Important Patient Information

From Wednesday 18th March 2020, we will be operating a triage service to all our patients from when the surgery opens each day. We highly advise patients not to queue up during the morning at the door, as they would only result in your name being added to the triage list for the day. Once you’ve been added to our triage list a clinician will call you back to discuss your symptoms with you, and if you require being seen face to face, the clinician will advise you with an appointment time.

COVID-19 is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It’s caused by a virus called coronavirus. The symptoms of coronavirus include:

  • A new continuous cough
  • A high temperature

These symptoms do not necessarily mean an individual has COVID-19 as they are similar to other illnesses that are much more common, such as cold and flu. However, in line with recent advice if you are suffering with either or both of the above, you should stay at home for a period of 14 days.

Patients who have already contacted NHS 111 and been advised to self-isolate for 14 days, should follow the advice given to them, and not then contact the GP Surgery for further discussion as current guidelines are to be followed (NHS 111 will advise all patients when to contact their own GP Surgery).

Decisions surrounding closures of GP Surgeries are, at the present time, made by Public Health England. If the government’s advice impacts on GP Surgeries, we’ll inform patients through telephone/ text and email. Otherwise its business as usual.

Day to day safe practice:

All staff and patients are frequently reminded to wash their hands regularly (using soap and water or hand sanitizer): cover coughs or sneezes with a tissue, avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

  • Before leaving home
  • On arrival at GP Surgery
  • After using the toilet
  • Before eating any food, including snacks

Soap is readily available and monitored during the day to ensure that there is plentiful supply. Hand sanitizers are also available within the GP Surgery for all to use.

We will keep patients informed of any updates as soon as they come in. I do hope you find our response to COVID-19 reassuring, however should you have any specific concerns please contact the GP Surgery.

Thank you in advance

The Village Medical Centre