Face masks and system pressure

Posted on July 12th, 2022

We know that the vast majority of you have continued to wear face masks when visiting the Practice and we thank you for supporting our staff and also vulnerable patients visiting the surgery.

Unfortunately it is apparent that we have entered the next Covid-19 wave. Over the last 7 days our local NHS trusts have reported up to a 97% rise in covid cases which has affected both patient demand and also the availability of staffing to care for those patients.

Sadly our Practice area is not immune to this and we have also seen a significant rise in patient demand alongside greater incidence of staff absence due to Covid-19 cases.

As a result of this and in line with UKHSA guidance we are asking all visitors to the Practice to wear a face mask when attending the Practice.

We know that this can be challenging particularly with the current weather conditions but also protecting yourself and those around you at this time will help to drive down this latest wave.

As stated above we have seen a significant rise in patient contacts recently alongside several members of our team being unable to work due to covid. On that basis we will need, over the next few weeks, to prioritise the care that we provide.

We ask where possible that for simple and self-limiting conditions such as

• Coughs and colds
• Sprains and strains
• Sore throat
• Sinusitis
• Earache
• Constipation
• Headache

That you consider self-care or the support of a local pharmacy. This will help us to have capacity to care for patients who need the support of a primary care clinician.

We expect that over the next few weeks we will need to control access to services by managing the availability of askmyGP and we ask that you help us and other patients by only using this service where you feel you have tried other avenues such as self-care or local pharmacies.

Rest assured however that if your care need is more significant we remain here for you. If askmyGP has closed for the day and you still feel that you need the support of the Practice on that day you can ring through to reception and they will ensure you receive the appropriate care you need.

Thank you for joining us in the fight to once again drive down local cases and ensure the best use is made of the resources that we have available.