Health Topics

Asbestos - Mesothelioma

https://www.asbestos.com/mesothelioma is a wesbite designed to support people suffering from Mesothelioma.  Plese visit the site for further information and support. 


Audiology

Croydon Hearing is a chairty that supports Croydon residents with hearing loss. They have numerous locations around Croydon and are able to help with hearing aid issues such as re-tubing, batteries and more. Below is a link to their clinic information for 2024

Croydon Hearing 


Bowel Cancer Screening

The age range for testing has changed to include 56-58  year old patient. Please see below FAQ's 

Questions and Answers:
What is a FIT kit?
The Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) detects traces of human blood in stool samples. The test is simple to use and can be done at home. It is now being used as the primary test in the NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme.
Is a FIT kit better than a Bowel Scope?
One test is not better than the other, however uptake of bowel scope screening was lower than expected. The FIT test kit is a simpler and safer test, done at home. Only a small proportion (about 2-3%) of people who use the kit will need further tests. The FIT kit is also universally rolled out across England which is an important part of reducing health inequalities across the country.
What plans are in place to extend the age cohort for the NHSEI bowel cancer screening programme?
We will be lowering the age range of the Bowel Cancer Screening Programme to include 50 to 59-year olds as stated in the NHS Long Term Plan. To do this safely, the age extension will be gradually rolled out across the country in a phased approach over the next four years, starting with expanding the programme to include 56-year olds in 2021.
Will everyone aged between 50 and 59 get their FIT test sent through at the same time? Will there be different rollout dates in different parts of the country?
The age extension will be gradually rolled out across the country in a phased approach over the next four years. Based on modelling and clinical advice, this is to allow for a safe and effective roll out in line with capacity and to ensure people can access further tests if required. Not everybody will receive their FIT kit in the same year and there will be some regional variation for rollout dates.
How will I know when I’m eligible?
People will receive a programme invitation letter when they become eligible for bowel cancer screening. They will then receive the FIT kit with full instructions and prepaid return packaging 2 weeks later.
Who should I contact if I haven’t had my test?
Eligible people are invited automatically by the NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme. People who are concerned that they may have missed their invitation can call the free bowel cancer screening helpline for advice on 0800 707 60 60. Relay UK is also available - dial 18001 then 0800 707 60 60 from your textphone or the Relay UK app.
Why was the decision taken to decommission bowel scope screening?
There are a range of reasons, in discussion with experts and stakeholders, that informed the decision including:
• Bowel Scope screening was only available in certain parts of the country creating variation in service delivery and people taking up the offer of the test was lower than expected.
• To continue to ensure that people who complete a FIT kit and require further diagnostic tests receive them in a timely way and, following the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, to maintain focus on fully restoring the FIT testing programme.
• Bowel Scope screening is not provided in our devolved nations, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Decommissioning Bowel Scope screening will support the extension of the FIT home testing programme, which was a key NHS commitment. This decision was also supported by the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.
What happens to the people who were invited for a Bowel Scope screening when this is no longer being offered?
All those in this group who were offered a Bowel Scope and accepted the offer, received a letter in January 2021 informing them they would be sent a FIT kit from April 2021. Screening hubs have been readied to ensure this group is prioritised for a FIT test before age extension is mobilised.
I was 56 in April 2021, can I have a screening kit?
If the local screening centre has commenced age extension, people aged 56 from April 2021 will receive an invitation to be screened at some point throughout the year until April 2022. If you are experiencing any symptoms of bowel cancer, we recommend speaking to your GP.
Where can I find this information in one place?
Information on bowel cancer and the Screening Programme can be found on https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bowel-cancer-screening/.
I’m aged over 60 and I’ve been waiting for my bowel screening FIT kit, which has been delayed because of COVID-19; why are you starting this new system now when people in the current system are still waiting?
During the coronavirus outbreak, NHS Bowel Cancer Screening providers took the decision locally to reschedule appointments for diagnostic tests to a later date to redeploy staff to support coronavirus-related work and protect patients from the virus and to pause routine invitations. Thanks to the hard work of NHS staff, we have made significant progress in restarting and clearing the screening backlog and routine invitations.
Extending the age cohort for the Bowel Cancer Screening Programme was a key commitment made in the NHS Long Term Plan. We are committed to delivering age extension in a safe and phased approach in line with our capacity, whilst we continue to work through the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
I did not take up the invitation for a Bowel Scope screening, but I would like a FIT kit, how can I get one?
People will receive a programme invitation letter when they become eligible for bowel cancer screening. They will then receive the FIT kit with full instructions and prepaid return packaging 2 weeks later.
People who are concerned that they may have missed their invitation can call the free bowel cancer screening helpline for advice on 0800 707 60 60. Relay UK is also available - dial 18001 then 0800 707 60 60 from your textphone or the Relay UK app.
If you are experiencing any symptoms of bowel cancer, please contact your GP.

April 2021, NHS England and NHS Improvement (NHSE/I) expanded the population eligible to receive a Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) as part of the NHS BCSP to include 50-59 year olds. This age extension will meet a key commitment of the NHS Long Term Plan 2019 to modernise the programme and ensure alignment with the government commitments to improve earlier diagnosis of cancer.
The age extension will be gradually rolled out across the country in a phased approach over the next four years:
• Year 1 56 year olds
• Year 2 58 year olds
• Year 3 54 year olds
• Year 4 52 & 50 year olds

 

Breast Screening

Your local NHS Breast screening team are currently working in this area inviting women aged 50-70 for routine breast screening. A research trial is also being undertaken to assess the benefits and risks of screening women slightly younger then 50 and older than 70. About half the women aged 47-49 and half aged 71-73 are being sent letters inviting them for screening. 

Women are sent their initial screening invitations sometime between their 50th and before their 53rd birthday.

FIND OUT MORE

If you miss your screening appointment please call 0208 725 2723-4/5 or email breastscreeningunit@stgeorges.nhs.uk to re arrange your appointment.

For more information on South West Londons breast screening programme, please visit this website where you will find lots of information on breast screening: www.london-breastscreening.org.uk you can also make an appointment via telephone on 02037582024.

Breast Cancer Care have made a guide in order to help identify when to seek medical attention. Please click here to view this information.

 

Diabetes Education

There is now and new and easy way to access Diabetes Education in South London.

Visit Diabetes Book & Learn Service to book a place on a course or call 0203 474 5500

The surgery is able to provide annual diabetic checks, reviews of diabetes. Please contact reception to book an appoitment. You can see further information on our diabetic services under clinics and services on this website

 

Dementia 

Things available for people living with dementia and their carers’ in Croydon

The Croydon Dementia Alliance helps those caring for someone with Dementia as well as the person suffering with Dementia.

Please click here to view their latest bulletin 

 

Get Fit For Free

The secret to getting fit for free is to use every opportunity to be active. Armed with a bit of get-up-and-go and good planning, you can be fitter than ever without spending a penny.

NHS Choices have enlisted the help of top fitness experts to help you explore new ways and places to exercise for free. Click on the following to find out more:

 

Mental Health

Talking Therapies is a free & confidential service for adults who are registered with a Croydon GP. Please click here to find out what services they can offer and how you can access their services. 

One in four affected

It's easy to think that mental health issues don't concern us, but in fact a quarter of us will have problems with our mental wellbeing at some time in our lives.

Mental health problems are equally common in men and women, but the types of problems differ. Women are one-and-a-half times more likely to be affected by anxiety and depression, while men suffer more from substance abuse (one in eight men is dependent on alcohol) and anti-social personality disorders. Men are also more prone to suicide: British men are three times more likely than British women to die as a result of suicide.

Serious mental health problems are also more common than you might think. One person in 100 has a severe mental health condition such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

All these figures are based on people who have sought help for their mental health problems. Many more could be living with undiagnosed mental health issues, according to mental health charity MIND.

If you're worried about your mental health, or if someone in your life is affected, there are plenty of ways to get help. Find out more about mental health support.

You can also contact mental health charities such as Sane and the Mental Health Foundation.

Mental Health Crisis line 0800 731 2864

Read more at NHS Choices

Coral Mental Health Crisis Assessment Hub is a new service that provides single point of access for people experiencing a mental health crisis. It is a 24/7 service and will be going directly to patients in their homes and in community settings. Click here for more information.

 

Patient Decision Aids

Patient Decision Aids are specially designed information resources that help people make decisions about difficult healthcare options. They will help you to think about why one option is better for you than another. People's views change over time depending on their experiences and who they talk to. Understanding what is important to you about your decision will help you choose the option that is best for you.


Prostate Cancer

Update 25.01.204 all men over the age of 50 are not entitled to have a PSA blood test, this test is 1st line in detecting prostate cancer early, don't delay book today - please note you cannot have ridden a bike, undertaken heavy exercise or had sexual intercourse in the preceeding 48hrs before the test as this can give an inaccurate result. 

Prostate Cancer UK have given us some helpful leaflets and posters to provide our patients with the latest information on a range of topics including prostate problems, the PSA test, advice on living with hormone therapy and much more...

Here are a few that we think may be helpful and informative: