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We appreciate you taking the time to read the following information. Infectious diseases such as COVID-19, influenza(flu), colds and other viral respiratory infections continue to pose a risk for many of our patients. During the pandemic we learnt that it is no longer safe to have patients unwell with viral illnesses sitting in the waiting room with potentially vulnerable patients. We have put together the following practice guidelines to help keep our patients and staff well.

We are facing increased demands in General Practice due to pressures on the health system and at times we need to prioritise our appointments for those most in need and the most unwell people. Thank you for your understanding. 

• If you are unwell and you need a nurse or GP assessment, please ring the practice so we can triage your needs.
• Please consider if telehealth will meet your needs.
• We reserve appointments every day for acute problems that are booked by ringing the practice.
• We appreciate if patients with a potential infectious illness can wear a mask to protect others.
• If you have an existing appointment and have become unwell in the interim with a viral illness, then please consider telehealth. If you need an in-person visit to the practice, then please wait in your car if possible and phone to let us know you have arrived. Alternatively, wear a mask (available at reception) and advise the reception team you have viral symptoms and we will ask you to wait in a designated area.

Please note most patients with viral illnesses can be safely managed at home. Viral illnesses are extremely common in small children and babies, and most can manage safely at home. If your child has any of the following symptoms, then please ring for advice

• Breathing difficulties
• Persistent high fever over 38.5
• High fever and a rash
• Difficulty managing food and fluids

Medical certificates for children for preschool/missed sports & other lessons. Unfortunately, we do not have the capacity and General Practice is not funded, to provide certificates for well children to return to school or preschool. This is a decision to be made between the parents and the preschool. We are unable to provide certificates for missed lessons e.g. swimming. These appointments are not funded under the free under 14s scheme and charges apply.

COVID-19
If you are concerned about your symptoms and need medical help, please ring the practice.

Anti-viral medication is no longer recommended, in either community or hospital settings, including for people previously considered at “high risk” of severe COVID-19. This is because evidence shows that antivirals offer little to no clinical benefit in populations like ours, who have previously been vaccinated and/or exposed to COVID- 19.