Category Archives: Uncategorized

Phlebotomy services in Enfield – Changes 1st April 2019

Uncategorized

From Monday 1 April 2019, the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust will no longer provide a practice based phlebotomy service. This change will affect the following GP practices within Enfield:

  • Abernethy House Surgery
  • Carlton House Surgery
  • Cockfosters Medical Centre
  • Eagle House Surgery
  • Gillian House Surgery
  • Highlands Practice
  • Lincoln Road Medical Practice
  • Oakwood Medical Centre
  • Riley House Surgery
  • Southgate Surgery
  • Trinity Avenue Surgery
  • Willow House Surgery

The Trust is repatriating its phlebotomy service staff to the Chase Farm Hospital site to provide more capacity for all Enfield patients.

The Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust will continue to provide phlebotomy at the following hospital sites:

  • Chase Farm Hospital
  • Barnet Hospital
  • Royal Free Hospital
  • Cheshunt Community Hospital
  • Edgware Community Hospital
  • Finchley Memorial Hospital

Patients can book either online or via telephone by calling 020 8375 1471. Full details of opening times and how to book a blood test can be accessed via the following link: https://www.royalfree.nhs.uk/services/services-a-z/blood-tests/

Please note that there is a walk-in service for urgent cases, but there is limited availability.

North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust provides a phlebotomy service at a number of GP practice locations in Enfield (as well as the North Middlesex University Hospital site) and can be accessed by any patient registered with an Enfield GP practice. These include:

  • Winchmore Hill Practice
  • Forest Primary Care Centre
  • Evergreen Surgery
  • Freezywater Primary Care Centre
  • Grovelands Medical Centre
  • White Lodge Medical Practice

Patients can book either online or via telephone by calling 020 8887 2366.

Full details of opening times and how to book can be accessed via the following link:

www.northmid.nhs.uk/Our-Services/Blood-tests

Please note that there is limited availability for urgent walk-in blood testing at North Middlesex University Hospital.

North Middlesex University Hospital also provides a domiciliary service for housebound patients in Enfield. Appointments for this non-urgent service are made via GP referral to northmid.phlebotomydomiciliary@nhs.net or by calling 020 8887 2238.

Please be advised that North Middlesex University NHS Hospital Trust phlebotomy service waiting times are currently shorter when compared with the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust waiting times. You may wish to share this information with your patients.

Hay Fever

Uncategorized

Hay fever is caused by an allergy to pollen. The symptoms of hay fever are caused when a person has an allergic reaction to pollen. Common hay fever symptoms are:

  • a runny, itchy and/or blocked nose
  • sneezing
  • itchy eyes Pollen is a fine powder released by plants as part of their reproductive cycle. Pollen contains proteins that can cause the nose, eyes, throat and sinuses to become swollen, irritated and inflamed.
    How to treat hay fever
    Many hay fever symptoms can be controlled with over-the-counter medication at your local pharmacy.
  • Steroid nasal sprays  help to prevent or reduce inflammation in the lining of the nose and some can help to relieve watery eyes.
    Available from your local pharmacy.  
  • Antihistamines  help to relieve a runny nose, sneezing, itching and watery eyes. Some types of antihistamines make you drowsy and are best taken before bed. Newer antihistamines are less likely to make you drowsy and are a common choice for children and people with milder or occasional symptoms of hay fever.
    Available from your local pharmacy.  
  • Decongestant nasal sprays and tablets  are used to unblock the nose. They should never be taken for more than a few days at a time.
    Available from your local pharmacy.  
  • Eye drops  can be used to treat itchy or watery eyes.
    Available from your local pharmacy. If none of the above treatments are effective for you, please book an appointment to discuss other treatments.  Useful Links
  • NHS – Hay fever
  • NHS – Find your local Pharmacy
  • Met Office – Pollen forecast