IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Patients and visitors to GP practices across Suffolk and north east Essex are being reminded they must continue to wear face coverings and observe social distancing rules from 19 July when lockdown rules ease.

Health and care leaders say while restrictions are being eased in some public places, strict infection control measures need to be followed in healthcare settings. This will reduce the risk of vulnerable people from becoming infected and help prevent Covid outbreaks that could result in the temporary closure of a surgery.

In addition to wearing a face covering, patients and visitors must practice social distancing and are being urged to wash their hands regularly.

They have also explained that they will still need to restrict access to patients and visitors and to limit the number of people accompanying people to appointments.

Anyone who refuses to wear a face covering and is not medically exempt will be asked to do so by the GP practice.

Maggie Pacini, Consultant in Public Health at Essex County Council, said: “We ask for everyone’s support in keeping people safe. Although legal restrictions on social contact will be removed, people should remain cautious and continue to take sensible steps to protect themselves and those around them.

“If you are asked to continue wearing a face covering when you attend your GP surgery, please remember that this will benefit other patients and also vulnerable people who need to attend in-person. We have a duty to protect each other so that we can live safely with the virus and Keep Covid in Check.”

Stuart Keeble, Director of Public Health at Suffolk County Council, said: “Covid-19 is still at a higher rate within our local communities than we would like. Until infection rates come down, every visitor increases the risk of infection either coming into a healthcare setting or going out with a visitor.

“If you or your loved one had a compromised immune system or were recovering after a serious operation, you would want our clinical colleagues to do everything they could to keep them safe. Please keep helping us so that we can help you and your loved ones.”

For more information, please visit www.sneevaccine.org.uk

National Data Opt Out

We are receiving a high volume of calls regarding the National Data Opt Out after it was featured in the media last week. If you have any queries or would like to know more about this, please visit: 

https://digital.nhs.uk/services/national-data-opt-out

Covid Vaccine Status

The Government has announced that from 17th May 2021, people will be able to demonstrate their COVID-19 vaccine status for travelling purposes by accessing the NHS app, or by calling 119.

Do not contact the GP Surgery about your COVID-19 vaccination status.  GPs cannot provide letters showing your COVID-19 status.

 We are aware that there are issues with the telephone lines and patients having long waits to get through to Reception.  We are working to get the telephone system updated, but these things take time.                              Please bear with us. 

IMPORTANT ADVICE FOR OUR PATIENTS AND CARERS

The most important symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are recent onset of any of the following:

• a new continuous cough
• a high temperature
• a loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia)

PLEASE DO NOT VISIT THE SURGERY IF YOU HAVE ANY OF THE SYMPTOMS ABOVE, STAY AT HOME AND ARRANGE TO HAVE A TEST ON WWW.GOV.UK.

For most people, COVID-19 will be a mild illness. However, if you have any of the symptoms above, stay at home and isolate for 10 days.  You should arrange to have a test - visit www.gov.uk.