IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING CHANGES TO THE APPOINTMENT SYSTEM - PLEASE SHARE AS WIDELY AS POSSIBLE PARTICULARLY WITH FRIENDS AND NEIGHBOURS WHO MAY NOT HAVE ACCESS TO SOCIAL MEDIA

Please note The same arrangements will apply across all 3 Newtonport practices

Due to the ongoing situation with Coronavirus, we are taking measures in line with guidance shared by Public Health authorities to minimise risks associated with the virus. In order to protect our patients and staff and we are asking our patients support with this.

What does this mean for you?

Appointments:
We are asking all patients not to attend the practice without prior agreement from a member of our clinical team. From Monday 16th March 2020 we want to minimise the number of patients attending the Practice for face to face appointments. This means that all patients are required to contact the practice by telephone to request an appointment, providing details of their need. A member of the clinical team will then phone you back to discuss your need, and wherever possible this need will be met over the telephone. If the clinician deems that you require a face to face appointment, you will be asked some screening questions to determine whether there is a need for a coronavirus assessment. If this is the case you will be asked to self-isolate for 7 days. If there is no risk you will be given a face to face appointment.

Existing appointments:
All pre-existing appointments are being reviewed by the clinical team. If it is deemed that your appointment is not urgent this may be cancelled and re-scheduled at a later date by the Practice. If the appointment needs to go ahead, wherever possible this will take place over the telephone. If your appointment is being cancelled or changed to telephone, our administrative team will contact you to advise you of this. If the appointment needs to be face to face you will be contacted prior the appointment and asked some screening questions to ensure it is appropriate for you to attend the Practice.

Access to the Surgery:
Access to the building will be restricted to the patients who have been invited for an appointment by a Clinician.
Anyone who attempts to gain access to the surgery who has not been invited will be asked to leave the premises.
Only the patient with the appointment will be allowed into the building, unless you are accompanying a very unwell or frail friend or relative.  For children, only one parent/guardian will be allowed to accompany the child.  If you are entering the building please stay behind the marked line at the front of the reception desk.

Prescriptions:
Paper requests for repeat prescriptions have temporarily been suspended, again to avoid the spread of the virus and you will not be able to collect your prescription from the surgery. Our administrative team will contact arrange to have your prescription sent to the pharmacy of your choice for collection. To order a repeat prescription, please either:

Request using Vision Online Services. If not registered please contact the surgery to register for online prescriptions.
We practice website ordering service has been reactivated. If absolutely necessary we will accept requests over the phone between 11am and 2pm.

Remember to use the hand sanitiser provided when entering the building or wash your hands in the patient toilets.

Please remain courteous to our staff at all times. This is a very challenging time for us all and we would appreciate your co-operation during this period of uncertainty.

Our priority is the health and safety of all our patients and staff.
Thank you for your understanding.

The same arrangements will apply across all 3 Newtonport practices