Surgery News - Covid-19

Published: 30 March 2020

The surgery is prepared for the coming weeks as we move closer to the peak of the current global pandemic. At this time, the surgery is only able to deal with essential and emergency medical conditions, and acute illness.

The volume of calls is inevitably putting pressure on the service, so we ask that you only call the surgery if you require urgent assistance and have been unable to find answers using NHS 111 online, Doctorlink or the NHS app in the first instance.

Please check https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus for advice on what you should do if you believe you have symptoms of COVID-19.

The GP does not need to be made aware that you are self-isolating and will not issue sick notes (please see below).

Surgery Appointments
Please be advised your GP surgery is still open for telephone advice, however if your query is in relation to COVID-19 please visit NHS 111 online in the first instance.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

We have currently suspended all routine appointments and minor operations to help manage demand at this time.

Medication reviews, essential follow up and other queries will be managed via telephone consultation with a GP. Please be aware the GP will only try to call you once, and should you miss the call you will need to reschedule your appointment for a later date.

The GPs are triaging all patients presenting with any urgent medical problem, not just those relating to COVID-19. Please only attend the surgery if you have been invited by the GP/Nurse practitioner.

Updates regarding your appointment will be sent via SMS message or you will be contacted by a member of our reception team. Please ensure we have your up to date contact details.

The following services have also currently been suspended at the practice:

Chiropody
Specsavers Hearing Clinic
Citizens Advice Bureau
Hearing help – please note they will send new batteries to your home address. Please visit https://www.cambridgeshirehearinghelp.org.uk/ or call 01223 416141

Diabetic Eye Screening have also cancelled their appointments at present, and will be contacting patients directly with information.

Hospital referrals

Due to coronavirus, the hospital has postponed all non-essential outpatient appointments, planned procedures and operations until further notice. This is currently expected to be for at least 3 months.

Patients will be informed by the hospital if there are any changes to pre-booked appointments. We appreciate that patients will be disappointed and concerned. Patients will automatically be re-referred once normal service resumes, and there is no need to speak with the GP.

We are only therefore only able to refer patients to hospital with life or limb threatening conditions. Do NOT contact the surgery with the expectation of an onward referral to hospital.

Nursing services

Routine nursing appointments have also been suspended. If we need to cancel your appointment you will be contacted by a member of the nursing team. We will be continuing to offer face-to-face consultations for:

Blood tests for antenatal patients, INR, methotrexate / high-risk drug monitoring
Dressings / suture / clip removal
Child and adult vaccinations (not travel) including whooping cough in pregnancy
Contraception injections
Zoladex injections
Smears if the woman has had an abnormal smear test in the past 12 months
Urgent ECGs as requested by a doctor

Smoking cessation / HRT / pill checks and any other consultations will be by telephone consultation.

Repeat Medication

You are only able to order 1 month of medication. In order to help us manage demand, we ask that you only order what you need in the normal way. Please allow dispensary 2 working days to process the request.

If your medication review is due, this can be conducted by telephone with a GP. The Dispensary have authority to override this for the next 3 months to ensure everyone has the medication they need.

If you are self-isolating and unable to collect your medication, please contact the Dispensary for information on how we can help you. Willingham Pharmacy are currently offering a free delivery service also.

Sick notes – MED3

You do not need a MED3 or sick note for self isolation. Please visit the following website which gives instructions. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/online-isolation-notes-launched-providing-proof-of-coronavirus-absence-from-work

Social Distancing

Should you have any queries regarding social distancing, please visit the following for advice and guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-social-distancing-and-for-vulnerable-people/guidance-on-social-distancing-for-everyone-in-the-uk-and-protecting-older-people-and-vulnerable-adults

Urine Samples

Please do not drop off urine specimens for testing at this time, as we try and relieve pressure on the labs. If you are symptomatic and believe you have a urinary tract infection (UTI), please call reception who will arrange for you to speak with a clinician over the phone.

Asthma

If you believe you need inhalers or Asthma advice, please visit www.asthma.org for information. We will only issue Asthma rescue packs if this is something you have already been given in the past.

NHS App and Doctorlink

The practice is compatible with both the NHS App, as well as Doctorlink. Please use these resources if you are having difficulty getting through to the practice on the phone, in order to help us during this busy period.

All the staff at Willingham Medical Practice and Longstanton Branch Surgery would like to thank you for your support and understanding during this challenging time.