NEED AN APPOINTMENT?
We are here for you when you need us – how to access services
NHS ENGLAND MESSAGE FROM 19/07/2021;
Face coverings and social distancing measures will remain in place across healthcare settings so that the most vulnerable people can continue to safely attend hospital, their GP surgery, pharmacy or any other healthcare settings for advice, care and treatment. We expect patients, visitors and NHS staff to continue using face coverings and maintain social distancing in all healthcare settings as we cautiously lift restrictions.
Numbers in the community are rising and we have a number of staff who are now isolating and working from home. Many patients coming in to the building are sick and high rise. We would appreciate your co-operation in keeping these patients safe.
You can still catch and spread COVID-19, even if you are fully vaccinated. We want to make sure you can be confident about access or visiting our site safely.
There are some things that patients can do to help make sure we can see everyone who needs us, as quickly as possible. Please continue to contact us by phone or online as this helps us to manage people entering our practice building; it is much better if you don’t come to the practice unless you have an appointment. We need to keep social distancing in our practice building to keep everyone safe, we also ask that you always wear a mask while in the surgery. Please remember that appointments are a set amount of time so it is only safe to discuss one or two health issues. If you have more to discuss please mention this when you speak to reception staff.
Our busiest times of the day on the phones are between 8am and 10am so if you can, we would suggest that you call outside of this time.
During the pandemic the use of our online system “eConsult” increased. It is a great way to get clinical advice for your condition, however, it is worth remembering that each consultation takes a significant of time to review and there are lots of other ways to get advice. Also you will not get an instant response to these so if it is urgent please call the practice or contact 111.
On our website we have links to key NHS information and advice. Please also go to www.nhs.uk which is a as a source of trusted health advice about your or your child’s condition. Your local pharmacist is also there for you as an expert in medicines. They can offer advice for certain ailments. They will also know when you need to contact a GP or another more urgent service. Many pharmacies are open in the evening and at weekends, you can find them on the CCG website: https://www.enhertsccg.nhs.uk/pharmacies
Remember if the situation is urgent you can contact NHS 111 by visiting www.111.nhs.uk or by calling 111. They can also support with a mental health crisis if you select option 2.
You don’t need to see a GP to refer yourself for some mental health services. Find out more at https://www.hpft.nhs.uk/services/community-services/wellbeing-service/ If you are worried about your mental health and any harm you may cause yourself please contact your practice.
Remember to always dial 999 straight away when it is a real emergency, for example if you think someone is having a heart attack or a stroke.
Please continue to use general practice when you need to, we are open and there for you.
Thank you for your support.
COVID-19 VACCINATIONS
This GP practice is not offering 1st dose COVID vaccines for healthy under 50s. Book a 1st dose once you’re eligible at: www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination or call 119. New slots are added frequently so check back if you can’t initially see a convenient time/place. If we are due to give your 2nd dose, we will be in touch in the 11th week.
If your nearest site is not available please do not ring us as we unable to book this for you, but try booking later when more appointments are released or be prepared to travel a bit further afield. These site are not GP led and we do not have any information about appointment availability.
PROOF OF HAVING COVID VACCINATIONS
From 17 May 2021, people in England who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 can demonstrate their vaccination status for international travel. A full course is currently two doses of any approved vaccine. Vaccine status will be available through the NHS COVID Pass service from:
You will need to register to use the online services, if you have not already. It may take more than a week for your identity to be checked and verified.
If you cannot access the online services, and you have had both doses of the vaccine, you can request a paper letter from the NHS by calling 119. Only call 119 if you are due to travel outside the UK in the near future and have had your second dose more than 5 working days ago. It may take up to 7 working days for the letter to arrive.
This practice is not able to provide you with a letter that shows your COVID-19 vaccination status. Please do not contact the practice about your COVID-19 vaccination status unless you have been advised to by the 119 service.
When you're planning your travel, you should check the latest information on demonstrating your COVID-19 status when travelling abroad on the gov.uk website. Make sure there is enough time to get proof of your COVID-19 vaccination status before you are due to travel.
COVID-19 INFORMATION
If you have a new continuous cough and/or fever greater than 37.8 degrees centigrade and/or loss, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell please follow latest guidance, which includes booking a coronavirus test https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
PRESCRIPTIONS
We recommend you nominate a pharmacy to keep your journeys to a minimum. This way you can collect your medication from the pharmacy without having to collect a paper script first. You can choose any pharmacy you wish, and can change your pharmacy via the NHS app, eConsult or by speaking to the pharmacy you wish to choose.
We process over 1500 prescription requests every week, and to do this safely we require at least 72 hours notice.
We really appreciate your co-operation - please stay safe
(Site updated 19/07/2021)