Milford on Sea's local doctors surgery has published the article, and it appears worth reading:
We understand that we are in strange and scary times for everyone, life is very different now than it has ever been before. Your GP surgery has changed and feels very different. We hope this article will help you to deal with your medical concerns.
Our priorities during this time will be to focus on the most unwell patients. Many of our patients will have medical problems that have nothing to do with COVID 19. Some things won’t go away whilst we all fight this crisis. All the usual serious problems like heart problems, depression, strokes and cancer won’t stop because we are dealing with an epidemic.
- Can this problem wait and if so for how long?
- Can it wait until the end of the crisis?
- What can I do in the meantime?
If you need medical help, we are still here for you and have our full team in place at Wistaria & Milford Surgeries.
All our staff are adhering to the government guidelines regarding social distancing whilst at work.
We will continue to limit face to face appointments; however it’s still very important we bring in some patients who require screening or immunisations and we will continue to see patients where appropriate.
You should continue to attend your appointment, unless you have been told not to attend or have COVID symptoms.
All our GPs and nurses are triaging appointments requests and we will only bring you into the surgery if necessary (all our clinicians wear PPE).
If you need medical help from your GP practice, you can contact us either online, by an app or by phone to be assessed.
- If you need urgent medical help, use the NHS 111 online service. If you cannot get help online, call 111.
- If it’s a serious or life-threatening emergency, you must still call 999.
- If you are told to go to hospital it is important that you go to hospital.
Prescriptions
You can order your repeat prescriptions on the NHS App and through your GP surgery or pharmacy’s online service, where available.
We will contact you should you not have a designated pharmacy to ensure you only need to visit the surgery premises if absolutely necessary.
If you need to collect a prescription and have coronavirus symptoms or are self-isolating at home – please arrange for a friend, relative or volunteer to collect for you.
To help us to keep supplying medicines to everyone who needs them, please only order repeat prescriptions in your usual quantities at the usual time.
Routine vaccinations
It is important that you or your baby or child still have routine vaccinations. They protect against serious and potentially deadly illnesses and stop outbreaks in the community.
If the person needing vaccination has coronavirus symptoms or is self-isolating because someone in the household is displaying symptoms, please contact your GP practice for advice.
Cancer Concerns
If you have a symptom that you are worried about, you must contact your GP.
Your clinician will discuss with you the benefits of starting or continuing your cancer treatment against the increased risks of contracting coronavirus.
Please do not ignore new lump, bumps, moles, changes in bowel habits etc - Please see Be Cautious About Cancer image below
Patients with Chest Pain
If you think you or a family member are suffering with the symptoms of a heart attack you must dial 999 immediately.
If you or a family member develop symptoms such as heavy or tight chest pain that may spread to your arms, neck or jaw, or make you breathless, sick, sweaty or light-headed and that doesn’t go away, this could be caused by a heart attack. Dial 999 immediately.
Stroke Patients
If you think you or a family member are suffering with the symptoms of a stroke you must dial 999 immediately.
You can spot the symptoms of a stroke by using the FAST test:
Face - is the face drooping / fallen on one side? Can they smile?
Arms - can they raise both arms and keep them there?
Speech - is it slurred?
Time to call 999 if you see any of the above signs
Pregnant Women
If you are pregnant it is important that you still attend your antenatal appointments and continue to seek advice from your midwife or maternity team.
If you are worried about your health or the health of your unborn baby, please contact your midwife or maternity team.
Parents of young children
If you are worried about the health of your baby or child, please call 111.
If it’s a serious or life-threatening emergency, call 999
All about advice and how to treat children’s health problems click here.
Cervical Cytology (smears)
Please do not ignore your routine cytology recall letter; it is really important you book a smear appointment we are still providing these. We are willing to make your appointment at short notice to coincide with your monthly cycle and ensure you get this important screening completed.
Mental Health
NHS is here to support your mental health during the coronavirus pandemic, as well as your physical health.
If you are concerned about the mental health of your child, please contact your GP or check online self-referral options for under 18 years olds click here.
If you are facing mental health issues contact your GP or key worker, if you have one, and continue to access your mental health services as usual. We are also still open for new referrals, via your GP or online.
If you’re experiencing stress and anxiety, you can get further information, including how to self-refer to psychological therapies click here.
You might find the following website useful with many tips on improving our mental health. How to relax more, achieve more at this difficult time. There are expert advice and practical tips to help you look after your mental health and well-being. click here.
If you are facing a mental health crisis, use the NHS 111 online service. If you cannot get help online, call 111.
Learning Disability and Autism
If you need medical help, reasonable adjustments will be made so you get the right care and support.
Your local community teams and crisis support lines are available if you are worried or anxious.
Although we are in very different times it is very important that you do not ignore your ongoing health needs or new symptoms and contact us for help.
Jan Lamont
Practice Manager
Wistaria & Milford Doctors Surgeries
www.milfordmedicalcentre.com
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