Latest News (click title to open):
Novel Coronavirus
The Noval Coronavirus, everything you need to know.
Update from the UK Government 14/09/2020
- stay at home as much as possible
- by law, you are only allowed to meet up with 6 people at any one time
- work from home if you can
- limit contact with other people
- keep your distance if you go out (2 metres apart where possible)
- wash your hands regularly
- it is mandatory to wear a mask in shops, GPs, hospitals, pharmacies and on public transport
For more updated government guidance on what you can/can’t do visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do
Kawasaki Syndrome in children, signs to look out for – https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/kawasaki-disease/
What is the Noval Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new virus from the coronavirus family that includes SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) and MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome).
Coronavirus are zoonotic (transmitted between animals and people) RNA virus and this one is thought to have started in a fish/animal market in China.
COVID-19 for most individuals causes mild to moderate illness, but in addition may result in pneumonia or severe acute respiratory infection.
What are the symptoms of coronavirus?
The symptoms of coronavirus are:
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Loss of or change in taste or smell
- Sore throat
- High temperature
- shortness of breath
But these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness as they are similar to other illnesses that are much more common, such as cold and flu.
If you develop
- A new continuous cough OR
- A high temperature of 37.8 degrees or higher
- Loss of or change in taste or smell
You are advised to stay at home and self-isolate for 10 days from the onset of your symptoms. Anyone who lives within your household with you must self isolate for 14 days.
Patients should stay at home and self-isolate for 10 days from the onset of their symptoms. If someone has serious symptoms they cannot manage at home they should use NHS 111 online or telephone NHS 111 if they do not have access to online services.
After the 10 day isolation period, people who no longer have a high temperature can return to their normal routine.
If you do not show any signs of improvement after 10 days and have not already sought medical advice, you should use NHS 111 (either online or via telephone) before you leave your home or have people visit your home.
Please be aware a cough may persist for several weeks in some people, despite any possible infection having cleared. A persistent cough alone does not mean that someone must continue to stay isolated for more than 10 days.
You do not need to self-isolate if they have no symptoms
To prevent further spread of infection it is important to:
- Wash your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds at a time to kill bacteria,
- Cover your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing,
- Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.
- Put used tissues in the bin straight away and wash your hands afterwards.
- Use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available.
- Always wash your hands when you get home or into work
- Only travel on public transport if you need to
- Wear your mask (if you are not exempt)
- Work from home, if you can
- Avoid social activities, such as going to pubs, restaurants, theatres and cinemas
- Avoid events with large groups of people
- Use phone, online services or apps to contact your GP surgery or other NHS services
Don’t:
- Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean.
- Do not have visitors to your home, including friends and family if you have symptoms of coronavirus and are self isolating
Please see the below link for guidance on social distancing for everyone in the UK and protecting older people and vulnerable adults. Information includes: what steps can you take to stay connected with family and friends during this time, how you can look after your mental wellbeing during this time, advice if you live with a vulnerable person and advice on how you can get assistance with foods and medicines if you have reduced social contacts. This Gov.uk guidance page also gives an easy, clear summary of advice in the form of a table for different ages and health conditions, after clicking the link please scroll down to view the useful table at the bottom of the page:
Advice to patients
If you are experiencing symptoms, however mild, please SELF ISOLATE at home and seek advice from NHS 111.
DO NOT visit your GP Surgery; this will increase the risk of infection to others.
If you suspect you may have COVID-19:
- Use the NHS111 online coronavirus service to find out what to do next (it’s a few simple questions and then tells you what to do!) https://111.nhs.uk/service/covid-19
- Or telephone NHS111 by dialling 111 which is free from a landline or mobile phone
- Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital
https://primarycarepathways.co.uk/ Patient resources for:
People with Rheumatoid Arthritis
People with Heart/circulatory disease
Children/young people T1 diabetes
Underlying lung disease (British Lung Foundation)
Pituitary/ adrenal insufficiency (including steroid sick day rules)
Resources and further information: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/ https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus
Advice for travellers: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/advice-for-travellers/
Common questions: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/common-questions/
NHS 111 website: https://111.nhs.uk/covid-19
Guidance for households with possible coronavirus (COVID-19) infection: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-households-with-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection
Resources to support remote working for patients: https://primarycarepathways.co.uk/testsite/docman/covid19/resources-to-support-remote-working-for-patients/56-guide-for-patients-to-prepare-to-have-video-consulation-with-thanks-to-egp-learning
Guidance from British society of Rheumatology about DMARDs: https://www.rheumatology.org.uk/News-Policy/Details/Covid19-Coronavirus-update-members
Opening Times
- Monday
08:00 until 20:00 - Tuesday
08:00 until 18:30 - Wednesday
08:00 until 20:00 - Thursday
08:00 until 18:30 - Friday
08:00 until 18:30 - Saturday
CLOSED - Sunday
CLOSED