General health

The NHS website - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Your complete guide to conditions, symptoms and treatments, including what to do and when to get help.

NHS APP NHS Go is a confidential health advice and information service for 16-25 year olds. The app can be downloaded on iTunes or GooglePlay and is available to download anywhere in the world. More information can be found on the Patient Experience Network.

Who we are and what we do:
We are the independent champion for people who use health and social care services. We’re here to make sure that those running services, put people at the heart of care.

Our sole purpose is to understand the needs, experiences and concerns of people who use health and social care services and to speak out on their behalf.

We focus on ensuring that people’s worries and concerns about current services are addressed.

We work to get services right for the future.

How we work:
We are here to listen to what you like about services and what you think could be improved. No matter how big or small the issue, we want to hear about it.

Where possible, we will let you know when changes are planned to services in our community and help you have a say. We will also encourage those in charge of local care to involve you when changes are being planned to services.

You can also speak to us to find information about health and social care services available locally.

Our approach:
People's views come first - especially those who find it hardest to be heard.

We champion what matters to you and work with others to find ideas that work. We are independent and committed to making the biggest difference to you.

For more information: Home | Healthwatch Cityoflondon

Tel: 020 3745 9563 
Email: info@healthwatchcityoflondon.org.uk

What is bilingual health advocacy?
Bilingual advocacy/interpretation service:

  • is for patients who do not speak English
  • provides advice, information and support to help people access and use health services
  • educates health services about cultural norms so they can provide care and treatment in a culturally sensitive way.

Who is the service for?
People who do not speak English and need support when they have a health appointment.

Bilingual health advocates or interpreters are provided where possible.

Telephone interpreting is available in the hospital and at GP practices to help with communication with health care professionals.

What is the difference between advocates and interpreters?

  • an interpreter will interpret for the patient and the health professional to ensure that they can both understand and communicate with each other using a common language
  • an advocate will also interpret, but in addition will support patients ensuring they have the knowledge, understanding and confidence needed to make informed decisions and to get the care and services they need. They will also refer them to other organisations that can assist them.

There is an open referral system which means patients, carers and health workers can refer to the service.

Please make referrals using the contact details for the service.

Will I have to pay for this service?
Individuals do not have to pay for the service.

However, the hospital pays for bilingual health advocates' and interpreters time, so cancellations must be notified at least 48 hours in advance.

What if you can't help me?
If the service can't provide the help you need, they can advise about other services that can help.

However please note; this is a health service and can not provide benefits, housing, environmental health, social services or immigration advice.

Hospital Advocacy Service:
Homerton Hospital
Homerton Row
London
E9 6SR

Phone: 020 8510 7179

Email: huh-tr.advocacy.hospitalrequests@nhs.net

Community Advocacy Service:
Phone: 020 7683 4024
Email: huh-tr.advocacy.communityrequests@nhs.net

Community Lead/Deputy Service Manager: 
Marina Ostapenko
Phone: 020 7683 4163
Email: marina.ostapenko@nhs.net

For more information: Home | Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

Address:
Homerton Row
Hackney
London
E9 6SR 

Tel: 020 8510 5555 (Main switchboard)

The children's inpatient ward has 15 beds (one of which can be used to care for children requiring one-to-one nursing) as well as a three-bed observation area. There are play facilities, treatments rooms and adolescent facilities. There is a parents' room where refreshments are provided.

The ward provides around the clock access for urgent GP referrals and children-only outpatient clinics. Many emergency admissions come via our children’s emergency assessment (CEA) unit where children may be observed for a short while, or have necessary investigations done before being either discharged home or admitted to Starlight children’s ward.

For more information: Children's inpatient and outpatient services | Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

Have you recently had your 16th birthday?
As you become more independent we want to help you make good health and lifestyle choices about:

  • Diet
  • Exercise
  • Smoking
  • Relationships
  • Anything else you are concerned about

How can you book a 16th birthday health check?
Contact the reception of your GP surgery to book your free 16th birthday health check appointment with one of the nursing team.

Appointments will be arranged at a time that won’t interfere with your studies.

For more information ask your GP or GP Practice Nurs

Health Spot offers young people aged 11-25 free and confidential health and wellbeing appointments and groupwork with a range of health and wellbeing professionals, including an adolescent GP service. All within Young Hackney's Forest Road Youth Hub

You can get support and information for:

  • Physical health
  • Mental health
  • Sexual health
  • Drugs and alcohol use
  • Anything else you are worried about

The full timetable of services available throughout the week, can be accessed here. To book an appointment you can either

  • Drop into the Forest Road Youth Hub and speak to a youth worker
  • Email HealthSpot@hackney.gov.uk or complete the booking form here
  • Ask a trusted adult to complete a form on your behalf - using this form

Social Action for Health is a community-based health charity providing services and support to people most affected by health inequalities.

We are committed to developing our existing expertise to provide services and support in the following delivery areas:

  • Long-term health conditions, including cancer, mental ill-health and long-Covid

  • Pregnancy, birth and early-parenthood

  • Community Research

We are also committed to growing and developing our work in relation to the health and wellbeing of young people, working with them to ascertain their priorities and goals and supporting them to vocalise and act on their decisions.

For more information: Social Action for Health (safh.org.uk)

Who we are:
We are the charity that supports people as they become parents. We're here for you through pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood.

What we do:
We connect, inform and support parents through our antenatal and postnatal courses, bringing people together to share information and experiences of pregnancy, birth, and life with a new baby. Our peer support programmes are there for parents who may be under-served by society or who are experiencing challenges with mental health, social isolation, or other unmet needs.

We host thousands of community-based events across the UK. If you’re a new or expectant parent, chances are you’ve joined one of our Bumps & Babies Groups or visited a Baby Café to access infant feeding support. Many of these activities are run by our volunteers, who give more than 70,000 hours of outstanding community service each year.

We support parents to make informed decisions that feel right for them. We provide access to evidence-based information through our website, Parent Hub and free Infant Feeding Support Line 365-days a year.

More information:
For more information, please visit the NCT website: About us | The National Childbirth Trust | NCT

Who we are:
The Children's Audiology service is based at Hackney Ark Centre for children and young people with special educational needs and or disabilities.

The audiology service sees children and young people with difficulties concerning their hearing or balance.

There are 2 levels of support from audiology.

Tier 2 offers consultation to families and other practitioners.

If they identify severe or complex needs requiring more specialist intervention and assessment the referral will be passed on to the Tier 3 audiology service.

How we help families, children and young people:

The audiology services offer:

Tel: 020 7014 7010/020 7014 7034

Email: bartshealth.ch2tierpaedaudiology@nhs.net