If you’re a patient at our practice you can now use the new NHS App, a simple and secure way to access a range of NHS services on your smartphone or tablet.
You can use the NHS App to check your symptoms and get instant advice, book appointments, order repeat prescriptions, view your GP medical record and more.
If you already use [Systm Online] you can continue to use it. You can use the NHS App as well.
For more information go to www.nhs.uk/nhsapp’
NHS England and NHS Improvement have launched a new helpline in response to disruption to normal diabetes services due to the COVID-19 pandemic and response.
he service is for adults living with diabetes who use insulin to manage their condition and require immediate clinical advice.
Whether you or a member of your household have caught the virus, or routine care has been disrupted, the helpline is available for immediate clinical advice to help you understand how to effectively manage their diabetes.
You can access NHS Diabetes Advice via Diabetes UK’s support line on 0345 123 2399 Monday-Friday from 9am-6pm.
The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has put an increased demand on primary care services in Wakefield.
As a result of this, and in line with this week’s government’s guidelines about staying at home to stop the spread of the virus, patients should not attend their GP surgery without an appointment and should make contact by telephone – but only when necessary.
If you do have a confirmed face-to-face appointment with a clinician, you may be asked to see them at a neighbouring GP practice to the one you would usually attend.
This is because some practices will be closed or reorganising themselves to effectively cope with increased demand and suspected coronavirus (COVID-19) patients.
These changes will begin to take effect from Tuesday 31 March.
The location at which you will be seen will always be communicated to you by your clinical team who you will always be able to contact via your usual GP practice number.
As you will be able to appreciate, this is an unprecedented time so your cooperation, understanding and patience are greatly appreciated. Please continue to keep up to date with the latest advice around coronavirus on the NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
We have been made aware of some inaccurate information circulating regarding special ‘rescue packs’ for patients with pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We are not currently changing our usual advice about emergency supplies of antibiotics and steroids. The main reason for this is that we understand neither would help in the early stages of a COVID-19 (coronavirus) infection and people might delay seeking advice if they became increasingly short of breath.
Please do not contact your GP practice for a rescue pack. You should continue to manage your condition in the usual way and if you feel you have symptoms of COVID-19, go to 111.nhs.uk/covid-19 before doing anything else.
We are getting increased demand for inhalers from people who have not had inhalers for several years. This is not recommended and inhalers should only be restarted if your symptoms have returned. Please only request inhalers if you are currently using them and please visit Asthma UK www.asthma.org.uk or British Lung Foundation www.blf.org.uk for further information.
We would also like to reassure you that the large majority of people, even with underlying risk factors, will have a mild to moderate illness and recover well. Information on COVID-19 can be found online at nhs.uk/coronavirus
Health Care First has temporarily suspended online appointment booking whilst there is a risk of Coronavirus. We have done this based on advice from our CCG. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. Patients that need to contact the surgery may do so by contacting 01977 664141
Important information about the coronavirus (COVID-19)
The NHS and Public Health England (PHE) are well prepared for outbreaks of new infectious diseases. The NHS has put in place measures to ensure the safety of all patients and NHS staff while also ensuring services are available to the public as normal.
The latest information on symptoms of Coronavirus infection and areas where recent travel may have resulted in a high risk of exposure can be found on nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
NHS 111 has an online coronavirus service that can tell you if you need medical help and advise you what to do.
Use this service if:
Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. Call 111 if you need to speak to someone.
Like the common cold, coronavirus infection usually occurs through close contact with a person with novel coronavirus via cough and sneezes or hand contact. A person can also catch the virus by touching contaminated surfaces if they do not wash their hands.
Testing of suspected coronavirus cases is carried out in line with strict guidelines. This means that suspected cases are kept in isolation, away from public areas of GP surgeries, pharmacies and hospitals and returned home also in isolation. Any equipment that comes into contact with suspected cases are thoroughly cleaned as appropriate. Specific guidance has also been shared with NHS staff to help safeguard them and others. Patients can be reassured that their safety is a top priority and are encouraged to attend all appointments as usual.
Everyone is being reminded to follow Public Health England advice to:
Due to a system update the below surgeries will be unable to access your records during the below times, we apologise for and inconvenience caused. Contacting the surgery by telephone call will not be affected
| Pinfold Surgery | 07/10/2019 | 10:00 – 12:00 |
| Elizabeth Court Surgery | 07/10/2019 | 10:00 – 12:00 |
| Byram Surgery | 07/10/2019 | 10:00 – 12:00 |
| Queen Street Surgery | 07/10/2019 | 14:00 – 16:00 |
