Coronavirus FAQs

Your support and assistance with these guidelines is much appreciated. Thank you for helping us to safeguard our vulnerable patients and our staff.

This information is correct at the time of publishing (18/05/2020).

Is the practice closed?

No we are not closed. We do need to minimise footfall into the building however so please telephone us on 01608 650764 before coming to the practice. We are operating a telephone triage policy. Please phone us to book an appointment or with any other queries. You will need to provide the receptionist with details of your condition. A nurse or doctor will attempt to deal with your concern by phone where possible to start with.

How do I visit the practice?

If you have an agreed face to face appointment and you develop a continuous cough, fever/temperature, shortness of breath loss of smell or taste, or have contact with anyone who has symptoms please telephone the practice BEFORE attending.

If attending for an agreed appointment please use side doors for access to reception. Wait to be screened, this involves a temp check and some questions and then make sure to check in with reception.

Please follow social distancing guidelines in the waiting room and if you have someone with you please ask them to wait in the car if you don’t require their assistance so we can minimise the number of people in the waiting room.

Dispensary is open for collection of medication for dispensing patients, please use side window to the left of the main doors ( look for the pink gazebo ) and wait to be called forward, please follow social distancing guidelines whilst waiting . The dispensary may be able to deliver medication in some areas for dispensing patients, please call and ask.

What is the practice doing to ensure continuity of service?

We are meeting as a team regularly to discuss the latest updates and how as a Practice we can best help you. The pace of change is incredibly quick and we are doing all we can to continue to provide the safest and most appropriate clinical care.

I’m worried and I don’t know who to contact

There is a lot of information available online including NHS 111 online. Please try to use these resources for information before contacting any healthcare professionals. If you would like to check your symptoms with 111 you can do so here.

For more information about coronavirus https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

Can I drop off water samples?

Please do not bring urine sample in to the practice unless you have been requested to by the doctor or nurse.

I normally bring my repeat prescription requests to the Practice. How should I order it now?

Do not bring/post/drop off paper prescription requests.

You can order repeat prescriptions quickly and easily online using the NHS App or using the System One Online services. If you are not registered for the NHS App you can sign up quickly and easily at www.nhs.uk/nhsapp.

You can telephone the Practice on 01608 650764 Option 3, we are very busy so please bear with us.

Please call reception if you wish to register for System One online.

Can I order my medication early?

Please don’t over-order your medication, order very early or order medication you do not need as this will prevent others from obtaining their medication.

The dispensary and chemists are very busy so please allow a little extra time before collecting if possible.

Please do not ask for paracetamol on prescription or to buy from the practice as we are unable to do this and need to keep supplies for patients who already have a clinical need.

I need a letter for my holiday cancellation. How do I get one?

Following RCGP advice please do not request GP letters for holiday cancellations in light of COVID-19. Airlines and holiday providers should be looking towards national guidance as part of their policy as this is a global issue.

I’ve had to self-isolate and I need a sick note. How do I get one?

Please do not request sick notes from your GP if you are self-isolating due to Coronavirus. The isolation note service can be accessed via 111.nhs.uk/isolation-note/ or www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19, as well as via the NHS app.

Do I need to self-isolate?

If you live on your own and develop a new continuous cough and/or a temperature/fever you must self-isolate for 7 days. If you live with others and someone in your household develops symptoms the whole household must isolate for 14 days.

Everyone must make an effort with social distancing for the next 12 weeks. For the latest updates, visit the self-isolation guidance and social distancing guidance on the government website.

I need a medical report – will this be affected?

Medical reports are completed in the majority of cases for patient’s purchasing private insurance. We have taken the decision to stop a majority of private work such as medical reports. This is so we can free up capacity to focus our efforts where required. This will be a temporary measure. As requests for medical reports arrive we will contact the insurance provider to inform them of this decision. This will not affect reports for Universal Credit applications or other government-backed reports – we will continue to complete these as normal.