Welcome
Health advice for vulnerable patients on the harm reduction bus
NHS Lambeth, in partnership with St Mungo’s (London’s largest homeless charity), has launched a new service to bring healthcare advice and treatment to some of the most difficult to reach people in the borough, including the homeless and people who misuse drugs and alcohol.
These patients, who are unlikely to go and see a GP, can get on the bus and talk with nurses and other healthcare professionals about their healthcare needs, including support and advice to patients with addictions, and testing and vaccination for blood born viruses like Hepatitis B, C and HIV/AIDS.
The bus runs 25 hours a week from Tuesday–Saturday visiting locations across the borough where a need has been identified.
Swine flu vaccine update
Family doctors (GPs) in Lambeth will receive their supply of the swine flu vaccine during the first two weeks of November. They will then begin to offer the vaccination to patients at the greatest risk of becoming seriously ill from the virus, such as people with a long-term health problem and pregnant women.
If you are in an at risk group you will hear directly from your GP about arrangements to get your vaccination. See details of who is in an at risk group.
If you have any questions about getting the swine flu vaccine in Lambeth please phone our patient advice & liaison service (PALS) on 0800 587 8078 weekdays 9am until 5pm.
If you think you have swine flu
Please do not go to A&E if you think you have swine flu. Instead contact the National Pandemic Flu Service:
- Phone 0800 1 513 100 (8am–12midnight).
- Visit http://www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu
You should contact your GP straight away if you think you have swine flu and:
- You have a serious underlying illness.
- You are pregnant.
- You have a sick child under one year old.
- Your condition suddenly gets much worse.
- Your condition is still getting worse after seven days (or five days for a child).
Be prepared
Swine flu is spreading fast. Prepare now by:
- Recognising the symptoms. Check here http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Pandemic-flu/Pages/Symptoms.aspx
- Identifying ‘flu friends’ – friends and relatives who can help if you fall ill.
- Keeping paracetamol-based cold remedies in the house.
- Having a thermometer available so you can check your temperature if needed.
If you have contacted the National Pandemic Flu Service and been given a unique reference code but do not have a 'flu friend' please call 020 3049 4444.
Prevent the spread of germs to slow the spread of diseases such as swine flu:
- Ensure everyone washes their hands regularly with soap and water.
- Clean surfaces regularly to get rid of germs.
- Use tissues to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
- Place used tissues in a bin as soon as possible.
For more information go to http://www.nhs.uk/
