If one of our clinicians test positive for COVID-19 we may need to cancel your pre-booked appointment at short notice. We apologise in advance if this affects you or a member of your family. If you have a pre-booked appointment and do not hear from us please assume that your appointment is going ahead as normal.

We understand that this situation is frustrating. Please be patient and kind and bear with us as appointments and clinics are disrupted. It is not the fault of our receptionists so please do not verbally abuse them.

If you need to come into any of our surgeries and have respiratory symptoms (coughs, wheezing, etc.) please continue to wear a facemask / face covering, if tolerated. This is for the safety of our other patients, our staff and our community. Clinicians seeing these patients will wear masks as part of their personal protective equipment (PPE).

If you are Covid-19 positive please do not come into any of our buildings, unless absolutely necessary / specifically invited in by a clinician.

Patients without respiratory symptoms or who are Covid-19 negative no longer need to wear facemasks when coming in for an appointment, unless this is their personal preference.

Below are some tips to help you help yourself, and in turn help us and the NHS:

SELF-CARE: You can treat many minor illnesses such as colds and coughs, sore throats and upset stomachs at home. Make sure you are stocked up with healthcare essentials such as pain relief (e.g. Paracetamol), cough and sore throat remedies, upset stomach treatment, rehydration treatment, heartburn / indigestion treatments and a first aid kit.

USE YOUR LOCAL PHARMACIST: They can offer you advice and guidance on your symptoms and on the best treatment for you – no appointment needed. Pharmacists are available on every high street and in supermarkets, with many being open in the evenings and at weekends.

COMMUNITY PHARMACIST CONSULTATION SERVICE (CPCS): This service enables patients to have a same day appointment with their community pharmacist for minor illness or an urgent supply of a regular medicine. Should you need to be escalated or referred to an alternative service, the pharmacist can arrange this. Please speak to our reception team to be referred into this service.

USE THE NHS UK SYMPTOM CHECKER www.nhs.uk:  This helpful tool can guide you through your symptoms and direct you to the most appropriate health service for your needs.

RING NHS 111, OPTION 2: If you are experiencing a mental health crisis this First Response Service puts your mental health first. It provides 24-hour access, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, to mental health care, advice, support and treatment.

MEDICATION: If you need to order medication, please do this online via SystmOnline or the Airmid app. Details of how to do this can be found on our website www.grantamedicalpractices.co.uk  If you do not have internet or mobile telephone access, you can send in your repeat medication slip or write in with your repeat request. Unfortunately, we cannot take prescription orders over the telephone.

If you have done all you can but feel that your problem remains unresolved, please do ring us and we will be happy to help you. Please note that patient access continues to be by invitation only, following a prior telephone assessment, which includes a COVID-19 questionnaire.

Thank you for your continued understanding, patience and support. #bekind