updated 28/05/20
CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)
Latest information from Gov UK, NHS UK & Public Health England
Latest advice for people who are high risk can be found at: COVID-19: guidance on shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable
Latest information can be found at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/ and https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
*THE WAY PATIENT APPOINTMENTS AND CONSULTATIONS ARE CARRIED OUT IS BEING REVIEWED DURING THE CORONAVIRUS SITUATION
*When ringing for an appointment, callers will be asked questions by the Receptionist at the request of the Doctors, to establish if an in-surgery appointment is necessary
***PATIENTS ARE REQUESTED TO PROVIDE MOBILE PHONE NUMBERS AS A FORM OF COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE SURGERY AND THE THE PATIENT AS WE MAY NEED TO CONTACT YOU REGARDING YOUR APPOINTMENT***
Prescriptions: Printed prescriptions will no longer be issued. Could patients please provide details of their preferred Pharmacy so we can send over prescriptions electronically, saving an unnecessary visit to the Surgery.
Self-isolation notes: Use this service if you have been told to stay at home because of coronavirus and you need a note for your employer, please click the link https://111.nhs.uk/isolation-note/
Testing for Coronavirus
Testing is now open to any member of the public with COVID-19 symptoms by visiting nhs.uk/coronavirus or calling 119 to book a test.
Opening schools from 1st June 2020
The Department of Education’s latest guidance on the reopening of schools which contains reference to the 'scientific advice' it has received on opening schools is here-
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/closure-of-educational-settings-information-for-parents-and-carers/reopening-schools-and-other-educational-settings-from-1-june
Wigan LMC (Local Medical Committee) have prepared advice for parents and carers, that GP risk assessments and letters are not necessary in the case of highly vulnerable pupils, in the case of vulnerable children, and those living with a highly vulnerable person. Please click the following link for the letter for parents and carers Guidance note for parents of children returning to school from 1st June 2020
Wigan Borough - Here for You Campaign
Wigan Borough have just launched a new local communication campaign called ‘Here for you’. Its purpose to ensure people seek help for non-COVID related symptoms, to know services are still operating and the best place to go, please click Here For You Support Information
NHS Volunteers – Self-referral
Vulnerable or at risk people can now refer themselves for support from NHS Volunteer Responders to access help with collecting shopping, medication & essential supplies. They also offer a check-in and chat phone calls. If you know anyone who may benefit from this they can call: 0808 196 3646 or visit: https://volunteering.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk/nhs-volunteer-responders-portal/isolating
Local support services are being coordinated by Wigan Council which you can access by ringing 01942 489018
- Wigan Council Self-Isolation Support 01942 489018
www.wigan.gov.uk/coronavirus
Advice for parents during Coronavirus pandemic - please click the following for information Advice for parents
Maternity FAQs for Women and Families
The GM & EC Maternity Voices Partnership and the LMS have worked together to develop some information for women and families around COVID-19 and maternity services. These frequently asked questions from service users are published on the My Birth My Choice website and can be found here: https://www.mybirthmychoice.co.uk/coronavirus-and-pregnancy/
Bereavement support leaflet
The government has published a bereavement support leaflet. The leaflet shares information to help bereaved families, friends or next of kin make important decisions during this national emergency, sets out what to expect next, and signposts the extra help and support that is available, the leaflet can be found here: GOV UK Bereavement-Leaflet-digital.pdf
Funerals
For your information, see further guidance for those managing or organising funerals during the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic: Guidance-updated-to-support-the-safe-management-of-funerals
SCIE guidance
The Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) has published three separate but related guides to supporting people with learning disabilities and/or autism through the COVID-19 pandemic: one for front-line care staff; one for family carers; and one for social workers and occupational therapists, please click the following link : https://www.scie.org.uk/care-providers/coronavirus-covid-19/learning-disabilities-autism
Stepdown of Infection Prevention Control Precautions and Discharging COVID-19 Patients to Home or Care Home
This guidance provides advice on appropriate infection prevention and control (IPC) precautions for COVID-19 patients recovering or recovered from COVID-19 and remaining in hospital, or being discharged to their own home or residential care. It is important to note that patients can and should be discharged before resolution of symptoms provided they are deemed clinically fit for discharge in a rapid, but safe, manner. Please click Full guidance (Public Health England)
Mental Health It is important to consider the impact on patients of staying at home, separation from loved ones, and worries about the future. People in shielded groups may be particularly affected. People with pre-existing mental health problems, drug and alcohol addiction, a learning disability, autism, dementia and others may find their needs are exacerbated by the reduction in social contact and support, by changes to their routine, and by worries about the future.
Please click the link - Every Mind Matters has now released expert advice and top tips on mental wellbeing during the COVID-19 outbreak.
The NHS website has information on stress, anxiety, depression, and wellbeing, please click the link https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/improve-mental-wellbeing/
Isolating from COVID-19 and Domestic Abuse
The increased incidence of domestic violence and abuse which has sadly accompanied the social distancing lock down has prompted the Home Office to update its advice and signposting for assistance.
The advice is clear. The household isolation instruction which has been imposed because of Coronavirus does not apply if a person needs to leave the home to escape abuse, further information can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-and-domestic-abuse/coronavirus-covid-19-support-for-victims-of-domestic-abuse and https://www.gov.uk/guidance/domestic-abuse-how-to-get-help
National Autistic Society: National Autistic Society, Coronavirus top tips for autistic people
- The National Autistic Society website has also had quite a lot of addition information added over the past week.
https://clicktime.symantec.com/3SKLCJTzy2wLGxdHGdYq3iT6H2?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.autism.org.uk%2Fservices%2Fhelplines%2Fcoronavirus%2Fresources%2Fhelpful-resources.aspx
- Department of Education new helpline to answer questions about COVID-19 related to education
Staff, parents and young people can contact the helpline as follows:
Phone: 0800 046 8687
Email: DfE.coronavirushelpline@education.gov.uk
Opening hours: 8am to 6pm (Monday to Friday)
- Easy to read guidance on shielding
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/875126/Easy_read_guidance_on_shielding_March_2020.pdf
Be kind:
Please don’t ask your GP practice for things because you can’t get them elsewhere. Your GP practice won’t prescribe items that you don’t normally get. #bekind
There is a high demand for both prescribed and over the counter medicines. Please understand that your pharmacy is stocked to meet your prescription needs and may not have everything immediately #bekind
Please don’t stockpile medication, don’t order early or over order. There will be enough to go around IF we order only what we need for the next month #bekind
Help the NHS. Make sure you’re registered for online GP services. Order repeat prescriptions online #bekind
If you’re thinking of buying medication online, please be careful! You should only buy from registered pharmacies. You can check if a pharmacy is registered on the General Pharmaceutical Council website
Our local pharmacies are very busy and home delivery services are in demand. If you can’t pick up your own medication, if possible please ask friends, family or neighbours to collect for you. #bekind
FROM Greater Manchester:
There are currently no medicine shortages as a result of #coronavirus #COVID19. If you regularly take medicines on repeat prescription please only order what you need. There is no need to stockpile at home and using out of date medication can be dangerous.
There are currently no medicine shortages due to #coronavirus #COVID19. If you regularly take medicines on repeat prescription please only order what you need. There is no need to stockpile at home. Out of date medication may be less effective in managing your health condition
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Patient Online Services using Patient Access
Face to face online appointment booking has been suspended during the current Coronavirus situation.
The following services are available:
repeat prescription requests -please click on the following link Patient Access order your repeat prescriptions online
view medications
book appointments in advance - SUSPENDED for face-to-face appointments DURING CORONAVIRUS SITUATION
cancel an appointment
update your contact details
Sign up for Online Access - we are encouraging our patients to sign up for online services. You will need to register for online services. Please come in to Reception and collect a Patient Online Registration form.
Do you need help with registering online? We now have a dedicated one-to-one session to help you on Wednesdays between 2pm - 4pm. Please contact the Surgery and book into our next available session
Missed appointments
If you have an appointment with the Doctor or Nurse and are then unable to attend, or no longer require the appointment, please inform Reception at the earliest, before your appointment time. We are then able to offer this appointment to other patients.
Appointments are being wasted each week by patients failing to attend and not informing us.
Appointment reminders by text
We have started an appointment reminder system by text message for the convenience of our patients. Please ensure we have your current mobile phone number, so you can benefit from this service. Please contact Reception to update your contact details.
Repeat Prescriptions
Could patients please plan ahead for their repeat medication.
Please allow at least 2 working days or 48 hours between putting in your prescription and coming to collect it.
Please allow extra time for prescriptions to be processed over weekends and bank holidays.
We do not accept requests for repeat prescriptions over the telephone
Do you need an appointment when the Surgery is closed, in the evening or over the weekend? Please click on the following link When your GP practice is closed
If you need to see a GP, Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP), Nurse or Health Care Assistant (HCA) in the evening, over the weekend or bank holidays, please ring 01942 482848. You will be given an extended hours appointment to attend designated centres/hubs across the Wigan Borough. This service is available to all registered Wigan Borough patients. Please note these appointments are not at this surgery. This service is separate from NHS 111. For further information please click the link Wigan GP Alliance
NHS 111
111 is the NHS non-emergency number. It’s fast, easy and free. Call 111 and speak to a highly trained adviser, supported by healthcare professionals. They will ask you a series of questions to assess your symptoms and immediately direct you to the best medical care for you.
NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Calls are free from landlines and mobile phones.
For further details please click the link NHS
Over The Counter (OTC) medication prescribing is changing - promoting Self-Care
Please click on the following links for more information on changes to prescribing Over the Counter medications and promoting patient self - care
NHS publications on changes to prescribing
Self-care list of conditions
Wigan Borough CCG Improving our local NHS - changes to prescribing
Why can't I get a prescription for over the counter medicine?
This Surgery is actively reviewing the prescribing of antibiotics, please click on the following link for further information Antibiotic Prescribing Review
Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC) - if you need more than 12 prescribed medicines a year you could save money with a PPC, please click on the following link for further information PPC
Urgent Dental Care - Greater Manchester
Please click on the following link for information Urgent Dental Care information
Local Dermatology Services - please click on the following link Dermatology local services
Healthier Wigan - The NHS, Council and other partners in Wigan borough are working together in the Healthier Wigan Partnership, to make health and social care services better for you and your family, please click on the following link Healthier Wigan
Are you taking gabapentin or pregabalin ? Brand names include Lyrica, Alzain, Neurontin
The changes outlined below came in to affect from 1st April 2019.
These changes follow a Government consultation because of concerns around misuse and will mean that these drugs become CONTROLLED DRUGS
What does this mean for me?
There will be changes to the following:
- Prescriptions will expire 28 days from the date on the prescription
- Any pharmacy 'owings' must be collected by the prescription expiry
- Quantities will be reduced to a maximum of 30 days, only 30 days' supply is allowed on one prescription
- Electronic prescribing cannot be used
- You will need proof of identity to collect from a pharmacy
- You will need to sign when collecting your prescription
- Emergency supplies and loans cannot be made from pharmacies if you run out
For the latest information, please click the following links Pregabalin and Gabapentin WBCCG
Changes to Midwife Clinics - Midwife clinics will no longer be held at this Surgery, due to changes in services being offered by the midwife team. Please click on the following link for further information Midwife services
Wigan & Leigh Hospice - run a satellite clinic, with a Hospice Nurse Specialist on Wednesday afternoons
Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) - if you suffer from UTIs or would like some information about prevention and causes, please click on the following links E.coli Snapshot Guide Hydration Leaflet UTI Leaflet for older adults and carers
Smoking Cessation - if you would like support and guidance in stopping smoking, then please contact the Surgery and make an appointment.
Are you planning a holiday abroad?
If you require travel vaccines, you need to make an appointment with our practice nurse at least 8 - 10 weeks before you travel, to ensure you have all the relevant vaccinations. For further information and forms, please see the 'Our Services' section above.
We are a Yellow Fever Centre - please make an appointment with our practice nurse, if you require Yellow Fever vaccinations
Accessible Information Standard
When we need to contact you, we either ring you on your landline or mobile phone or we send a letter in the post. As a requirement of the Accessible Information Standard we would like to update your preferred method of contact. Do you have any information or communication needs? When you contact the surgery we will ask you what your preferred method of contact is. Please also let us know, if you require any letters you receive from us to be printed in large, easy to read font. Please click on the following link, print the form and take the completed form to Reception Your Accessibility Needs Form
Be Clear on Cancer - Have you been coughing for 3 weeks or getting out of breath easily? For details of the latest symptom awareness campaign, please click the link NHS Be Clear on Cancer
Bowel Cancer Screening - Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK. If it's detected at an early stage, before symptoms appear, it's easier to treat and there's a better chance of surviving it. For information please follow the link Bowel cancer screening
'Be proud to be a quitter'. If you would like support to quit smoking, please follow the link for information regarding support being offered by Wigan Council and the NHS Healthy Routes
Named accountable GP for all patients - Dr Syed Shah is the named accountable GP for ALL patients registered at this practice. Patients can see other Doctors or the Nurse for their appointment.
Aortic Aneurisms Screening - Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening is a way of detecting a dangerous swelling (aneurysm) of the aorta – the main blood vessel that runs from the heart, down through the abdomen to the rest of the body. This swelling is far more common in men aged over 65 than it is in women and younger men, so men are invited for screening in the year they turn 65. An AAA usually causes no symptoms, but if it bursts, it’s extremely dangerous and usually fatal. Around 8 out of 10 people with a ruptured AAA either die before they reach hospital or don’t survive surgery. Read more about abdominal aortic aneurysm.
Are you a carer for a family member or friend? - there is support available. Details can be found by clicking the links Wigan and Leigh Carers Centre Carers letter for GP
Access: We are situated on the main road, Elliott Street, with free parking outside and adjacent to the building. We are a few minutes walk from the local bus stop. There is adequate access to the waiting area, consulting rooms and toilet for disabled patients and patients in wheelchairs. There are no steps at the main entrance and an automatic push button front door.
Patient Participation Group (PPG): If you are interested in attending meetings of the PPG, please contact the Surgery for further information.
Guided Busway: This is part of the "Bus priority package". Roadworks have now been completed and the Guided Busway is now running. Transport for Greater Manchester is working with local councils to improve bus links between Tyldesley, Leigh and Atherton, to and from Manchester via Salford and through to the heart of the city centre and Oxford Road and the central hospital sites.
More detailed information can be found at www.wigan.gov.uk and www.tfgm.com with details of timetables and routes.
Website maintained & updated by K. Shah
(Site updated 28/05/2020)