Newsletter - May 2020

Published: 14 April 2020

COVID19
The information in this publication is correct as of the time of writing on 14th April 2020. The most recent updates will always be published on the Practice website:
www.willinghammedicalpractice.nhs.uk

Surgery Appointments
Please be advised your GP surgery is still open for telephone advice in the normal way. 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.

Medication reviews, essential follow up and other queries will be managed via telephone consultation with a GP or via a video consultation where possible. 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.

If your query is in relation to COVID-19 please visit NHS 111 online in the first instance.

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

Chiropody
Specsavers Hearing Clinic
Citizens Advice Bureau
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 therefore only able to refer patients to hospital with life or limb threatening conditions.

Nursing services

Routine nursing appointments have 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, methotrexate / high-risk drug monitorin
We are continuing to offer INR blood tests so patients do not need to travel to Nuffield Hospital.
Dressings / suture / clip removal
Child and adult vaccinations (not travel) including whooping cough in pregnancy
Contraception injection
Zoladex injection
Smears if the woman has had an abnormal smear test in the past 12 month
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.

We are now able to accept card payments at Longstanton Surgery and Willingham Reception if you need to pay for your prescription.

Sick notes – MED3

You do not need a MED3 or sick note for self isolation. Please visit the surgery website for further information and to download a letter from the GP.

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.

Cambridgeshire Hearing Clinics

Drop ins are currently cancelled for the forseeable. Please note they will send new batteries to your home address. Please visit https://www.cambridgeshirehearinghelp.org.uk/ or call 01223 416141

Carers Support Meetings

Meetings are currently suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic. However the surgery will continue to support our carers in any way we can. If you are a carer, please contact Sharon.unwin@nhs.net for more information.