Coronavirus vaccinations information

IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR PATIENTS

With more people travelling abroad, practices have seen a surge in queries about Covid-19 vaccination requirements. 

With more people travelling aboard, our practice has seen an increase in queries about Covid-19 requirement. The following government website has guidance for all countries

Foreign travel advice 

Due to the ongoing situation with Coronavirus, we are taking measures in line with guidance shared by NHS England and Public Health authorities to minimise risks associated with the virus. In order to protect our patients and staff and we are asking our patients support with this.

What does this mean for you?

We are asking all patients not to attend the practice without prior agreement from a member of our clinical team. From Monday 16th March 2020 we want to minimise the number of patients attending the Practice for face to face appointments. This means that all patients are required to contact the practice by telephone to request an appointment, providing details of their need. A member of the clinical team will then phone you back to discuss your need, and wherever possible this need will be met over the telephone. If the clinician deems that you require a face to face appointment, you will be asked some screening questions to determine whether there is a need for a coronavirus assessment. If this is the case you will be asked to self-isolate for 7 days. If there is no risk you will be given a face to face appointment.

All pre-existing appointments are being reviewed by the clinical team. If it is deemed that your appointment is not urgent this may be cancelled and re-scheduled at a later date by the Practice. If the appointment needs to go ahead, wherever possible this will take place over the telephone. If your appointment is being cancelled or changed to telephone, our administrative team will contact you to advise you of this. If the appointment needs to be face to face you will be contacted prior the appointment and asked some screening questions to ensure it is appropriate for you to attend the Practice.

Access to the building will be restricted to the patients who have been invited for an appointment by a Clinician. Anyone who attempts to gain access to the surgery who has not been invited will be asked to leave the premises. Only the patient with the appointment will be allowed into the building. For children, only one parent/guardian will be allowed to accompany the child.

Remember to use the hand sanitiser provided when entering the building or wash your hands in the patient toilets.

Please remain courteous to our staff at all times, any incidents of verbal or physical abuse will result in removal from the practice list.

This is a very challenging time for us all and we would appreciate your co- operation during this period of uncertainty.

Our priority is the health and safety of all our patients and staff. Please see our notice regarding Prescription requests.

Group A Streptococcus - Information for families and carers of children

You may have seen reports about a higher-than-usual level of Group A streptococcus (GAS) infections in children this year, and we understand if you are concerned.

GAS is a common bacteria – lots of people carry it without being unwell.

It can cause many common mild infections, including sore throats or scarlet fever, which can be easily treated with antibiotics. 

The information below explains how it is spread, and what to look for when your child is unwell.

How is it spread?

GAS spreads by close contact with an infected person. It can be passed on through coughs and sneezes, or from a wound.

Which infections does GAS cause?

The bacteria usually causes a mild infection, producing sore throats or scarlet fever, which can be easily treated with antibiotics.

What is invasive group A strep?

This is when the bacteria gets into the bloodstream and causes serious illness – called invasive Group A strep (iGAS). These cases are very rare.

Symptoms of mild GAS infections

Symptoms of mild infections include: sore throat; fever; chills; muscle aches; and in cases of scarlet fever, a rash and a white coating on the tongue, which peels leaving the tongue red, swollen and covered in bumps

When to contact us:

– If your child is not recovering after a bout of scarlet fever, a sore throat, or a respiratory infection, and you are concerned they are becoming more unwell

– If your child is drinking much less (50% less) than normal

– If your child has had a dry nappy for 12 hours or more, or shows other signs of dehydration

– If your baby is under three months and has a temperature of 38C, or is three to six months old and has a temperature of 39C or higher

– If your child is very tired or irritable

Call 999 or go to A&E if:

– Your child is having difficulty breathing – you may notice grunting noises or their tummy sucking under their ribs

– There are pauses when your child breathes

– Your child’s tongue or lips are blue, or their skin is mottled/pale

– Your child is floppy and will not wake up or stay awake

– Your child has a weak, continuous, or high-pitched cry