‘New normal’ advice for GP surgery patients

JUDITH TONER

Patients at GP surgeries in Rutherglen and Cambuslang are being advised about “new normal” systems such as phone consultations and safety and distancing measures which are now in place as NHS services resume.

Face-to-face appointments will only take place when necessary, such as for tests or a physical examination, with most appointments now being by phone or video consultation.

Health board officials say: “After your initial assessment by phone, practice staff will advise what is most appropriate for you – this may be another service [such as] self-care, dentist, community pharmacy or optician.”

Those with face-to-face appointments will be given a precise time to attend and asked not to arrive early or late as practices seek to avoid queues; while surgeries will have physical distancing measures in place including reduced waitingroom capacity, one-way systems, and the use of hand sanitiser and face coverings.

Patients are being told: “Please do not turn up at the practice without an appointment, to help reduce the risk of spreading the virus”.

Dr Linda Findlay, who is medical director of South Lanarkshire health and social care partnership, said: “We want people to know that their practices are open and here to help.

“However, there have been a lot of changes due to Covid-19, and these will be in place for the foreseeable future.

“General practice and other community services have continued throughout [the pandemic] – but it’s important to understand that we are not ‘restarting’ services as they were before, but ‘redesigning’ them in line with national guidance to keep all Lanarkshire patients safe.”

She added: “I understand that it can be frustrating not always being able to see your GP or other healthcare professional face-to-face – however, we all need to play our part in suppressing Covid-19 to keep ourselves and our communities safe.

“I’d like to thank the people of Lanarkshire for their continued patience and understanding as we move forward and services start to resume.”