Coronavirus: Local Information

 

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Dear Patients,

The current Coronavirus pandemic has presented huge challenges over the last few months; no-one has been immune from the disruption, uncertainty and at times, distress.

The Practice team share the same fears and anxieties as you do, while the number of deaths from the virus is falling, coronavirus remains a very real threat to everyone and the practice cannot simply return to “normal”. To let our guard down now would risk the safety of our staff and patients and this is not something we are prepared to do.

People may not be aware of or show symptoms in the early stages of Coronavirus infection. The ways of protecting ourselves and others are either, social distancing or by wearing a face covering or mask.

It is may not be possible to socially distance if you are attending for a medical appointment, we are therefore asking ALL patients to wear a face covering when attending the practice for ANY reason. This protects our patients and our Practice team who need to remain healthy in order to be able to continue to provide care.  Our supplies of medical masks are very limited and are needed for our clinical staff so that we can protect you, our patients.  We do not expect you to wear a medical or fluid resistant mask, any face covering will suffice including a homemade face mask or scarf, even a bandana over your mouth and nose would be adequate.

Patients, who come to the practice without a face covering, and with no medical reason why they cannot wear one, may be asked to return home and book another appointment once they have a face covering.

At present we need to keep our front doors closed with access via an intercom system. Access is for those coming for a booked appointment or to pick something up from us where it cannot be emailed to you.  Samples, prescription requests, letters etc MUST be put in the letterbox to the right of the main front doors.

Any questions or to make an appointment should be by phone or e-mail.  Consultation requests with Doctors and Nurses can also be made via our website using the e-Consult tool; you will receive a response to your eConsult submitted online by the end of the next working day.

On arrival for your pre-booked appointment at the Practice you may be asked to wait in your car until the clinician is ready to see you, please provide a telephone number on which you can be contacted. Our clinicians will then contact you to obtain as much information as possible before being seen. This reduces the amount of time you need to be in the surgery building and this reduces both your risk of COVID-19 and also others.

We are working hard to plan for the months ahead on how services can be restarted safely. We are also thinking ahead to September/October time on how we will provide influenza immunisations and do continue to provide regular services particularly childhood immunisations, contraceptive services, cervical cytology, blood taking and much more.  

Should you have urgent concerns, please contact us, by phone, for advice or NHS 111

Thank you for your understanding and your continued support which has been appreciated during these challenging times.

 

Further Information