SCAM WARNING RE TEST AND TRACE
People are pretending to be from NHS Test and Trace informing you that you've been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for coronavirus and advising that you need to have a test. They say that they need your card details as you have to pay for the test. This is not true. The NHS tests for coronavirus are free. If you get a genuine email, text or call from NHS Test and Trace they will never ask you to pay for a test or for your bank/card details.
If you think you may have coronavirus
If you a have new continuous cough, or a fever over 37.8C, then the advice is that you should self-isolate for 7 days. You do not need to contact NHS 111 or the GP practice. If you develop worsening symptoms, especially significant breathing problems, or you are unable to get out of bed, then contact NHS- 111.
If you live with anyone they will need to self-isolate for 14 days, even if they don’t have any symptoms.
Check NHS-111 for information about Self-isolating https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/self-isolation-advice/
If you think you may have coronavirus or may have been in contact with someone who has, the NHS 111 online service has created special guidance pages that tell you what to do in your particular circumstances
These can be accessed at: https://111.nhs.uk/service/covid-19
As the NHS 111 telephone service is dealing with very heavy call volumes - the online service can be used instead
Do ring 111 if your symptoms are worsening and becoming severe
GP and Nurse appointments
Cookham Medical Centre is taking actions to protect our patients, our staff and our community by introducing a new telephone triage system for GP appointments. Our aim is to significantly reduce the footfall through our surgery in order to reduce the risk of spreading the virus, in line with national guidance.
All GP appointments will initially be on the telephone. If you have an appointment booked with a GP, please do not come to the surgery – please stay at home and the doctor will call you at the allocated time. The GP will do all they can to help you over the phone and they can also offer video consultations. However, should they feel the need to see you face to face for an examination, you will be invited to the surgery at a set time.
We also offer an e-consult service - available on the Home page of the website for GP advice and for admin queries
Nursing appointments are now for essential matters only such as childhood immunisation, warfarin monitoring, some dressings and some blood tests needed for monitoring conditions.
These will be booked with gaps between patients to reduce numbers present at any time
If you have symptoms of Coronavirus do not attend the nurse appointment but seek advice from GP
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Sickness and Isolation notes
We are not able to provide letters for employers to confirm symptoms or the need to self-isolate. The NHS is facing unprecedented pressure at the moment and employers need to understand that such requests are not currently realistic. Government have been clear in their advice about this to employers.
You can print off an Isolation note from NHS-111 https://111.nhs.uk/isolation-note/
The isolation note is only for patients who are sick themselves or are isolating because a member of their household has symptoms of Coronavirus.
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Shielding those at highest risk of complications of Coronavirus
Patients at the highest risk of complications if they get Covid-19 have been identified by the government and sent a letter explaining the precautions they need to take and the support that is available
Many people have questions about this and the NHS has put together a list of Frequently Asked Questions FAQs
FAQs Shielding those at highest risk of complications
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CORONAVIRUS Covid-19 Guidance
Please click the link for guidance as supplied from PHE via East Berkshire CCG
You can find the latest information and advice from Public Health England at www.gov.uk/coronavirus
If you have general concerns about coronavirus please look at the guidance on the NHS 111 online service
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
We thank you for your co-operation and understanding. As you are aware, the situation is evolving daily and we will keep you updated via our website and text messaging service.
Latest update 3rd April 2020