on listening to them, understanding what’s important to them at the moment and explore together what could help support them with the issues they are facing.

Examples of reasons for referral are:

• Mental health issues.
• Managing long term conditions.
• Weight management.
• Social needs, and more.

Link workers adopt a holistic approach and most often the conversation does not remain on one issue. I think it’s powerful for patients to be able to voice their concerns and hear them said out loud, it enables thought processes and can help boost the confidence needed to be able to tackle things one step at a time.

This service is provided through Enable.

GP, nurse and HCA appointments in the evening and on Saturdays

The PCN co-ordinates evening and weekend appointments with GPs, nurses, health care assistants. You may be seen in your own practice, another practice in the PCN, or one of our local hubs.

Spirometry

Spirometry is a simple test used to help diagnose and monitor certain lung conditions by measuring how much air you can breathe out in one forced breath.

It’s carried out using a device called a spirometer, which is a small machine attached by a cable to a mouthpiece.

Spirometry is performed for patients across our PCN at Lavender Hill Group Practice and Bridge Lane Group Practice. It be performed by a health care assistant or a nurse.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/spirometry.