Important information about the coronavirus (COVID-19)

 

Surgery update (14.03.20):

Due to the Coronavirus outbreak it has become necessary for our clinical team to triage all appointments by telephone.

We are asking our patients not to attend the Practice if they have symptoms associated with coronavirus, including a new continuous cough or a high temperature.  Patients are advised to stay at home for 7 days.

If your symptoms are serious, or get worse, NHS 111 has an online coronavirus service that can tell you if you need further medical help and advise you what to do.

Due to the high demand in telephone calls we are unable to offer general advice on the coronavirus, for the latest Covid-19 advice please visit www.nhs.uk/coronavirus.

Only call 111 direct, if you cannot go online, or are advised to do so by the online service.

Thank you for your patience.

 

The latest public health advice about the coronavirus infection.

 

The NHS across Sefton will be better prepared for outbreaks of new infectious diseases, if the public follows Public Health England advice.

 

The NHS has put in place measures to ensure the safety of patients and staff which may mean your patient experience is subject to change.

 

The Chief Medical Officer announced on Friday 13 March that the country is moving into the ‘Delay’ stage of the response to coronavirus (Covid-19).

 

The new advice issued by the Chief Medical Officer is to stay at home for 7 days if you have either:

  • a high temperature or
  • a new continuous cough

Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or a hospital. You do not need to contact 111 to tell them you're staying at home.

 

Use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service if:

  • you feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home
  • your condition gets worse
  • your symptoms do not get better after 7 days

Only call 111 if you cannot get help online.

 

Stay At Home advice can be found here.

 

Everyone is being reminded to follow Public Health England advice to:

  • Always carry tissues with you and use them to catch your cough or sneeze. Then bin the tissue, and wash your hands, or use a sanitiser gel.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after using public transport. Use a sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are unwell.

 

Information remains subject to regular change and updates. More information can be found on the NHS website here

 

 

 

Please read the information below on requests for certification of absence from the workplace relating to Covid-19.

The practice will not provide a medical certificate for patients requiring self-isolation for coronavirus. If patients require certification they can download the attached letter below and complete and return to their employer. 

Request for certification of absence from the workplace relating to Covid-19.

Requests for certification of absence from the workplace relating to covid-19 fall into five categories:

1. Symptomatic so isolating for seven days

Patients should self-certify for the first seven days as normal if they are unfit to work. They do not need to contact their GP.

2. Symptomatic and remaining unwell for over seven days

If you remain unwell and are unfit to work after seven days, the current advice is to visit www.111.nhs.uk and use the online self-assessment tool. Patients do not need to contact their GP for a certificate, patients can use the template letter/form attached above.

3. Household contact symptoms so isolating for fourteen days as per government advice

GPs cannot and are not the gatekeeper of the statutory sick pay system and can only provide certificates for the purpose of illness, not in relation to government advice regarding self-isolation. Employers are responsible for putting in place arrangements for home/remote working where this is possible. Where it is not, the employee may self-certify and return to work following the relevant absence which their employer may authorise as per government advice.

4. At risk group so following government advice

Where they do become unwell during or after this time, point 1 and 2 applies. They do not need to contact their GP.

5. Those in full time education who are symptomatic or requiring self-isolation.

There is no NHS requirement to issue certification to schools or colleges to confirm absence. These organisations must work with parents and students to ensure that any absence is appropriately recorded, obviating the need for a ‘doctor’s note’. They do not need to contact their GP.

Many thanks for your support at this time

The Family Surgery