IF YOU HAVE HAD SYMPTOMS OF
A NEW PERSISTENT COUGH
OR
A HIGH TEMPERATURE
OR
LOSS / CHANGE OF TASTE OR SENSE OF SMELL...
- DO NOT ATTEND THE PRACTICE.
- SELF ISOLATE AND VISIT NHS 111 ONLINE (111.nhs.uk)
This advice could not be clearer.
If you ignore this, you are putting staff and patients at risk, including those who are in the highest risk categories.
Platform Randomised trial of INterventions against COVID-19 In older peoPLE (PRINCIPLE)
The PRINCIPLE Trial needs the help of every GP, general practice, primary and social care professional in the country.
PRINCIPLE is the National NIHR Urgent Public Health Prioritised trial evaluating possible treatments for COVID-19 in primary care, and endorsed by the CMOs of all four nations. The trial aims to find out whether early treatment in the community speeds recovery and reduces the need for hospital admission for those with COVID-like-Illness.
PRINCIPLE will enroll patients with symptoms of COVID-19 for less than 15 days, (with or without a positive SARS-CoV-2 test), and:
- Aged 50 or over with underlying health conditions.
- Aged 65 and over, with or without underlying health conditions.
EveryGP practice across the country can now contribute by identifying and signposting patients to the study. Please direct potential participants aged 50 and over with symptoms of COVID to self-screen via the website (https://www.phctrials.ox.ac.uk/principle-trial). The study team can also help people navigate participation by telephone if this is preferred: They should call 0800 138 0880 for telephone support.
We urgently need more of those who are still contracting the disease to be given the opportunity to participate in the trial. Fortunately, this innovative study is now available to every eligible person throughout the UK, as patients can now also be recruited centrally.
Every patient included in the study will be a massive contribution to our discipline’s flagship PRINCIPLE Trial, and will be one step closer to generating sorely needed evidence to find treatments for COVID-19 and underpin the best possible care we can give to our patients.
Whereby App
We are currently using "Whereby" for our Video consultations. Please consider downloading this from the Google Play Store or Apple Store. It would be helpful if patients already have this app on their phones, in case a video call is needed.
Newer mobile phones may not require the app for video appointments.
119 Testing Call Centre
By calling 119, members of the public who don't have online access, can book a coronavirus swab test and ask any questions relating to having a test and getting results. This includes information about drive through test sites, mobile test units and home tests.
The call centre is open from 7am to 11pm and can be accessed by people with speech or language difficulties as well as by people whose first language is not English.
The service can be accessed by people with hearing or speech difficulties by calling 18001 0300 303 2713.
Coronavirus testing for patients
Anyone aged 5 and above who has symptoms can now get tested, using a swab test, to see if they currently have coronavirus. Essential workers will be given priority and appointments must be made in advance.
For patients in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, the test could take place either at our permanent test centre at Birstall Park and Ride or at a mobile testing unit (MTU).
To book an appointment visit:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-getting-tested
Website and Services
Our website has been updated to reflect the current situation where possible.
Some services have been reduced and/or suspended until further notice.
Services affected but are not limited to:
- GP and nurse appointments - reduction in overall capacity and removal of face to face assessments where appropriate
- Blood tests/phlebotomy - service limited to essential and urgent testing
- Test results telephone line - suspended
- Private medical assessments - suspended
- Online appointment requesting - suspended
Blood Test - Royal Derby Phlebotomy Clinics
Please note that from Monday 6 April 2020, all patients are required to book an appointment using the option below.
https://www.uhdb.nhs.uk/service-phlebotomy-blood-tests
Hearing Aid Batteries
We are unable to provide hearing aid batteries via reception.
The Hearing Aid Service are now able to send them out directly to you.
Please call 0116 258 6230
or email hearingservices@uhl-tr.nhs.uk
Anyone in need (including those in the highest clinical risk group)
NHS Volunteer Responders: you can submit a live referral for an individual that needs support or an NHS service that requires volunteers providing they meet the referring criteria at https://www.goodsamapp.org/NHSreferral or on 0808 196 3382.
(1) Volunteers can provide: Check in and chat support – short-term telephone support to individuals who are at risk of loneliness as a consequence of self-isolation (note, this is not mental health advice);
(2) Community support – collection of shopping, medication or other essential supplies for someone who is self-isolating, and delivering these supplies to their home;
(3) Patient Transport – transport to take patients home who are medically fit for discharge.
Health at home – is a webpage that gives them an overview of NHS services that are available, such as how to order repeat prescriptions online and get them delivered (https://www.goodsamapp.org/NHSreferral).
Mental Health Support - website containing various helpline information including Samaritans, Turning Point, Childline, Night line (for university students), etc.
https://www.startaconversation.co.uk/get-help-now
Public Health England have provided some guidance on looking after mental health and wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic
Local councils are working with voluntary sector organisations and local communities to support residents in the response to COVID-19. You can signpost them to https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council, where they can locate their council and associated website where they can find all this information
The government has provided advice on employment and financial support on their website: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
(Site updated 15/07/2020)