Primary Care Trust

We provide general medical services under a contract with NHS Hammersmith and Fulham, which is based at:

NHS Hammersmith and Fulham
1a Hammersmith Broadway
London

Telephone: 020 8846 6767
Website: www.hf.nhs.uk

Choosing Your Hospital

If you need to be referred to see a specialist, you can now choose to get your treatment at any hospital that meets NHS standards. You can also book an appointment date and time that is convenient for you.

You can make your choice based on what is important to you, for example, a hospital’s reputation, shortest waiting times, cleanest wards, most convenient location or anything else. We’ll be happy to give a recommendation if you wish but it is your choice.

To help you choose there is information on the NHS Choices website at www.nhs.uk. You can compare hospitals on cleanliness, patient feedback, the overall quality of service, the respect and dignity given to patients and distance from your home. You can also see comments left by patients, and after your treatment you can leave feedback on the website to help other people choose.

How do I book a hospital appointment?
We use a computer system called Choose & Book which gives our doctors immediate access to hospital clinic diaries. If you make your choice straight away you’ll be able to look at the diary with the GP and pick a slot that suits you.

If you need time to choose a hospital or check which date would suit you best we will give you a reference number. When you’ve made your choice you simply call the national appointments line on 0845 608 8888 or book online at www.chooseandbook.co.uk

Can I go to a private hospital?
Yes. The NHS now has contracts with many private hospitals to provide the care people need. Private hospitals with such arrangements are listed on www.nhs.uk

How long will I have to wait?
Hospital waiting times have reduced dramatically in recent years. Exact waiting times vary depending on the hospital and the specialty you need, but in most cases you should be treated within 18 weeks of your referral.

Can I choose for every type of treatment?
Not quite. If there is something we think should be investigated urgently the wait is normally no more than 2 weeks and a choice of hospitals is not available. At present maternity services and mental health care are not included in the patient choice programme either.

May I obtain copies of letters?
From time to time we will write letters to other clinicians about the care you are receiving, for example referral letters. If you would like to be sent copies of such letters please ask at your next appointment.

Find out more about patient choice at www.nhs.uk

Expert Patient Programme

If you’re living with a long-term medical condition NHS Hammersmith and Fulham runs a free course that can help you.

The Expert Patients Programme teaches you new skills to manage your symptoms and reduce the chances of developing more serious problems. It’s also a great way to meet people and share your experiences. One patient said: “It’s the most valuable thing I’ve ever done. It has changed my life tremendously.” It could change your life too. Call today to find out more, 020 8846 6803 or 020 8846 6819, or visit the website at:
www.hf-pct.nhs.uk/expertpatients

Carers

If you are the main carer for a friend or relative, and would like to be officially recognised as such, please inform the practice who will be able to give you information so that you can be assessed by social services. Once registered as an official carer you may be entitled to a Carer's Allowance from the Benefits Agency.

Further information on carers can be obtained by telephoning the Hammersmith & Fulham Carers Centre on 020 8563 8019. To gauge the needs of a carer or someone requiring a carer, the Information & Assessment Team should be contacted on 020 8753 5456.

PALS (Patient Advice and Liaison Service)

NHS Hammersmith and Fulham’s PALS team can provide information about other health services in the borough and general advice about your rights and entitlements to NHS treatment.

The PALS phone line is open Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm on 0800 389 9092 or 020 3313 7179.

Or you can email pals@hf-pct.nhs.uk

Dentistry

There is plenty of NHS dentistry available locally. You can search for a dentist at www.nhs.uk or call NHS Hammersmith and Fulham’s Patient Advice and Liaison Service on 0800 389 9092.

If you haven’t seen a dentist for some time you should book a visit soon. Your dentist will then tell you how often you should have check-ups; which could be between every 3 months to 2 years depending on the condition of your teeth.

NHS dental charges are spilt into 3 bands ranging from about £20 for a check-up through to £200 for the most complex procedures, although not everyone has to pay. For details on prices and entitlement to free dental care call NHS Direct or visit www.nhs.uk

There is also a local emergency dental service open evenings and weekends. Call 020 8867 1411 for details. Normal NHS prices apply.