Stevens Pharmacy & Travel Clinic

05/09/2025

NEW ANNOUNCEMENT: Winter Covid booster and Flu Vaccination Appointments Now Live!

We are back again for our winter health season. The NHS has opened up the winter booking system for this winters Flu and Covid booster from 1st October!

You can now book for an appointment to be vaccinated from Wednesday 1st October. You can schedule your appointment for either
**flu only**, **Covid only**, or both vaccinations depending on your eligibility online using the following links. PLEASE ENSURE YOU SELECT STEVENS PHARMACY FROM THE LIST OR USE OUR POST CODE TO FIND US SE9 2DR

Covid eligible patients:
Over 75s and immunosuppressed patients ONLY

Please use this link to book a Covid vaccine:
https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/vaccination-and-booking-services/book-covid-19-vaccination/

Flu eligible patients:
Over 65s and at risk medical groups (same as previous years)

Please use this link to book a Flu Vaccine:
https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/vaccination-and-booking-services/book-flu-vaccination/

Choose Stevens as your trusted provider, where we offer an efficient and friendly vaccination experience.

Bookings can be made online using the links provided or by calling 119. Walk-ins are also welcome so don’t worry if you haven’t booked!

Not eligible for the free NHS Flu? Don't worry! We have got you covered. You can also have the same protection by booking for the private service by calling us directly or walking in.

Get your vaccination with Stevens and protect yourself and the community. Let's stay healthy together.
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05/09/2025

Good afternoon New Eltham community. Just and update on the phone line at Stevens..we have had new phones put in an had some teething issues with the line. It appears that they are ringing but we could not hear any ringing on our end hench we could not answer the phone calls. I have been assured now by BT this issue has been fixed. We are sorry for the inconvenience this has caused to our patients this week.
P.s our telephone number still remains the same

31/05/2025

Yesterday was a huddle training session with four team members. A whistle stop through the importance of the NHS Hypertension Case Finding service in Community Pharmacy. How this can prevent strokes was a key message.

Are you 40yrs and over with no previous diagnosis of high blood pressure? If so, come to Stevens Pharmacy & Travel Clinic for a free NHS blood pressure check today.

Take actions to prevent strokes by adopting a healthier lifestyle:
🥗 eat healthier
🏃‍♀️ be physically active
💪 maintain a healthy weight
🚭 avoid to***co & alcohol

13/04/2025

Did you know, that later this year,
We will be able to offer the NHS New Nedicine Service (NMS) for patients started on antidepressants.
Don't worry, our pharmacist is happy to support you.

Here are top 5 tips:

1. Be Patient – Antidepressants Take Time to Work

Advice: “You may not feel better right away. Antidepressants usually take 2 to 4 weeks to start working, and full effects may take 6 to 8 weeks. Keep taking it even if you don’t feel immediate changes.”

Why it matters: Many patients stop their medication early, thinking it’s ineffective. Reassurance and proper expectations improve adherence.

2. Take It Consistently, at the Same Time Each Day

Advice: “Take your medication exactly as prescribed, ideally at the same time each day. Missing doses can reduce effectiveness and increase side effects or risk of relapse.”

Why it matters: Antidepressants work best with stable blood levels. Inconsistent dosing increases risk of withdrawal symptoms or reduced efficacy.

3. Watch for Side Effects – But Don’t Panic

Advice: “You may experience side effects like nausea, sleep changes, or headaches in the first week or two – these usually improve. Let us know if anything feels severe or persists.”

Why it matters: Side effects are often the biggest barrier to adherence. Preemptively counseling patients increases tolerance and reduces drop-out.

4. Avoid Alcohol and Be Cautious with Other Medications

Advice: “Avoid alcohol, and let your pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements you’re taking – some can interact with your antidepressant.”

Why it matters: Many antidepressants (especially SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs) have important drug-drug interactions, and alcohol can worsen side effects or depression itself.

5. Don’t Stop Abruptly – Tapering Is Crucial

Advice: “If you ever want to stop the medication, don’t stop suddenly. Talk to your pharmacist/GP so we can taper it slowly and avoid withdrawal symptoms.”

Why it matters: Discontinuation syndrome can cause dizziness, insomnia, flu-like symptoms, and rebound depression. Gradual tapering minimise this risk.

People with often experience intense and excessive fear and worry that causes problems in their family, social, school and work life. But anxiety disorders can be treated! Here's what you need to know ⬇️

26/02/2025

Celebrating our 5th year on Facebook. Thank you for your continuing support. IWe could never have made it without you. 🙏🤗🎉. From Team Stevens.

25/12/2024

To Our Valued Customers, Patients, Carers, Professional Colleagues, Volunteers, and Associates,

As we reflect on another year of serving our community, we at Stevens Pharmacy extend our warmest wishes for a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

This year has been one of challenges and perseverance for community pharmacies nationwide, including ours. Despite navigating the complexities of delivering vital NHS services for nine months without a contract, we have remained steadfast in our mission: to provide accessible, high-quality Pharmaceutical and Clinical Services. This is not just a testament to our dedicated team, but also to your unwavering support, trust, and partnership.

You—our customers, patients, carers, healthcare colleagues, volunteers, and associates—are the heartbeat of our pharmacy. Whether you’ve sought care, offered support, or simply walked through our doors, you have made it possible for us to continue as an integral part of the New Eltham community we hold so dear.

As we move forward, we are filled with hope. Hope for a future where good health and well-being are within everyone’s reach. Hope for a strengthened healthcare system where we, as a community pharmacy, continue to play a vital role.

This festive season, we celebrate the resilience of our community and look ahead to a brighter 2025, built on mutual care, respect, and trust. Thank you for being part of this journey with us.

From our team ( Barbara, Clare, Denise, Mary, Paul, Sue, Tobi) to you and yours, we wish you a joyous Christmas and a New Year filled with peace, health, and happiness.

With gratitude,
Patricia