Welcome to Balsall Common & Meriden Group Practice
COVID Update – IMPORTANT Please Note 21 6 2021
If you have any fever, cough or cold symptoms you MUST get a PCR Covid test (NOT a lateral flow test, as that is for asymptomatic - no symptoms - patients).
Cases in Solihull are rising rapidly - a local surgery recently had to close due to a Covid outbreak.
Please help us to keep you and our vulnerable patients safe by adhering to the Covid guidelines.
If you need medical advice AND have ANY Covid symptoms you can phone us or 111 for further advice, as well as getting tested.
If you have Covid symptoms and you need a face to face assessment we will make a special arrangement for you to be seen safely. This may involve an appointment being made for you at a special Covid red zone site
Thank you for your patience, support & understanding
The Urgent Treatment Centres 18 06 2021
The Urgent Treatment Centres can now only be accessed via an appointment system, booked by NHS111. Patients can no longer access a ‘walk-in’ service, without an appointment.
Please advise all patients to call 111 or visit online at https://111.nhs.uk first.
Here is an updated list of the 6 Urgent Treatment Centre’s within the Birmingham & Solihull area that NHS111 has access too:
Warren Farm Urgent Treatment Centre
Warren Farm Road, Birmingham, West Midlands, B44 0PU
Opening times: Monday – Sunday 8:00 – 19:00
Erdington Urgent Treatment Centre
Stockland Green Primary Care Centre
192 Reservoir Road
Erdington B23 6DJ
Opening times: Monday – Sunday 10:30 – 22:30
Washwood Heath Urgent Treatment Centre
Clodeshall Road, Washwood Heath , Birmingham, West Midlands, B8 3SN
Opening times: Monday – Sunday 09:00 – 20:30
Birmingham NHS Urgent Treatment Centre (“Boots”)
Lower Ground Floor, Boots The Chemists Ltd, 66 High Street , Birmingham, West Midlands, B4 7TA
Opening times: Monday – Friday 8:00 – 18:00
Saturday: 9:00 – 17:00
Sunday 11:00 – 15:00
South Birmingham GP Urgent Treatment Centre (“Katie Road”)
15 Katie Road, Selly Oak, Birmingham, B29 6JG.
Opening times: Monday – Sunday 8:00 – 20:00
Solihull Urgent Treatment Centre
Hurst Lane Clinic, 62 Hurst Lane
Castle Bromwich
Birmingham B36 0EY
Opening times: Monday – Sunday 10:30 – 22:30
COVID Vaccinations Update 18 06 2021
We are presently inviting patients 18-29 years of age for Pfizer vaccinations and arranging 2nd vaccinations for patients who have had both Astra Zeneca and Pfizer as their first vaccine, we are pleased to say that the clinics are very well attended and filling up quickly.
COVID - 19 vaccination and blood clotting - Information about your vaccination
Please visit the website below for more information published by Public Health England
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/976880/PHE_COVID-19_AZ_vaccination_guide.pdf?fbclid=IwAR2G7L7iOCG4156ZY3z-ThT6xCU5YIna1skqBbBIeAP01OMrA6T2Qm3TNcQ
Demonstrating your COVID-19 status when travelling abroad
Please see website:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/demonstrating-your-covid-19-vaccination-status-when-travelling-abroad
Face Covering - Information
Information regarding face covering can be found at:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own
EXEMPTION CERTIFICATES - this has been taken from document on the above website.
If you have an age, health or disability reason for not wearing a face covering:
you do not routinely need to show any written evidence of this
you do not need show an exemption card
This means that you do not need to seek advice or request a letter from a medical professional about your reason for not wearing a face covering.
However, some people may feel more comfortable showing something that says they do not have to wear a face covering. This could be in the form of an exemption card, badge or even a home-made sign.
Carrying an exemption card or badge is a personal choice and is not required by law.
If you wish to use an exemption card or badge, you can download exemption card templates. You can then print these yourself or show them on a mobile device. Please note that the government is not able to provide physical exemption cards or badges.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of these templates in a more accessible format, please email publiccorrespondence@cabinetoffice.gov.uk. Please say what format you need the template in and what assistive technology you use.
For exemptions in different parts of the UK please refer to the specific guidance for Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
NHS Health App
For information regarding the NHS App please visit the following website:
https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/online-services/nhs-app/
Please note this app is not managed or updated by the Practice issues should be raised using
https://www.nhs.uk/contact-us/nhs-app-contact-us/
Find my NHS Number
To find you NHS number go to the following web address:
https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/online-services/find-nhs-number/?fbclid=IwAR0-xS0C2pTwNtAnt5RyjWWxwDT5nn7qH8XHODrS4QPFYUwXqDVPH51_-34
Blood Pressure Checks - Update 19.04.2021
If you have been requested to have a blood pressure check and do not have your own machine please make an appointment with a health care assistant at the practice, use the blood pressure monitor in the Balsall Common waiting room and pass the slip to reception or visit a local pharmacy (we have been informed by the pharmacy that there is no longer a charge for them to take your blood pressure).
Social Prescriber Service from Balsall Common and Meriden Surgeries
The practice offers a social prescribing service (please speak to reception or your GP/Nurse if you wish to be referred).
The following video (shortcut below)will provide you with more information explaining what this service is.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9azfXNcqD8&feature=emb_logo
Balsall Common and Berkswell Community Help
Volunteers are ready to
• Collect and drop off shopping
• Collect and drop off medicine
• Be available for a chat
• Perform other tasks within reason
Contact us if you or your family need help during isolation at home and we will get someone to you
07515 570 887 bccommunityhelp@gmail.com
If you can help as a volunteer please also contact us
Meriden Patients – Do You Need Help
Please see document below giving full details of the support available from the Meriden Parish Council
Meriden Parish Council Helpline Sept 2020.docx
New Patient Registrations - Proof of ID and Address
All patient registering at the practice now have to provide Proof of ID and Proof of Address before their registration is accepted by the Practice
More information is detailed in "How Do I" - "Register With the Practice"
Early Appointments now available at Balsall Common and Meriden Surgeries
We now have early morning appointments a
Balsall Common - Tuesday and Wednesday 7.00am to 8.00am
Meriden - Thursday 7.00am to 8.00am
Please ask at reception
Sick Note Requests
If you require a sick note please make a telephone consultation appointment with your usual doctor to discuss this. If you have recently attended hospital (which is the reason for the sick note to be issued) the hospital should give you a sick note for the expected duration you will be away from work following the procedure, on this occasion you should contact the hospital for your sick note.
Clinical Questions or Enquiries via email
We are unable to respond to clinical questions / enquiries via email. Please make a telephone consultation with a doctor to discuss your question / enquiry.
Secretaries Answerphone - Prescription and Sick Note Enquiries or Requests
Prescription and Sick Note enquiries or requests should not be left of the secretaries answerphone. From 6 3 2018 any requests left on the secretaries answerphone will NOT be actioned. This is also detailed on the secretaries answerphone message
Text Messaging - Mobile Numbers
We are now operating a text message reminder service; please ensure your mobile number is correct and up to date on your medical records. Please speak to Reception or email balsallcommon.practice@nhs.net with your name, date of birth and mobile number to add it to your records.
Cancelling Your Appointments
If you are unable to attend your appointment please help the surgery reduce wasted appointments by cancelling your appointment
You can cancel your appointment by using the following methods;
· By telephoning Balsall Common Surgery 01676935000 or Meriden Surgery 01676 522706
· By secure email to solccg.bccancelappointments @nhs.net
· Face to Face at Reception
· In Writing
· Via our website www.balsallcommongrouppractice.co.uk using the on line services or practice message
Please give other patients the opportunity to use your appointment if you cannot attend
Email Your Prescription Requests
Prescription requests can now be sent to the practice using the following email address:
bcm.prescriptionrequest@nhs.net
If you have any queries or comments about the Website please contact the practice at:
balsallcommon.practice@nhs.net