Statement for Patients
We are sorry for the inconvenience being caused for our patents trying to contact the practice by telephone recently. You may have found that trying to reach us first thing on a Monday morning has been particularly difficult.
Like many GP practices in Lancashire, our telephone system is run by a local NHS IT provider who are aware of these issues.
We want to assure you these problems have been escalated and explain that fixing them is not in our control, so please be patient with us whilst they are being addressed.
We have been told that over the next few weeks, a short term fix being put in place that should ensure our telephone systems can stay online during very busy periods. In the longer term, we know that upgrades are being made to the system that should fully resolve the problems.
Remember, there are other ways that you can contact the practice. Firstly if you are able please review our web pages please do this is where we will provide you with the most up to date methods of contacting us or where appropriate other alternatives exist such as:-
* MyGp or PatientAccess ; an app that you may have already downloaded (if not please do and follow the instructions for use) which you can use to book appointments, contact the practice or order your prescriptions.
* As usual, you should dial 999 in an emergency and can access NHS111 or your local pharmacy for advice.
Coronavirus – Advice for Patients
The symptoms of coronavirus are:
- a cough
- a high temperature
- shortness of breath
The symptoms are similar to other illnesses that are much more common, such as cold and flu and it does not necessarily mean you have the illness.
NHS 111 has an online coronavirus service that can tell you if you need medical help and advise you what to do.
Use this service if:
- you think you might have coronavirus
- you’ve recently been to a country or area with a high risk of coronavirus – For the list of countries please click here
- you’ve been in close contact with someone with coronavirus
Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.
Information for the public is available at gov.uk/coronavirus and https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19
Like the common cold, coronavirus infection usually occurs through close contact with a person with novel coronavirus via cough and sneezes or hand contact. A person can also be infected by touching contaminated surfaces if they do not wash their hands.
The risk of being in close contact with a person with coronavirus or contaminated surfaces is very low at the current time.
Everyone is being reminded to follow Public Health England advice to:
- Always carry tissues with you and use them to catch your cough or sneeze. Then bin the tissue, and wash your hands, or use a sanitiser gel.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after using public transport. Use a sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are unwell.
You can find the latest information and advice from Public Health England at www.gov.uk/coronavirus.
Updated:
02.03.2020
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