Welcome to Longton Health Centre
If you have a new continuous cough OR high temperature OR loss / change in your normal sense of smell or taste then you should self-isolate as per government advice
DO NOT VISIT the surgery
STAY AT HOME
If your symptoms become worse or do not settle
or call NHS 111
If any of your household members become unwell then follow the government guidelines to self-isolate
Follow the latest self-isolation guidance - This applies to everyone, including NHS staff so please remember we are working with limited team members for the foreseeable future)
TESTING
You can now book a test online for anyone aged 5 or over with these symptoms CLICK http://nhs.uk/coronavirus
ALL service providers including the surgery will be experiencing a high volume of demand
For latest Government and Public Health England guidance:
To use the free GOV.UK Coronavirus Information Service on WhatsApp
Add 07860 064422 in your phone contacts and then message the word ‘hi’ in a WhatsApp message to get started
A set of menu options is then presented which you can choose from and then be sent relevant guidance from GOV.UK pages as well as links to GOV.UK for further information.
Practice Update for our Patients
OUR DOOR WILL BE CLOSED FOR FACE TO FACE SERVICES UNLESS YOU HAVE BEEN ADVISED TO ATTEND BY A CLINICIAN or RECEPTION TEAM MEMBER
YOU WILL NEED TO ATTEND WEARING YOUR OWN MASK OR FACE COVERING IN ORDER TO BE SEEN IN ORDER TO HELP PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS DURING YOUR APPOINTMENT
PLEASE HIGHLIGHT IF YOU HAVE BEEN SHIELDING IN ORDER THAT WE CAN CONTINUE TO PROTECT YOU WHILST ATTENDING YOUR APPOINTMENT
PRESCRIPTIONS
Continue to order your medication through your online service provider
WE WILL NOT BE ISSUING EXTRA AMOUNTS OF YOUR MEDICATION to ensure we do not create a stockpiling problem at pharmacies
(Please do not ask as this puts undue pressure on both us and our local pharmacy teams)
Prescriptions will be sent electronically to a nominated pharmacy so when speaking to our clinicians please let them know where you would like your prescription to be sent
E-mail your medication requests through to us on : [email protected]
(Please note this email box is monitored periodically throughout the working day therefore please do not email any medical queries or urgent requests - these will be processed where possible within 48 working hours)
Click here to download request form or ask the chemist to print one off for you https://www.longtonhealthcentre.co.uk//docs/Prescription Reorder Request.do if absolutely necessary to come and use the drop off facility OUTSIDE however we are moving to a paperless system
Please click here for update from GOV.UK regarding COVID 19 and high blood pressure medication
SICK NOTES & EMPLOYER LETTERS
We will NOT be issuing sick notes to those self-isolating as the measure is a directive from the Government.
You can however download your own isolation fit notes
Employers are directed to the ACAS website for more information and are expected to be understanding therefore please do NOT request for a specific letter from your GP as these will not be fulfilled. THIS ALSO APPLIES TO LETTERS RECOMMENDING HOME WORKING - YOU WILL NEED TO REQUEST THIS ASSESSMENT FROM YOUR EMPLOYER
CORRESPONDENCE
Please email any correspondence to the practice on [email protected] or use our OUTSIDE drop off box to post any letters or BP readings - the box is monitored and collections made throughout the day
SAMPLES
If you have been asked to collect a sample pot by the clinician we have them outside our building for ease of collection.
When dropping off your requested sample then please ensure it is fully labelled and in the correct sample pot - we will NOT ACCEPT any samples not in the requested pots
APPOINTMENTS
IMPORTANT - Please let us know when arranging an appointment if you are currently shielding- IMPORTANT
PLEASE ENSURE YOU COME TO YOUR APPOINTMENT WEARING A FACE COVERING
Knock on the window and you will be advised where to wait until you are greeted by a clinician
**Please do not be offended by this extra measure or alarmed as our team will be wearing Protective Personal Equipment **
All patients requesting an appointment at the practice will be given a telephone appointment from the most appropriate member of the clinical team after usual signposting from our reception team
Online booking of appointments AND video appointments are available via myGP or other GP online services of your choice
All patients who have been asked to attend a face to face appointment will continue to be screened prior to attending their appointment at the front door
We have temporarily suspended some of our routine appointments:
Routine Annual Blood tests for patients that are currently well you will be recalled for this at a later date
Diabetic reviews until further notice - however if you are experiencing any problems or have any concerns then please let us know
Certain appointments will continue and will be reviewed regularly as we continue to observe social distancing guidelines where appropriate within the surgery at all times whilst our team wear the appropriate PPE
Asthma reviews will continue to be conducted over the telephone or via video appointment
COPD reviews will continue to be conducted over the telephone or via video appointment
Hypertension reviews may be conducted over the telephone or via video appointment and blood tests will be arranged on an individual basis following review of your records
Childhood Immunisation appointments will continue even though our Community Well Baby clinic service has been temporarily suspended - it is very important to continue to bring your children to their childhood immunisation appointment
INR (Anti-coagulation) clinics will continue however a telephone appointment may take place prior to you attending the surgery
Travel Health Assessments & Travel Vaccination until further notice
Cervical screening appointments will continue to take place by invitation only
Minor Operations and Cryotherapy - YOU WILL NOW BE ASSESSED BY VIDEO CONSULTATION AND THE MOST APPROPRIATE REFERRAL OR SELF HELP TREATMENT WILL BE ADVISED
*Please only book these appointments if you are feeling otherwise well and have no symptoms of new continuous cough or high temperature, loss of smell or taste*
It is very important to continue to attend for any appointments you may be asked to attend even if you are currently following shielding guidelines
It is also very important that you continue to contact the surgery if you feel unwell with symptoms NOT related to the Coronavirus symptoms
Please be assured that we remain here to care for our patients even though our front door is closed and we are taking every measure possible to protect our patients and staff from spread of infection by observing social distancing and wearing the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment
HELP & COMMUNITY SUPPORT AVAILABLE
Many of our patients and staff members may become unwell with symptoms of the Coronavirus, of which many of them will be able to self care from the safety of their own home however if you are struggling then members of the community have kindly volunteered their services to help with errands or shopping for those currently self-isolating or following shielding guidance
Please click here for information regarding food services in the local area
Please continue to observe advice around handwashing and self isolation.
This will help to protect the most vulnerable in our community therefore please be patient whilst we continue to provide patient care whilst limiting services and with staff resource we have shared across our practice network see here on how you can help
Patients will be receiving letters from NHS ENGLAND if they have been classed as vulnerable or high risk patients however this is being done in stages - if you wish to register yourself as vulnerable please click here
Looking to HELP then become an NHS volunteer responder click here
REMEMBER - Help us Help You
If you need medical help, the NHS is still here for you.
If you need medical help from us, contact us either online, by an app or by phone to be assessed.
If you need urgent medical help, use the NHS 111 online service. If you cannot get help online, call 111.
If it’s a serious or life-threatening emergency, call 999
If you are told to go to hospital it is important that you go to hospital.
You should continue to attend your appointments, unless you have been told not to attend.
Routine vaccinations
It is important that you or your baby or child still have routine vaccinations. They protect against serious and potentially deadly illnesses and stop outbreaks in the community.
If the person needing vaccination has coronavirus symptoms or is self-isolating because someone in the household is displaying symptoms, please contact your GP practice for advice.
Cancer Patients
If you have a symptom that you are worried about, you must contact US
Your clinician will discuss with you the benefits of starting or continuing your cancer treatment against the increased risks of contracting coronavirus.
Heart Attack Patients
If you think you or a family member are suffering with the symptoms of a heart attack you must dial 999 immediately.
If you or a family member develop symptoms such as heavy or tight chest pain that may spread to your arms, neck or jaw, or make you breathless, sick, sweaty or light-headed and that doesn’t go away, this could be caused by a heart attack. Dial 999 immediately.
Stroke Patients
If you think you or a family member are suffering with the symptoms of a stroke you must dial 999 immediately.
You can spot the symptoms of a stroke by using the FAST test:
Face - is the face drooping / fallen on one side? Can they smile?
Arms - can they raise both arms and keep them there?
Speech - is it slurred?
Time to call 999 if you see any of the above signs
Pregnant Women
If you are pregnant it is important that you still attend your antenatal appointments and continue to seek advice from your midwife or maternity team.
If you are worried about your health or the health of your unborn baby, please contact your midwife or maternity team.
Parents of young children
If you are worried about the health of your baby or child, please call 111.
If it’s a serious or life-threatening emergency, call 999
Mental Health
NHS is here to support your mental health during the coronavirus pandemic, as well as your physical health.
If you are concerned about the mental health of your child, please contact your GP or check online self-referral options for under 18 years olds at: www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/
If you are facing mental health issues contact your GP or key worker, if you have one, and continue to access your mental health services as usual. We are also still open for new referrals, via your GP or online.
If you’re experiencing stress and anxiety, you can get further information, including how to self-refer to psychological therapies at: www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression
If you are facing a mental health crisis, use the NHS 111 online service. If you cannot get help online, call 111.
Learning disabilities and autism
If you need medical help reasonable adjustments will be made so you get the right care and support.
Your local community teams and crisis support lines are available if you are worried or anxious.
Established in 1947, we are an NHS GP practice currently responsible for the care of up to
11,000 patients serving the population throughout the local area and we continue to welcome new patients to our surgery
If you are planning on moving out of the area - it may still be possible that you can remain registered
EMERGENCY
In the event of an emergency such as severe chest pain, symptoms of stroke,
severe allergic reaction, shortness of breath or severe bleeding please dial 999
WHEN WE ARE CLOSED PLEASE RING NHS 111
If you need medical advice of any description or wish to speak to a doctor when the surgery is closed please dial NHS 111.
Your call will be triaged by the call centre and directed to the most appropriate service.
The surgery work with a number of local practices to provide greater access to appointments and can offer appointments up to 8pm Monday to Friday and on Saturday and Sunday AM.
Please be advised that availability is limited and will be by pre-booked appointment and urgent on the day only - TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED
Access may not always be provided at this surgery and you may need to travel to an alternative practice.
If no appointment is available you may be directed to alternative services such as NHS111.
These appointments will not be available to book on line - therefore please speak to a member of our reception staff for further advice
NEWSLETTERS
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ACCESS TO GP ONLINE SERVICES
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ONLINE SERVICES CONSENT FORM TO ENABLE FULL ACCESS TO GP ONLINE SERVICES
(This service is currently available to patients age 13 years and above)
TO VIEW YOUR CHOICE OF SERVICE PROVIDERS PLEASE CLICK HERE
Should you have a complaint regarding the surgery or a particular service then please see our complaints procedure situated under the policies tab.
(Site updated 4.6.2020)