Sarum South Primary Care Network group : COVID-19 UPDATE 

18th MARCH 2020

Dear Patients,
In response to the changing situation with COVID-19, Sarum South Primary Care Network group of practices would like to reassure patients in this joint statement.
The surgeries are open and seeing patients however we have adapted our routine work to cope with this rapidly changing situation. This may mean that patients with higher risk symptoms (but not COVID-19 symptoms) are seen at a particular site/room/time whilst patients without symptoms will be seen at other sites for face to face appointments, depending on each surgery’s specific guidelines.
We would be grateful if patients did not turn up at the surgery without a prior arrangement or reason for attending - please consult your individual GP Practice for their specific protocols.

The key messages are:

• If you have a high temperature (of 37.8 degrees or more) or develop a new, continuous cough – stay at home for 7 days. If you live with other people, they should stay at home for 14 days from the day the first person got symptoms. There is no need for you contact NHS 111 unless yours symptoms deteriorate.
• Your GP Practices are still providing services but in a different way. This is to protect patients and staff and ensure that we can continue to deliver high quality patient care
• Our appointment clinics are changing. We are moving most of our face-to-face appointments to telephone appointments
• Your practice may be set up for online consultations (doctorlink) so ensure you have access to online services, this can be used book an appointment, request medications and where available, engage in an e-consultation
• We are unable to provide routine screening for COVID-19 - this will not occur for those patients in self-isolation
• We will not provide Fit Notes or letters for absence related to COVID-19.

What can you do to help:

• Please follow the guidance regarding self-isolation – read the Government advice here https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/self-isolation-advice/
• Cancel any appointments that you do not need
• Ensure that you have online access. Practices may have different approaches with regards to ID and may relax procedures during this period of change. Please check with your individual GP Practice.
• Update your mobile contact details with your individual GP Practice as soon as possible
• Spread the word – we are putting the safety of our local area first and changing how we operate
• Keep washing your hands for at least 20 seconds at a time
• Look after each other - look out for elderly neighbours or family members who may need some support
• Keep elderly neighbours or family members up-to-date with relevant news in the local community. Some supermarkets and banks in Salisbury have taken measures to help the elderly and vulnerable by opening early for these two groups. Each store has a different policy to meet the needs of their shoppers, please check on websites, social media or by telephoning the store.
• Respect all social distancing rules:

- No handshakes

- Please do not arrive more than 5 minutes early to your appointment (if early, please sit and wait in car until 5 minutes before their appointment is due to start)

- Please do not lean over the Reception areas

- Keep a 2 meter distance (if possible) from others in the waiting area/queue

- Please only bring someone with you if this is essential to your treatment

Kind regards,
The Sarum South PCN Practices
Useful Information:
If you are concerned that you may have Coronavirus or have been in contact with a confirmed case please refer to NHS 111 online tool for further information – https://111.nhs.uk/covid-19/
For information on how to avoid catching Coronavirus refer to the NHS website - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19
For information on self-isolation refer to the NHS website -                                     https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/self-isolation-advice/

Published: Mar 20, 2020