GP practices in Kirklees respond to Coronavirus (COVID-19)

GP Practices in Kirklees are responding to Coronavirus (COVID-19) by following national advice from NHS England and the Government.

Practices are providing a ‘total triage system.’ This means patients will receive a consultation either on the telephone or by video link with a clinician. The clinician will then decide if the patient needs a home visit or if the patient needs to come to the surgery, or an alternative nearby practice. A face to face appointment will be made if necessary.

It is important that patients do not walk into their GP practice, whether that’s to make an appointment, hand in a prescription request or to ask about any other enquiries. All patients are asked to call their surgery first.

David Kelly, Clinical Chair of North Kirklees CCG and local GP in Heckmondwike said: “We understand this may not be a patient’s first choice of receiving a GP or practice nurse appointment. Telephone and online consultations are very effective, and have been running in most practices for a number of years.” 

Dr Steve Ollerton, Clinical Chair of Greater Huddersfield CCG and local GP in Skelmanthorpe added: “These steps have been put in place to ensure we can continue to deliver primary care services, and make sure we are protecting our primary care workforce and patients who are asked to attend the practice. This does not mean that practices are closing or locking their doors.”

Patients are reminded to follow the latest NHS advice which is always available at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus 

Coronavirus advice last updated: 16 March 2020:

Stay at home advice

• Anyone with symptoms (new continuous cough and/or a high temperature) should stay at home for at least 7 days.
• If you live with other people, they should stay at home for 14 days from the first day the first person got symptoms, to avoid spreading the infection outside the home.
• After 14 days, anyone you live with who does not have symptoms can return to their normal routine.
• But if anyone in your home gets symptoms, they should stay at home for 7 days from the day their symptoms starts. Even if that means they’re at home longer than 14 days.
• If you have symptoms and live with someone who is 70 or over, has a long-term condition, is pregnant or has a weakened immune system, try to find somewhere else for them to stay for 14 days. If you have to stay together, try keep away from each other was much as possible. 
• If you have symptoms do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.
• You do not need to contact 111 to tell them you’re staying at home.
• Testing for coronavirus is not needed if you’re staying at home.
• Advice about staying at home is available on the NHS UK website.

Use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service https://111.nhs.uk/covid-19/ if:

• you feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home
• your condition gets worse
• your symptoms do not get better after 7 days

Only call 111 if you cannot get help online.

How to avoid catching or spreading the virus (social distancing):

• wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
• always wash your hands when you get home or into work
• use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
• cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
• put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards
• avoid close contact with people who have symptoms of coronavirus
• only travel on public transport if you need to
• work from home, if you can
• avoid social activities, such as going to pubs, restaurants, theatres and cinemas
• avoid events with large groups of people
• use phone, online services, or apps to contacts your GP surgery or other NHS services