CoronaVirus and The Riverside Practice

CoronaVirus and The Riverside Practice

 

We’re here to help

Due to the coronavirus outbreak, how you contact us will be different at the moment. This is to limit face-to-face contact whenever possible and help stop the spread of coronavirus. 

Your GP practice is open and if you need to see your GP, please ring us on 01354 661922.

You can also call NHS 111. Please do not come to the surgery unless you have an appointment. 

Appointments are being delivered face-to-face, online and over the telephone. If you are asked to come into the surgery for a face-to-face appointment, please remember to wear a face covering. Measures are in place to keep you safe from infection during your visit to the surgery.

If you are waiting for a check-up, please be assured we will be in touch 

For the latest NHS information and advice on coronavirus or to book a test visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

 

What to expect when you visit our practice

To ensure the safety of our staff and patients we have measures in place to minimise the risk from coronavirus. 

On arrival the inner lobby door is closed. This is to enable us to manage the number of patients within the practice at any one time. The door will  be opened by a member of the reception team and you will be called forward.

All patients attending an appointment at the practice are asked to follow our safety guidelines: 

  • Please be on time for your appointment, if you are early please wait in your car or outside until your allocated appointment time
  • If you are waiting outside, please ensure social distancing at all times (please wear suitable clothing for weather/bring an umbrella)
  • Please wear a mask when inside the practice
  • Once inside the practice, please follow signage and the one-way system in place

If you have any questions or concerns about attending your appointment, please contact the practice.

 

What to expect from your telephone consultation

The reception team will arrange a telephone call for you with a nurse or GP.

They will advise you of when to expect the call. 

Things to consider ahead of your consultation:

Please ensure you are ready to accept the telephone/online call at the allocated time

  • Find somewhere quiet and confidential to have the call and, if this isn’t possible or is tricky, make this clear when you are making your appointment.
  • If you would like to have someone with you for your consultation, please ask a family member or friend can join the call with you
  • It is a good idea to have a pen and paper with you so you can write down advice or next steps

If the GP or nurse decides they need to see you in person you will be offered a face-to-face appointment at the practice and they will confirm these details with you.

 

 

Access to Coronavirus testing

There is very high demand for coronavirus tests and it is vital tests are prioritised for people with symptoms to help stop the spread of the virus.

  • If you have coronavirus symptoms, you must get a test.
  • If you don’t have symptoms, don’t get a test.

If you have symptoms and need to book a test, you can do this online or by ringing 119.

Please be aware that GP practices or A&E are not able to provide Coronavirus tests. 

We all need to play our part to protect the NHS Test and Trace service for those who really need it.