Coronavirus Update – 24 April 2020

PLEASE DO NOT CALL THE SURGERY TO ASK QUESTIONS ABOUT CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

USE THE ONLINE 111 SYSTEM

(https://111.nhs.uk/covid-19)

The Practice continues to understand the measures we are taking are inconvenient; we continually react quickly to the latest advice from the Government to help to protect you.

We have appreciated the understanding of all our patients and extend our gratitude to you all.

Our systems are now established and we do not envisage any new other changes for the foreseeable future, therefore, please read below a summary of our new ways or working.

APPOINTMENTS AT THE SURGERY

askmyGP is now live.  See our home page for more information.  You will only be asked to visit the surgery if CLINICALLY NECESSARY.  Avoid coming out unless URGENT especially if you are in the Shielded group.

MEDICATION

Please liaise with local community groups, friends and neighbours to arrange for collections and reduce footfall.  Do not ask for extra medication as stockpiling, affects other vulnerable patients. If you need to collect we are have a queuing system and are handing out through a window.  Please maintain SOCIAL DISTANCING at all times.  Please be aware of the changes in the weather.

LONG-TERM CONDITION REVIEWS / TERATMENT ROOM SERVICES AND BLOOD TESTS

As far as routine reviews are concerned i.e. Long-term condition reviews, we are reviewing patients by telephone and asking them to come for an appointment / blood test if appropriate.  It would help us if you could sign-up for an online account through reception.

Nurses will continue essential treatment room services but you will be contacted prior to your appointment to ensure that you do not have any symptoms of Coronavirus.  These include services include childhood immunisations, cervical smear testing, depot contraception, zoladex, prostap and other injections as well as dressings.

We currently intend to continue doing blood tests as much as possible, but MUST prioritise those deemed essential i.e. individuals currently having cancer treatment, bloods needed to monitor patients taking certain drugs and bloods needed for an acute illness.

Most eligible patients will now have been switched away from warfarin, therefore if you are asked to come to the surgery for INR testing, please attend the appointment.

ISOLATION NOTES

Please be aware that the Practice is not responsible for providing isolation notes for patients.

Use this service if you have been told to self-isolate because of coronavirus and you need a note for your employer (https://111.nhs.uk/isolation-note/)

This service is only for people who:

• have symptoms of coronavirus
• live with someone who has symptoms of coronavirus

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH REPORTS FOR EMPLOYERS

We have received numerous requests from patients requesting letters for their employers to demonstrate their capability to continue to work during the Coronavirus outbreak.

Unfortunately, the Doctors at the Practice are not qualified to do these assessments as they fall under Occupational Health.

There is detailed guidance for employees on the Government website including employers responsibilities to their employees:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-social-distancing-and-for-vulnerable-people/guidance-on-social-distancing-for-everyone-in-the-uk-and-protecting-older-people-and-vulnerable-adults

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/guidance-for-employers-and-businesses-on-coronavirus-covid-19

For those in the Shielded group, a letter will have been sent from either NHS Digital or the Practice which can be given to your employer.

If this does not suffice, we will (on request) provide a summary of your health record.  If this is useful please submit this request via the askmyGP link on our website.

The summary will be sent to you by email.

WE ENCOURAGE YOU ALL TO GET AN ONLINE ACCOUNT NOW, PLEASE SPEAK WITH RECEPTION

Please make sure all your details are current (home/ mobile numbers, next of kin etc).

USEFUL WEBSITE LINKS

Please continue to keep up to date with the latest information using the following websites:

General Information

https://www.england.nhs.uk/coronavirus/primary-care/

Health / Symptom Checker

https://111.nhs.uk/covid-19

Social Gatherings

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/covid-19-guidance-for-mass-gatherings

Isolation

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

https://111.nhs.uk/isolation-note/

IMPORTANT TERMS

SOCIAL ISOLATION – Stay at least 2 metres from anyone NOT in your immediate household.

MOST AT RISK PATIENTS – NHS England and the Practice has written to these patients to explain why they NEED to remain ISOLATED for the next 12 weeks and the support available.  Those patients that have self-referred and have also been sent letters if their medical condition meets the criteria.

PLEASE FOLLOW THIS INFORMATION, HELP US TO HELP YOU BY STAYING AT HOME AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE.

STAY HOME – PROTECT THE NHS – SAVE LIVES