Support for Young Carers
Welton Family Health Centre
The following information was correct as of 6th May 2020
Accessing the Surgery for Treatment or Advice
In line with Government advice on reducing risks of cross infection and enabling a safe switch-on of services, Welton Family Health Centre will continue to triage all patient contact by telephone and will shortly be introducing a complete online triage appointment system.
In the meantime, patients should continue to telephone the surgery before attending as they will not be permitted entry UNLESS they have been given a face-to-face appointment with a doctor or nurse.
What to Do if You Have Symptoms of Covid-19
We ask that patients with Covid-19 symptoms continue to contact 111 for advice and to stay isolated at home in accordance with Government guidance.
High Risk/Shielding Patients
Patients who have already been identified by NHS England or the surgery as being in one of the recognised high risk groups will be contacted by our clinical team to check if they require any support with their health condition, medication or any other welfare support. Patients who need help sooner should contact reception.
Please note that the most recent Government guidance is advising patients that have been identified as high risk to shield until 30th June 2020, subject to further review.
Dispensary: Ordering Repeat Prescriptions and Deliveries
The Dispensary will continue to operate as it has done for the last five weeks. To order repeat medication, patients can:
- Post their repeat requests through the front door letterbox
- Use the 24 hour answer machine to order medication
- Use the 24 hour online tool to order medication
For patient and staff safety, we will continue to offer restricted collection times of 11am, 1pm and 5pm and patients are asked to specify a date and time they wish to collect their medication. We will continue our complementary delivery service, free of charge, for patients over the age of 60 and those who are shielding or isolating under government guidance.
Ongoing Long-Term Condition Reviews
Patients who have long-term conditions will be reviewed over the coming weeks by our clinical team. Patients will be contacted by the surgery and be given appropriate appointments for their reviews. To support us with this please can you ensure that we have up-to-date contact details for you, including address, telephone/mobile telephone number, and e-mail address, with consent for us to use these methods of communication.
Childhood Immunisations
The Practice is continuing to give vaccinations to children as part of the normal schedule. Please contact reception to make an appointment for these.
New Information Technology Systems
In line with national guidance, we are now required to install an online triage tool for patients to access appointments. We are currently in the process of organising the installation of AskMyGP and more information will be available in the coming days.
To support AskMyGP the practice has already begun using a piece of software called AccuRx, which allows us to request photographs and video messages from patients to aid the consultation process. This is something that has been invaluable in these current times but also something we feel that we could use more in the future. If the GP feels that he or she would benefit from seeing a photo of your condition or having a video call with you, then the GP will send you the link and instructions via text message of how to do this. We will also be using this software to send out long-term condition review questionnaires, test results and other useful information.
It is important that you give us your consent to do this and our receptionists may ring you to ask you to give permission.
Thank You
The Practice would like to take this opportunity to thank all staff, patients and colleagues for their flexibility, understanding and kindness during these unprecedented times. Changes have occurred at very short notice for everyone and we appreciate your support with this. We would also like to thank all the PDA committee members/drivers and wonderful volunteers that have helped us to deliver medication and to those that have supplied us with protective equipment and treats of cakes and chocolates. Everyone plays a part in this; including those that are staying at home. Thank you also to those that have gone out each Thursday to clap for key workers and given words of thanks, encouragement and praise; it really makes a difference.
As always, this is a team effort and we are privileged to be able to continue to provide a high class service to patients and be instrumental in beating this virus.
Take care and stay safe… and remember we are here if you need us.
From all the staff at Welton Family Health Centre
