WE ARE SEVERELY SHORT STAFFED THIS WEEK AND WILL DIRECT OUR TELEPHONES TO THE EMERGENCY LINE ONLY FOR PERIODS OF TIME DURING THE DAY

PLEASE ONLY USE THIS NUMBER FOR MEDICAL EMERGENCIES

COVID 19 BOOSTER AND FLU VACCINE PROGRAMME

Vaccination is the most important thing you can do to protect your community against serious illnesses. When enough people get vaccinated, it’s harder for a disease to spread to those who can’t have vaccines. We are calling all eligible patients firstly for the flu vaccine, in priority of vulnerability. This is a vast programme for the practice so please bear with us if you have not yet received your invitation. We will commence the covid 19 booster after we have completed the flu vaccines.

We will have to close the surgery on days to hold clinics and all non urgent requests for forms etc may be delayed or even declined.

We please ask that you do not phone to see if your invitation has been sent as this ties up the telephone lines for more urgent calls.

Please be considerate to our staff they are only relaying information given to them by the partners and HSCB. We have a zero tolerance policy and you may be asked to leave the practice if you are rude or aggressive to any member of our team.

For patients seeking 1st dose of covid: These will not be done in practice

The Public Health Agency is encouraging everyone else who is eligible to book their Covid-19 vaccine now, you don't need to be invited.

Patients can book an appointment with the HSC vaccination hub https://covid-19.hscni.net/get-vaccinated/

or telephone 0300 100 7813 Mon to Fri 8.00am to 8.30pm

check with your local pharmacy who may be providing the service

You do not need your health & care number to book the vaccine, if you do require it for other reasons due to GDPR we request that you call at the surgery with ID and we will be happy to give it to you

Covid -19 vaccine verification

With guidelines easing in regard to travel restrictions soon and people are booking holidays. We have had a few queries re proof of vaccine and Covid tests etc in order for them to travel .

Please refer to the website below for further information.

https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/services/coronavirus-covid-19-covid-certificate-ni-residents

GPs or other HSC Organistions are unable to issue letters or proof to the agreed standard for travel. The practice will not be issuing letters as proof of vaccine/ fitness to fly/ exemptions for face coverings in regards to Covid. There will be no exceptions to this.

This also applies to Covid testing for travel, the practice or trusts cannot provide Covid tests for travel. It is your choice to travel and your responsibility to plan this in advance.

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE

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

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 2020 the following changes will be made

Telephone calls - patients will be able to telephone and speak to a doctor between 8.30am -9.30am. As the GPs work on a person list basis and the high volume of telephone calls we would prefer if you speak to your GP that knows you best. You may be asked to call back if the GP is not in work on the day you call. Urgent Calls only will be triaged by the duty doctor.

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.

If you have been asked to attend for an appointment

PLEASE ATTEND ALONE, only one person will be admitted to the practice. (The only exception to this is children or adults requiring assistance)

Try not to come too early for your appointment as there is no waiting room facility at present.

Bring and wear a face covering

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)

Please allow 48-72 hours for your prescription to be processed.

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 THEY DEVELOP A FEVER OR RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS.

Face Coverings: In Northern Ireland it is recommended that you should think about using a face covering in enclosed spaces where social distancing may not be possible. THERE IS NO NEED TO GET A LETTER FROM YOUR DOCTOR OR GOVERNMENT TO SHOW THAT YOU DO NOT NEED TO WEAR A FACE COVERING. If you have a condition which means you cannot wear a covering you only need to say, if asked. Patient may also wish to print a card or badge available on UK government website https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own

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/