What is a Self-Referral?
Bromley Primary Care Campaign – Take Control of Healthcare
Did you know that there are some free NHS health services you can access without needing an appointment with your GP? This is called self-referral and could help you find the care you need quicker and more easily than going through your surgery. Self-referral often includes services for drug and alcohol problems, as well as antenatal care and improving access to psychological therapies (IAPT).
You can register for most of them online. In some cases, you refer yourself by phoning rather than emailing or by completing an online form. Just click on the service you’re interested in, then search your area for a simple link to the easiest way to access the service.
Self-referral services vary by area though – and they might be provided by a variety of organisations, all approved and commissioned by the NHS.
Find more information and services local to you by visiting the links below. If you can’t find the information you need, try searching the NHS website (The NHS website – NHS (www.nhs.uk)) or contact your GP practice.
Mental Health
Oxleas – Mental Health crises line/support
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, or need help now, call the 24-hour mental health crisis line on 0800 330 8590 or see the help in a crisis information. – oxleas.nhs.uk/help-in-a-crisis
If you require medical advice, please contact your GP in the first instance. If it is urgent, dial 111 to speak with a trained medical advisor. For immediate medical attention, attend your local Urgent Care Centre, A&E or call 999.
Talk Together Bromley – Talking Therapies
Talk together Bromley is part of the NHS Improving Access to Psychological Therapies service (IAPT).
As many as one in four people will experience some form of mental illness at some point in their lives. If you’ve been having a tough time, you can get access to a professional counsellor or therapist through Talk together Bromley without going to your GP.
We offer talking therapies for people over 18 experiencing depression, general anxiety and worry, health anxiety, panic attacks, social anxiety, traumatic memories and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). We also offer help with other problems including living with a long-term health condition.
If you’re aged 18 or over and registered with a Bromley GP, start your journey towards mental health support today by calling 0300 003 3000 or completing our online form: Referral Form (mayden.co.uk)
More information please visit: Talk together Bromley – IAPT talking therapy service
Bromley Y – Free support for children, young people and their families
Bromley Y is committed to strengthening access to mental health and wellbeing services and having a strong reach into the community to ensure that ‘mental health is everyone’s business’. They work closely with schools and other services/professionals that work with young people in the borough and continue to build on existing relationships as well as developing new relationships in the community.
Patients can self-refer by completing their online form: Refer Now (bromley-y.org) Alternatively, patients can Email: [email protected] or ring 020 3770 8848. For more detailed information please visit: Bromley Y Home Page (bromley-y.org)
NHS Bromley Musculoskeletal (MSK) Services
If you are 16 years or older and have back, neck, joint or general muscle problems you can now self-refer to physiotherapy without the need for a GP appointment. You can still see your GP to be referred, but self-referral aims to give you rapid access direct to a physiotherapy assessment. Self-referral gives you rapid access to a physiotherapist without the need to see your GP, thus improving your access and wait time. It puts you in control of your care.
How does it work?
If you feel that you would benefit from our services and are registered with a Bromley GP and you would like to self-refer, then follow the instructions below:
Online referral
Using this online Physiotherapy assessment tool will allow you to answer a series of questions in your own time. They can then direct you to the most appropriate care for you as quickly as possible. You can access this tool 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Alternatively, they will contact you within 7 days to confirm a telephone or video appointment with a Physiotherapist to understand your problem and guide your next steps.
Self-Help resources can also be found here: Self Help Resources – Vita (vitahealthgroup.co.uk) For more information, please visit: Vita Health Group – NHS, Corporate & Private Health Services
Sexual Health
Sexual Health London
SHL.UK is a discreet sexual health service for Londoners. They offer a STI testing service for people who have mild or no STI symptoms and would like to get themselves checked. You can also request free regular and emergency contraception (effective up to 5 days after unprotected sex) by completing a simple, secure online consultation.
To find out more visit: Sexual Health London • SHL.UK
Mottingham Contraception Clinic
Provides a free and confidential contraception services. All appointments must be booked, as we do not provide a walk-in service at Mottingham.
Booking an appointment
Appointments are available every Wednesday, 3pm to 7pm. To book:
Tel: 01689 866 622
Email: [email protected]
Address
Kimmeridge Road
Mottingham,
London, SE9 4EB
Their services
Mottingham is open to everyone regardless of their age or sexuality. It offers a range of services, including:
- Advice on contraceptive methods
- Contraceptive pill
- Free Condoms
- Contraceptive injection
- Contraceptive implant insertion and removal
- Emergency contraception (can be used up to 5 days after unprotected sex)
- Screening for chlamydia and gonorrhoea (for under 25s)
- Advice on safer sex and avoiding STIs
- Referral to other agencies relevant to your visit
- Chlamydia treatment
Beckenham Beacon Contraception Clinic
Provides a free and confidential contraception services at their walk-in clinic. Beckenham Beacon contraception clinic is open to everyone regardless of their age or sexuality. It offers a range of services including:
- Advice on contraceptive methods
- Contraceptive pill
- Free Condoms
- Contraceptive injection
- IUD/IUS (Coil) fitting and removal – following a consultation (please call before attending to check availability)
- Contraceptive implant insertion and removal
- Emergency contraception (can be used up to 5 days after unprotected sex)
- Screening for chlamydia and gonorrhoea (for under 25s)
- Advice on safer sex and avoiding STIs
- Referral to other agencies relevant to your visit
- Chlamydia treatment
Opening hours
Monday: 9am to 4.15pm
Tuesday: 11am to 6.15pm
Wednesday: 12pm to 6.15pm
Thursday: 8am to 3.15pm
Friday: 8am to 3.15pm
The clinic is closed on weekends and public holidays.
Address
379-397 Croydon Road,
Beckenham,
Kent,
BR3 3QL
Tel: 01689 866 622
Email: [email protected]
Termination of pregnancy
The following services offer unplanned pregnancy support and advice to women across London without the need of a GP referral. To find out how to access the service please, click on the links below:
Abortion Clinics | Termination of Pregnancy Advice, Counselling & Treatment | NUPAS
Support for Carers
Unpaid Carers
Are you supporting someone?
If you’re supporting a loved one, read the Charter to see how services have committed to working and supporting you in your caring role.
For details of local carers support services, download the Key Contacts list.
Read more about the One Bromley Carers Charter One Bromley partnership commits to supporting unpaid Carers – Bromley Well and how to get more information if you are an unpaid carer.
Bromley Carers Charter
Bromley well – Adult Carers
Bromley Well provides support to adults who are caring, unpaid, for others. Peer support and professional support is on hand to help.
You don’t have to tell anyone that you’re a carer, but it can be useful to register as a carer if you are trying to access certain grants or services.
You can register with the Bromley Well Carers Support Service by calling Bromley Well freephone 0808 278 7898 or completing our online referral form which has a tick box to select Adult Carers service.
The quickest way to use Bromley Well services is to complete an online form requesting support.
Refer yourself form: Bromley Well self referral form for Bromley borough residents (office.com)
Refer someone else e.g family member, patient, neighbour etc. Bromley Well referral form for professionals, carers, relatives and friends (Page 1 of 5) (office.com)
To find out more information: Unpaid adult carers – Bromley Well
For help call Freephone 0808 278 7898
Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm
Email [email protected]
Bromley well – Young Carers
Bromley Well support Young Carers aged 4 to 19 to manage caring relationships whilst enjoying childhood.
They provide:
- A Young Carers App – a safe, secure, online space dedicated to young carers in Bromley borough
- Opportunities to meet with other young carers, have fun, discuss any worries and try out new activities
- Emotional support to discuss your caring role and any worries or questions you may have
- Counselling support by professionals from a local service in central Bromley
- Workshops to help develop your practical life skills
- Workshops to help you think about your mental wellbeing and develop strategies for managing emotions
- Leisure and social activities including outings and special events
- Quarterly Young Carers Forum for you to share ideas and discuss ways to improve and develop the service we provide
- Support for transition / changes in your life e.g moving to secondary school, changes in your caring role, preparing for adulthood.
For more information please visit: Young carers – Bromley Well
For help call Freephone 0808 278 7898
Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm
Email [email protected]
Mind
Bromley Dementia Support Hub
A diagnosis of dementia is life changing. We support people living with dementia in Bromley, and their carers, providing information, advice and help to find the most suitable services and support for their individual needs.
To contact Bromley Dementia Support Hub patient can call on 0203 328 0366 or email [email protected].
More information about their services can be found: Bromley Dementia Support Hub – Bromley, Lewisham & Greenwich Mind (blgmind.org.uk)
Opticians – Minor Eye Conditions
Primary Ophtalmic Solutions currently provide a range of Community Services including MECS (Minor Eye Conditions Service), Glaucoma and Cataract Refinement, Post-op Cataract checks and Children’s Eye Screening.
Medical eye conditions that can be treated by MECS can be found: Patient Information – MECS – Primary Ophthalmic Solutions (sel-mecs.com)
Patients can directly contact any of the approved opticians below to make an appointment and ask to be seen under MECS:
Practice Name | Address | Telephone |
Boots Opticians, Bromley | 234 The Glades Shopping Centre, Bromley, BR1 1HD | 020 8460 4944 |
Boots Opticians, Hayes | 2 Station Buildings, Station Approach, Hayes, BR2 7EN | 020 8462 5332 |
Boots Opticians, Orpington | 232 High Street, Orpington, BR6 0LS | 01689 820848 |
Boots Opticians, West Wickham | 115 Station Road, West Wickham, BR4 0PX | 020 8777 2211 |
Day Lewis Opticians | 116 Main Road, Biggin Hill, Kent TN16 3AY | 01959 572535 |
Ellis & Edwards Opticians, Beckenham | 254 High Street, Beckenham, BR3 1DZ | 020 8658 2313 |
Glasses Lab, Bromley | 62 High Street, Bromley, BR1 1EG | 020 8466 1315 |
Lambrou Eye Studio, Locksbottom | 350 Crofton Road, Locksbottom, BR6 8NN | 01689 850593 |
Linklater & Warren Opticians, Chislehurst | 30a High Street, Chislehurst, BR7 5AN | 020 8295 5131 |
Maxivise, Penge | 88 High Street, Penge SE20 7HB | 020 8659 4342 |
Oakmead Opticians, Chislehurst | Sunnyways, 1 Prince Imperial Road, Chislehurst, BR7 5LX | 020 8467 5139 |
Orpington Eyecare Centre, Orpington | 277 High Street, Orpington, BR6 0NW | 01689 820866 |
Specology, Biggin Hill | Unit 9, 160 Main Road, Biggin Hill, TN16 3BA | 01959 928001 |
Specsavers Opticians, Bromley | 146 High Street, Bromley, BR1 1EZ | 020 8466 9666 |
Specsavers Opticians, Orpington | 175 High Street, Orpington, BR6 0LW | 01689 890168 |
Specsavers Opticians, West Wickham | 15 High Street, West Wickham BR4 0LP | 020 8916 8280 |
Wilkinson Eyewear Studio, Bromley | 42 High Street, Bromley, BR1 1EA | 020 8464 5347 |
Pregnancy – Antenatal Care
Princess Royal University Hospital
It is very important to arrange your antenatal booking appointment with one of our midwives early in pregnancy – ideally, by 8 to 10 weeks. This can help you and your baby have a healthy start to your pregnancy.
You can refer yourself to us. We aim to arrange your first antenatal appointment within two weeks of hearing from you.
Referral:
To refer yourself, fill in the PRUH antenatal self-referral form.. When you open the form please click ‘Enable Editing’ at the top so you can fill in the form. Please send completed forms as a Word attachment to [email protected]. You will receive an email with your appointment details within 7 working days. If you have not received your appointment within 7 working days, please call us on 020 3910 7279, 8am to 4pm. Please note we may contact and share information with other health professionals as required.
First appointment queries
020 3910 7279 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm)
Antenatal clinics
- Princess Royal University Hospital: tel 01689 863560 / 01689 863561
- Beckenham Beacon: tel / 01689 866811 / 01689 866640
- Orpington Hospital community midwives: tel 01689 864818 / 01689 863560
- Queen Mary’s Hospital, Sidcup, community midwives: tel 020 3910 7290 / 020 8308 3091
Maternity Assessment Unit (MAU)
If you have an urgent concern about your pregnancy, for example if your baby is not moving as much as normal, call the Maternity Helpline for support and advice from experienced midwives. It is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including bank (public) holidays.
Maternity Helpline: 01689 864189
The MAU offers unscheduled and emergency maternity care if you experience symptoms or a complication in your pregnancy. It is located at the entrance of Labour Ward and is open 24/7.
More information can be found: pruh.kch.nhs.uk/services/maternity/
Bromley Addition services
Drug and Alcohol service
Bromley Drug and Alcohol Service (BDAS) offers a range of treatment and support services for adults aged 18+ who have concerns about their drug or alcohol use and are residents in the borough of Bromley.
Contact Details:
Website: changegrowlive.org
Gamming
Primary Care Gambling Service
The Primary Care Gambling Service is working in partnership with GamCare to provide integrated support services to anyone experiencing gambling harms across South London.
They offer a range of support which can be provided face-to-face, online or over the phone. They can support gamblers as well as those who are affected by the gambling behaviour of a family member or friend. All of their services are free of charge and confidential.
Understanding the role gambling plays in your life can be the first step in making changes to reduce the harm it causes. It is unlikely that there will be a single answer, and you may need a combination of strategies to make lasting changes. You are more likely to be successful if you have support from others.
If you are affected by someone else’s gambling, there is a range of support available to you. They can help you understand why people gamble despite the negative consequences, as well as helping you work through your thoughts and feelings about your own situation.
They offer a range of short- and longer-term interventions, either over the phone, face-to-face or online. You may receive one-to-one support, or you may take part in group courses where you can meet others in similar situations.
Contact Details:
Website: primarycaregamblingservice.co.uk
Gordon Moody
We provide advice, education and high quality innovative therapeutic support to problem gamblers and those affected by problem gambling, through residential, online and outreach services. We also run a unique service offering online support and advice to problem gamblers outside Great Britain.
Contact Details:
Website: gordonmoody.org.uk
Bladder and Bowel Service
If you are suffering with or have a concern with continence, you can contact Bromley Health Care, free, confidential service for advice and assessment, and treatment. Clinics for adults are provided throughout the borough. We provide booked telephone consultation appointments for new patients referred to clinic. We also offer home visits for people who cannot attend a clinic.
You don’t need to be suffering from incontinence to come and see us. Any symptoms or concerns that you have with your bladder or bowel will be discussed and assessed to see how the nurses can help you.
Tel: 0300 330 5777
Email: [email protected]
Podiatry (chiropody)
The Podiatry service provides a broad range of foot treatments and advice to those with a moderate to high levels of podiatric (foot care) or medical need.
There are a range of specialist services that are provided within the podiatry service. These include:
- Wound management
- Diabetic foot management (moderate – high risk)
- Podopaediatrics (children’s biomechanics)
- Nail surgery
- Biomechanics / MSK (musculoskeletal) podiatry – assessment and treatment
The service does not provide nail care (cutting) as one of its treatments nor does it treat the following conditions:
- Verrucae
- Calluses
- Bunions
- Fungal nail infections
Patients can learn more about how to self manage these conditions in the “more information- Podiatry (chiropody) – Bromley Healthcare” section.
To self- refer Please download and complete our referral form – Podiatry-Patient-Referral-Form.docx (live.com)
The completed form should be emailed to [email protected] or posted to:
Care Coordination Centre,
Bromley Healthcare CIC Ltd,
Central Court,,
1 Knoll Rise,
Orpington, BR6 0JA
Podiatry Service contact details
Tel: 0300 330 5777
Email: [email protected]
Speech and Language Therapy
You can self-refer if you are experiencing problems with swallowing, or your communication and you have a recognised diagnosis that is contributing to your difficulties. If your symptoms are new or unexplained it is always recommended that you speak with your GP first. There may be other medical conditions we need to know about, and your doctor needs to know that you are coming to see us. It also allows them to understand the nature of your problem and whether a referral to another service alongside speech and language therapy is required.
We are happy to accept referrals from doctors (GPs), other nursing and therapy staff, those working in education and social services.
Referrals for a hoarse voice in the absence of a neurological diagnosis are only accepted once a person has been seen by ENT and therefore a person should be referred to this service first.
If you think you might benefit from this service and want more information, please contact us direct on the telephone or in writing. If you have problems using the telephone, we’re happy for you to ask someone to call us on your behalf.
Adult Speech and Language Therapy contact details.
Tel: 01689 866650
Email: [email protected]
Physical Activities
Mytime Active – Wellbeing walks
Ramblers Wellbeing Walks groups are found all over England and there should be some within easy reach of where you live.
All our short group walks are led by an experienced Ramblers Wellbeing Walks leader along tried-and-tested, easy to reach routes. Because you’ll be walking with others, you’ll feel safe, be supported, and have fun along the way. And everyone stays together, so you don’t need to worry about being left behind. We’re a friendly bunch too and you’ll get the warmest of welcomes.
Simply enter your location or postcode Wellbeing Walks (ramblers.org.uk) to find a group nearby.
Park Run
Park Run is a free, fun, and friendly weekly 5k community event. Walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate – it’s up to you! The event takes place every Saturday at 9:00am at Norman Park Bromley. See Course page for more details.
Park Run it’s free! but please register – register | parkrun UK before you first come along. Only ever register with parkrun once and don’t forget to bring a scannable copy of your barcode (request a reminder). If you forget it, you won’t get a time.
Website: home | Bromley parkrun | Bromley parkrun
Cycle Training
Bromley Council is working hard to provide cycle training to as many adults possible. If you are interested in registering for cycle training, please have a look at the various levels of training and register your interest.
The minimum age to participate in this training is 16 years.
Course dates
To register your interest in the courses above please find in their online form:
Adult cycle confidence training | Instructions – London Borough of Bromley
Blood Pressure
Certain pharmacies in South East London offer free NHS blood pressure checks. Having your blood pressure checked at a pharmacy is quick and easy and often does not require an appointment. The number of pharmacies providing NHS blood pressure checks is increasing all the time.
To find out more information click here: Healthcare Professionals – NHS South East London (selondonics.org)
Weight Management
Patients may be eligible for a new offer of free 12 weeks FREE Slimming World if they meet the following criteria:
-Resident in Bromley borough or registered with a Bromley GP Practice
-Their Body Mass Index is 30 or above ( or 27.5 or above if Black or Asian).
They’re not eligible if:
- Have been a paying member of a weight loss organisation in the past 6 months.
- They have severe/moderate frailty
- They are pregnant.
- Have a diagnosed eating disorder
- Cannot have had bariatric surgery in the last two years.
To find out Slimming World Groups in Bromley click here: Your nearest Slimming World groups near Bromley. | Slimming World
One Bromley Wellbeing Hub
The One Bromley Health Hub, conveniently located in The Glades shopping centre, offers a range of free health and wellbeing services to Bromley residents.
Opening times: Tuesday to Saturday, 10.30am-6.30pm
Location: The Glades, 64 High Street, Bromley BR1 1DN, Upper Mall, next to the Guest Service Lounge and opposite to M&S
Services:
- Free Vital 5 health checks – walk-in or book on [email protected] For all over 18, excluding pregnant women.
- Smokefree Bromley – Thursday, Friday and Saturday, walk-in or book appointment by Text: QUIT to 66777, Phone: 0800 999 1072 or email: [email protected]
- Information, advice and support services by Bromley Well – every Wednesday, 10.45am to 3.30pm. No appointment needed
- NHS Health Checks – from 2 July, by invitation only.
Find out more www.selondonics.org/OneBromleyWellbeingHub
Stop Smoking
Stopping smoking can be difficult for many reasons, but with the right support it is completely possible, in fact you are three times more likely to stop smoking if you have support.
Smoke Free Bromley have trained advisors who can help you stop smoking. You can access face to face or remote support for up to 12 weeks.
This support can include:
- Nicotine replacement options – delivered directly to your home
- Free vape starter kit (for eligible clients)
- ‘Quit with Bella’ app
All you need to do is either:
- Call: 0800 999 1072
- Email: [email protected]
- Text QUIT to 66777
And a trained advisor will either speak to you or call you back within 48 hours.
Find out more Get help to stop smoking (bromley.gov.uk)
Falls and Fracture Prevention
If a patient is aged 65 or over and could benefit from the Falls and Fracture Prevention Service, they should contact the UCR admin team at Bromley Healthcare.
The team will collect the necessary details and, if appropriate, pass them to a clinician who will contact the patient within 5 working days.
If another service is deemed more suitable, this will be discussed with the patient, and the referral will be forwarded accordingly. This may result in the patient’s GP being advised to refer them for further investigation.
Contact the UCR admin team at Bromley Healthcare by phoning 0300 330 5777
Audiology
Community Adult Audiology Hearing Aid Service
Patients can refer themselves to the SEL Community Adult Audiology by filling in this form Patient Self-Assessment for Suitability for Community Adult Audiology Service (office.com). The service sees a wide range of conditions therefore it is information the patients fill in the form to ensure they are suitable for to self-refer.
Patients can choose a provider and location of their CHOICE which meets their needs. Community-Audiology-Providers-Borough-Posters-April-2024.pdf (selondonics.org)
Safeguarding
Safeguarding adults
Are you concerned about the safety of an adult? Please see the Bromley Council Safeguarding adults page to report your concern here.
For further support for adults, please visit Help for adults – London Borough of Bromley