Second Lockdown

Dear Patients,

As we go into the second lock down, the practice would like to reassure you that we continue to be available if you need us.

As has been the case since the start of lockdown, we are operating a “Doctor first ” policy that means all patients seeking medical advice will be offered a telephone conversation with a GP or advanced Nurse Practitioner first, and then the appointment may be changed into a face to face or video consultation if we are unable to safely assess you and manage your problem over the telephone. This is in line with national NHS guidance which aims to help us keep all patients using our service as safe as possible.

We need to be able to safely care for the elderly, immunosuppressed and vulnerable patients using our service at the same time as managing patients who may be infectious. Initial telephone triage allows us to ensure these groups of patients are not sitting together in the waiting room. Any patients with higher risk symptoms will be offered review at the hot hub clinic based at the Friarage.

In addition, we have the “econsult” system available through our website for patients who have less urgent queries and a Practice pharmacist who can offer advice regarding medication related problems.

We would appreciate your patience when trying to access the service. There has been a lot of pressure on our phone lines and in recent weeks we have been busier than before the pandemic. We are doing our best to keep you safe.

All urgent problems will be dealt with by our duty doctor – even when all appointments have already been taken for the day: we are keen to ensure that everyone who needs urgent assessment can get appropriate care.

We are keen to make sure everyone understands we are still open and here to help in these more challenging times.