Practice News
Armed Forces Community Primary Care Network
Healthwatch Essex have introduced an Armed Forces Community designed to improve communication and co-ordination between primary care services.
The network provides a platform to:
- Promote military support services and pathways
- Share best practices
- Improve the quality of care and support provided to the Armed Forces Community across Essex.
Please click here to find out more.
Trans and non-binary support line
If you or someone has been directly impacted by gender healthcare waiting lists, Gendered Intelligence offers free support.
You need to be over 18 to access to this service, and you can contact them through email, WhatsApp, or phone.
You can contact them on
Phone: 0800 640 8046
WhatsApp: 07592 650 496
Jess's Rule
Jess’s Rule is a primary care initiative to encourage GPs teams to rethink a diagnosis if a patient presents three times with the same symptoms or concerns, particularly if symptoms unexpectedly persist, escalate, or remain unexplained. It is led by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and NHS England and is supported by the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP).
Jess’s story
Jessica Brady passed away due to cancer in December 2020 at the age of 27. In the 5 months leading up to her death, Jess had 20 consultations with her GP practice, and her cancer had not been diagnosed. Jess was then admitted to hospital with stage 4 adenocarcinoma and passed shortly afterwards. Since then, Jess’s family have campaigned for primary care staff to elevate a patient’s case for review after their third appointment with their practice about a condition or symptom.
What is Jess’s Rule?
Jess’s Rule asks GP teams to ‘reflect, review and rethink’ if a patient presents three times with the same or escalating symptoms.
Our New Local Services Page!
We are committed to helping you access support within your local community. Our dedicated Local Services page is regularly updated with information on the services and support available to you.
To explore what is available, click here.
We are pleased to announce that Ballards Walk Surgery now has an official Facebook page!
Our Facebook page will be used to share important updates and helpful information with our patients, including:
- Practice news and announcements
- Changes to opening times or services
- Health awareness messages and seasonal advice
- Useful reminders and community updates
Please note that Facebook should not be used for clinical queries, appointment requests, or urgent medical concerns. For medical advice or to contact the practice directly, please continue to use our usual phone and online services.
👉 Find and follow us on Facebook here.
We encourage patients to like and follow the page to stay up to date with the latest information from the practice.
Update on Meningitis Outbreak in Kent
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and NHS are coordinating the health response to a number of cases of invasive meningococcal disease in the area.
If you are under the age of 25 and would like the meninigitis vaccine, please call us on 01268 542901.
You can also view your online record to see what vaccinations you have already had.
Dementia UK charity donations
We are delighted to share that our christmas party raffle raised £205, which has been donated to Dementia UK.
a huge thank you to everyone who took part and helped support such an important charity!
Page created: 30 July 2021