Advertisement feature Your GP services are still open to provide care
Research shows patients are delaying going to their GP surgery during the pandemic, with a drop reported nationally in urgent suspected cancer referrals and a reduction in families bringing children for immunisation.
Dr Elizabeth Gill, Chief Medical Officer for Sussex NHS Commissioners, said: “We are aware that some patients may not be accessing care because they either don’t want to be a burden on the NHS or because they are fearful about catching the virus.
“Everyone should know that it’s just as important as ever to seek help and that they can access GP services safely.
“We don’t want people with noncoronavirus health problems to suffer in silence.
“If you are concerned about a potential sign or symptom, don’t delay contacting your GP practice.
“It’s best to get checked, as often the earlier a problem is found, the easier it is to treat.”
GP practices across Sussex have transformed the way they work to ensure local patients remain safe and get the care they need during the coronavirus pandemic.
It is still important that you do not attend your GP surgery if you think you might have coronavirus and to visit NHS111 online or call them. Those who need GP appointments are still being asked to contact their surgeries as normal for care and not to attend their practice without an appointment.
Practices have introduced safety measures to protect all patients and staff, with initial telephone and online assessments to enable practices to prioritise appointments for those most in need.
Specific clinics have been established across the county to help support patients with coronavirus symptoms who are not in need of hospital treatment, but do need to see a GP for other conditions.
They are given an appointment at one of these sites rather than their own practice, so that they are kept isolated from other patients and care is provided in a safe way for patients and staff.
Other existing GP surgeries in Sussex have been dedicated for treatment of those without any coronavirus who have to be seen in person by a GP, to allow their management in a way that minimises any risk.
Patients are screened for any fever or cough symptoms, so only those who are considered well can enter and are arranged to maintain social distancing measures if a patient is asked specifically to attend.
Sussex Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGS) have been working together with practices to reduce attendance with most routine face-to-face appointments stopped for now.
Alternative arrangements have been made to ensure these patients from the deaf community, people with learning disabilities, those whose first language is not English and anyone without access to a telephone can access appointments.
The CCGS have supported and enabled the use of telephone appointments and video consultations where possible.
If you’re registered with a GP surgery, you can use online services and apps that may allow you to:
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Order repeat prescriptions
See parts of your health record, including test results
Book, check or cancel appointments
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