Important Patient Notice – Responding to the Pandemic – Our Next Steps

We have been planning how to safely start to restore medical services from July 1st 2020. It will NOT be ‘business as usual’ during this next step so we would like to point out the following:-

What do you expect from me ?

  • Please wear a face mask or face covering during your consultation. You will be refused entry without one.
  • Please be patient with us. We are following strict cleaning routines after every appointment and it may take us longer to see you.
  • Please arrive promptly for your appointment neither too early or too late.
  • Please attend for your appointment or tell us if you are not coming.
  • Please follow these guidelines and respect the staff.

Will the surgery building be open as usual ?

  • The building will be locked and reception staff will manage who enters the building via a new intercom.
  • There will be different entry and exit points from the building and you will be guided through these by our staff.

How can I talk to a doctor ?

  • Patients should continue to book GP appointments via the telephone only.
  • Any patient arriving at the surgery without an appointment will not be admitted.
  • Online booking will remain suspended for the time being. This will be kept under review.
  • Telephone appointments only will be booked with the Doctors. Face to face appointments or video consultation will be arranged at the discretion of the doctor.

How will the nurses be working ?

  • All our usual nurse services will recommence from July 1st EXCEPT for travel vaccinations and some immunisations.
  • Patients arriving for a booked nurse appointment will be asked to press the new intercom outside the locked main door. Patients will be asked to wait outside two metres apart from any other patient. Please bring an umbrella or coat during bad weather.
  • Patients will be collected from the main door by their nurse who will be wearing full personal protective equipment. Please do not be alarmed by this. It is for your safety & ours.
  • During the consultation, you can expect the usual routines and care relating to your health to be undertaken.

What do I do if I usually provide samples ?

  • There will be no facility to provide urine samples in the surgery. The patient toilet is closed. Please bring a sample from home & give it to the nurse not to Reception.
  • If we require a blood sample before the consultation, you will be sent a form beforehand. Reception staff can advise you on the routines at the blood clinics if you are unsure.

What do I do if I am reluctant to come to the surgery or the blood clinic ?

  • When you receive your appointment, please ring to speak to the nurse. She may speak to you then or call you back. She will discuss care options with you but it is up to you to decide whether to attend or not. We will respect that.
  • If you do not intend to come, please tell us by leaving a message on our voicemail or by talking to Reception staff on the phone. Do not just ignore the invitation letter.