Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information
Last reviewed October 2022
This page has important information about changes to the service we provide, and links to more information about coronavirus (COVID-19)
We have had to change how we work to keep everyone safe but we are still here.
Read below for more information.
Covid Updates
COVID-19 Vaccine Explainer Videos
COVID-19 Vaccination Status Scheme
Important Information for Patients
Covid-19 Vaccine Update
Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Protecting Vulnerable Patients
Coronavirus – Scams
Practice Changes – Why we are working differently
Questions and Answers
Q. If the pandemic is over why can’t I book a face to face GP appointment?
The pandemic is not over.
GP practices are open but are working differently in order to protect patients and staff.
In order to protect the most clinically vulnerable people who are in contact with our health services, some physical distancing requirements remain in place. This guidance has been given by the Scottish Government to health care settings.
Q. What services are currently not available?
The following services have been suspended :
- the clinic held on a Wednesday morning at Twechar Healthy Living Centre
- online booking of appointments
- contraceptive implant service
- medical reports for insurance companies will not be prioritised
NHS Scotland national screening programmes which were paused because of coronavirus have now resumed safely, carefully and in a series of stages. Click here for up to date information.
We are taking these steps to reduce footfall to the practice to a minimum in the hope that it reduces the spread of the infection and allows the practice to continue to offer medical services through the period of the pandemic. We appreciate your support and patience during this time, and hope to resume normal services when it’s safe to do so.
Q: What will happen when I contact the surgery?
If you have a clinical concern please call the surgery for advice. Please give as much information as you can to the reception staff to help us manage your concern. Make sure you give the correct contact number and have your phone beside you. The doctor will call your number; if you do not answer, we will leave a message requesting you to call back if you still wish to speak to us. Depending on your clinical concern, you may be offered a telephone appointment or a face to face appointment with a clinical member of staff.
To help us prioritise workload, the doctors have instructed reception staff to ask for an outline of your medical problem when you contact us. This allows us to determine which matters need to be dealt with urgently. Giving as much information as you can to our trusted and trained reception staff will help ensure that you receive the most appropriate care from the most appropriate source.
Q. Why do reception staff ask personal questions?
GP reception staff are vital members of the practice team and treat all information as confidential.
They ask questions to ensure that patients are directed to the best support, within and outwith the practice.
They are trained to ensure patients are seen by the most appropriate member of the practice team and ensure GPs can prioritise the patients with the greatest clinical need.
Q. Will I still be able to see a doctor?
Yes. The doctor may give you advice over the phone, arrange a video consultation if possible, ask you to email a photo on our secure NHS mail address for the doctor to review or arrange a face to face consultation if it is safe to do so.
If you are given advice over the phone, the doctor may provide a prescription. This can be sent directly to the Pharmacy of your choice to avoid you having to make a visit to the practice.
If you are asked to email a photo to the doctor, you will be given our clinical email address. Once the doctor has received your photo, you will be called to discuss the management plan. Please be assured that emails sent here are treated as confidential and if you give consent will be stored securely on your medical record. Please do not send in photos unless asked to do so or ask for clinical advice through this email address.
Q. Why am I seeing someone who is not my GP?
Many GP practices have teams of specialists working alongside the GPs.
These teams have widened and may include Nurses, Health Care Assistants, Advanced Nurse Practitioners, Pharmacists, Physiotherapists, Mental Health workers and Community Links workers. In the practice we have a Physiotherapist, Advanced Nurse Practitioner and Pharmacist.
Your needs may be dealt with more effectively by one of these team members.
Q. What will happen if I have to come to the surgery?
Do not come to the practice if you have any of the COVID-19 symptoms
You should use a face covering to reduce the risk of spreading infections.
If you have an appointment you should plan to arrive just in time for your appointment starting. This is to limit the number of people in our waiting room. We have also spaced appointments out to avoid the waiting room becoming crowded.
Our self check in service is not currently in use so please speak to reception on arrival. You will be asked to wait in the waiting area until the doctor or nurse calls you through. When they do they will be wearing PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) in the form of a plastic apron, gloves, mask and eye protection in line with current guidance. This is to protect ourselves as well as our patients. Please follow the doctor or nurse, trying not to touch doors or surfaces.
Q. Can I still get my prescription?
Yes. All prescriptions will be sent to your nominated pharmacy. Please remember that all prescription requests will take 2 workings days to process. Please make sure you order your prescriptions in time to allow for this
Q. Can I collect a Fit Note?
If you require a Fit Note, you can collect it from the practice.
Q. Are nurse appointments still available?
Yes. Please note the Treatment Room nurses are performing routine phlebotomy, dressings, wound care and B12 injections.
Q. What should I do if I think I have cancer?
You should still contact your doctor if you notice a change that isn’t normal for you or if you have any possible signs and symptoms of cancer. Even if you’re worried about what the symptom might be, or about getting coronavirus don’t delay contacting them. Your worry is unlikely to go away if you don’t make an appointment. The symptom might not be due to cancer. But if it is, the earlier it’s picked up the higher the chance of successful treatment. You won’t be wasting your doctor’s time.
Cancer Research UK have a very useful link if you are concerned about contacting your GP during this time : www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/cancer-in-general/coronavirus/cancer-symptoms
Q: What is coronavirus (COVID-19)?
The new coronavirus (COVID-19) originated in Wuhan in China. Information about this is being updated regularly as more cases are identified. The virus is transferred from person to person with an incubation period (time it takes for symptoms to appear after contracting the infection) of between 2 and 14 days. It is very important that anyone who thinks they have symptoms is isolated as soon as possible to reduce the risk of spreading the virus further.
Q: What are the symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19)?
The most common symptoms are a recent onset of a new continuous cough and/or high temperature and/or loss or change of taste or smell. Many viral illnesses may give symptoms similar to this (including the common cold and flu).
Q: How do I protect myself from coronavirus (COVID-19)?
Up to date information is available on the Scottish Government web site : www.gov.scot/coronavirus-covid-19/
Q: What should I do if I think I have coronavirus (COVID-19)?
Do not come to the practice. If your symptoms are mild stay at home and self isolate for 7 days, rest and take paracetamol if required. If your symptoms deteriorate call the practice for advice. Click the following link for more details about how members of your household should self isolate : www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19/test-and-protect/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-for-households-with-possible-coronavirus-infection
If you need advice about your symptoms,
- From Friday 1 April, if you are unwell with COVID-19 symptoms and need medical advice contact your GP practice when open and only call 111 when your GP practice is closed
- From Friday 1 April, the 111 helpline will continue to answer calls related to COVID-19 symptoms when GP practices are closed
- The NHS Inform coronavirus webpage remains the fastest way to obtain the latest health advice and information. Visit nhsinform.scot/COVID-19
Q: Can I get tested for coronavirus (COVID-19)?
Current guidance is available here : www.nhsinform.scot/campaigns/test-and-protect
Q: How do I get a sick note for my employer?
The NHS have an online service to generate an isolation note : 111.nhs.uk/isolation-note
Q: Where can I find out more information?
The WHO (World Health Organisation) has a fantastic Questions and Answers section on it’s website that we recommend you read : www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses
Further information
Read the advice about staying at home.
Who Do l Contact If I Am Unwell with COVID-19?
- From Friday 1 April 2022, if you are unwell with COVID-19 symptoms and need medical advice contact your GP practice when open and only call 111 when your GP practice is closed
- From Friday 1 April, the 111 helpline will continue to answer calls related to COVID-19 symptoms when GP practices are closed
- The NHS Inform coronavirus webpage remains the fastest way to obtain the latest health advice and information. Visit nhsinform.scot/COVID-19
Advice in other parts of the UK
- Check your symptoms in Scotland
- Check your symptoms in Wales
- Northern Ireland:call 111
For region specific information and advice in:
- England visit nhs.uk
- Wales visit phw.nhs.wales
- Scotland visit nhsinform.scot
- Northern Ireland visit HSC
- Ireland visit HSE
