CORONAVIRUS UPDATE

WE MAY DIRECT OUR PHONE LINES TO AN EMERGENCY SERVICE ONLY LINE FOR PERIODS OF TIME DURING THE DAY

MONDAY MORNINGS 9.00AM TO 9.15AM TO ALLOW A PRACTICE STAFF UPDATE

Due to the current COVID19 situation we are having to adapt how we provide our services in the surgery for the safety of our patients and staff. This is a dynamic process and will continue to evolve as the situation changes. It is important that patients continue to monitor our website to ensure they are aware of any changes to the services we provide, especially how to access them.

From Monday 11th May the following changes will be made

Telephone calls - patients will be able to telephone and speak to a doctor between 8.30am -9.30am

Appointments- patients can ring and book a telephone consultation instead of a face to face appointment. They will be given a 1-2 hour time slot when the doctor will ring. It is important that they ensure that they are available during the time allocated as the doctor will only telephone once.

Visits to the surgery- a doctor will only arrange for a patient to attend the surgery if it is absolutely necessary and will change the management of their condition.

Treatment room- There is no current walk-in service and appointments must be booked by the GP or nurse only.

Housecalls- a doctor will telephone first and only visit if it is absolutely necessary.

Prescription Requests- these will continue to be issued. Please telephone between 9.30am and 3.00pm. We would encourage patients to sign up for the Patients online prescribing service and also nominate a pharmacy to collect their prescription. (Application forms under the prescriptions tab)

Childhood immunisations- these are continuing as usual with booked appointments.

IT IS ABSOLUTELY VITAL THAT PATIENTS DO NOT ATTEND THE SURGERY UNLESS AN APPOINTMENT HAS ALREADY BEEN ARRANGED. ALSO PATIENTS MUST NOT ATTEND IF THE DEVELOP A FEVER OR RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS.

NHS 111

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

Public Health Agency Website

https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/news/covid-19-coronavirus

ASTHMA UK

https://www.asthma.org.uk/

VERSUS ARTHRITIS

https://www.versusarthritis.org/

For information about self certifying from work, please visit NI Direct using the link below:

https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/apply-statutory-sick-pay

For information on further sicklines relating to COVID-19, please visit the link below:

https://111.nhs.uk/isolation-note/