Stevens Pharmacy & Travel Clinic

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

25/09/2024

ANNOUNCEMENT: Covid-19 and Flu Vaccination Appointments Now Live!

We are pleased to announce that bookings for Covid-19 and seasonal flu vaccinations are now open!

You can now book for an appointment to be vaccinated from Thursday, 3rd October. You can schedule your appointment for either
**flu only**, **Covid only**, or both vaccinations.

Choose Stevens as your trusted provider, where we offer an efficient and friendly vaccination experience. Our appointment slots are designed to suit everyone’s needs, whether during the day or with flexible times:
- **Early morning**: 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
- **Lunchtime**: 1:00 PM – 1:45 PM
- **After hours**: 6:00 PM – 6:45 PM

Bookings can be made online or by calling 119. Walk-ins are also welcome on certain days, 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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12/09/2024

Stay Healthy This Flu Season!

Get your private seasonal flu vaccine at Stevens Pharmacy & Travel Clinic– no appointment needed!
Available every day, from Monday, 16th September 2024. Protect yourself and your loved ones. Quick, convenient, and hassle-free.

Don’t wait, stay ahead of the flu!

03/07/2024

Today is World Bronchiectasis Day. Around 1 in 200 adults in the UK have bronchiectasis. Rae shares how the condition has impacted her life.

“When I was younger, I was always very out of breath, coughed up a lot of phlegm and when I would take part in exercise, my chest felt really painful and tight. My parents took me to my local GP who diagnosed me with asthma.

But my cough continued and when I started secondary school, the phlegm got much worse. My mum was very persistent and kept taking me back to my GP. I was eventually seen by a specialist who ran lots of tests on me and then diagnosed me with bronchiectasis. I’d never had asthma.

I continued seeing the specialist doctor, who was so helpful, and I felt really supported. I would have to go to hospital every two weeks, where I would do physiotherapy to help open my airways and get rid of mucus.

Thankfully my bronchiectasis is now managed a lot better than when I was younger. Back then, I felt like everyone at school could hear me breathe and cough which made me feel embarrassed - I sounded like I had the body of a 90-year-old. My family and friends are really understanding. I think that a support system is key when you have a lung condition.

I’m a teacher in a junior school and always try to explain my condition to the children I teach and I tell them that I’m prone to being unwell. I now try to eat well and be active when I can, taking things day by day.”

30/03/2024

Wishing you the best for the Easter season. Note our opening hours.

01/01/2024

Happy New Year 2024
Twitter
HAPPY NEW YEAR!! We welcome in 2024 full of joy and happiness. Wishing you all the same. We have been overwhelmed by your kindness, in deed and words and for your support throughout the year. We look forward to this new year full of energy to continue to service you! Team Stevens

Happy New Year to you all! Thank you for visiting our page and for taking the time to add us to your Christmas card list. It is truly humbling and uplifting at the same time, to see that despite the challenges of the times ,we made it on to your Christmas card/gift list. So many gifts and cards to lay out here but here is a snippet. We know what an important service that Community Pharmacy provides but that is not just what we do. Often our relationship with our patients, customers, relatives, carers, other providers in Primary, Secondary, Tertiary care, Community or Voluntary Sector is built over time .That makes us more connected and so go the extra mile. As the NHS evolves and Community pharmacy services evolve, our team will embrace the new services and provide more opportunities for our clients.
Services such as the Greenwich Winter Pressures Scheme, Pharmacy First Scheme and Contraception Service are on the way.
Keep in touch here or on our website for further details and do share to your networks. The 2024 journey has begun and thank you for taking the ride with us. With all the best from Team Stevens. Your trusted local pharmacy. 🎊

19/12/2023

Compliments of the season to all our patients, customers and followers. You have been a pleasure to look after. As we approach the Christmas break, take note of our opening hours. Remember to pick up your repeat prescriptions on time. Also those self care medicine cabinet essentials. We even have the Verset fragrances for the last minute shopper. Watch out for our Christmas countdown updates. Merry Christmas 🎄🎄🎄