Coronavirus

Contacting your GP

We understand that due to the current circumstances, it can be confusing knowing whether or not you should still visit your GP for non COVID-related symptoms.

We would like to reassure our patients that we are open for all medical problems, and not just those relating to COVID-19.

We ask that patients do not turn up in the surgery without speaking to a Clinician first, so we can work out the best way to deal with your issue. We have multiple ways of helping, via telephone consultation, video consultation and we are still seeing patients in surgery in a controlled manner when needed.

We are aware people are worried about contacting the GP for advice, and that many are doing so much later than they normally would. We want to assure you that we still expect to hear from you.

We especially want to remind parents that we want to see unwell children, and please use the below poster link to help you decide when and who to call.

https://www.ouh.nhs.uk/children/documents/covid-19-advice.pdf

We would like to remind our patients there are some symptoms we would not want to be ignored, and should be discussed with the GP:

Changing moles

Mole checking is a good habit to get into. If your mole starts to change in shape, size or colour, you should contact your GP so that you can get it checked by a professional. Specific changes to look out for are when your mole has gone darker, is itchy or has started bleeding.

Unexplained weight loss

If you have been losing weight without significant changes to your diet, lifestyle or activity-levels, get in touch so that we can assess the reasoning behind it and rule out any other health conditions.

Unusual bleeding

If you have experienced unusual bleeding from anywhere in the body, it is important to seek advice from your GP.

Difficulty swallowing food

Difficulty with swallowing can prevent you from getting the nutrients you need and can also be a symptom of another health condition. If you are struggling with swallowing, contact your GP so that we can diagnose the problem and offer suitable treatment.

Breast lumps

Breast lumps are a commonly known symptom for which you must seek medical advice. Whether you are male or female, if you find a lump in the breast area, it is important to contact your GP right away.

Unusual lumps

Whilst many lumps are completely harmless, it is important to consult your GP if you find a lump that is new or unusual and that you are worried about, particularly if it has been there for longer than two weeks.

Persistent mouth ulcers

There are a number of reasons mouth ulcers might appear, many of them harmless. However, if you have had a mouth ulcer for more than 4 weeks, it is important that you contact your GP so that we can check it out.

Change in Bowel Habit

A persistent change in your bowel habit lasting longer than 4-6 weeks, particularly to more loose stool may indicate further investigation is required.

Dental Services

Click here to download information about Dental Services during the pandemic (.pdf, 323KB)

Optometry Services

Click here to download information about Optometry Services during the pandemic (.pdf, 332KB)

Oakfield Street Surgery statement 24/3/20

Thank you to everyone who is following the stay at home advice issued by the Government 23/3/20 to save life and protect the NHS : https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

Everyone must now stay at home to stop coronavirus spreading.

This includes people of all ages - even if you do not have any other symptoms or health conditions.

You can only leave your home:

To shop for Basic essentials – only when you really need to
To do one form of exercise a day – such as a run walk or cycle, alone or with the other people you live with
For any medical need – for example to attend an essential medical appointment, visit pharmacy or deliver essential supplies to a vulnerable person
To travel to and from work – but only when absolutely necessary

We want to reassure you all that we are committed to delivering ongoing medical care in the weeks and months ahead. We have set up systems to enable to remote assessment via telephone and anticipate to be able to carry out video consultations in the very near future.

Prescription requests should continue to be ordered remotely (online or if unable access via telephone) and sent directly to local pharmacies. The surgery and pharmacies are dealing with an immense volume of prescription requests at present. Your prescriptions will be processed but please allow several days where possible and avoid phoning to check when it will be ready for collection unless urgently needed. We will continue to automatically flag more urgent prescriptions to the pharmacists when they are issued.

We are experiencing a particularly high number of requests for rescue packs of steroids and antibiotics from patients with respiratory conditions at present. Unless this is already part of your management plan you do not need to be prescribed a rescue pack to take now as a precaution or to keep at home just in case. If you have developed symptoms and feel you may need steroids/antibiotics please contact the surgery and a Clinician will assess you. This is to ensure patients still receive appropriate clinical assessment and avoids potential disruption to the supply of medicines.

We have put together a list of useful links below for information on Government/NHS advice along with information for specific patient groups and employment/benefits.

Please stay home and stay safe. We will be there for you but we need your help to protect our NHS.

Oakfield Street Surgery Partners

Covid19 Resources For Patients

General Advice

Stay at home information

https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/coronavirus-covid-19-uk-government-response

Online Self-Assessment of Symptoms (111)

https://111.nhs.uk/covid-19

Access to COVID Testing for the Public.

Members of the public with symptoms of COVID are able to access home testing via the Government website at https://gov.wales/apply-coronavirus-test

The service can also be accessed by telephone on 119.

Hand Washing Technique Advice (NHS)

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/best-way-to-wash-your-hands/

Advice for Gypsies and Travellers

Key resources Video links:

https://www.travellerstimes.org.uk/index.php/features/coronavirus-informationgypsies-and-travellers

Caerphilly Housing Options Team 01443 873552

Newport Housing Solution Team Tel. 01633 851571/ 01633 851433 Email: rehousing.services@newport.gov.uk Emergency Out of hours Tel: 01633 656656

Advice for Muslims during Ramadan

Muslim Council of Britain www.mcb.org.uk

British Islamic Medical Association. https://www.britishima.org/

Diabetes UK https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/managing-your-diabetes/ramadan websites.

Mental Health concerns

https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters

NHS Direct

https://www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk/

Shielding letters - advice, guidance and support for patients

https://gov.wales/cmo-letter-extremely-vulnerable-people-support-explained

https://gov.wales/get-coronavirus-support-extremely-vulnerable-person

http://callhelpline.org.uk

Age Cymru Advice Number on 08000 223 444or email enquiries@agecymru.org.uk

Caerphilly Council 01443 811940

Social Services 0808 100 2500

Stay At Home Advice (UK Government)

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance

'Social Distancing' Advice (UK Government)

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-social-distancing-and-for-vulnerable-people/guidance-on-social-distancing-for-everyone-in-the-uk-and-protecting-older-people-and-vulnerable-adults

Parents and Cares - advice

https://www.rcpch.ac.uk/resources/covid-19-resources-parents-carers

Public Health Advice (Wales)

https://phw.nhs.wales/topics/latest-information-on-novel-coronavirus-covid-19/

Welsh Government

https://gov.wales/coronavirus

Information for employers and employees

ABUHB SERVICES

https://abuhb.nhs.wales/coronavirus/guidance-from-individual-healthcare-services-and-divisions/

Self isolation

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-guidance-for-employees

Social Distancing/risk groups

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19

Support for Businesses

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-support-for-businesses

Travel Advice (UK Government)

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-advice-novel-coronavirus

World Health Organisation (WHO)

https://w ww.who.int/

SPECIFIC PATIENT GROUP ADVICE

Asthma

Asthma UK – Asthma and Coronavirus information

https://www.asthma.org.uk/advice/triggers/coronavirus-covid-19/

Cardiovascular Disease

https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/news/coronavirus-and-your-health

Cervical Screening (currently suspended service)

http://www.cervicalscreeningwales.wales.nhs.uk/contact-us

Dementia

Information for those caring for someone with dementia

- https://www.bps.org.uk/sites/www.bps.org.uk/files/Member%20Networks/Faculties/Older%20People/Supporting%20older%20people%20and%20people%20living%20with%20dementia%20during%20self-isolation.pdf

Diabetes UK Coronavirus advice

https://www.diabetes.org.uk/about_us/news/coronavirus

https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/life-with-diabetes/illness

Diabetes Newsletter (.pdf, 958KB)

Endocrine – Adrenal/Pituitary Insufficiency (including sick day rules)

https://www.endocrinology.org/news/item/14050/

Mental Health

CALL Mental Health helpline - 24/7 Listening/Advice line

http://callhelpline.org.uk/

Freephone 0800 132 737

Or text “Help” to 81066

MIND re Coronavirus

https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus-and-your-wellbeing/

Young Minds – Young People with Anxiety around Coronovirus

https://youngminds.org.uk/blog/what-to-do-if-you-re-anxious-about-coronavirus/

Musculoskeletal

Arthritis UK – Exercises to manage MSK problems

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/managing-symptoms/exercise/exercises-to-manage-pain/

Musculo Skeletal Concerns advice

http://www.wales.nhs.uk/sitesplus/866/page/41582

Pregnancy

https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/guidelines-research-services/guidelines/coronavirus-pregnancy/covid-19-virus-infection-and-pregnancy/

Respiratory

https://www.blf.org.uk/support-for-you/coronavirus

Rheumatology Advice

https://www.rheumatology.org.uk/News-Policy/Details/Covid19-Coronavirus-update-members

http://www.whenshouldiworry.com/

Safeguarding

National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247 https:/ /www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/
NSPCC helpline: 0808 800 5000 If you're worried about a child, even if you're unsure, contact NSPCC professional counsellors for help, advice and support.
Childline 0800 1111: offers free, confidential advice and support for any child 18 years or under, whatever the worry.
MIND www.mind.org.uk Mental Health Support with specific advice on ‘Coronavirus and your wellbeing’
YoungMinds https://youngminds.org.uk Supporting children and young people and their parents/carers with their mental health and wellbeing. Specific advice on managing self-isolation and anxiety about coronavirus

Sexual Health

As of Monday 23rd March 2020 9:00am all 'Walk In' sexual health services will be discontinued indefinitely.

Appointments for sexual health matters will be available in 3 hubs:-

· Bargoed Health Centre

· Cwmbran Health Centre

· Cordell Centre

Vulnerable Groups

AGE Cymru – Coronavirus

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/cymru/information-advice/health-wellbeing/coronavirus/

Anyone over the age of 70 in Wales can register with Age Cymru, free of charge, to receive a regular telephone call from the charity in English or Welsh.

Call Age Cymru Advice Number on 08000 223 444

Or email enquiries@agecymru.org.uk

AGE Cymru – Loneliness

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/cymru/information-advice/health-wellbeing/loneliness/caring-for-someone-whos-lonely/

Wales Dementia Helpline

Freephone 0808 808 2235

Or text “help” to 81066