The British Medical Association (BMA) and The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) have developed the guidance for general practice on COVID-19 workload prioritisation during the accelerated booster vaccination campaign.

covid-workforce-prioritisation

For Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), where employees go off sick on or after 10 December 2021, employers can only ask employees for proof of sickness (such as a fit note) after 28 days of sickness (including non-working days). Proof of sickness cannot be requested earlier than 28 days.

Fit notes do not have to be provided for DWP benefit claims until 27 January. This will not affect claims to benefit.

These changes are to give GP’s more time to work on the Coronavirus (Covid-19) booster programme.

If you are concerned about your health condition, you should continue to see your GP.

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/fit-note

Christmas 2021 opening hours

If the surgery is closed and you have an urgent (but non-emergency) medical problem which cannot wait until the surgery re-opens, then please call 111.

NHS 111 is free to call from both landlines and mobiles.

For medical emergencies, please call 999.

Dear Patients,

We are pausing all routine work while maintaining our services for looking after acutely unwell people over the winter.  We will carry on looking after all children and adults with respiratory illnesses, people at risk of admission while maintaining a safe working environment.

We are also hoping to take part in the Covid vaccination programme to protect our practice population from the emerging new variant.

We will carry on providing telephone appointments and after suitable triage, face to face appointments as necessary.

We have vulnerable elderly and young patients. Please help up keep us all safe by adhering to social distancing and wearing masks.

Drs Dhall & Sukumaran

Thank you for your co-operation,

Cloister Road Surgery

Dear Patients,

We have been notified by Seqirus that due to unforeseen road freight challenges, there will be a delay to our scheduled delivery by one to two weeks.

This unfortunate change requires us to reschedule planned influenza vaccination clinics for patients over 65 years old.

We will keep you updated.

Thank you,

Cloister Road Surgery

A supplier to the NHS has advised us of a global shortage of some equipment used for taking blood tests. 

Anyone who needs a test for urgent health problems, will still get one but where your clinician feels that it is appropriate to do so, then you may be asked to come back for a test at a later date, or your appointment may be rescheduled.

Given the nature of the shortage, we cannot give an exact date for when the test will be rescheduled, but please be assured that if your condition or symptoms require it, then you will get a test, and we will be re-booking your test when supplies become more easily available.  

If your condition or symptoms change or get worse, please contact the NHS as you would normally.

COVID restrictions ended in many settings in England from 19 July 2021.

However, Public Health England’s infection prevention control guidelines and hospital visiting guidance are set to remain in place for all staff and visitors.

That means NHS visitor guidance will stay in place across all health services including hospitals, GP practices, dental practices, optometrists and pharmacies to ensure patients and staff are protected.

Staff, patients and visitors will also be expected to continue to follow social distancing rules when visiting any care setting as well as using face coverings, mask and other personal protection equipment.

The government is planning to remove current infection prevention and control restrictions and make protective measures a matter of individual responsibility. This change comes into effect on Monday, 19 July.

We have now received clear guidance from Public Health England, making clear that this change does not apply to healthcare settings. Current infection prevention and control guidelines (and hospital visiting guidance) remain in place for all staff and visitors.

That means NHS visitor guidance will stay in place across all health services, including hospitals, GP practices, dental practices, optometrists and pharmacies, to ensure patients and staff are protected.

Staff, patients and visitors will also be expected to continue to follow social distancing rules when visiting any care setting as well as using face coverings, mask and other personal protection equipment.

Keep wearing your mask 

• During December, Covid infections have risen sharply in London and this has led to increased demand for hospital care.
• Please be aware the 111 service is currently under extreme pressure in our area. GP surgeries are open, except on weekends and bank holidays.
• If you need non-covid medical help this weekend 9th & 10th January 2021 between 8am and 8pm, please call the extended hours GP service on 020 8280 2785. If you are calling outside these times, please go to www.111.nhs.uk  or call 111.
• If you have COVID symptoms, please go to www.111.nhs.uk   or call 111. In a medical emergency, you should dial 999 as usual. Thank you for supporting the NHS