NEW WAYS OF GETTING HELP FROM LOCKSIDE DURING THE LOCKDOWN

Requesting a consultation

We have changed the way we work such that most patients are now managed over the telephone or by video consultations. Some non-urgent work is being halted or postponed until it is deemed safer to do so.

We want to avoid people coming to the surgery unless they really need to. We do not know who has the COVID infection as some people have no symptoms. Patients coming to surgery could pass the virus to staff or other patients. As much as we love seeing our patients, the bottom line is we don’t want you coming to the surgery unless we have asked you to, and we believe you probably dont want to come to the practice and run the risk of catching the infection.

All requests for medical help are triaged by telephone by our clinical team

We triage all requests the same day.

The doctor or nurse you speak to may be working from home. Doctors and nurses may be in self-isolation and phoning you from home on their personal mobile phones – you should expect calls from numbers that are withheld,

If you do need to be seen face to face please listen carefully to what the doctor tells you about your appointment. You may be asked to wait in our outdoor waiting area under the gazebo (please stay 2 meters away from other people) or you may be asked to wait in your car until we phone you to come in. We have separated our appointments to avoid too many people in the waiting room. If we do ask you to wait in the waiting room, YOU MUST STAY 2 METERS AWAY FROM OTHERS. 

When you see the doctor, they will be wearing a mask, gown and gloves.

We all need to pull together to help each other and ensure that the most vulnerable members of our communities are protected as much as possible.

Wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds

Use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands), when you cough or sneeze & put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards

Stay 2 metres (3 steps) away from other people, if you need to go outside

Getting advice on line

In the meantime, please look at the advice on NHS Choices (www.nhs.uk), see information on our practice website, make sure you are following the advice you have been offered, use the online services the surgery offers and limit the amount of contact you have with other people to only when essential.

We would like to encourage you to look for guidance and advice from trustworthy sources. Please use the NHS websites, the UK Government websites and the World Health Organisation website as your go-to places for information. This is where up to date guidance will be.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/  

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/coronavirus-covid-19-list-of-guidance

https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public

Use the 111 online coronavirus service to find out what to do if you think you have this infection.

Emotional and practical support

TMBC now has a dedicated helpline 0161 342 8355 for anyone that is struggling or needs help or for anyone to call if they are worried about someone who may be vulnerable by not having the support of family, friends or neighbours.

Tameside Council Support helpline
A Facebook group in our community has been set up to support people as we journey through the COVID19.
They currently have helpers on the list who we can match up to elderly people who need support, or families that have to self isolate.
They are working mainly in Stalybridge but they do have a few people in Dukinfield and in Newton too. They are also working alongside St Pauls church.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/221263182400393/?multi_permalinks=221299082396803&notif_id=1584311118809690&notif_t=feedback_reaction_generic

Staying positive during this time is tricky.

There are a few simple things that you can do to feel better about things.

• Try limiting your exposure to social media. While it can be a very useful way to stay in touch with people,
  it can lead to increased anxiety as people share worrying news. At the moment our entire feeds are about covid-19 and many really feel like they’ve had enough.  
• Remain active. Even if you are in isolation, the one thing the guidance does allow you to go outside for is exercise.
  https://www.sportengland.org/stayinworkout#get_active_at_home
• Keep to a daily structure when in isolation. If you are working from home, get up and dressed and ready for work and take regular breaks. If you are not working, keep yourself busy with constructive things – read, tidy the house, play games with the family, do jigsaws etc. Perhaps try to avoid spending the days on your phone or watching TV
• Keep in touch with family and friends. Find new ways to do this – Many have been downloading software such as Zoom (zoom.us) so that they can do family video calls (other platforms are available!).
• https://www.thebiglifegroup.com/service/mindsmatter/

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Named GP

Every patient in our practice has a named GP. This is clearly recorded on your medical records. You can ask at any time, who your named GP is when you are dealing with the practice.

On line Access to your medical records, to make appointments and request repeat medications

In order to access this service you will need to register for on line access. This is quick and simple, please come into the practice for a PIN, and to verify your identity. You will then need to download a App of your choice, or use a accredited website.  

Direct access to an expert to assess your bone, muscle or joint pain

Over the last few months, as some of our patients will know, our Reception team have been able to book people an appointment to see our 'First contact physiotherapist' when they have a joint, muscle or bone symptoms. The physio is based at Millbrook Medical Practice as they cover the whole neighbourhood. Our physio will assess you, and diagnose what is happening, give expert advice on how best to manage your condition and refer you on to specialist services if necessary. It is a great development as is freeing up GP appointments so we can see more people with other conditions.

Important - change in how you can request your repeat prescription from 23rd of MARCH 2020

You can request medication by email, using our online medication request form.  Click HERE

On-line services

Below are our online services. Requesting a repeat prescription, an appointment and accessing your medical records are only possible if you are registered for 'Online Services' (Please follow the links for information)