GP practices remind local people to get care when they need it
GP practices in Kirklees are reminding patients to get in touch if they need medical help.
The plea comes in response to new findings that four in ten people are too concerned about being a burden on the NHS to seek help from their GP.
Although they are working differently, GP practices are still open. Patients should contact their practice by telephone or online via the surgery website if they have any concerns about their health. They should not go to the surgery unless they have a confirmed appointment.
Dr Steve Ollerton, GP and Chair of Greater Huddersfield CCG said; “We’re still here to help. If you have concerns about a medical condition or need advice you should contact your local GP practice as soon as possible. A delay in treatment can pose a risk to longer term health, so please don’t put it off.”
Many GP appointments are now being delivered by phone or video, but face-to-face appointments and home visits are still available for those who need them. Some people may be offered an appointment at a different GP surgery to the one they would normally attend.
Dr David Kelly, GP and Chair of North Kirklees CCG said; “There’s no need to avoid contacting your GP surgery. The covid-19 crisis means we’re working in a different way and using telephone or video consultations where possible, but we are still very much here for you.”
People are being urged to contact their GP practices, particularly if they have concerns about an existing condition, or have any cancer symptoms – such as a lump in their breast, changes in bowel habits, blood in their pee or poo, unexplained weight loss, moles that appear to change or a cough lasting for three weeks or more.
Parents are also reminded of the importance of booking routine immunisations appointments for their children. These are still being delivered to help protect children against a range of potentially serious infections.
All our GP practices will be open on the early May bank holiday – Friday 8 May. If you need medical help on Saturday or Sunday, call your own surgery or NHS 111 for details of the GP out-of-hours service.
