COVID-19 CORONAVIRUS PRACTICE INFORMATION

PLEASE READ

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:

APPOINTMENTS :

We are asking all patients NOT TO ATTEND the Practice until they have spoken to a member of our clinical team.

We are asking that all patients who require treatment or advice to use the online eConsult service or call reception if you are unable to do this and the reception team will take your details and forward onto the most appropiate clinician.

A member of our Clinical Team will then phone you back to discuss your need, and, wherever possible, this need will be met over the telephone.

If the Clinician feels that you require a face to face appointment, they will arrange a time for you to attend the practice. Please DO NOT attend until invited in. Please wear a FACE Covering when attending the practice.

A Clinician may send you a message to do a video consultation for guidance on this please see Video Link

ACCESS TO THE SURGERY:
Access to the building will be restricted to the patients who have been invited for an appointment by a Clinician.

Only the patient with the appointment will be allowed in the building.

For children, only one parent/guardian will be allowed to accompany the child.

If you need to collect anything from the practice, please go to the reception window at the back of the practice and knock for a receptionist.

PRESCRIPTIONS:

We will send you prescriptions electronically to your NOMINATED Pharmacy.

To order a repeat prescription, please download the
NHS APP - https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/nhs-services/the-nhs-app/

Alternatively, you can email a request to fgccg.svmp.prescriptions@nhs.net

We will NOT be able to issue your prescription early, the pharmacies are also struggling and we do not want patients stock piling medication

We will NOT be able to give you an inhaler unless you have had a telephone consultation with a clinician

We will NOT be able to give you paracetamol on prescription just because you cannot buy it over the counter

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.