Seaton & Colyton Medical Practice

COVID-19 IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Following advice from NHS England, we have taken the precaution of limiting visitors to the practice and are no longer offering face to face appointments.  All appointments booked will be telephone calls from a GP or nurse, and if they decide you should be seen, this will be arranged for you.

If you are asked to visit the surgery,  please check in with the receptionist in the portacabin on arrival.

We are asking patients to kindly wear a face covering when attending the surgery.  We have a responsibility to our staff and our patients, and this is an added precaution to reduce the likelihood of spreading any infection.  Please note that medical and surgical masks are not necessary; these need to be prioritised for clinical staff working in high risk areas.

In order to limit footfall and encourage as many as possible to stay at home, we are no longer accepting repeat medication requests in paper format  Please phone us for details on how to register for on-line access and order your medication electronically.

Please consider using eConsult to contact your GP - information available below.

In some cases, your GP may wish to conduct a video consultation using AccuRx which is easy to use and does not require you to download an app.  We will send you a text message with a link to click - you just need to enable your microphone and camera.

We would like to thank all our patients for their kindness and understanding during this uncertain time.  Our phone lines are very busy - please bear with us and we will answer your call as soon as we are able.

FACE MASKS

 Some patients might be understandably anxious about the Government's recent announcements around the use of face masks in various public settings.

GPs are not in a position to provide individual risk assessments or letters for patients who feel that they should be exempt from wearing a face mask, whether in regard to their use on public transport or in any other setting as required by legislation.

Government guidance on exemptions suggests there is no requirement for evidence for exemption, therefore it is sufficient for an individual to self-declare this.  More details can be found here. 

GP patients in Devon have embraced online consultations in huge numbers during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Before the outbreak, around 80% of GP appointments were carried out face-to-face. This figure has been turned on its head, with approximately 90% now conducted remotely.

Not only has this prevented unnecessary contact and reduced risk of infection, it has ensured NHS workers can prioritise the care of people who need it most. We’re very grateful to those who have helped ease the burden on the practice during these difficult times.

But, as we start to emerge from the ‘lockdown’, the message is that online consultations remain a safe and convenient way to access GP care.

If you aren’t familiar with online consultations, they are a quick and convenient alternative to visiting your GP surgery in person.

You can use your smartphone, tablet or computer to:

• Ask about a condition or new symptoms
• Get information about your condition and how to treat yourself
• Discuss a test result and request sick notes.

You’ll then get a response by the end of the next working day. This might be advice on what to do next through an electronic message, telephone call or video call.

This video provides clear advice and guidance on how it works. 

If you need to, you can continue to telephone the practice.  But if it’s not urgent and you have access to the internet, we recommend you continue to consult online to help free up the practice phone line.  We now have the technology in place to carry out video consultations too, and if a clinician determines you need to be seen face-to-face in the practice, you will continue to be offered this.

As well as helping reduce the spread of coronavirus, consulting online also makes life easier. You can complete the form wherever you are, 24-hours a day, and take as long as you want describing your symptoms. And, by avoiding unnecessary trips to the surgery, you’ll also save time and won’t have to disrupt your day.

Is the way that you are feeling affecting your daily life? Are you struggling to cope, feeling low, anxious or overwhelmed by your thoughts and feelings? Are you living with a long term health condition that is making you feel tired, frustrated and worried? You are not alone and we can help.

TALKWORKS is a free, confidential, NHS talking therapy service helping you to feel better by giving you the tools and techniques to improve your mental and physical wellbeing.

You can self-refer direct to TALKWORKS:

Call 0300 555 3344 or complete the online form on our website

 Watch our film to see how TALKWORKS can help you here. 

 More information can be found at www.TALKWORKS.dpt.nhs.uk

Can we send you messages on your phone?

The Practice would like to use SMS phone messaging (texting) to remind you of appointments and other services. If you are happy to allow this and haven't already given your consent please download and print the consent form below & then bring to the surgery when you can.

Further details are provided on the form.

Our online services can be selected by clicking here  LOGIN   or from the online services menu.

 If you want to make use of this service please register first at the surgery to gain access. Note photo id is required. 

If you need out of hours medical advice or treatment which cannot wait until the practice is open you can call 111 to speak to a triage nurse. Your needs will be assessed and advice offered or arrangements made for you to see a doctor.

NHS 111