Dear Patients
We have set out below the steps we have had to take to continue providing a service to you during this crisis. Please read the following carefully.
We are putting the following measures in place during this crisis NOT to restrict your access to medical care but to comply with the governments’ social isolation policy which will ultimately keep patients and our staff safe from Covid 19 and allow us to continue providing a service to our patients.
We ask that you play your part by acting responsibly, not abusing our staff and working with us during this crisis.
It will only take one infected patient in the wrong circumstances to close this surgery down.
For Medical Concerns – during this crisis we are asking all patients to contact the surgery via telephone first or use the online access.
Our staff are answering all calls proactively, but, please be patient if you have to wait longer on the phone.
We are operating a total triage model, which means that the receptionist will take your details and book telephone consultation. GP/clinician will call you back and consult with you. Please DO NOT COME INTO THE SURGERY, unless you have been asked to. You will be pleased to know that we are now offering video consultations and two-way text messaging service.
If as a result of your request you are asked to come to the surgery for a Booked Appointment with a member of our clinical team, you will be asked to wait outside, given a mask and gloves to wear before entry, you will be escorted straight into the treatment room and will be escorted back out of the premises.
In order to minimise potential infection spread come down to the surgery at the time you were given for your appointment.
Helps us to help you!
Wear a mask or face covering if you have to attend the practice
Do not turn up for your appointment early.
Do not bring anybody else with you to your appointment, unless absolutely necessary.
For Prescriptions – in order to prevent infection spread we are asking all patients to sign up for online services so that you can order your repeat medication electronically and then your prescriptions can be sent direct to a pharmacy of your choice; Without the need for paper which may increase the risk of cross-contamination / infection spread.
You can sign up for online services by going to our website and following the link to ‘online access’ at the bottom of our homepage. If you are unsure, please feel free to call and speak to the receptionist.
If you have a prescription query, please call the practice and speak to the receptionist. We are open as usual and staff are here to help you.
If you come to the surgery to collect your paper prescription, please arrive at the front entrance. The staff will come to the front window and hand over the prescription.
For self-isolation note – If you are self-isolating as a result of government policy and have been asked by your employer to request a self-isolation note from your GP can you please advise your employer that guidance has already been issued by the government for employers to use their discretion around the needs for medical evidence as this will unnecessarily increase the burden on the NHS.
We are advised that via the NHS 111 website you should be able to obtain a notification which can be used as evidence for absence from work, if required.
Long-term condition reviews/nurse/HCA clinics
As far as routine reviews are concerned i.e. Long-term condition reviews, we are reviewing patients by telephone and asking them to come for an appointment / go for blood test if appropriate. It would help us if you could sign-up for an online account through reception.
Nurses and HCA clinics are running full capacity, but you will be contacted prior to your appointment to ensure that you do not have any symptoms of Coronavirus. These include services include childhood immunisations, cervical smear testing, depot contraception, zoladex, prostap, chronic disease reviews and other injections as well as dressings.
As a surgery team we are meeting daily to respond to changing circumstances and we will be updating this action plan on a regular basis as the crisis develops.
Lastly we would like to thank all our patients for your support and cooperation during these challenging times.
With regards
Bearwood Road Surgery