The way GP services are being accessed has changed. Below are some frequently asked questions that may help you understand why these changes are needed:
Why can’t I walk into my GP practice?
Whilst general practice has remained open to meet the needs of patients throughout the pandemic, the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has forced us all to work differently to help slow down the spread of the virus. All healthcare settings are taking special measures to protect you, the public and their staff. GP practices are, and have always been, open and are working as hard as ever, just differently.
Where possible we want to avoid people having to wait inside a waiting room together, as we know this increases the risk of the virus spreading. Like hospitals and dentists, we have also had to change how we offer our services to you.
If you do need to come in, then we can ensure there are a minimal number of people in the practice, we can maintain social distancing and keep patients and staff safe.
How do I get an appointment?
The easiest and most effective method is to contact us using the practice website, or you can telephone, however the telephone lines are very busy and we ask you not to call between 08:00 – 10:00 unless it is an emergency. You will then be contacted by a clinician to talk through your symptoms either over the phone, via email, or if needed and you have the available technology, through a video consultation.
Why can’t I book a face-to-face appointment?
We have adapted the way in which you can get an appointment quickly and safely.
Most patient’s health concerns can be managed over the phone/email or via video consultation. This is why we are providing you with an initial phone call to decide what would be the best way to help. If we can support you without needing you to come into the practice, then we reduce the need for you to travel and reduce the risk of the virus spreading.
If you do need a face-to-face appointment due to your health or social needs, this will be discussed as part of the triage process between you and the clinician to support you to access your care in the most appropriate way. Dependent on your individual circumstances this could be delivered through you attending the practice for a pre-booked appointment or a home visit.
If we can ensure there are a minimal number of people in the practice, we can maintain social distancing and keep patients and staff safe.
Will I need to wear a face mask if I come into my practice for an appointment?
To help limit the spread of the virus, we are asking all patients, excluding children, to wear a face covering when they come the practice. This doesn’t have to be a face mask, but a cloth covering which covers your mouth and nose while allowing you to breathe comfortably. It can be as simple as a scarf or bandana that ties behind the head. You can find additional information by visiting the “How to make a cloth face covering” page on the Gov.uk website.
How do I get a repeat prescription?
You can order your repeat prescription by completing the Request a Repeat Prescription triage, by posting your repeat in the post box at the entrance of the surgery door or via telephone between 10:00-12:00 and 14:00 – 16:00.
How do I cancel or move a booked appointment?
You can do this by completing the Cancel an Appointment triage or by calling us on 01842 828481.
How do I see a GP during the evening and week|ends?
For evening and weekend access to GPs please either visit 111.nhs.uk or call NHS 111.
What if I am not registered with a GP practice?
You can call any GP surgery to get emergency treatment for up to 14 days if you are not registered with a GP or are away from home.
If your treatment will last longer than 14 days, you’ll have to register as a temporary or permanent resident. You can find more information about this via www.nhs.uk and search ‘how to register with a GP practice’.
If you are a resident in the area and need to register with a practice, then it’s best to look at practices where your home falls within its geographical boundaries. You can check a GP practice boundary by visiting their website.
Once you have selected which practice you would like to register with, make contact with them either by calling or visiting their website.
You will be asked to fill out a registration form and once it is completed and returned, NHS England will transfer your medical records to your new practice. They will also write to you to confirm your registration with your chosen practice.
What do I do if I think I have coronavirus (Covid-19)?
The main symptoms of coronavirus are:
- high temperature – this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back
- 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 or change to your sense of smell or taste – this means you’ve noticed you cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal
If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, then DO NOT visit your GP practice. You should visit 111.nhs.uk/covid-19 or call NHS 111 if you cannot get help online.
You must self-isolate for ten days from when your symptoms started. Anyone you live with, or in your support bubble, who does not have symptoms must self-isolate for 14 days from when the first person started having symptoms.
You must also ask for a test as soon as you start showing symptoms. You can do this online – visit www.nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test.