Changes in response to Coronavirus

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Due to the recent Government advice regarding the coronavirus outbreak and social distance rules, our services and resources are increasingly under extreme pressure.

We have had to change the way we work and deliver our services with very notice  – the situation is not likely to get any easier in the forthcoming days and weeks.

Please consider the following points that will help ALL of us:

  1. If you are going to call the practice – please think first! Do you need our service right now or can you manage your symptoms at home? You can use the NHS 111 online service for all medical advice.
  2. Our teams are doing their best to keep themselves safe (we have families too!) and to ensure we are able to continue providing a service for our patients. Please respect the advice regarding social distancing and we request that only the patient should enter the surgery wherever possible. For example – Anyone accompanying the patient will be expected to wait outside or return to collect the patient after their appointment.
  3. Our Reception Team (the real heroes) are already handling 50% more calls. You WILL have to wait longer in the telephone queue. We are sorry for this, but please bear with us!We have a limited number of staff and lines.
  4. We have simplified the process for setting up access to on line services and it is no longer required for ID to be presented at the practice, we shall however need to verify you verbally over the phone. You will be sent 2 separate text messages with a username and password. You can also download the NHS app from the app/play store.
  5. We are unable to issue prescriptions earlier than planned or give you more just in case! – the pharmacies are already struggling and this has a massive impact on the supply chain. DO NOT stock pile and only order what you need. Look what happened to the loo rolls! You can order these online via our website or NHS App.
  6. We are unable to issue you an inhaler just in case! We know it’s a bit scary at the moment but lots of people really need these inhalers and if you get one just in case someone else might not be able to get one at all!
  7. Unfortunately we are unable to advise you whether you should or shouldn’t self-isolate or are at greater risk (If you had an annual flu jab you should consider that you may be in one of the at risk categories) – we have over 20,000 patients registered at the practice / please follow the guidance, we know it’s not perfect but we are following the same guidance as you!
  8. PLEASE DO NOT just present at the surgery unless you have a face to face appointment booked or you are collecting medication. We will NOT be taking appointment bookings at the reception desk – you will be turned away and asked to ring the practice .
  9. Paper repeat prescription requests can be posted through the external letter box labelled REPEAT PRESCRIPTIONS to the right of the main doors. You do not need to enter the building.
  10. We will still make sure you get the medication you NEED or see a GP/nurse if needed and we will still provide the best possible care. Our staff are working tirelessly and we have a zero tolerance on bad behaviour.
  11. Be sensible and be safe. Look after yourself, your family and each other and then we can look after you when you really need us.

We have also implemented Accurx, – a video consulting application.  This tool will be aimed at our most vulnerable patients, self-isolators and patients that require a face to face appointment who cannot/should not attend the practice.

Please think carefully about how you use the NHS and our practice services/resources at this particular time Thank you for taking the time to read this and for supporting our amazing practice team at this extremely difficult time.