GP Bulletin
For Action

Calling North & South East Localities
The LCCG Governing Body Needs You!
Clinical commissioning is all about making a difference to healthcare for patients by the people that know them –
you!
We are recruiting for elected practice representatives for the North locality and the South East locality. We need
people with energy, new ideas and a commitment to really make a difference to patient care.
Applications are welcome from clinicians and non-clinicians, with the support of a North or South East Lambeth CCG
practice. The closing date for applications is 26th May 2015, midday.
For more information click here or contact Lizzie Orekoya on [email protected]
or 020 3049 4291. To apply, please send your application to Lorraine Smith on [email protected]
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
Important action required: 2014/15 NHS complaints procedure (please see attached letter (1))
The NHS collects service wide data on the complaints so we can spot any significant trends and show that services
are being responsive to patient feedback. Primary care providers are required, like all other service providers, to
provide brief details of complaints associated with your NHS work and submit a K041b return.
This information monitors written complaints by service, area and type received by the NHS each year. Please note
that personal information (information from which patients or others can be identified) is not required and should
not be provided. The data have been published annually since 1997-98 with the latest bulletin being available at
www.hscic.gov.uk/pubs/nhscomplaints1314.
This year’s submission period is between 18th May through to 26th June 2015
14 May 2015

Save the Date
The next All Practice Event is due to take place on the afternoon of 30th June 2015 at the Kia Oval.
Full details will be sent in the next few weeks, but in the meantime, please hold the date in your diaries.
We look forward to seeing you there.
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
Wanted - Old Dictaphones
At the Eye Group meeting yesterday, one of the consultants was asking if anyone knew where she could get hold of
old Dictaphone machines. She uses them for the blind choir group that she runs (songs are recorded on them so that
the patients can practice by listening and repeating).
From my time as a practice manager, I remember that we had loads of Dictaphones stashed away in a drawer, with
nobody really knowing what to do with them. I suspect the same is the case for most practices.
It’s a such a great use of them, it would be wonderful if you could ask you practices if they had any they wanted to
get rid of, so that they can be used in this way.
I’m happy to have them come to me (while I’m here) and then take them to St Thomas when we have collected a
few of them.
Colin Paget, Interim Service Redesign Manager, 020 3049 4059
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
12th May CIS Depression Training: Key messages (please see attached presentation (2))
Thank you to all of you who attended the Depression training event on 12th May at the Oval. For those of you who
weren’t able to come, here are the key messages from each of the sessions
1. Recurrent depression
 Lambeth will be piloting a community based model of support. The Talking Therapy Service will be in
touch soon about patients who are eligible
 Stop using depression with anxiety codes
 Depression codes for the next round of audits are being agreed and will be circulated soon. This is to
standardise practice across the borough and make future audits more manageable and provide
higher quality results which are more comparable locally and nationally
2. Talking Therapies
 In high risk groups e.g. past mental health issues, long term conditions etc, consider using the PHQ2
and then the PHQ9 as a screening tool and to measure severity. Consider using the first 2 items on
the GAD7 to detect anxiety issues
 Signpost to ‘NHS self-help’ and discuss at the follow-up appointment. Also talk about the person’s
experience of TT Services. Phone the Service for advice
 The annual GP survey is underway. Share your views on the Service using the link:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LTTGPsurvey
14 May 2015
3. Living Well Network
 The Hub will be extending to the South on 29th June 2015. Launch event at new offices in Streatham
Job Centre Plus, Crown House, Station Approach, SW16 6HW on 26th June 2.00 – 4.00
 All mental health referrals will go through the Hub including urgent referrals to SLaM
4. Prescribing
 A hard copy of The Maudsley Prescribing Handbook is being sent out to the mental health lead for
each practice. The Handbook has reference material on all psychotropic medication.
 The SLaM Medicines Information Line: 0203 228 2317. Call for help with all prescribing queries
ALL THE PRESENTATIONS ARE ATTACHED AND WILL BE AVAILABLE ON THE PRACTICE PORTAL
CLAIM FOR THE ATTENDANCE OF UP TO 2 MEMBERS OF PRACTICE STAFF AT £220 PER PERSON
IF YOU REQUIRE A CPD CERTIFICATE, CONTACT CAROLINE GRAY: [email protected]
For Information

Individual Funding Requests (IFR) applications - online access
Online applications for Individual Funding Requests were introduced in April 2015. The main objective is to simplify
the application process and ensure that GPs provide only the relevant information required for proposed
interventions. GPs will also benefit from easily assessing the eligibility criteria for proposed procedures and advise
their patients accordingly.
The online application will significantly reduce processing time as well as give the opportunity for GPs to track in real
time the progress of their applications online.
The login details were sent to Lambeth practices last week. There is no formal training planned on this – the PDF
guide should explain the process step by step. If anyone has not received their login details or has any problems
accessing the service they are welcome to contact the IFR team for assistance on 020 3049 4154 or
[email protected].
Practices are expected to commence use of online applications immediately as other forms will no longer be valid
from end of May 2015.”
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
Vitamin D Programme (please see attached flyer (3))
Recently started in September 2014, free Vitamin D is available for all pregnant women, new mothers and children
under 4 years resident in Lambeth! Encourage mothers to register for Free Vitamin D at the pharmacies in the
attached flyer.
14 May 2015

E-Referrals
E-Referrals (replacement of Choose and Book) will be going live on 15th June 2015. The HSCIC website has more
information about the transition that is soon to take place - http://www.hscic.gov.uk/ers
A useful YouTube video on an introduction to e-referrals - http://youtu.be/fOLqlMeg2_A
Below are links to YouTube videos that show the possible future of e-referrals:
Diagnostic referrals - http://youtu.be/nC4GX3lO3Qc
Enhanced patient communication - http://youtu.be/yQZjTpAOAwM
Self referrals - http://youtu.be/-cjWisyXTjs
Any to any referral - http://youtu.be/fF6KDd-fHLo
Advice and Guidance - http://youtu.be/0N9DkXtqoaQ
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
Influenza Season 2014/15 – Prescribing and Supply of Antiviral Medicines (please see attached letter
(4))
The most recent surveillance data, which has been assessed by Public Health England (PHE), demonstrates that the
circulation of influenza in the community has returned to baseline levels and, in the view of PHE, below the level at
which the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidance on the use of antiviral medicines is
triggered.
GPs and non-medical prescribers should no longer prescribe, at NHS expense, antiviral medicines for the prophylaxis
and treatment of influenza in primary care, in accordance with NICE guidance and Schedule 2 to the National Health
Service (General Medical Services Contracts) (Prescription of drugs etc) Regulations 2004), commonly known as the
Grey List or Selected List Scheme (SLS). This stands until we write again when the use of antivirals is next triggered
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
BCG Vaccine Stock
Public Health England has been advised by their suppliers that there is currently no supply of BCG vaccine stock to
the UK, and there is a European wide shortage. PHE are expecting deliveries again from late May.
Lambeth and Southwark offer a Universal Neonatal BCG programme for infants aged 0-12 months and a targeted
programme for children aged 1-5 year olds with TB at risk factors in line with the national policy.
Parents should be assured that supply is expected to recommence in a few weeks and that they will be contacted by
their local health visiting teams when BCG supplies are received. They should also be advised that the risk of TB
infection in the interim is extremely low. Further information has been provided by PHE and in a special Vaccine
update.
14 May 2015
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/418490/PHE_9284_VU_
227_Mar2015_special_04.pdf
For Immunisation queries, please contact the GSTT Immunisation Helpline:
Telephone Number 020 3049 6545
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
Discharge Quality Improvement Group (please see attached flyer(5))
King’s Health Partners, working with our commissioners, have recently established a discharge quality improvement
group. A key focus for the group will be how we communicate with our GP partners around the time of discharge.
This summit is an opportunity for you to help shape this workstream with us, tell us what you need and tell us what
needs to change
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
@home/ERR UPA benefits realisation: GP survey
We recently ran a survey to get feedback from all referrers about the @home/ERR UPA. The survey was promoted
in GP connect and your CCG e-newsletters, however there were only 8 responses from GP practices.
As GPs were the key drivers for introducing the @home/ERR UPA, 8 is not sufficient number to evaluate whether the
UPA is realising any benefits for GPs.
We are extending the survey until 24th May in order to get more GP responses. Please could you use your various
communication channels with GPs to help encourage participation in the
survey https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NTFLCG3
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
Primary Care Development Updates (please see attached presentation(6))
Please find attached a presentation that was recently presented at the Governing Board Meeting in Public regarding
the latest updates in Primary Care Development
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
Docman Updates
We are launching a new series of free training Webinars for Docman customers from May through to August.
If you haven't watched one before, our Webinars are online seminars conducted by our experienced Trainers to talk
you through various elements of using Docman.
These Webinars will cover topics such as Intellisense Filing & Maintenance, Read Coding, BackOffice, EDT, Docman
Hub, Document Capture and a new topic for this series of Best Practice.
14 May 2015
To register for these Webinars and have free training, click here. This page will show you the full Webinar timetable
up until August.
If you are unable to attend any of these scheduled Webinars, you can watch some previously recorded ones here.
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
Accessible Guide (please see attached guide(7))
There are almost a million men and women of all ages in England with a learning disability. There are many reasons
why someone may have difficulty with language and learning.
Language is very important because it helps people to take control of their lives. Having a learning disability can
affect every part of a person’s life. It can prevent people from getting the information they need to make choices.
Having difficulty reading or writing, for whatever reason, can affect education; employment; finances; health and
family life.
The National Equality Partnership believes that people who have learning disabilities have the expertise and
knowledge to provide information to those who may find reading and writing difficult.
The National Equality Partnership and CHANGE, a leading national organisation led by Disabled People, have
produced a guide to make written information accessible.
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
Individual Funding Requests (IFR) applications - online access (please see attached guidance (8a-b))
Online applications for Individual Funding Requests were introduced in April 2015. The main objective is to simplify
the application process and ensure that GPs provide only the relevant information required for proposed
interventions. GPs will also benefit from easily assessing the eligibility criteria for proposed procedures and advise
their patients accordingly.
The online application will significantly reduce processing time as well as give the opportunity for GPs to track in real
time the progress of their applications online.
The login details were sent to Lambeth practices last week. There is no formal training planned on this – the PDF
guide should explain the process step by step. If anyone has not received their login details or has any problems
accessing the service they are welcome to contact the IFR team for assistance on 020 3049 4154 or
[email protected].
Practices are expected to commence use of online applications immediately as other forms will no longer be valid
from end of May 2015.”
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
FREE walks series to examine grief and loss – Myatt’s Fields park (May through to November)
https://griefwitnesser.wordpress.com/2015/03/20/walks-to-remember/
You are invited to a series of walks in the park to remember people who have died, or things that have been lost in
our lives. The walks will be a collective time for walking, for silence, for talking, and for tea and cake.
14 May 2015
Grief as a response to loss and death is part of life, but is often seen as something to be fixed or avoided, as
if there was something ‘wrong’, if you are feeling sad about the end of a relationship, the loss of a job or of
failing health, or if you are still grieving a parent, sibling, partner or child who died a while ago. You may
feel pressure to ‘move on’ to the next thing rather than acknowledging the pain of the loss. These walks
are also a space for acknowledging empathic pain of tragedy not in our immediate life; war, violence,
pollution, loss of any life.
The walks are free and open to everyone, including children. However if you need some time for yourself,
see if you can find someone to stay with your child(ren) in the playground for an hour. Come with an open
mind, willing to listen to yourself and talk to others, or to remain silent if that’s what you need.
These walks are a simple way of beginning a conversation about grief and loss. It is not bereavement
counselling and there will be support for telling your story in a way that is safe for you, and guidelines for
how to listen. These walks are an investigation into how as a community we can allow grief some space.
This is an Invisible Food project in which we explore things that sustain and nurture us that aren’t
ordinarily visible.
These walks have been funded with a grant of £500 by Skipton Grassroots Grants.
Dates:




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Saturday 9th May
Sunday 14th June
Wed 30th September
Friday 30th October
Friday 27th November
Time: 10.30am – 12pm (1 hour walk followed by tea and cake)
Dates and times are subject to change. Always check programme closer to the date.
Location: Myatt’s Fields Park, Camberwell/Brixton. SE5 9RA . Meet in the Quiet Garden near the Knatchbull
Road entrance nearest the Library.
Cost: Free
Who for: Anyone who can walk or be wheeled around the park. Children welcome, but ask a friend to stay
with them in the playground if you need some time to yourself.
What will actually happen?: We’ll meet at 10.30am , introduce ourselves, have some time to consider
what it is we are grieving, pair up with someone to walk round the park and talk (or remain in silence if
that’s what you both want), return back to starting point for a closing circle and tea and cake. It’s fairly
relaxed.
What to bring (essential): an open mind, willingness to listen to yourself and talk to others if that feels
comfortable. Willingness to remain silent if that’s what you need.
What to bring (optional): some cake and a flask of tea to share. The park café may be open on some dates.
14 May 2015

A Lambeth and Southwark suicide and self-harm factsheet is now available
A Lambeth and Southwark suicide and self-harm factsheet is now available online at:
http://www.southwark.gov.uk/info/200519/joint_strategic_needs_assesment/3456/3_bulletins_and_profiles
and we hope to get onto the Lambeth JSNA site as soon as possible too.
Headline messages:
-
Suicide rates have been falling in both boroughs for some time (London has the lowest suicide rate in the
country)
Suicide rates are highest in men aged 40-49 years
National data shows two thirds of people who commit suicide are not known to mental health services
There are known risk factors associated with suicide and evidence about what works
However, self-harm admission rates are rising in both boroughs (particularly in females aged 15-19 years)
which suggests completed suicides are only part of a much wider picture of distress that warrants further
investigation
We will be wanting to take a closer look at other data that can tell us about the level of distress in both boroughs
and that might help to build a more complete picture, so do let me know if you are interested in being involved:
1. Do you have data you think would benefit from being analysed in more detail?
2. Do you know of any interesting practice in this area or scanning the ‘what works’ bit of the factsheet are
there any areas you think we could collectively improve on?
3. Pls note and help us to promote the dates for our forthcoming STORM suicide awareness training which we
are targeting at those working in smaller voluntary sector organisations
https://lambethwellbeing.wordpress.com/2015/04/16/storm-training-hurry-to-book/
The link also takes you to a range of other health information for Southwark which you may find helpful, and the
equivalent for Lambeth is at:
www.lambeth.gov.uk/jsna
We will also be promoting the factsheet via our wellbeing bulletin and blog at
https://lambethwellbeing.wordpress.com/ but pls do let us know if there are any other places or people that it could
be shared with to good effect.
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
Controlled Drugs and EPS - Legislation due to come into effect on 1 July is just the first step
Legislation will come into force on 1 July 2015 to allow controlled drugs listed under schedules 2 and 3 to be
prescribed and dispensed using EPS.
However, it should be noted that although this means using EPS for Schedule 2 & 3 controlled drugs will be legal, it
will be some time later that it becomes technically possible as all EPS enabled dispensing system suppliers have to
amend their systems before a GP system (which also need amending) can prescribe to a nominated dispenser. The
HSCIC will be assuring supplier systems conform technically to legislative change requirements
The update below on Schedule 2 & 3 Controlled Drugs and EPS has been published at
http://systems.hscic.gov.uk/eps/news.
14 May 2015

Adult Local Services - at the heart of our community
Find out about Guy's and St Thomas' plans to transform the way we care for local people at a drop-in event on 3
June.
Adult Local Services matter to us. More than 50% of the care that we provide for patients is for Lambeth and
Southwark residents.
Our aim is to provide the best care for people who live and work locally, in locations that work for them - at home,
in community health centres or in hospital. So we're bringing our services together so we work as one team with one
goal in mind - to provide high quality joined-up personal care.
Why not join us at our launch event at Gracefield Gardens Health Centre (http://www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/ourservices/community/lambeth/gracefield-gardens/overview.aspx) on Wednesday 3 June from 2-3.30pm - no need to
book
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
Dual Sensory Loss
We are hosting a roundtable to explore how primary care professionals can respond to the increasing population of
older patients with dual sensory loss (hearing and vision impairment). We would welcome your attendance at the
event, as we recognise your valuable contribution to the primary care sector and the crucial input you could bring to
our discussions.
Date: Monday 15th June
Time: 2 (arrivals from 1:30) – 4:30pm
Venue: Presidents Room, 11 – 13 Cavendish Square, London, W1G 0AN
Co-chairs: Gillian Morbey OBE, CEO of Sense and Sense International and
Neil Churchill, Director of Patient Experience, NHS England
There are an estimated 250,000 people aged over 70 with dual sensory loss in the UK, a figure that will rise to almost
half a million by 2030. Furthermore, in those aged over 70 ‘sense organ diseases’ account for 7-10% of all years lived
with a disability (Chief Medical Officers Report, 2012).
An individual living with sight and hearing loss is likely to find it more difficult to get out and about, live a healthy
lifestyle and be able to maintain social relationships. Individuals are likely to feel isolated and may experience
feelings of loneliness and depression. The Chief Medical Officer’s report found that 69% of those reporting a dual
sensory loss have two or more additional long term conditions yet only 64% feel confident in managing their own
health.
This roundtable will seek to explore the important role that primary care organisations and staff have in identifying
and supporting older people with dual sensory loss, focusing on the following key areas:



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Dual sensory loss in older people - what is it and why do we need to know about it?
Prevention - why appropriate identification and support can reduce unnecessary hospital admissions
Demands on GP services - how simple adjustments to service provision can reduce demand on GP
appointments
Integration – how providing joined up services can improve people’s ability to better manage their health,
maintain their independence and have a better quality of life
14 May 2015
Please RSVP by Friday 22nd May to Nicola Venus-Balgobin ([email protected]) and let us know if
you have any access or communication requirements for the event.
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
Changes to the Choose & Book Website
There have been some important changes made to the Choose and Book website which all NHS and Independent
Sector staff with a Choose and Book role should be aware of:



Patient information about Choose and Book is now available on the NHS Choices website; this includes tools
and guidance about choosing a hospital and waiting times as well as the link to booking their appointment
(www.nhs.uk/referrals)
Staff information, specifically latest news, reports and live service information is now available on the HSCIC
website (systems.hscic.gov.uk/chooseandbookupdates).
Older content can still be accessed via the archived Choose and Book website.
Please forward this email to any colleagues who work with Choose and Book who you think needs to know about
these changes.
If you have any questions please email [email protected]
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
Children’s occupational therapy: we want your thoughts
Evelina London Children’s Community occupational therapy team are a conducting a referrers survey. The survey is
open to all GPs in Lambeth and Southwark and has been designed to capture the general understanding of the
children’s community occupation therapy service and the services it provide. The short survey can be completed
online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/3NVN5L3 or contact [email protected]
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
Cancer Research Offer
Here at Cancer Research UK we are committed to beating cancer. We want to help you and your colleagues raise
awareness among your patients of the signs, symptoms and risk factors of cancer.
That’s why we are offering you posters, leaflets and wallet cards all free of charge.
Ordering is quick, easy and totally FREE – you only pay postage on orders of more than 500 items.
You can also sign up for our CancerInsight e-newsletter designed specifically for primary care staff.
If you have any problems ordering online give us a call on 020 3469 8333 (Mon – Fri 8am – 6pm).
One day we will beat cancer. Help us make it sooner.
14 May 2015
Training Opportunities

Sexual Health in Practice (SHIP)
This interactive, practical, peer-led training in sexual health has been tailored for GPs and Practice Nurses in the
primary care setting. It will enable LSL clinicians to update knowledge and develop further skills in assessing sexual
health risk, by offering real life approaches to HIV and STI testing, diagnosis and management. Join over 240 LSL
clinicians who have benefited so far from SHIP in changing their practice to tackle our significant local HIV & STI rates.
Delegates must attend all session to complete the training, dates are as follows:
Practice Nurse Sessions: PN1
Date: 17th June 2015, 12.30 pm - 4.30pm
Practice Nurse Sessions: PN2
Date: 1st July 2015, 12.30 pm - 4.30pm
Venue: TBC
GP session: Key Issues in Sexual Health
Date: 24th June 2015, 12.30 pm – 5.00pm
Venue: TBC
Final Session for GPs & PNs: General Practice & HIV
Date: 8th July 2015, 12.30.pm - 5.00pm
Venue: TBC
Download Application: http://selnet.org.uk
Contact: [email protected]
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
Free maternity update at Guy’s Hospital
Women's Services at Guy’s and St Thomas' would like to invite all GPs and community nurses to a free evening
workshop on Thursday 25 June.
Topics include:



Pre-pregnancy counselling and care
Hypertension in pregnancy
Diabetes in pregnancy.
Date: Thursday 25 June 2015 (7-9pm)
Venue: Robens Suite, Floor 29 Tower Wing, Guy’s Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London, SE1 9RT
14 May 2015
Light supper will be provided.
There will be clinical case discussions and attendance certificates. This evening event carries two CPD points.
To book a place click here. ( link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/free-maternity-update-for-gps-at-guys-hospitaltickets-16814235832
If you have any problems in accessing the web link, please email [email protected]
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
Common Back and Spinal problems in Primary Care
An evening event for GPs organised by Guy’s and St Thomas’ and the Royal College
of General Practitioners.
Mr Jaykar Panchmatia, Consultant Spinal Surgeon at Guy's and St. Thomas', will present on:


Sciatica and back pain
Tips on how to do a targeted assessment.
Date: Thursday 11 June
Time: Buffet from 7pm - lecture starts at 7.40pm
Venue: South Wing Lecture Theatre, St Thomas' Hospital, Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7EH
To book a place visit the RCGP website.
If you require any further information please email Alex Risorto (Primary Care Liaison Manager)
at [email protected]
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
Free gynaecology update for GPs at Guy’s Hospital
Women's Services at Guy’s and St Thomas’s would like to invite all GPs and
community nurses to a free evening workshop on Monday 13 July.
Topics include:
• Management of fibroids
• Cervical screening and colposcopy
Date: Monday 13 July 2015 (7-9pm)
Venue: Robens Suite, Floor 29 Tower Wing, Guy’s Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London, SE1 9RT
Light supper will be provided.
14 May 2015
There will be clinical case discussions and attendance certificates. This evening event carries two CPD points.
To book a place click here.
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/free-gynaecology-update-for-gps-at-guys-hospital-tickets-16363315116
If you have any problems in accessing the weblink, please email [email protected].
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
South London Stroke Register 20th Anniversary Symposium, London, 22 July 2015
The Division of Health and Social Care Research at King’s College London is holding a one-day symposium for stroke
research dissemination and discussion, marking 20 years of the South London Stroke Register (SLSR).
Speakers working in academic and clinical fields will present the state of stroke research in the UK and across Europe,
and delegates will gain anunderstanding of future research priorities and challenges. The day will conclude with a
social event, alongside the opening of a new photography exhibition featuring stroke survivors, to provide
opportunities for networking and informal discussion of the issues raised through the symposium.
The symposium is free of charge to attend, but places are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served
basis. Please register at the event webpage (the password is SLSR20), where further information about the day and
venue is available.
14 May 2015
14 May 2015