Practice plan for Covid-19/Coronavirus

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The practice is receiving regular updates from NHS England on the pandemic and we will follow all guidance set by them.

Excellent advice is available on the NHS website https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

If you are concerned that you are displaying symptoms please contact NHS via their website at 111.nhs.uk or by phone on 111 for severe cases where they have a dedicated Covid-19 service. A reminder to all our patients to stay at home for 14 days if you have either a new continuous cough or fever. Please do not attend the surgery or pharmacy. You are advised to use paracetamol for your symptoms rather than ibuprofen. If you are already taking ibuprofen for other medical reasons (e.g. arthritis) you should not stop taking it without consulting your doctor.

The health of both our patients and our team members is our biggest priority so in order to minimise unnecessary trips to the surgery we will be offering patients the option of a telephone consultation. A doctor may request to have a video consultation with you if and when necessary.

We will also be offering E-Consultations in the near future ( https://econsult.net/primary-care/ ).

The Department of Health now have a National Policy in place to avoid a shortage of medicines. As a result of this advice, repeat prescriptions will only be issued on a monthly basis.

In the event of a possible disruption to service we will work closely with the other practices in our Primary Care Network to maintain patient care.

Message from NHS England

The NHS in Greenwich and Public Health England (PHE) are extremely well prepared for outbreaks of new infectious diseases. The NHS has put in place measures to ensure the safety of all patients and NHS staff while also ensuring services are available to the public as normal.

If you have a cough, high temperature or shortness of breath (even if it’s mild)

Do not go to a GP surgery, community pharmacy or hospital. Call 111, stay indoors and avoid close contact with other people.

Further information is available on nhs.uk.

The public are being advised to stay at home (self-isolate) without any testing for COVID-19, regardless of travel history or contact with confirmed cases, if they have:

a. A new continuous cough

b. A high temperature (of 37.8 degrees centigrade or higher)

Individuals should stay at home (self-isolate) for 14 days from the onset of symptoms following the current advice. If someone has serious symptoms they cannot manage at home they should use NHS 111 online (people should only call NHS111 if they cannot get online).

Everyone is being reminded to follow Public Health England advice to:

  • Always carry tissues with you and use them to catch your cough or sneeze. Then bin the tissue, and wash your hands, or use a sanitiser gel.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after using public transport. Use a sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are unwell.

You can find the latest information and advice from Public Health England and further information is available online at nhs.uk.