We are here to help with issues and problems as usual, but things are being done in a different way, to keep people as safe as possible. Please see below.
Testing and Treatment
We do not have access to testing or treatment for coronavirus. If you are concerned about coronavirus or think you may have it, visit the NHS 111 service.
If you have symptoms, do not come to the practice or visit any pharmacy, walk in centre or hospital. This is to prevent spreading the illness to others. Stay at home and use the NHS 111 service.
Appointments
To help prevent the spread of coronavirus we have changed our appointment system. All appointments will be booked on the same day and will be telephone appointments wherever possible.
For all appointments (doctors, nurses, etc), phone on the day you would like to be seen. However, be prepared for your problem to be dealt with on the phone.
We are working with other practices in a network to deliver the safest possible service. If the doctor or nurse decides you need to be seen in the surgery, this may be at a different building and/or a different entrance, and you may have to wait outside until you can be seen.
The doctor or nurse will give you instructions. Please do not come very early as you may have to wait outside and toilet facilities may not be available. This is to minimise the opportunity for the virus to spread.
Contact Us By Phone Only
Always use the phone to contact us. Please do not come into the surgery unless you have a pre-booked appointment. The practice doors may be locked, and only people with an appointment will be allowed to enter.
If you arrive at the surgery without an appointment you will be refused entry and asked to phone us.
Collecting Prescriptions
All prescriptions will be sent electronically to a pharmacy, so that you won’t need to come into the surgery to collect a paper prescription. The pharmacy will usually have your medications ready for you when you arrive.
If you haven’t already told us your choice of pharmacy we will select the one nearest to your home. You can change your nominated pharmacy in one of the following ways:
- In the NHS App – it’s in “Order a repeat prescription”.
- In Patient Access (if you are already registered) – it’s in “My account”.
- By contacting your preferred pharmacy.
- By telling our reception staff.
Repeat Prescription Orders
You cannot order your repeat prescription in person or by posting a request in the order box, because the building is closed. Please order your repeat prescriptions as follows:
- If you are already set up for Patient Access you can continue to use that.
- If you don’t have Patient Access and you are ordering for yourself, please download the NHS App, register for an NHS login and follow the instructions.
- If you can’t do the above (i.e. if you don’t have a smartphone or if you are ordering for someone else), you can phone us. But please, use one of the above if you can.
Sick Notes
If you are absent from work because you or someone in your household has symptoms of possible coronavirus, you can get an isolation note from 111.nhs.uk/isolation-note.
If you are isolating because you are in an at risk group, you should not need any particular evidence as government advice is publicly available.
If your employer needs further explanation you can download this online letter.
We regret that we are unable to provide the usual medical certificates of absence or any other forms of evidence, due to the need to focus on providing healthcare to those who are seriously unwell during the outbreak.
New Patients
We are accepting new patients as usual, but the process is different. Please phone us for instructions.
Thank You
Thank you for your support during this time. And remember:
Stay home to protect the NHS and save lives.