There is new updated NHS guidance for parents on how to manage childhood illnesses safely during the current time. If you are very unsure on how to apply the advice in a given situation you can also call us.

How the Covid-19 will impact the practice

Thank you all for your patience and understanding in these unprecedented times. 

In response to new national guidance to delay and mitigate the spread of the Covid-19 virus and protect the vulnerable we will be providing medical advice and assessment by telephone and video consultation wherever possible and safe. Where it is necessary for patients to be seen face to face we will arrange to see them only after a telephone consultation. This is to prevent avoidable transmission of Covid-19 to patients and staff. 

the vast majority of GP appointments will be released on the day at present. Please phone on the day you wish to speak to a doctor. Doctors may arrange follow up appointments where appropriate. We hope to continue with some extended hours appointments in due course. Please do not attend the surgery unless you have been told by a doctor it should be face to face. All patients coming into the practice will be asked COVID-19 screening questions. Please do not come if you have a fever / cough within the last 7 days or are a household contact of someone who has these symptoms within the last 14 days.

We will be providing a limited range of nursing services over the next 8-12 weeks and will then review the situation. This decision has been based on guidance from the BMA, NHSE and RCGP.

• Cervical smear screening will be suspended unless considered clinically urgent.
• Travel clinics are suspended till further notice.
• Ear Syringing has been suspended. Please use sodium bicarbonate drops otc or find a high street service.
• Coil and Contraceptive Implant service suspended. We will be offering remote contraception reviews.
• Routine NHS Health checks will be suspended temporarily.
• We will focus on Long Term Condition reviews for high risk patients only.
• Instead we will focus our efforts on childhood immunisations, baby checks, wound dressings and care and injections (B12, Zoladex, depot contraception etc) and immunisations (Flu, pneumococcal, shingles, whooping cough for pregnant women)

Please be  mindful of extra administration requests - letters and prescription extensions. We are currently running on minimal staffing levels. Non urgent tasks will not be prioritised. We have currently suspended all private medical work such as insurance reports.

Please do look at the following guidance, which gives comprehensive guidance on when and how to stay at home well and safely if the need arises. Covid-19 is a self limiting illness in the vast majority of people and it is entirely safe to stay at home with the following advice. If you are concerned about any symptoms whilst self-isolating please consultation NHS111 Online first as their telephone lines are very busy and need to be kept open for patients directed by the online service to them.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-people-with-confirmed-or-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection

For the latest government advice on Covid-19 in a range of different languages please visit:  

https://www.doctorsoftheworld.org.uk/news/coronavirus-information/

• We aim to offer continuity of care and timely access to reliable health advice.
• We offer effective treatment delivered by trusted professionals.
• We encourage participation in decisions and have respect for patients' preferences.
• We pay attention to physical and environmental needs.
• We offer emotional support, empathy and respect.
• We also encourage the involvement of and support for family and carers.
• We provide clear, understandable information and support for self-care.
• We all take confidentiality very seriously.
• We are aware that for some patients there can be special sensitivities with regard to certain conditions such as Mental Health and HIV.