Like many businesses across the UK, we are closely monitoring the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and following the advice provided by UK health authorities.
Both of our practices are open but we asking that you do NOT come to the surgery if you have symptoms of Coronavirus (COVID-19). We are encouraging all patients to check the latest Government advice at www.111.nhs.uk before attending the surgery.
It is a requirement for ALL patients entering the main or branch surgery to wear a face covering of some sort (mask or scarf). This applies to face to face appointments and collecting medication. Thank you for your help in preventing the spread of the virus. Stay Safe, Stay Alert. If you have a health problem or disability that exempts you from wearing one then please download one of these exemption cards (these are also useful for shops and public transport).
Mask Exemption Cards
Appointment Information:
We have had to suspend most appointments at the surgery and we ask that you ONLY ATTEND if you get a confirmation call, message or letter. We have also suspended the booking of appointments online via Patient Access. We are introducing GP Video Appointments at the surgery. If asked to attend an appointment you must wear a face covering.
Please remember that you can access advice from your GP via E-Consult and consult a GP via video via LIVI. See practice website for details.
Diabetes Sick Day rules (follow links below):
https://trend-uk.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/A5_T1Illness_TREND_FINAL.pdf
https://trend-uk.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/A5_T1Illness_TREND_FINAL.pdf
Diabetes Type 1 - What to do when you are ill
Diabetes Type 2 - What to do when you are ill
Dispensary Information:
The dispensary team are working very hard to process your requests as quickly as possible. However due to a huge increase in requests it is causing a delay to collection times. Please allow one week before collecting.
National Guidance stipulates that GP Practices should NOT support patients trying to stockpile as these actions may put a strain on the supply chain and exacerbate any potential shortages. This is non-negotiable and for this reason you must only order your usual supply of medication and no more. Please do not request additional supplies as we will have to deny your request. Should this guidance change then we will inform patients.
From Tuesday 23rd March the Dispensary will be closed between 1 - 3pm every day. This measure has been put in place due to the unprecendented demand on our service as the COVID-19 incidence increases. Our priority is to ensure we continue to meet this increase in demand and support the health and wellbeing of our customers and staff during this difficult time. It is vital therefore that we introduce measures and provide the best service for all. These changes are to enable our Dispensary team to prepare prescriptions.
To prevent cross contamination and to keep our staff and patients safe we are asking that all payments for prescriptions are made by contactless card rather than cash, thank you.
When attending the surgery to collect medication you must wear a face covering.
A home delivery service is provided during the Pandemic to those at-risk patients required to isolate for 12 weeks and have received a letter. Please contact the surgery for details.
Testing:
If you have symptoms and want to organise a test then you can do it in 2 ways:
Follow the link: https://www.nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test
or Ring: 119
Need help with Shopping?
For patients who need help with shopping who are not on the 'high vulnerable shielding' list you can contact:
Volunteer Cornwall: 01872 266988
E-Mail: requestforhelp@volunteercornwall.org.uk
The surgery team can also refer patients who need help with shopping and other essential supplies, befriending services or hospital transport through the NHS Volunteer Responders Service. Please contact the reception team for details.
Sick Notes:
Patients requesting COVID isolation notes should follow this link:
https://111.nhs.uk/isolation-note/
What to expect when going to hospital (Derriford Hospital):
Attending Clinical Appointments
What to do if you are extremely vulnerable and need help - follow link below:
https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/council-news-room/media-releases/news-from-2020/news-from-april-2020/what-to-do-if-you-are-extremely-vulnerable-and-need-help/
This is a very challenging time for us all and we would appreciate your co-operation during this period of uncertainty and kindly ask that you remain courteous to our staff at all times.
Our priority is the health and safety of all our patients and staff.
Cornwall Hospice Care
At this difficult time, many may be feeling more isolated than ever. Cornwall Hospice Care are able to offer support via video call and telephone to patients and carers. Follow link below for details:
Cornwall Hospice Care
Bereavement Services in Cornwall
Bereavement in Cornwall Flyer
Government plan to tackle loneliness during lockdown
The Government has launched a plan to tackle loneliness and social isolation during the COVID-19 outbreak and period of social distancing. #Let’sTalkLoneliness
Cancer
If you have symptoms that are new, persistent, concerning or progressive, contact your GP online via their website or on the telephone for an initial assessment.
The best chance of successful treatment for cancer is through early detection. GPs are able to assess over the phone and by video and if necessary, they can plan for you to safely be seen face-to-face.
We are treating people with cough or fever in separate locations from those with other symptoms to ensure it is safe for you to attend the practice, if we think it is necessary.
Clinicians are using protective equipment (such as masks) when they do see people face-to-face to minimise the risk of transmission.
Hospitals are continuing to offer tests for cancer, and treatment for cancer. Social distancing measures are in place to keep patients and staff safe when they do come in for their tests. The type of assessment may change and it may take slightly longer than normal, but this is still better than delaying until after the pandemic.
Hospitals are taking care to make their cancer assessment services safe for patients to attend, where this is necessary. Some have moved cancer services off-site, some are using video consultations.
Children - Paediatrics
We appreciate that everyone is trying to do the right thing by staying at home at this time, however, we are concerned that those caring for children, especially children with complex or underlying health conditions, may be too worried about going to hospital at this time to seek urgent medical help in the way that they normally would.
Nationally, the number of children with a delayed presentation to hospital is increasingly leading to further health complications and increased risk of serious illness, which could be avoided if medical help was sought sooner.
If you’re a parent with a seriously unwell child, we want you to know that the NHS is here for you. Children still get sick and we want you to connect with us when this happens
If you have to go to A&E there will be special arrangements in place to protect you and your child from the risk of infection.
You know your child better than anyone else, and if you think your child is unwell or deteriorating you must seek medical help and not delay presentation. Doctors will want to make sure that your child is treated before their condition deteriorates.
Childhood Immunisations
It’s really important to attend for immunisations when you have been invited, they are the single most important way to protect you or your child from disease.
Vaccinating children helps prevent the development of deadly or incurable viruses and diseases such as Meningitis, Measles and Pneumonia.
Delaying vaccinations could leave you and your child vulnerable to serious illnesses
Book your appointment for immunisations as planned, staff will ensure that it is safe for you to attend.
Cervical screening
The cervical screening programme for routine checks is currently suspended but first calls and those who have previously had an abnormal result and are on a yearly recall are continuing.
If you have been asked to make an appointment for cervical screening, don’t put it off, It's one of the best ways to protect yourself from cervical cancer.
Marie Curie support for professionals during COVID-19
Marie Curie Companions for professionals is one-to-one emotional support for staff looking after dying people in care homes.
- Provided by Marie Curie Senior Nurses, who specialise in end of life care, using a person-centred approach, the service aims to:
- Provide emotional support and comfort for care home staff
- Reduce staff stress levels and help build resilience
- Provide practical advice on dealing with dying, death and bereavement
- Access to emotional and bereavement support for family members and friends
- Act as advocate for care home staff if required.
- To access Marie Curie Companions for professionals’ service email SouthWest@mariecurie.org.uk
Marie Curie are also offering a number of online resources that care home staff can access at any time:
- New online information hub about end of life care during coronavirus. Aimed at family and friends who are looking after a loved one towards the end of life, it is designed to help make them feel more confident in the care they are able to provide, answer key questions and help them feel empowered to ask for help when it is needed.
- Palliative Care Knowledge Zone - expert information, knowledge and support to help you deliver the best possible care for people living with a terminal illness