Coronavirus

Update: attending the surgery during the Coronavirus pandemic

Firstly may we take this opportunity to thank our patients and staff for your cooperation during the pandemic.

As a practice we are experiencing an increased number of patients attending the surgery.

We continue to encourage patients to contact us re healthcare matters, however this presents an increased challenge in managing social distancing measures in our waiting room. We have a limit to the number of patients who can safely wait in the building and are keen to avoid creating a queue down the street.

Our aim is to deliver ongoing healthcare without putting patients or staff at unnecessary risk. For these reasons we request patients to only attend the surgery if you:

· have a pre-arranged appointment to see a medical professional at the surgery

· have been asked to collect a prescription, fit note, letter etc.

· are dropping off a sample as instructed by a GP, ANP or Nurse

To further help manage the number of patients in the waiting room at any time we also request:

· Appointment requests are made remotely (the phone number for appointments is: 01443 812979).

All appointment requests continue to be triaged by a member of our clinical team. We ask you do not attend the surgery in person to request and appointment as you may be turned away from the building and asked to await a phone call.

· Requests for appointments are made by 12 midday whenever possible

· Please do not arrive for at the surgery more than 10 minutes before your appointment time

· Please observe the floor markings to maintain a safe distance between you and others

· We continue to encourage patients to order repeat medication via My Health Online or email: prescriptions.w95065@wales.nhs.uk

· When possible choose to collect your prescription from a local pharmacy.

· Please wash or disinfect your hands before going in for your appointment.

Once again thank all of our patients for your cooperation and we want to reassure you we will continue to ensure healthcare is accessible and delivered in a safe environment.

Test. Trace. Protect.

To keep Wales safe.

The following advice will help to slow the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) and keep you, your friends, family, and community safe.

If you get symptoms of Coronavirus:

· Loss of taste or smell,

· A continuous cough or

· Fever (high temperature)

You must…

1. Self-isolate for 10 days and your household must isolate for 14 days

(follow self-isolation guidance: gov.wales/self-isolation-stay-home-guidance-households-possible-coronavirus).

2. Book a test on the first day of your symptoms.

You can apply for a test online: www.gov.wales/applycoronavirus-test

Or call 119 for free between 7am and 11pm.

People with hearing or speech difficulties can call 18001 119

Tests take place at drive through testing centres or can be posted to your home.

If you choose a home testing kit, a video to show you how to take the test can be found here: gov.wales/using-coronavirus-home-testing-kit

3. If your test is negative, no further action is needed and you and your household can stop isolating, providing there are no new symptoms of coronavirus.

4. If you test positive you will be contacted by a contact tracer from the NHS Wales Test, Trace, Protect Service.

· You will be asked to share the details of people you have been in close contact with up to 2 days before your symptoms started.

· The contact tracer will give you advice on what to do next.

· A contact tracer will then get in touch with your close contacts. They will be told they have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for coronavirus, but your identity will not be revealed unless you have given your permission.

· They will be given support and advised to self-isolate for 14 days from their last contact with you, and offered a test if they have symptoms.

Contact tracers do not monitor where you’ve been or what you’ve been doing. You will not be reported when giving information about your contacts and your movements. We only use the information to stop the spread of the virus.

Further information about testing and contact tracing can be found here: gov.wales/test-trace-protect-coronavirus

Be Aware of Scammers

Contact from the NHS Wales Trace, Test, Protect service will only be from these official channels:

Calls will be made from: 02921 961133
Texts will be sent from: +447775106684
Emails will be sent from: tracing@wales.nhs.uk / olrhain@wales.nhs.uk

DO NOT:

· Make any form of payment or purchase a product – a coronavirus test and advice from the service is free

· Give out any of your bank details

· Give out any passwords, PINs or set up any over the phone

· Download any software to your computer or tablet

· Dial a premium rate number to speak to anyone

If in any doubt, hang up or do not respond.

Protect yourself and others

Testing and contact tracing are only one way of preventing the spread of the virus. It is vital that we all continue to:

· Always stay at least 2 metres apart from people you don’t live with. This also applies in the workplace: breaks, meetings and travel to and from work.

· Catch coughs or sneeze into tissues, dispose of them and clean your hands as soon as possible

· Wash your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, or use hand sanitiser

· Do not touch your face unless you have thoroughly cleaned your hands

· Regularly disinfect surfaces and objects at home and work#

· Wear a three layer face covering when required or in enclosed spaces where social distancing is difficult

The most effective way to protect yourself and others from Coronavirus is to follow these steps.

Anyone who has coronavirus symptoms should not go out, even if they are wearing a face covering.

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.

Face Masks and face mask exemptions

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own

Asthma and Facemasks

https://www.asthma.org.uk/advice/triggers/coronavirus-covid-19/what-should-people-with-asthma-do-now/should-i-wear-a-face-mask-or-face-covering/

Learning Difficulties

If you have a learning disability, and you need support to understand this letter please contact the Wales Learning Disability Helpline:

By e-mail: helpline.wales@mencap.org.uk

Or by phone: 0808 8000 300

The Wales Learning Disability Helpline is open everyday between 9am and 5pm. It is free to call.

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

Sheilding patients

UPDATED ADVICE TO KEEP YOU SAFE FROM CORONAVIRUS 10/6/20

New advice for shielding patients from the Chief Medical Officer/Medical Director NHS Wales

You can now leave your house and go outside, for exercise or to meet people. You can meet people from another household, as long as you meet them outside. You must stay 2m or three steps away from them at all times. You must wash your hands regularly.

My advice to you has changed because:

1) The number of people who have coronavirus in Wales has gone down.

2) We have learned more about how coronavirus behaves. We know the virus does not spread as easily outside as it does indoors. The risk of catching coronavirus outside is low if you stay 2m or 3 steps away from people and wash your hands often.

But coronavirus has not gone away. We still need your help to keep you safe. You should stay away from busy outdoor places where people might get too close. Stay close to home so you do not have to use a toilet that is not your own.

The rest of my advice stays the same. You should not go anywhere indoors other than your own home. You should not go to the shops. If you are school age you should not leave home to go to school. If you are employed, you should not leave home to go work - please show this letter to your employer. You do not need to get a fit note from your GP.

Latest information about Coronavirus and Shielding patients

Further information about coronavirus, including the latest guidance in EASY READ and BSL is available on the Welsh Government and Public Health Wales websites. Please look at these regularly for latest advice:

www.gov.wales/coronavirus

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

This letter is available in other formats and languages on request, please contact shielding@gov.wales

If you have a learning disability and need some support understanding this letter you can contact the Wales Learning Disability Helpline on 0808 8000 300 – it is free to phone and is open from 9am to 5pm every day including bank holidays. You can also email: helpline.wales@mencap.org.uk

Things you should be doing to stay safe

· DO keep 2m or three steps away from other people outside your home and within your home. It will be more difficult in your home if you live with others but you should try to do it as best you can.

· DO leave your home to undertake exercise if you want to. You can leave your home to exercise outside as many times as you want to but please stay local and try to avoid busy places so you can keep 2m or three steps away from other people.

· DO meet outside with people from another house locally if you want to but always keep 2m or three steps away.

· DO regularly wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.

· DO ask neighbours, friends and family to bring you food and medicine.

· DO contact your local supermarket for priority online shopping.

· DO keep in touch with people using the phone, internet and social media.

· DO use telephone or online services to contact your GP, pharmacy or other day-to-day services.

· DO contact your local council it you have no one who can help you. The number is at the end of this letter.

Things you should not be doing to stay safe

· DO NOT get close to with anyone who is showing signs of coronavirus. This could be any or all of the following: high temperature (above 37.8 °C), a new and continuous cough, a loss of taste or smell.

· DO NOT attend any gatherings indoors. This includes gatherings of friends and families – for example, in family homes or weddings and religious services.

· DO NOT go out shopping. When arranging food deliveries, these should be left at the front door.

· DO NOT go to your GP, pharmacy or hospital without phoning first. You should speak to your pharmacy about how you can get your medicine.

· DO NOT go to your place of work if this is outside your home. You should only work if you can work from home.

· DO NOT go to school. You should learn from home.

Urgent medical attention

If you have an urgent medical question relating to your existing medical condition telephone your GP practice or your specialist hospital care team. Where possible, you will be supported by phone or online. If your doctor decides you need to be seen, the NHS will contact you to arrange how to do this.

What if I get coronavirus?

If you develop symptoms of coronavirus – a high temperature (above 37.8 °C), a new and continuous cough or loss of smell or taste – you should use the online coronavirus service (www.gov.wales/check-if-you-need-coronavirus-medical-help) or, if you do not have access to the internet call 111.

If you get coronavirus and you need to go to hospital you will need to take a bag with the things you need for an overnight stay. Take an emergency contact number and any medication you are on.

If you have an advanced care plan, please include it.

Living with other people in your home

If you live with other people they do not need to shield themselves. You should:

· Try not to be in the same room. If you have to be in the same room try and keep a window open.

· Try to keep 2m or three steps away from them as much as you can. Do not sleep in the same bed if you can avoid it.

· Do not share towels. Use different bathrooms if you can. If you share a bathroom, clean it after every use.

· Avoid using the kitchen at the same time as others and eat your meals in different rooms. Clean all cups, plates and cutlery.

Carers and support workers who come to your home

Carers or support workers who support you with your everyday needs can continue to visit you, unless they have signs of coronavirus.

All carers or support workers must wash their hands with soap and water for 20 seconds when they enter your home and often while they are in your home.

Your medicines

If you do not have your prescriptions collected or delivered, you will need to arrange this.

Ask someone to pick up your prescription from your local pharmacy to help (this is the best option).
If you do not have anyone who can help, telephone your pharmacy and ask them to deliver your prescription. Let them know you are in a high-risk group and are being asked to stay at home.

You may also need to arrange any special medication prescribed to you by your hospital care team to be collected or delivered to you.

Planned GP appointments

Wherever possible, GP appointments will be provided by phone, email or online. If you need to be seen, your GP practice will contact you to let you know what you should do.

Planned hospital appointments

Your hospital or clinic will contact you if any changes need to be made to your care or treatment. Please phone your hospital or clinic if you have any questions about your appointment.

Support with daily living

Please discuss any ongoing needs you have with your carers, family, friends, neighbours or local community groups to see how they can support you.

If you do not have anyone who can help you, please contact your local council. The contact details for each local council are at the end of this letter.

If you are employed, please show this letter to your employer. You cannot go to your normal place of work – you will need to work at home until at least the 16 August 2020 or until I tell you it is safe to return. You do not need to get a fit note from your GP.

If you do not have enough money to pay your bills, it is really important to seek help and to do this as early as possible. Call Citizen’s Advice free on 03444 77 20 20 or visit the Citizens Advice website: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/contact-us/contact-us/contact-us/

If you need help from the welfare system, you can also visit: www.gov.uk/universal-credit or call the Universal Credit Helpline on 0800 328 5644 (0800 328 1744 for Welsh language).

You can also apply online for the Welsh Government’s Discretionary Assistance Fund payment at: www.gov.wales/discretionary-assistance-fund-daf/how-apply or by calling free on 0800 859 5924.

If you feel that you have been treated unfairly by your employer, or somebody who gives you a service, then the Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS) offers a free advice service which you can access by calling 0808 800 0082, by text phone on 0808 800 0084 or by visiting their website: www.equalityadvisoryservice.com

Looking after your wellbeing

These changes may be very positive news for some people, but for some it may be frightening. Even with some time outdoors, spending long periods at home can be frustrating, worrying and lonely. Taking care of your mental wellbeing is important. These are some ideas about how you can do that:

· Noticing how you are doing and thinking about if you can do anything differently. Thinking about ways to take care of your wellbeing can help.

· Not judging yourself when you are having a hard day. There are different ways you may be able to reassure yourself. Why not try some calming activities, such as relaxation exercises or talking to others.

· Focusing on the positive. Being away from those you care for and not being able to do normal activities can be hard to accept, but focusing on the idea that you are being protected and cared for, can help. Looking at the positives can be a good way to cope.

· Focusing on what you can control, like your thoughts and behaviours. This will have a big impact on how you are feeling and being kind to yourself is a good way to do this.

· Connecting with others. Shielding is about protection, but it can also make you feel lonely and left out. How you feel matters, so do not struggle alone. Reach out and ask for help from friends and family or from local organisations.

Further information about staying well at home is available at the Public Health Wales website: www.phw.nhs.wales/topics/latest-information-on-novel-coronavirus-covid-19/how-are-you-doing/

If you need to speak to someone, the CALL Helpline provides confidential listening and emotional support in Wales, 24 hours a day – call 0800 132 737 or visit: www.callhelpline.org.uk/

Older people, their family, friends, carers, or professionals can also contact Age Cymru’s Advice Line on 08000 223 444

You can contact your local council to discuss what other help is available in your area from voluntary and third sector organisati

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