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Plea to public as GPS target urgent cases
Lanarkshire residents are being asked to “show patience and consider alternative options” as GP staff prioritise urgent care for the next four weeks, along with coronavirus vaccine delivery.
Health board officials say that “continued pressure on the whole system as a result of increasing cases of Covid-19” means practices have been asked to concentrate on vital services including identification, assessment and referral for symptoms suggestive of cancer, along with baby checks, contraceptive services, palliative care and support to care homes.
It comes as members of community medical staff are being redeployed to the current priority areas of acute respiratory illness centres, Covid-19 wards and vaccine administration.
A statement from NHS Lanarkshire says they are “reassuring the public that their GP practice is still open, but they should consider alternative options where appropriate” – such as pharmacists, opticians, dentists, minor injuries units and self-care.
Dr Linda Findlay, who is medical director of South Lanarkshire Health and Care Partnership, said: “As part of our contingency plans due to the pressures on the system, we have taken the decision to redeploy some staff to support priority areas.
“The movement of staff will take a phased approach to ensure continuation of community and acute services where possible.
“We are aware that this will impact on the delivery of general practice with some restricted access to services.
“Safety of our patients is always our top priority, and in light of the current pandemic and the latest Scottish Government advice, NHS Lanarkshire continues to work closely with all practices at this time to offer guidance and support.”
She added: “GP practices in Lanarkshire are busier than ever, still open and providing as many services as possible.
“However, it may take more time as GPS focus on urgent care so we are asking people to show patience and consider alternatives where appropriate – local healthcare professionals across Lanarkshire can provide a range of services.
“You can go directly to the right healthcare professional for the help you need when you need it, without having to see your GP first or face a lengthy wait in A&E.
“We would like to thank GPS for all that they have done and continue to do for their patients in the face of the ongoing pandemic.
“Despite many significant challenges, practices have been offering near-normal services, albeit in a different way to prepandemic.”
NHS Lanarkshire say that a number of services will not change and that clinics will continue to operate – including children’s and adolescent mental health services, acute and community paediatrics, adult mental health services, new baby and postnatal checks, remote long-term care and prioritising of chronic disease management for those at highest risk.
All non-urgent elective procedures and a range of outpatient appointments in Lanarkshire hospitals were temporarily postponed earlier this month in response to rising coronavirus numbers, with the health board saying: “There is a growing number of patients who are acutely unwell, requiring care in in-patient settings [and] the support of additional clinical staff.”
Community staff are being redeployed for “four weeks in the first instance, but with weekly review” as urgent care is prioritised.
Dr Findlay said: “Unlike the position in March, we are all also continuing to provide care across other areas, although we are now in a position where this is being prioritised to meet the competing demands.
“We all need to play our part in suppressing Covid-19 to keep ourselves and our communities safe. I would like to thank everyone for their continued patience and understanding during these challenging times.”
Information on getting the “right care at the right place” is available at www.nhslanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk/experts/ and www.nhsinform.scot/campaigns/right-care-right-place