Coronavirus (Covid-19) Information

Appointments

Due to the current Coronavirus pandemic we are reducing the number of patients attending the surgery. For URGENT matters, these will be dealt with by the Urgent Care Team. This means if your need is urgent, you will be put on to a list for a same day call back from the Urgent Care Team. Book an urgent call online via SystmOnline if you are registered, or call 01271 376655.

Our phone lines are very busy at this time. For NON-URGENT matters, you can contact us via the NHS App and 'start an online consultation', or complete an e-Consult by clicking on the link further down the website home page. You will receive a prompt response by the end of the next working day. A limited number of routine telephone calls with the clinicians are also available two weeks in advance and are bookable through reception.

Do not come into the surgery unless you are asked by a clinician to attend. The clinicians are conducting video consultations with patients, but please be reassured that if you do need to be seen face to face then we will arrange this, otherwise you will be treated over the telephone if appropriate. We are continuing to offer urgent and routine blood tests including warfarin, urgent injections and immunisations.

If the GP or Nurse asks you to come to the surgery, please note that the inner door will be locked and you will need to make yourself known to the reception team when you arrive, this is so that we can control the flow of people through the practice. We have also set up an isolation room which will be accessed via the side of the building. Anyone with any fever that needs to be clinically assessed will be asked to attend that room and given instructions on how to gain access. 

We are currently managing simple procedures such as finger prick tests, blood tests and injections outside in the car park, whereby patients do not need to leave their cars. Weather permitting we are using a temporary shelter during these clinics and the GPs and Advanced Nurse Practitioner have also been seeing patients in their cars if necessary.

We do have the capacity to advise and treat conditions, we are not just a Covid service. Although patients are encouraged to watch, wait and manage less serious and minor conditions, please do not think that we can not assess your medical concerns. Don't ignore that breast lump, chest pain, leg ache or strange new headache. Please make an appointment and get some advice.

We encourage the use of your online services, SystmOnline if you are registered and also the E-consult facility on our website which enables you to consult with the GP, without the need to register. You can contact NHS 111 when we are closed

Prescriptions

We have made the decision to shut our prescription box inside the surgery and we are no longer accepting paper medication requests from patients. Prescription requests should be sent electronically via SystmOnline if you are registered, by email to d-ccg.fremingtonprescriptions@nhs.net, or you can telephone and speak to one of our reception team to order your medication. Please understand that our phone lines are very busy at the moment because of this.

We will not be issuing paper scripts so please ensure you have a nominated pharmacy for electronic prescribing. We also cannot process any early prescription requests so please don’t order your medication early. They will be returned to the pharmacy or emailed back to you if you do.

The surgery does not offer a delivery service for medication. If you are in receipt of the Vulnerable Patient letter from the NHS, please follow the instructions in the letter. The advice is still to ask a friend, relative or neighbour to collect if for you.

If you have requested a prescription from us, please be assured that we will get it done and sent electronically to your chosen pharmacy as soon as possible. Our phone lines are extremely busy at the moment so please avoid calling us to simply see if your prescription has been processed.

Please DO NOT stockpile medications. This can lead to shortage of items, making it difficult for pharmacies to obtain them. Order your medication at the normal time.

Sick/Fit Notes

Sick/fit notes for any Covid-19 will be issued via NHS 111 online and not via GP surgeries. Please do not ring us for a sick/fit note if you have to self-isolate or have the virus. Click on this link 111.nhs.uk/isolation-note/ if you are on 7 or 14 day isolation and require a sick note for work.

If you are on 12 weeks isolation due to receiving the letter stating you are in the high risk category, you can use this letter as the sick note for work. You do not require any further evidence apart from this letter.

Routine Review

Patients who are due routine reviews, these will be carried out by telephone. Please do not call or contact the surgery to make your appointment. Instead, one of the nursing team will be contacting you during the month by telephone to carry out your routine review.

Rescue Packs for Patients with Respiratory Conditions

Some inaccurate information has been circulating in the public domain regarding special 'rescue packs' for patients with pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma or COPD.

Patients will already have a COPD/asthma rescue pack if they are in the group of patients that this is intended for. Patients are being advised not to contact their GP practice for a rescue pack if they have not had one before.

Changes to Online Booking

We are temporarily suspending online bookings on SystmOnline, for face to face appointments only, including routine GP, blood test and warfarin appointments, due to coronavirus concerns. You will still see bookable GP telephone appointments online if they are available.

Home isn't always a safe place. Schools closing could put some children at greater risk of abuse and neglect and that's why we're supporting the NSPCC. If you're worried about a child or young person, or if you notice that something just doesn't seem right, the NSPCC is here. You can talk to their helpline team who offer free support and guidance on 0808 800 5000 (8am-10pm Mon-Fri / 9am-6pm Weekends) or you can email help@nspcc.org.uk 24/07.

Every Mind Matters

The Coronavirus outbreak means that for the time being, life has changed dramatically. We'll all be experiencing highs and lows and it's perfectly normal to miss loved ones, get frustrated, or feel anxious or stressed. This is a temporary situation and for most of us these difficult feelings will pass.

Stay Well at Home Isolation Pack

If you are struggling in self-isolation, one NHS trust has published a helpful pack on how to 'Stay Well at Home in Self-Isolation'. It includes guidance on social distancing and helpful tips to manage anxiety and plan a balanced daily routine. Click here to view the pack.

Looking after your mental wellbeing is just as important as looking after your physical wellbeing, especially at the moment when the nation is staying at home to protect the NHS and save lives.

The NHS has launched its Every Mind Matters website with lots of advice to help us all take care of our mental health and wellbeing right now. It includes tips and practical steps on looking after yourself, dealing with stress, boosting your mood and general ways to help you cope during the lockdown.

Click on the logo to visit the Every Mind Matter Website

Stay Well at Home Isolation Pack

If you are struggling in self-isolation, one NHS trust has published a helpful pack on how to 'Stay Well at Home in Self-Isolation'. It includes guidance on social distancing and helpful tips to manage anxiety and plan a balanced daily routine. Click here to view the pack.

Volunteer Support

Fremington Support - The Fremington community has come together to support local vulnerable people who are self-isolating and may need help with prescription collection or dog walking. Go to http://fremingtonsupport.org to find out more.

NHS Volunteer Responders - Patients who are alone or self-isolating can also receive support from NHS Volunteer Responders with such things as shopping, medication, transport or telephone support if you are at risk of loneliness. If you feel you might benefit from the NHS Volunteer Responders scheme, please call the surgery.

Coronavirus Community Support Service - North Devon Council has launched a dedicated phoneline and online form for the most vulnerable residents in need of support who haven't already got help from family, friends, neighbours and their local community. Go to

https://www.northdevon.gov.uk/coronavirus/communities-and-voluntary-sector-support/

Covid-19 Scams

Unfortunately scams are on the rise. Trading Standards have created an information sheet with advice on scams relating to Covid-19. Please Stay Home, Stay Safe, Stay Scam Aware. 

Accredited Armed Forces veteran friendly GP Practice

The surgery is now an accredited Armed Forces veteran friendly GP practice. This means that as part of the health commitments of the Armed Forces Covenant, we have a dedicated clinician who has a specialist knowledge of military related health conditions and veteran specific health services This is important in helping ex-forces to get the best care and treatment.

If you are ex-forces, please get in touch to ensure you are getting the best possible care.