COVID Vaccine Update

We have tried to contact all our patients who fall into cohort 1-9 of the COVID vaccine priority grouping. Latest data shows that 90% of the cohort have been booked into either our clinics at Brook Lane Surgery or though NHS England at their vaccination sites.

Currently the deliveries of first dose vaccines has slowed down and we are only delivering 2nd dose vaccines throughout April. We hope deliveries will increase during May. Please also note that 119 booking have closed their booking system for the same reason.

  What is happening at Stubbington Practice?

We have resumed all of our services at the practice but the way we access these services has changed. The Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic has forced us to work differently to help slow the spread of the virus. All healthcare settings are taking special measures to protect their patients and staff although working differently.

Where possible, we want to avoid lots of patients sitting in the waiting room together, as we know this increases the risk of the virus spreading and therefore we have had to change the way we offer our services to you.

If you are invited to attend an appointment, we want to ensure that there are minimal numbers of people in the practice so that we can maintain social distancing and keep patients and staff safe.

Making an appointment

• We have adapted the way in which you can get an appointment safely.

• Most patients health concerns can be managed over the phone or via video consultation. This is why we are providing you with an initial on the day phone call to decide the best way to help. If we can support you without you needing to attend the practice then we reduce the need for you to travel and reduce the risk of the virus spreading.

• If you need a face to face appointment, you will invited to attend the practice. If we can ensure there are a minimal numbers of people in the practice, we can maintain social distancing and keep patients and staff safe.

• You will only be able to access the surgery premises if you have been asked to do so. Please note that only two people are allowed into the reception area at any one time. If you need to drop a specimen off, please use the side window. There is clear signage to help you. If you have any other query then you can either contact us by phone or email in.

• Alternatively, you can submit an eConsult to request advice or treatment (see the link at the top of this page). After reviewing your query, you will then be directed towards the most appropriate help. This might be some advice on self-help, pharmacy advice, an appointment with one of the clinical team or another service.  Please DO NOT use e-Consults for urgent medical issues.

 Repeat prescriptions

• Please request prescriptions in one of the following ways:
  - using your online access account if you have one
  - via the NHS app (visit www.nhs.uk/nhsapp)
  - by email: fgccg.stubbington-admin@nhs.net
  - by phone: 01329 664231, choosing option 3 to speak to our prescriptions team.

• Prescriptions will be sent to your nominated pharmacy; if you have not already nominated a pharmacy please specify when requesting.

 How can you help

• Please be patient – our phone lines are very busy, especially between 8am and 11am.
• Do you have a condition that you can treat at home? If you do then please try to do this with advice from NHS online or your local pharmacist.
• Do you simply need general advice? If you do, you can call 111 for this or submit an eConsult.
• If you think you may have Covid-19 DO NOT go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. Use the NHS111 Online service to find out what to do next: 111.nhs.uk/covid-19.
• If you feel you need to see a doctor for non-Covid-19 symptoms then please call 01329 664231 and we will discuss your needs.
• Please help the receptionist by giving them as much information as possible and answer any questions they may have. This will help us prioritise calls and have the right Clinician call you back.
• You can email the practice at: 
  fgccg.stubbington-admin@nhs.net    
  (Please do not use this to request appointments - these must be made by calling reception on 01329 664231)
• Please check our website and Facebook page (Stubbington Medical Practice) regularly for updates.
• We do anticipate some staff shortages due to isolation and sickness and aim to continue to give you the best possible care at this difficult time. We appreciate your continued support.

We ask that you please treat our staff with courtesy and respect - thank you for your understanding and co-operation during these challenging times.

 Please Seek Alternatives to A&E for
Minor Injuries & Illness where Possible

The NHS is doing all it can to make sure it is able to support all those who will need hospital treatment as a result of coronavirus (COVID-19).

Organisations across the NHS are taking a number of steps to prepare for increased demand and you may be redirected if you attend A&E with a minor injury.

Please CLICK HERE for information on where to go if you have a minor injury or illness.

Our Emergency Dept. remains open.  If you or someone you know is experiencing a medical emergency you/they can still attend the ED, or alternatively please call 999.

Medical emergencies can include:
- loss of consciousness
- an acute confused state
- fits that aren't stopping
- chest pain
- breathing difficulties
- severe bleeding that can't be stopped
- severe allergic reactions
- severe burns or scalds

Call 999 IMMEDIATELY if you or someone else is having a heart attack or stroke.  Every second counts with these conditions.

Also call 999 if you think someone has had a major trauma, such as after a serious road traffic acident, a stabbing, a shooting, a fall from a height or a serious head injury.

If you have symptoms of COVID-19 (a high temperature or a new, continuous cough), please DO NOT attend the Emergency Dept. or any of the other services.

LINKS TO FURTHER INFORMATION

Self-register as high risk
Click HERE

Guidance on shielding and protecting vulnerable people
Click HERE

Support and advice for talking to children about the pandemic
Click HERE

Advice for people with asthma
Click HERE

Self-isolation notes
Click HERE

Guidance on Self Isolation and Social Distancing for COVID-19
Click HERE

Travel plans?
Click HERE

Information from the Hampshire Safeguarding Adults Board
Click HERE

BE CAUTIOUS about CANCER

Your GP wants to know if you have any of these symptoms.

These symptoms may be harmless but can be caused by cancer or other conditions, so contact your GP to discuss them.

Quick assessment means faster reassurance if all is well. If there is a problem, an earlier diagnosis means better chances of a full recovery.

Better outcomes with

Earlier assessment of:

 Change in bowel/bladder function

A mouth ulcer or skin problem which isn’t healing

Unexpected bleeding/discharge (eg bowel/vagina/nose)

Thickness/lump in a breast/nipple/elsewhere

Indigestion - severe & persistent/swallowing difficulty

Ongoing cough/hoarseness

Unusual appearance of a mole/wart

Symptoms of unexplained weight loss/bloating/extreme fatigue/excessive night sweats/unexplained pain

TELL YOUR GP ABOUT ANY OF THESE SYMPTOMS.