Changes To the Way We Provide Services

25^th March 2020

IN LINE WITH GUIDANCE FROM THE GOVERNMENT, NHS ENGLAND, AND THE BMA, WE HAVE MADE CHANGES TO THE WAY WE PROVIDE SERVICES, TO PROTECT PATIENTS AND STAFF.

The surgery is limiting all non-urgent patient contact but please rest assured, we are here if you need us.

We are asking all patients not to attend appointments at the practice without prior agreement from a member of our clinical team.  All pre-existing appointments are being reviewed by the clinical team. If it is deemed that your appointment is not urgent, this may be cancelled and rescheduled at a later date by the practice.

Patients are still able to collect from our dispensary; however, to support social distancing we will contact patients when their prescription is ready and offer collection times.

For our non-dispensing patients we are using the Electronic Prescription Service and your prescription request will be sent to your nominated pharmacy.

IF YOU THINK YOU MIGHT HAVE COVID-19:

1.Access 111 Coronavirus Service Online – https://111.nhs.uk/covid-19/

2.Follow Government guidance on how long to self-isolate

3.If you feel your condition is getting worse, telephone the surgery

IF YOU HAVE ANY OTHER URGENT MEDICAL NEED:

1.Telephone the surgery

2.Wait for a call back from a member of the clinical team where you will be given a telephone call or a video consultation

3.A very small number of patients may need to be seen in the surgery – these patients will be given special instructions

ONLY COME TO THE SURGERY IF YOU ARE SPECIFICALLY INSTRUCTED TO DO SO

Important information about the Coronavirus (COVID-19)

16^th March 2020

The NHS across the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough will be better prepared for outbreaks of new infectious diseases, if the public follows Public Health England advice.

The NHS has put in place measures to ensure the safety of patients and staff which may mean your patient experience is subject to change.

The Chief Medical Officer announced on Friday 13 March that the country is moving into the ‘Delay’ stage of the response to coronavirus (Covid-19).

The latest advice issued by the Chief Medical Officer is to stay at home for 7 days if you have either:

• a high temperature or

• a new continuous cough

If you live with other people they should stay home for 14 days from the day the first person got symptoms

If you live with someone who is 70 or over, has a long-term condition, is pregnant or has a weakened immune system, try to find somewhere else for them to stay for 14 days.

If you have to stay at home together, try to keep away from each other as much as possible.

Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or a hospital. You do not need to contact 111 to tell them you're staying at home.

Use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service if:

• you feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home

• your condition gets worse

• your symptoms do not get better after 7 days

Only call 111 if you cannot get help online.

Stay At Home advice can be found here.

Everyone is being reminded to follow Public Health England advice to:

• Always carry tissues with you and use them to catch your cough or sneeze. Then bin the tissue, and wash your hands, or use a sanitiser gel.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after using public transport. Use a sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

• Avoid close contact with people who are unwell.

Information remains subject to regular change and updates. More information can be found on the NHS website here. 

19th March 2020

MEDICAL CERTIFICATION FOR ABSENCE FROM WORK FOR COVID-19 PANDEMIC

If you are absenting yourself from work for reasons relating to the Covid-19 pandemic (e.g. you are following Government Guidance and/or are in a high risk group) your employer should not require you to produce a sick note from your GP.

Please click here to download a Covid-19 work absence form which you should complete yourself and give to your employer.