FAQs - Arranging a Covid-19 test (NEW). Am I at high risk? Sick notes, hearing aid batteries etc

From 24th April all key workers who have symptom of coronavirus, and their families, have been able to  apply to be tested.  From 29th April testing is extended to include people in care homes and certain workers and their families.

PLEASE DO NOT VISIT OR COME INTO A SURGERY ASKING FOR TESTS.

The route to arrange a test for Covid-19 and all associated information is found here on the GOV.UK website

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-getting-tested

We’ve received a lot of calls and emails from patients who’re asking ‘Am I one of the people at high risk etc?’

Please click on this link to read the recently issued important guidance  on extremely vulnerable people

If you think you fall into one of the categories of extremely vulnerable people listed in the online article and you did not receive a letter by Sunday 29 March 2020, or you were not contacted by your GP, then you should discuss your concerns with your GP or hospital clinician.

A NEW document published on 1 April - Caring for People at Highest Clinical Risk from Covid-19 - Background and FAQs for Patients - can be read and downloaded by clicking HERE.

More information on coronavirus (Covid-19) is found by visiting the online service of NHS 111 using the following link https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19

Sick Notes

We’re also receiving many inquiries regarding the issue of fit/sick notes.

LATEST UPDATE: It is now possible for people who're self-isolating with coronavirus symptoms to get a digital isolation note using the online NHS 111 service. A person who is living with someone who has the symptoms may also get an online note. Go to https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19

Our practice is NOT issuing fit/sick notes for people who are self-isolating.  The government has issued guidance that says employers should use their discretion around the need for medical evidence of sickness and so all employers should be aware of this. Please speak with your employer if necessary but do not contact the surgery asking for the issue of a note.

This guidance is to avoid people who should be self-isolating having cause to visit their GP for a fit/sick note, especially given the risk of spreading infection, and increasing the stress on the NHS.

 

Hearing aid batteries

We will not be offering replacement hearing aid batteries for the time being due to the current situation. 

Patients can get these from other places, such as Specsavers.

The reason behind this is to help minimise the number of patients who are coming into the surgery, this helps us reduce the risk of the virus spreading to patients and our staff as much as possible. Our consultations are mostly by phone now.

 

What is my blood type?

Your blood type will NOT be known to us at the surgery, even if you have had blood tests taken here. 

 If you are, or have ever been, a blood donor then your blood type should be found on your blood donor card.

This page was last updated 28 April 2020

Published: Mar 17, 2020