Pioneer Medical Group
Accessible - Responsive - Caring
COVID19 - Changes To GP Services
Update 28th May - We are starting to re-design our appointment book to allow you to book a preferred GP / urgent care practitioner, assuming they have capacity. Once your preferred clinician has filled their slots you will be offered a call from another clinician. Some of the hospitals are now accepting routine referrals. If you were asked to contact the surgery to chase up a referral once the local services opened, please book a call with the GP that advised you make a referral.
Under the instruction of NHS England we have converted all our appointments to on the day telephone or video consultation. There will be no facility to book direct into a face to face appointment. We MUST limit footfall to the surgery. You will receive a call from a clinician who will manage all they can over the phone. After speaking with you, if absolutely necessary, we will offer you a face to face appointment. PLEASE do not come to the surgeries to manage anything routine. If you have a smartphone or tablet you may be asked to consult by video consultation (see below) by your clinician. It is likley that we will be running a socially distanced service - in some form or another - for the next 12-18 months.
Under the instruction of NHS England we have converted all our appointments to on the day telephone or video consultation. There will be no facility to book direct into a face to face appointment. We MUST limit footfall to the surgery. You will receive a call from a clinician who will manage all they can over the phone. After speaking with you, if absolutely necessary, we will offer you a face to face appointment. PLEASE do not come to the surgeries to manage anything routine. If you have a smartphone or tablet you may be asked to consult by video consultation (see below) by your clinician. It is likley that we will be running a socially distanced service - in some form or another - for the next 12-18 months.
Avonmouth is being used as a 'clean' site for baby immunisations only. The doors at Bradgate and Ridingleaze are accesible for you to drop off samples. Otherwise the receptions ARE CLOSED to all walk in visitors. If you need to book a consultation use online access or phone us. Do not come to reception to book an appointment.
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If you need to order a prescription use online access (NHS App), email (pmg@nhs.net), ask your pharmacy to order or write us a letter. Do not come to the reception desk to order medication.
All prescriptions are now sent electronically. You can tell us which pharmacy to send prescriptions, or we can give you the prescription number and you can collect it a pharmacy of your choosing at a later time. Do not come to reception to collect a prescription. Any documents will now be sent by email, text or post. Do not come to reception to collect a document. |
Why must we do this? Firstly, the Government have instructed us to. Secondly, anyone walking in the building that doesn't need to, poses a risk to themselves, other patients and our staff. We have an obligation to protect our staff and patients from harm.
Video Consultations
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The wonderful team at AccRx have kindly sped through a video consultation facility to help GP surgeries reduce the risk of consulting in person.
The consultation should work on your smart device's web browser. If you are struggling then please download the free Wherby App on your apple or android app store. You can also join a consultation on a PC if you have a webcam. If you are struggling visit this site for help. You will get a text message from your clinician with a unique link allowing you to join the consultation. |
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Why is coronavirus a problem
For most (4 in 5) the virus causes a mild disease. However around 1 in 5 develop pneumonia. This will place a significant strain on the healthcare system. There is an average incubation period - time from exposure to symptoms - of 5 days. In the early stages of the illness coronavirus symptoms are much like any other cold or flu (fever, aches, cough) during which time the infection is spread. Those with minor symptoms - who might go about their daily lives unaware they have it - can spread the virus to others who will become seriously ill and need hospital care.
We cannot stop the spread of the virus until we have a vaccine - and that will not arrive this year. The only weapon we have against the virus is to slow its spread. This will give the healthcare system capacity to care for the sick as a trickle, not a flood. The focus of the community must be to slow the virus down.
We cannot stop the spread of the virus until we have a vaccine - and that will not arrive this year. The only weapon we have against the virus is to slow its spread. This will give the healthcare system capacity to care for the sick as a trickle, not a flood. The focus of the community must be to slow the virus down.
Mental Health in these difficult times
Mental health 24/7 telephone response line - 0300 3031320
We know this can be a particularly anxious and difficult time, particularly if you or someone you care about struggles with mental health difficulties.
In order to alleviate pressure on GPs, A+Es etc the mental health team at AWP will be available 24/7 to provide advice, guidance and support over the phone patients, families and carers, as well as members of the public who may be worried about their own or someone else's mental health.
The telephone line - 0300 3031320 - provides round-the-clock support for adults and children, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
If you or your loved one feels unsafe, at risk or unable to cope without professional advice, their dedicated staff, with a wealth of skills and experience, will respond to your enquiries and arrange for trained mental health advisors and clinicians to help enable you to manage your difficulties.
The Mental Health 24/7 Response Line works closely with our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) to provide support and signpost people to other services for anyone in the general population seeking mental health support.
We know this can be a particularly anxious and difficult time, particularly if you or someone you care about struggles with mental health difficulties.
In order to alleviate pressure on GPs, A+Es etc the mental health team at AWP will be available 24/7 to provide advice, guidance and support over the phone patients, families and carers, as well as members of the public who may be worried about their own or someone else's mental health.
The telephone line - 0300 3031320 - provides round-the-clock support for adults and children, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
If you or your loved one feels unsafe, at risk or unable to cope without professional advice, their dedicated staff, with a wealth of skills and experience, will respond to your enquiries and arrange for trained mental health advisors and clinicians to help enable you to manage your difficulties.
The Mental Health 24/7 Response Line works closely with our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) to provide support and signpost people to other services for anyone in the general population seeking mental health support.
Sick NOTES
We do not provide sick notes for self isolation due to Covid. We are pleased you are following government advice and protecting yourself or others around you.
“By law employers may use their discretion around the need for medical evidence if an employee is absent from work for more than seven days due to sickness. We would ask you to apply this discretion to help support NHS general practice provide care for our population rather than being asked to fulfil unnecessary administrative tasks.
Should you decide on taking disciplinary action against an employee purely on the grounds of being unable to provide the sickness medical certification relating to Covid-19 pandemic we would make it very clear in any disciplinary/grievance/tribunal reports that under the circumstances we would deem your action inappropriate.”
If you have any problems resolving disputes, we would suggest you contact ACAS to help.
- If you are off work because of symptoms related to Covid, or you are off becuase you have been a COVID contact, you can get advice and COVID certificates from the NHS track and Trace website:
- If you are off for 12 weeks because you fall into one of the vulnerable groups, then you either need to work from home if your employer has supported this or otherwise discuss with your employer what you need to do. You can show them the guidance below and what our advice to them is
“By law employers may use their discretion around the need for medical evidence if an employee is absent from work for more than seven days due to sickness. We would ask you to apply this discretion to help support NHS general practice provide care for our population rather than being asked to fulfil unnecessary administrative tasks.
Should you decide on taking disciplinary action against an employee purely on the grounds of being unable to provide the sickness medical certification relating to Covid-19 pandemic we would make it very clear in any disciplinary/grievance/tribunal reports that under the circumstances we would deem your action inappropriate.”
If you have any problems resolving disputes, we would suggest you contact ACAS to help.
NHS Track and trace
If have COVID symptoms or have been in close contact with a person who has coronavirus you must immediatly self isolate and contact the NHS track and trace service for advice. If you don't have access to the internet then call NHS 119 (Not NHS 111).
COVID / Coronavirus testing
We at the surgery - Pioneer Medical - have no access to testing. However you are able to self-refer via the NHS test and trace programme. Find out more here or call 119 (Not NHS 111)
Hospital referrals
As of the week commencing 25th of May, the routine referral pathways are open. If you were asked to contact the surgery to chase up a referral once the local services opened, please book a call with the GP that advised you make a referral
Getting help with the practical things
Bristol coronavirus hotline
Wide range of needs, including obtaining food supplies, other essential items and medication. They can also help arrange follow-up support with different organisations.
‘We Are Bristol’ support Tel: – 0117 352 3011
8.30am-5pm, Monday to Friday
Bristol City Council
For all aspects of help due to coronavirus including registering for support on gov.uk if extremely vulnerable, advice for direct payments or personal assistants, financial help if you have lost your job.
Telephone 0800 694 0184
https://www.bristol.gov.uk/crime-emergencies/coronavirus-covid-19-what-you-need-to-know
Healthwatch Bristol
Help with finding health information, directing to community support or chat through this difficult time.
Tel or text 07944369180
www.healthwatch.co.uk
Wellaware Bristol – information, advice and guidance
https://www.wellaware.org.uk/
Tel 0808 808 5252
Covid Mutual Aid Group
https://covidmutualaid.org
Wide range of needs, including obtaining food supplies, other essential items and medication. They can also help arrange follow-up support with different organisations.
‘We Are Bristol’ support Tel: – 0117 352 3011
8.30am-5pm, Monday to Friday
Bristol City Council
For all aspects of help due to coronavirus including registering for support on gov.uk if extremely vulnerable, advice for direct payments or personal assistants, financial help if you have lost your job.
Telephone 0800 694 0184
https://www.bristol.gov.uk/crime-emergencies/coronavirus-covid-19-what-you-need-to-know
Healthwatch Bristol
Help with finding health information, directing to community support or chat through this difficult time.
Tel or text 07944369180
www.healthwatch.co.uk
Wellaware Bristol – information, advice and guidance
https://www.wellaware.org.uk/
Tel 0808 808 5252
Covid Mutual Aid Group
https://covidmutualaid.org
I Have Been Asked To Come To The Surgery
If you are asked to attend the surgery take the following steps to reduce your risk while you are here.
- DO NOT wait in the waiting room. You will be called into the building by the clinician at the time of your appointment. Please do not be surprised if the clinician is wearing protective equipment. You will be asked to wear one too.
- Our staff will not shake your hand. Please don't be offended. We are limiting all unnecessary personal contact.
- Keep your distance (social distancing) from other patients in the surgery while checking in or waiting for your appointment. Keep 2 metres apart.
- Limit what you touch while at the surgery. Hard surfaces could well harbour the virus.
- Wash your hands or use alcohol gel regularly.
- Do not touch your mouth or eyes until you have left the surgery and sanitised your hands.
Welcome to Pioneer
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Welcome to the Pioneer Medical Group, formed by the merger of Avonmouth, Bradgate and Ridingleaze surgeries. We are a friendly, multi-site teaching practice providing primary care services in Bristol. We work hard to provide an excellent service, which is demonstrated by patient surveys and the CQC.
There is a lot of information on the site - opening times, self-care advice, chronic disease clinics, registration forms, contact details etc. Check out our TopTenTips page to make the most of our service. For news, updates and local information do visit our Facebook page. We value your feedback. If you can't find something use the search bar on the footer of every page. If it's not here and you think it should be let us know. Click for easy read information or to request information in another format. |
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The NHS App
Book appointments. Order medications. View test results. Read clinic letters. Check your symptoms. And much more!
You can do all this at a time that suits you from your tablet or smart-phone. There are 2 systems available. The new NHS App or the older Patient Access. You only need register with one. We would recommend you use the NHS App. If you have yet to register for one of the online platforms there are advantages to the new NHS App over patient access. If you want to find out more take a look at our online access page. |
Find and Access NHS Services Online - ours and others
Use the widget below to find local NHS services - dentists, pharmacies, minor injury units, emergency departments, sexual health clinics, opticians etc. The search will tell you your nearest service, including the address, opening times and contact numbers.
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Safe SurgeriesAt Pioneer we understand that everyone in the UK is entitled to register and consult with a GP. Access to health care can be especially difficult for vulnerable groups in our population. Migrants, including refugees, asylum seekers and survivors of trafficking sometimes experience barriers to accessing care.
With this in mind we are proud to announce that we have joined the Safe Surgeries community set up by Doctors of the World. Our priority being to ensure we provide a welcoming environment for everyone in our community and an equitable service for all of our patients. |
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The Pioneer Medical Group are responsible for the content of this website. Please find our privacy statement here. We take no responsibility (legal or otherwise) for the content of other websites that are linked to from the Pioneer Medical Group's site.
