Blood Testing Disruption

Northern Devon Healthcare Trust has informed us that the national supply of biochemistry blood testing equipment has been significantly disrupted for the next 3 – 4 weeks. This does mean that we are only able to take urgent bloods only at the moment, and any non-urgent blood tests will be added to a waiting list.

We are very sorry for any disruption patients may have with their appointments. For patients who have already booked an appointment you may be contacted by one of the nursing team to rearrange or cancel your appointment. If you don't hear from us then your blood test is still going ahead.

If you are telephoning to book in your annual birth month review or a routine blood test, please still call the surgery so that your name can be added to the waiting list. We will then contact you once we are able to offer non-urgent blood tests again.

We are very sorry that this has happened but it is something which is out of our control. Please be assured that once we are able to offer non-urgent blood test appointments again, we will update you.

Thank you for your understanding.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-54435226

Bideford Minor Injuries Unit

Bideford Minor Injuries Unit has now reopened and is open 7 days a week (not including Christmas Day) between 8am-8pm. A range of minor injuries such as broken bones, minor burns, back, shoulder and chest injuries, minor head injuries, sprains, wound infections and other minor problems can all be dealt with there without the need for an appointment. Please make this your first point of contact for any new minor injuries that have not already been consulted about before.

Current waiting times can be view by clicking on the link:

https://www.northdevonhealth.nhs.uk/ed-miu-waiting-times/

Bideford Minor Injuries Unit

Bideford Hospital

Abbotsham Road

Tel 01271 322577

Flu Clinics

We are sorry but all our over 65s, eligible under 65s and under 18s flu vaccination clinics are now full. Eligible patients who have already received an invitation to book in for a flu vaccination and have not already had one, as soon as more vaccines are available, more clinics will be added. Please do not ring us to ask for an appointment as we WILL be contacting you with a further invitation. In the meantime, patients may wish to contact a local pharmacy to check if a flu vaccination can be received there.

If you are wondering why you may have to wait for your flu vaccine, click on the Public Health England link below which provides information with regards to the supply of the flu vaccine & some FAQs

Flu Vaccine Supply Flyer

eConsult

Start your eConsult

What is eConsult? Watch the video link below to see what eConsult is about and how to do it.

Online consultations are as easy as 1, 2, 3 …

Online consultations are a quick and simple alternative to visiting your GP practice.
Here’s how to you can consult with your GP online, in three easy steps.

1. Click the above link for eConsult or download the NHS app

2. Fill out the form - it is simple and only takes a few minutes.

You can use it to:
•   Ask about an existing condition or new symptoms (it’s important to include as much information about your symptoms as possible as this helps the clinician decide the next step)
•   Get information about your condition and how to treat yourself
•   Discuss a test result and request sick notes.

3. Get a quick response

Once you've submitted the form, we will normally let you know the next step by the end of the next working day. This might be advice on what to do next or we may decide you need a face-to-face appointment. If you want to consult online but don't have access to a device or the internet, a staff member will be happy to help you fill it out on your behalf over the phone.

Face Coverings

We ask that patients visiting the practice must wear a face covering before entering the surgery, to prevent any further spread of Covid-19 and keep our patients and staff safe. This includes children if they are able.

Wearing a face covering is an added precaution that may have some benefit in reducing the likelihood that a person with the infection passes it on. Evidence shows a face covering can help in reducing the spread of droplets; it stops them from leaving the mouth and nose area and reduces the size of area in which they spread.

Contaminated droplets can also be picked up from surfaces by touch and subsequently from touching the face. It is important people refrain from touching their face covering when wearing it, where possible, to avoid hand to mask transmission of the virus. Face coverings are not a replacement for social distancing. Regular hand washing remains an important action and do not enter the building if you have any of the Covid-19 symptoms.

Exemptions to wearing face masks

Some patients may not be able to manage a face covering due to a disability or certain medical conditions. The Clinicians are not able to provide a letter or certificate to exempt patients from wearing a face covering.

For guidance on how to get exemption documents and how make to make your own mask click on the link below:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own

Coronavirus advice

What to do if you have the following symptoms

Stay at home if you have:

a high temperature
a new, continuous cough – this means you've started coughing repeatedly
a loss or change in smell or taste

Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.

You do not need to contact 111 to tell them you're staying at home.

Testing for coronavirus is not needed if you're staying at home.

Read the advice about staying at home

How long to stay at home

if you have symptoms, 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

If you live with someone who is 70 or over, has a long-term condition, is pregnant or has a weakened immune system, try to find somewhere else for them to stay for 14 days.

If you have to stay at home together, try to keep away from each other as much as possible.

Everyone must stay at home to help stop the spread of coronavirus.

To protect others, do not go to places like a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. Stay at home.

NHS111

Use the 111 online coronavirus service to find out what to do. Only call 111 if you cannot get help online.

Use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service if:

you feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home
your condition gets worse
your symptoms do not get better after 7 days

Check if you or your child has coronavirus symptoms

Find out about the main symptoms of coronavirus and what to do if you have them.

Self-isolation and treatment if you have coronavirus symptoms

Advice about staying at home (self-isolation) and treatment for you and anyone you live with.

Isolation sick notes for work issued by NHS 111

Sick/fit notes for any Covid-19 will be issued via NHS 111 and not via GP surgeries. Please do not ring us for a sick/fit note if you have to self-isolate for 7 or 14 days or have the virus.

Testing and tracing

Information about testing for coronavirus and what to do if you're contacted by the NHS Test and Trace service.

People at high risk

Advice for people at higher risk from coronavirus, including older people, people with health conditions and pregnant women.

Social distancing and changes to everyday life

Advice about avoiding close contact with other people (social distancing), looking after your wellbeing and using the NHS and other services during coronavirus.

COVID-19 support recovery service

'Your COVID Recovery' helps you to understand what has happened and what you might expect as part of your recovery.

GOV.UK: coronavirus - guidance and support

Government information and advice.

Links to more information about coronavirus

Links to government advice, information for health professionals and advice for other parts of the UK.

Every Mind Matters

Advice, tips and practical steps to help you cope during lockdown

Stay Well at Home Isolation Pack

Guidance on social distancing, tips to manage anxiety and plan a balanced daily routine.

Volunteer Support

Dedicated telephone line and online form from North Devon Council for vulnerable residents in need of support