FLU CLINICS 2020 INFORMATION
A catch up flu clinic will be run on Thursday 17/12/2020 a.m. Please phone 028 91 882176 to make an appointment.
ENEWS Letter
Please see attached e-newsletter for NOVEMBER 2020 E-newsletter November 2020
As you will be aware, the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic has required significant changes to ensure provision of safe and effective primary care services throughout Northern Ireland.
YOU MUST NOT ATTEND THE HEALTH CENTRE IF EITHER YOURSELF OR ANY MEMBER OF YOUR HOUSEHOLD ARE CURRENTLY HAVING SYMPTOMS of the CORONAVIRUS or ISOLATING.
These include:
A NEW CONTINUOUS COUGH or
A HIGH TEMPERATURE or
A LOSS OF, OR CHANGE TO, YOUR SENSE OF SMELL OR TASTE.
The Chief Medical Officer has advised and we would ask our patients to wear a face covering when attending the Health Centre.
We remain OPEN
The health centre is pleased to say we have remained open to date throughout the pandemic but we appreciate significant changes have had to be made to protect both our patients and staff while continuing to provide a range of important services to our patients.
HOW TO CONTACT A GP
As a practice we have moved to telephone-first.
PLEASE ENSURE YOUR PERSONAL DETAILS we hold are UP TO DATE including mobile phone numbers. Update my details.
In order to protect our patients and staff, we continue to restrict access to the health centre to reduce footfall. Please do not arrive at the health centre without ringing first.
Please ring early in the morning 8.30 – 10.30
A GP will try to ring you back the same day.
The receptionist will ask you for a brief idea of what the problem is or the reason for the phone call. We would ask for your cooperation with our staff at this time as it helps to triage calls when workload demands are high.
Only emergency telephone calls will be taken for the remainder of the day by the on-call GP.
For the majority of patients issues may be managed by a remote consultation, usually by telephone call.
If necessary the GP can send a message to your mobile phone for you to forward photographs.
Alternatively we have facilities for video consultations via a smartphone where this would be required.
This provides useful tips of how to use Accurx to send photos or video consult
https://support.accurx.com/en/articles/3790662-my-gp-has-sent-me-a-video-link
The GP will try to manage your care remotely for your own safety where possible.
However if the GP feels an examination face to face is essential, then this will take place either in the practice, the local Covid Centre or a home visit if appropriate.
The local COVID Centre is at the Ards Hospital site and is run by GPs from the area. If the GP feels this is best, then the centre enables anyone with symptoms which may suggest covid to be assessed. The necessary precautions are taken for both patients attending and staff working at these centres. Appointments are strictly by referral and arrangement by your own GP Practice to the Covid Centre.
How do I arrange blood tests?
Patients requiring essential regular blood monitoring will be aware of the importance of continuing this monitoring during the covid pandemic.
Bloods will only be taken in the treatment room if requested by the GP or the hospital team have supplied the necessary information/labels.
Under the current circumstances, routine blood tests are not being performed.
It is essential we continue to keep social distancing and limit the number of patients through the health centre to maintain safety for those needing to use it. Please respect this decision at this time but it is important as we often have vulnerable patients needing to attend.
Clinics
Baby clinic and vaccinations have continued throughout the pandemic. This is now run strictly by appointments. No one should attend without being given an appointment time. Please ensure the mobile number is up to date.
Diabetic and respiratory review clinics are taking place by remote consultation.
Smear clinics and joint injections have started again.
We will continue to review the situation and will update the information on the website to reflect this as much as possible over time.
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EAR SYRINGING
AFTER DISCUSSION WITH THE HEALTH BOARD WE HAVE BEEN ADVISED EAR SYRINGING IS NO LONGER A SERVICE WE ARE CONTRACTED TO PROVIDE.
THIS IS NOW ACCESSED INDEPENDENTLY THROUGH DIFFERENT LOCAL PROVIDERS.
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*Prescriptions*
Prescriptions can be ordered on line via Patient access (or by phone). The drop box will still be available this will be placed just through the front door entrance. (Please do not bring them into the health centre)
All prescriptions will be sent to a nominated Pharmacy of your choice. Please add your nominated chemist to your prescription request sheet when ordering your medication. Collect within 48 hours from the chemist.
Thank you for your co-operation at this time.
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Positive Pregnancy Test - Self-Refer for Antenatal Care
As soon as you have a positive pregnancy test, you can now refer yourself directly for maternity care at the Hospital within the South Eastern HSC Trust.
Please CLICK HERE
https://setrust.hscni.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/self_referral_to_midwife_form_NEW_220716.pdf
You will be asked to complete the self referral form and email it to the relevant address.
Upon receipt, midwives will arrange the first booking appointment for you, and also notify your GP of your pregnancy.
If you have any queries regarding this form or if you have not received an appointment by the 12th week of your pregnancy please phone the hospital on the numbers provided.
Private Fee's
There has been an update on our private fee's see here.private fee's
First Contact Dietician
Clinics now running on Wednesday afternoons. Please speak to reception for more information.
First Contact Physiotherapy
If you have a soft tissue, muscle or joint problem, ask at reception for an appointment with the first contact physiotherapist.
Please see Missed appointment information: From the 1st of January 2019 we now have a 'Do not Attend' Policy in place due to patients missing appointments.
Please see latest news for more information.
With patients' needs at the heart of everything we do, our website has been designed to make it easy for you to gain instant access to the information you need. As well as specific practice details such as opening hours and how to register, you’ll find a wealth of useful pages covering a wide range of health issues along with links to other relevant medical organisations.
Patient Survey
Please take a moment to complete our Patient survey
Get Well, Keep Well
Of course we’re not just here for when you are unwell. Our team of healthcare professionals and back-up staff offer a number of clinics and services to promote good health and wellbeing whatever your medical condition.
See our Self Management guide.
Join In
We hope you enjoy having a look around the site and familiarising yourself with some of the online features such as ordering a repeat prescription. Whatever your thoughts, be sure to let us know via our feedback function. Comments and suggestions are always a great way of helping us continue to enhance the way we look after you.
Access
There is a car park and a wheelchair ramp adjacent to the surgery. The surgery entrance, consulting rooms, and toilets are suitable for access of wheelchairs.
(Site updated 30/11/2020)