Following a surge in cases of COVID-19, the Prime Minister has announced a nationwide lockdown from Thursday 5th November for a short period until 2nd December 2020.
Unlike the previous lockdown in March, it was explicitly detailed in the press conference that non-COVID patients should continue to attend appointments and use NHS services.
Appointments
During the November lockdown period, should you require medical attention, please contact us – routine and emergency appointments will be available, these may be by telephone, video consultation or in face to face (if prebooked by the clinician).
We would like to reassure you that routine nurse appointments will continue to take place during November, including immunisations, smear tests and blood pressure checks and our Phlebotomist will still be doing blood clinics.
November lockdown: We are currently operating a telephone triage system; you may have a telephone appointment with a clinician and, if required, face-to-face appointments will be offered.
Shielding
Shielding will not resume during the current lockdown period. If you were previously advised to shield, or you are clinically extremely vulnerable, you must minimise your contact with others and follow government guidelines. More information can be found under the ‘Protecting people more at risk from coronavirus’ title on the “New National Restrictions from 5 November” page on the Gov.uk website.
Flu clinics
Please note that flu clinics will go ahead as planned during the November lockdown. You do not need to ring the surgery to check if this is going ahead.
Flu clinics will continue to run as planned. If you have an appointment, please ensure you wear a mask and adhere to social distancing. Please do not attend if you have any symptoms of, or have been in contact with anyone with, coronavirus.
Prescriptions
During the lockdown period, we will process prescription requests as normal. You do not need to order extra medication in advance. Please order online, giving 72 hours’ notice.
Isolation/illness
Due to staff isolating, we are currently operating a reduced service in the surgery. Please be aware that this may mean it will take longer to answer the phones etc.
As with the March lockdown, it is likely that there will be updates and changes over the coming weeks. We will strive to update our resources, and offer some support to help you thorough this unpredictable time.
COVID Vaccination
As yet we have no information with regards the coronavirus vaccination. Please do not call the practice to ask.
We will post information as and when we are contacted by NHS England once the trials have successful been completed.