Covid-19 Out of Hours News

The Broadway, Broadstairs, Kent, CT10 2AJ

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COVID-19 INFORMATION

See the latest Covid-19 vaccination information

 

Information about Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways.

If you are concerned you have coronavirus or have been in contact with someone who has been confirmed as having coronavirus please DO NOT leave the house. For latest up-to-date advice on cornavirus, please visit Government guidance webpage for coronavirus.

The public are being advised to stay at home (self-isolate) without any testing for COVID-19, regardless of travel history or contact with confirmed cases, if they have:

  • A new continuous cough OR
  • High temperature (of 37.8 degrees centigrade or higher)
  • Loss of or a change in smell or taste

Individuals should stay at home (self-isolate) for 7 days from the onset of symptoms following the current advice. If someone has serious symptoms they cannot manage at home they should use NHS 111 online (people should only call NHS111 if they cannot get online). 

You should not attend the Surgery

After 7 days of self-isolation, people who feel better and no longer have a high temperature can return to their normal routine. If they have not had any signs of improvement after 7 days and have not already sought medical advice, they should use NHS111 online (people should only call NHS111 if they cannot get online) before they leave their home or let visitors in.

Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. Call 111, stay indoors and avoid close contact with other people.

Further information you can also visit: www.nhs.uk Coronavirus (COVID-19)

EXEMPTIONS FROM WEARING A FACE COVERING ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT

From 15th June legislation has come into force making it mandatory for members of the public to wear a face covering when travelling on public transport. The guidance lists people that are exempt from wearing a face covering. From this guidance it is not intended that GP’s should issue certificates or be involved in supporting patients who are unable to wear a face covering. More information can be accessed here - gov.uk coronavirus (covid-19) safer travel guidance for passengers - exemptions - face coverings

Therefore practices in Thanet will not be providing patients with exemptions for wearing face coverings.

Guidance for patients returning to work

Practices are not able to give individuals guidance on whether it is right for individuals to return to work after a period of absence. GP’s cannot give specific advice about the risks at your workplace and instead recommend that patients read the information and guidance provided on gov.uk - working safely during coronavirus (covid-19) The guidance should then be discussed with your employer and a risk assessment for the type or work you are expected to undertake with their occupational health services. Practices will not accept any enquires about going back to work in relation to COVID-19 but encourage everyone to follow the guidance above.

 

Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination status for travelling abroad

Do not contact your GP surgery about your COVID-19 vaccination status. GPs cannot provide letters showing your vaccine record.

Please visit the nhs.uk website for further advice.

 

IMPORTANT ADVICE TO KEEP YOU SAFE FROM CORONAVIRUS

Please see the information sent out to the at risk group by NHS England.

 

Practice Working

Whilst shops have been advised they can reopen practices will take a little longer to return to the way they worked before COVID-19. Due to our need to protect patients who are at risk or unwell and to reduce the burden of the virus on our staff we will for the foreseeable future ask patients not to attend the surgery unless they have an appointment.

Instead patients should continue to book appointments on the phone and to phone us with questions including those about medications. Patients attending the site for booked appointments will be encouraged to wear a face covering.

We are planning to reopen the doors later this summer in preparation for our flu and winter campaign when we expect that more patients will need face to face consultations but will continue to encourage patients to only attend for booked appointments.

When the doors are open we will be operating a one way system through the site and if patients need a further appointment we will encourage them to go home and book on the phone.

 

Covid-19 vaccination information

Covid Vaccine Updates

PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU CAN ONLY BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT BY CALLING 119 OR BOOKING VIA THE INTERNET ATNHS.uk - Book or manage a coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination

PLEASE DO NOT CALL THE SURGERY TO BOOK COVID VACCINATIONS

 

Further Updates

Please help protect yourself, friends and loved ones by getting vaccinated.

You will be contacted when you can have the vaccine

You do not need to contact the surgery until you receive a letter, text or phone call about getting the Covid-19 vaccine.

Our phone lines are very busy; please help us to keep phone lines open for people needing to make appointments for other health matters.

Who will get the vaccine first?

People will be invited for vaccination based on a nationally set priority list. The elderly and most at risk from Covid-19 will be vaccinated first. Read about the prioritisation.

More about the vaccine

Everyone will need two doses given 12 weeks apart. When you have your first vaccine you may be given a record card with details of when the next dose is due and the type of vaccine given. If you are given a record card please keep this safe and bring it to your appointment for the second dose. If you are not given a card your details will have been recorded electronically on your patient notes.

What if I have symptoms of Covid-19 when I get invited for the vaccines?

If you or someone in your immediate household has symptoms of the virus it is essential that you self-isolate and book a test. Your invitation for the vaccines can be re-arranged after your self-isolation.

If I’ve had Covid-19 do I need the vaccines?

The national body which has approved the vaccine have looked at this and decided that getting vaccinated is just as important for those who have already had Covid-19 as it is for those who haven’t.

Can I pay for the vaccines privately?

No, all Covid-19 vaccines are being provided free by the NHS. If you see any offers to get the vaccine privately it will be a scam and you must not contact them.

Find out more

Further information about the Covid-19 vaccination programme in Kent and Medway