COVID 19 (CORONAVIRUS) – INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS
Due to COVID 19, Coronavirus, it has been with regret that we have had to introduce some new measures in order to minimize footfall in the surgery and thus the spread of the virus to our most vulnerable patients and to try and keep our GP service operational.
As a result Sperrin Family Practice, Gortin and Plumbridge will continue to be unable to offer routine appointments over the coming weeks and ask that you ring the surgery as early as possible in the day if you need an urgent medical assessment. Please do not turn up at the surgery without prior arrangement.
Please note the Gortin site is currently closed for entry by the public. The Practice will review this decision daily.
Please use the telephone for any queries or to make requests for medications etc. and avoid coming to the premises. Medication can also be ordered using our online facility.
**Please note there is no need for patients to do anything different when ordering their repeat medication or taking their medicines. Please do not order early or stockpile as this will put additional strain on the medicines supply chain and increase the likelihood of medication shortages**
Measures are in place at our Plumbridge site to facilitate collection of prescriptions. A buzzer system is in operation to gain access to the premises.
We ask members of the public to be patient at this time. Staff are trying to do their very best in a very difficult situation.
FURTHER ADVICE FOR PATIENTS
Stay at home if you have Coronavirus symptoms
Symptoms include:
- a high temperature – this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back AND/OR
- a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual)
- loss of/change in smell or taste
Members of the Public showing possible symptoms of COVID 19 or seeking clinical advice or information regarding COVID 19 should NOT contact or go to the GP but avail of help/advice online (111 online coronavirus service )or via calling 111 and follow the guidance they are given. Only call 111 if you cannot get help online.
Again do not go to the GP surgery.
If you do contact the Practice, our staff may ask you some questions to determine your condition, i.e if you have a temperature or a cough. These questions help us to determine the best action to take but also helps protect our staff and other vulnerable patients. You may be asked to check online for advice or contact 111 if you have not already done so or if appropriate, you may receive a call back from a GP or be given other relevant advice.
How long to stay at home
- if you have symptoms of coronavirus, you’ll need to stay at home for 7 days
- if you live with someone who has symptoms, you’ll need to stay at home for 14 days from the day the first person in the home started having symptoms
If you live with someone who is 70 or over, has a long-term condition, is pregnant or has a weakened immune system, try to find somewhere else for them to stay for 14 days.
If you have to stay at home together, try to keep away from each other as much as possible
Read the advice about staying at home.
If employers require evidence to cover self-isolation or household isolation beyond the first 7 days of absence then employees can get an isolation note from NHS 111 online or from the NHS website.
For information on:
- Social distancing, visit https://gov.uk/guidance-on-social-distancing
- Isolation notes, visit https://111.nhs.uk/isolation-note
- Testing for COVID-19, visit https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/covid-19-coronavirus/testing-covid-19
- Downloading the ‘StopCOVID NI’ app, visit https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-stopcovid-ni-proximity-app
Again we wish to thank you for your support and co-operation as we face these uncertain times.
USEFUL LINKS AND WEBSITES
For other information and advice on the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) go to
https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/news/covid-19-coronavirus or https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/
or
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-people-with-confirmed-or-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection for advice on Coronavirus
For Information on Test, Trace and Protect go to https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/sites/default/files/2020-07/TTP%20information%20leaflet.pdf
Useful Information for Parents and Carers can be found at https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/education/012176%20Department%20of%20Education%20Parent%20%26%20Carer%20Information%20A4%20NEW%20HR.PDF
https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/education-restart-information-parents-and-carers
For other useful helplines go to
https://www.mindingyourhead.info provides resources for patients including the 5 steps for wellbeing leaflets
https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/covid-19-coronavirus/testing-covid-19
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