Housebound COVID Booster Vaccinations

Due to the logistics around delivering the covid 19 booster which include a 15-minute post observation period at each patient's house, we are encouraging where possible if family members/friends etc could bring patients to the surgery on a one-off occasion to receive their Covid booster vaccine.

If this is not feasible then a house visit can be scheduled but unfortunately a time frame cannot be given as the practice currently has over 200 patients who are either permanently or temporarily housebound, and because of the 15-minute post vaccine observations means we will only be able to safely administer 2 vaccines per hour taking into consideration the travel time between houses.

FACE MASKS - Please be aware that NHS Patients, staff and visitors must continue to wear face coverings in healthcare settings from 21st February 2022 (the end of national restrictions). If you have a genuine medical exemption please make this known when arranging or accepting an appointment. Thank you.

For more information visit: NHS England » NHS Patients, Staff and Visitors must continue to wear face coverings in healthcare settings

Please do not contact the Practice about COVID vaccinations as we currently have no information about when and how they will be offered to patients. We will release further details when they are available.

The first phase of vaccinations have started in the NHS. The priority vaccination groups will start with all patients aged 80+ and Health and Social Care staff.

To see the full sized image click on this link.

If you test positive for Coronavirus or show symptoms you must isolate. View the Isolating at Home Leaflet for more information:
Isolating at Home Covid Leaflet.

Recovery After COVID
For Pathological Support while recovering from Coronavirus please read this booklet:
Pathological Support After COVID Booklet.

For Support Breathing and pacing yourself after COVID read the Recovery from COVID Booklet:
Recovery After COVID Booklet.

The COVID Breathing Exercise Handbook can be used to assist with recovery after COVID.
COVID Breathing Exercises Handbook.

Please note that people in the 50-64-year old age group will not be vaccinated until November and December, providing there is sufficient vaccine, and no appointments will be offered for this age group until then. This is to ensure that those who are most at risk are vaccinated first. If you are 50-64 and you are in one of the other groups which is eligible for the flu vaccination, for example you have a health condition which puts you at risk from the flu, you will be invited earlier.

Please wear a face covering when entering the surgery. This does not need to be a medical grade mask. Your assistance in helping keep patients and staff safe is appreciated.

Face Covering Exemption Letters

We are unfortunately NOT in a position to provide individual risk assessments or letters for patients who feel that they should be exempt from wearing a face make. For more information about exemption please view the Cleveland Local Medical guidance here.

Please do not come to the surgery unless you are asked to do so, or unless you are dropping off a prescription request or message that can be left in the locked post box outside of our car park entrance. Our doors are locked and only patients who have been asked to attend will be allowed in. Anyone who arrives unexpectedly will be asked to telephone first from outside of the building. Any patient without access to a phone will be asked to remain outside of the building until a screening process is completed.

• You may find it more convenient to submit an E-consult via our website. You will receive a response from a clinician within 48 hours.
• Prescription requests and blood test results can be accessed remotely for patients with online access.
• You may find it more convenient to submit an E-consult via our website. You will receive a response within 48 hours.
• If your problem is more urgent please contact the surgery and a telephone triage appointment will be arranged. If the clinician feels you need to be seen, please be reassured that a face to face appointment will be made.
• If you have a NEW persistent cough or a high temperature above 37.8C and are worried you may have coronavirus you need to follow these guidelines:
  • If you live alone you should stay at home (self-isolate) for 7 days from the onset of symptoms following the current advice.
  • If you live with others then you must stay at home for 7 days, but all other household members who remain well must stay at home and not leave the house for 14 days
  • After 7 days of self-isolation, people who feel better and no longer have a high temperature can return to their normal routine
  • If they have serious symptoms that they cannot manage or have no signs of improvement after 7 days they should use NHS111
• If your symptoms worsen please see NHS website for more information

  https://www.nhs.co.uk/coronavirus/

  or call 111
• If you require a sick note please go to

  https:// www.111.nhs.uk/isolation-note/

Sorry for any inconvenience and thank you for understanding.

Stay at Home Public Health Information:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public/

For more information about corona virus testing please visit the government website here.

Patients who do not have access to or cannot use the internet can call a dedicated phone line, which can be used to order a test if no other options are available. The Coronavirus Testing Call Centre can be contacted on 0300 303 2713 between the hours of 07.00 and 23.00. Around 98% of all Coronavirus test results are sent automatically to the individual within four days but for any that aren’t, the Call Centre can help individuals to follow up on their results. Patients should not be directed to request tests via NHS 111, as the service is not able to do this for them.

We are providing extra sessions on a Saturday morning for appointments only. Opening times 8:30am - 11.30am for routine care.

Due to the increased demand and staff shortages prescription requests are taking longer to process. Please be patient waiting for routine prescriptions. If it is urgent please talk to one of our reception staff and we will prioritise the prescription requests.

We are currently experiencing staff shortages due to members of staff having to self isolate as per Government guidelines. Please be patient while we try to process the increased demand on our services.

Information regarding Rescue packs for Asthma and COPD patients during Covid can be found below:

• For asthma: patients should not be provided with rescue packs, they need to seek medical assistance as per their asthma action plan ie Moderate asthma: ask for GP appointment (which would be triaged on phone re covid19 first)
• Acute severe asthma: patient would need 999 call.
• COPD patients: routine rescue packs should not be given/reissued without the clinician having a very explicit conversation with the patient distinguishing between symptoms of COVID19 (for which a rescue pack could actually cause harm) vs symptoms of copd exacerbation (which of course would be appropriate).

In the coming weeks our doctors may need to work from home due to self-isolation guidance. Therefore if you are expecting a call from the surgery please be aware that it may be from a withheld number.

Because of the latest advice regarding Coronavirus Covid-19, we will not bring any patient to the surgery for a face to face appointment until they have had a telephone consultation first. All appointments will be triaged by a GP. If you have any symptoms please refrain from coming to the practice, please follow the link for more details https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

If you have symptoms or have tested positive for coronavirus, you'll usually need to self-isolate for at least 10 days.

You'll usually need to self-isolate for 14 days if:
• someone you live with has symptoms or tested positive
• someone in your support bubble has symptoms or tested positive
• you've been told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace

Read more about how long to self-isolate on the government website.

The smoking Cessation clinics have currently stopped due to Covid19. Patients are able to self-refer by visiting https://www.nth.nhs.uk/services/stop-smoking-service/referral-form/ amd completing and submitting the form. They will contact patients directly from the contact information provided.

In light of current guidance regarding patient management and social distancing, and to ensure that patients are triaged and prioritised appropriately, Teesside Sexual Health Services have invoked 2 measures:

• With immediate effect, Teesside Sexual Health Service will be stopping all ‘walk-in’ sessions
• All clinics will now operate by appointment only

To support effective triaging the online booking facility is suspended. Patients should be directed to the main phone number for Teesside 0300 330 1122 where they can arrange an appointment or receive advice.

We are now seeing patients for routine cervical screening. Please book an appointment via Reception on 01642 745350

HARTLEPOOL & STOCKTON HEALTH

We are offering appointments in the evening and on the weekends on behalf of your GP Practice. (more…)