PLEASE READ

Please wear a face covering when attending the practice.

If you have a high temperature, a continuous cough and think you may have coronavirus, please do not visit the practice, pharmacy or hospital.

If you need medical help or advice when the practice is closed, the NHS 111 service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can get in touch online at 111.nhs.uk or by phoning 111 and the team can find the right support for you, including mental health support, out of hours GP services and emergency dental support.

General practice is under considerable pressure as a direct result of the current challenges they are faced with delivering a service to patients at the same time as coping with the consequences of this virus.

There is no requirement for general practice to issue letters for patients who are unable to wear face coverings, as the Government have clearly defined the exemptions to this requirement.

General practice needs to focus all its time and effort managing those who need their help and not be diverted from this by unnecessary tasks.

Many thanks for your help and support in this matter.

Mental Health

We know it can be difficult not seeing family and friends and the coronavirus outbreak is impacting us all differently, so it is really important we take care of our wellbeing. The NHS Every Mind Matters website has lots of useful resources for looking after your wellbeing at home, including support for parents. Solent Mind has also set up a coronavirus wellbeing hub with lots of useful resources.

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING CURRENT CHANGES

Due to the ongoing situation with Coronavirus, we are taking measures in line with guidance shared by NHS England and Public Health Authorities to minimise risks associated with the virus.

In order to protect our patients and staff we are asking our patients to support us with this.

We are currently being inundated with questions from patients requesting medical letters to cover self-isolation and cancellation of travel plans which is impacting on our ability to provide care for those who are actually acutely unwell.

Please can we ask that you review the current advice from the government

COVID-19 Vaccination

Latest information regarding the vaccination programme please click here

SICK NOTES

You are unwell with suspected COVID-19:

• Legally you are able to self-certify for 7 days. However, there is an extended sick note being developed for 14 days through 111, to cover the isolation period recommended by the government. Please refer to this link and you will be able to self-certify via this route.

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

SELF ISOLATION

You are self-isolating to avoid contracting COVID-19 but are not actually currently unwell

• You do not need a sick note or medical letter for your employer as this is following government advise for those at high risk

Please see government guidance

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

HOLIDAY CANCELLATION

You are intending to cancel your holiday due to COVID-19

• Please go through the usual channels of contacting your insurance company to cancel your holiday.
• You will need to complete the insurance paperwork which your GP will be able to complete for a private fee as this is non NHS work.
• You do not need a letter to cancel your holiday from your GP.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-advice-novel-coronavirus

Remember to use the hand sanitisers provided when entering the building or wash your hands in the patients toilets.

Please remain courteous to our staff at all times.

This is a very challenging time for all of us and we would appreciate your co-operation during this period of uncertainty.

Our priority is the health and safety of all our patients and staff.