Self isolation notes from NHS 111

Self-isolation note from NHS 111

Opening times

Due to the ongoing situation, the surgery will be closed between 1pm and 2pm every day for a staff meeting, until further notice.

COVID-19 update Monday 23rd March 2020:

On Monday 16th March the UK government announced a package of measures, advising those who are or may be at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19 to be particularly stringent in following social distancing measures.

This group has been identified to the public as those who are:

• aged 70 or older (regardless of medical conditions)
• under 70 with an underlying health condition listed below (i.e. anyone instructed to get a flu jab as an adult each year on medical grounds):
• chronic (long-term) respiratory diseases, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema or bronchitis
• chronic heart disease, such as heart failure
• chronic kidney disease
• chronic liver disease, such as hepatitis
• chronic neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), a learning disability or cerebral palsy
• diabetes
• problems with your spleen – for example, sickle cell disease or if you have had your spleen removed
• a weakened immune system as the result of conditions such as HIV and AIDS, or medicines such as steroid tablets or chemotherapy
• being seriously overweight (a BMI of 40 or above)
• those who are pregnant

This wider group, who broadly speaking comprise the criteria of adults eligible for an annual flu vaccine, will not be proactively contacted but have instead been asked to take steps to reduce their social interactions in order to reduce the transmission of coronavirus.

The following group of diseases and conditions considered to be very high risk and should expect to receive a letter advising to stay at home at all times and avoid all face-to-face contact for at least twelve weeks from today, except from carers and healthcare workers who you must see as part of your medical care.

1. Solid organ transplant recipients

2. People with specific cancers

• People with cancer who are undergoing active chemotherapy or radical radiotherapy for lung cancer
• People with cancers of the blood or bone marrow such as leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma who are at any stage of treatment
• People having immunotherapy or other continuing antibody treatments for cancer
• People having other targeted cancer treatments which can affect the immune system, such as protein kinase inhibitors or PARP inhibitors.
• People who have had bone marrow or stem cell transplants in the last 6 months, or who are still taking immunosuppression drugs.

3. People with severe respiratory conditions including all cystic fibrosis, severe asthma and severe COPD

4. People with rare diseases and inborn errors of metabolism that significantly increase the risk of infections (such as SCID, homozygous sickle cell disease)

5. People on immunosuppression therapies sufficient to significantly increase risk of infection All patients on the following medications have been centrally identified and will be contacted via the letter:

• Azathioprine
• Mycophenolate (both types)
• Cyclosporin
• Sirolimus
• Tacrolimus

6. People who are pregnant with significant heart disease, congenital or acquired

If you would like further information or advice regarding self-isolation and shielding vulnerable people please refer to the government website:

gov.uk - guidance on shielding and-protecting extremely vulnerable persons from covid 19

The GPs are reviewing this new guidance and politely request that if you have concerns about you or a family member’s being identified within one of these categories that you adopt the recommended measures and not contact the surgery to seek confirmation.

Thank you for your continued assistance at this time.

Coronavirus (2019-nCoV)

The NHS is well prepared for outbreaks of new infectious diseases and has put in place measures to ensure the safety of all patients and NHS staff while also ensuring services are available to the public as normal. Check online at gov.uk and at nhs.uk for advice on your travel and contact history and the latest COVID-19 information before attending the practice.

New telephone system

Please note: All telephone calls to and from the surgery will be recorded with effect from 1st May 2019.

Improved Access

This is a new initiative across Somerset whereby patients can make appointments at extended times (up until 8pm at night Monday-Friday and on Saturday mornings) at other practices across the local area. Practices working together to deliver extended access to appointments are listed on the poster below.

Appointment types will vary, some being face to face and some on the 'phone and there will be a mixture of pre-bookable and same day appointments available across the week. They may be with a doctor but could also be with another healthcare professional such as a primary care practitioner or a nurse. We are keen to balance the importance of continuity of care with convenient access for patients whilst ensuring that the service is safe.

To book an evening or weekend appointment please contact your registered practice during normal opening times, this will help us to signpost you to the most appropriate option for your particular problem. By contacting us we can fully explain the process, ensure that the booking is appropriate (as we hope to be able to meet your needs by offering an appointment with your usual GP) and cover all the relevant information (and consent) that we need to before we book an appointment for you. Further information is shown below.

How do I book an appointment?

If you need to access these appointments then please ring your usual surgery telephone number. The receptionist will be able to advise on appointment availability. 

In the Taunton, Wellington and Wiveliscombe area the following practices are currently involved in this scheme:

• College Way Surgery
• Creech Medical Centre
• Crown Medical Centre
• French Weir Health Centre
• Lister House Surgery
• Luson Surgery
• Lyngford Park Surgery
• North Curry Health Centre
• Quantock Vale Surgery
• St James Medical Centre
• Taunton Vale Healthcare
• Warwick House Medical Centre
• Wellington Medical Centre

Patient Participation Group

Did you know that we have a patient group that help us review the way we work?

Are you interested in finding out more about your GP Practice?

Would you like to help review the range, quality and access to services provided by us and the wider health community?

The 2015 Patient Survey report has now been added.