COVID-19 Coronavirus
The COVID-19 coronavirus poses a serious threat to the UK healthcare system which runs at full capacity 24/7. We should now all be making significant changes to our behaviour in response to the pandemic spread of the coronavirus in the UK. Please read the information below and above all, share it! Spread the word
. We have make significant changes to the way you access our service. This is in response to instructions from the Government. |
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IMPORTANT - Changes To GP Services
Under the instruction of the NHS - effective immediately - we have converted all our appointments to 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.
Avonmouth surgery will be closed from the 25th of March. The doors at Bradgate and Ridingleaze are open for you to drop off prescription requests and samples. Otherwise the receptions ARE CLOSED to all walk in visitors. Please contact us with online access or by phone. If you need to book a phone consultation use online access or phone us. Do not come to reception to book an appointment. All prescriptions will now be sent electronically. We will not allow any paper prescriptions to be collected at the surgery. Any documents will now be sent by email, text or post. We will not allow any documents to be collected in person.
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. If you are unable to do these at a LAST RESORT drop a request in the box in the surgery entrance. Do not come to the reception desk to order medication.
Only come to the surgery in person if you have been invited by one of our staff. While at the surgery take care to observe strict infection control measures (see below)
Why must we do this? Three reasons. 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. Thirdly, over the coming weeks the NHS will be busy. Very busy. Much of the NHS's resource will be focused on looking after the coronavirus sick. I'm afraid some of the routine bits and bobs will have to be postponed. The coming months will be extraordinary times and we must be ready for them.
I Have a Fever / Cough / Coronavirus
If you any new respiratory symptoms do not leave your home. Coming to the surgery will risk further spread. This also applies for pharmacies, walk in centres, and hospitals. Remain at home. Remember most coronavirus cases have a mild illness and do not need any medical intervention other than rest, fluids and paracetamol. If you feel unwell use the NHS Coronavirus tool or call NHS 111. Use the online tool first. It might save your hours on hold. They will arrange the appropriate care for you.
You are advised to self isolate at home for at least 7 days. Follow this link to see what that means. If you feel unwell while at home or your symptoms last more than 7 days call 111, not the GP surgery.
If you need a sick note because of coronavirus you can get one online. You do not need a printer. Do not contact the surgery. We can't issue one for you.
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.
What Should I Do?
The virus is now active in the community. The cases we know about will represent the tip of an iceberg. Follow the up to date Government advice. This is especially important if you are over 60 years of age or are in an at risk group.
Visiting public places will increase your risk of catching the virus. Use social distancing. Avoid being in crowds. Avoid enclosed spaces with others. Don’t bunch up in line for the till - at least 2 metres apart. When out of the house - don’t touch things that others have touched. If you do CLEAN YOUR HANDS before touching anything else. Especially your face. Think about the Chinese experience. We all saw it on the news. Lift buttons, door handles, entering your pin at the till, coins. Anything with a hard surface!
Kids. They need to watch what they touch and keep a social distance too. Supervise them while out of the home. Don’t worry. If they catch the virus they WILL be fine! But they can still pass it on.
Keep an eye on our facebook page for regular practical updates. You don't need an account. It is open to the public to view.
Under the instruction of the NHS - effective immediately - we have converted all our appointments to 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.
Avonmouth surgery will be closed from the 25th of March. The doors at Bradgate and Ridingleaze are open for you to drop off prescription requests and samples. Otherwise the receptions ARE CLOSED to all walk in visitors. Please contact us with online access or by phone. If you need to book a phone consultation use online access or phone us. Do not come to reception to book an appointment. All prescriptions will now be sent electronically. We will not allow any paper prescriptions to be collected at the surgery. Any documents will now be sent by email, text or post. We will not allow any documents to be collected in person.
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. If you are unable to do these at a LAST RESORT drop a request in the box in the surgery entrance. Do not come to the reception desk to order medication.
Only come to the surgery in person if you have been invited by one of our staff. While at the surgery take care to observe strict infection control measures (see below)
Why must we do this? Three reasons. 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. Thirdly, over the coming weeks the NHS will be busy. Very busy. Much of the NHS's resource will be focused on looking after the coronavirus sick. I'm afraid some of the routine bits and bobs will have to be postponed. The coming months will be extraordinary times and we must be ready for them.
I Have a Fever / Cough / Coronavirus
If you any new respiratory symptoms do not leave your home. Coming to the surgery will risk further spread. This also applies for pharmacies, walk in centres, and hospitals. Remain at home. Remember most coronavirus cases have a mild illness and do not need any medical intervention other than rest, fluids and paracetamol. If you feel unwell use the NHS Coronavirus tool or call NHS 111. Use the online tool first. It might save your hours on hold. They will arrange the appropriate care for you.
You are advised to self isolate at home for at least 7 days. Follow this link to see what that means. If you feel unwell while at home or your symptoms last more than 7 days call 111, not the GP surgery.
If you need a sick note because of coronavirus you can get one online. You do not need a printer. Do not contact the surgery. We can't issue one for you.
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.
- If you have respiratory symptoms wait in your car. DO NOT wait in the waiting room. You will be called in by the clinician at the time of your appointment. Please do not be surprised if the clinician is wearing protective equipment.
- If you cough or sneeze, do so into a tissue or your sleeve. Take your tissues home and throw them in your bin at home.
- 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.
What Should I Do?
The virus is now active in the community. The cases we know about will represent the tip of an iceberg. Follow the up to date Government advice. This is especially important if you are over 60 years of age or are in an at risk group.
Visiting public places will increase your risk of catching the virus. Use social distancing. Avoid being in crowds. Avoid enclosed spaces with others. Don’t bunch up in line for the till - at least 2 metres apart. When out of the house - don’t touch things that others have touched. If you do CLEAN YOUR HANDS before touching anything else. Especially your face. Think about the Chinese experience. We all saw it on the news. Lift buttons, door handles, entering your pin at the till, coins. Anything with a hard surface!
Kids. They need to watch what they touch and keep a social distance too. Supervise them while out of the home. Don’t worry. If they catch the virus they WILL be fine! But they can still pass it on.
Keep an eye on our facebook page for regular practical updates. You don't need an account. It is open to the public to view.
UK case numbers
Public Health England have a live case finding tool to help us understand how active the COVID-19 virus is in our region and where the cases are focused. Click on the image to be re-directed to live UK data.
It is evident that the virus is now actively spreading around the country and it is only a matter of time until we have a surge of cases in Bristol. Take care to observe infection control measures now! |
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Page updated 10th March 2020
