Patients told GP practices remain open
NHS Tayside’s associate medical director has moved to assure residents in Perth and Kinross that GP practices remain open during the virus crisis.
Dr Jane Bruce said that, although patients are asked to phone ahead, GP services can still be accessed.
She said:“GP practices are continuing to see their registered patients, so for those who have a health issue it is important to know they can still access GP services.
“However, patients are reminded they must telephone their surgery in the first instance.
“Patients continue to have concerns about their health that are not COVID-19 related.
“What we do not want is for people to ignore symptoms which could develop into serious conditions because they don’t want to enter a medical setting for fear of contracting COVID-19.
“By introducing changes to the way people access GP services, patients should be reassured that if they do need to attend their medical practice, then they can safely do so.
“After calling their surgery, a patient will have an initial telephone discussion regarding their non-COVID health concerns in order to ensure safe practice at this time.
“If an appointment is required,one will be arranged at an appropriate time.
“It is very important that all patients with COVID-19 symptoms do not attend their local surgery. They should at all times call 111 and if they need a consultation one will be arranged at an appropriate location.”
Dr Bruce also reassured parents and carers that surgeries are still open to see children.
She said:“In a similar way to accessing adult health care, parents and carers should also phone their own GP practice if they have any concerns regarding their child’s health as there are no walk-in appointments.
“It is important to have a discussion with practice staff as this will help differentiate between a COVID and non-COVID problem, and staff will be able to direct a child to the most appropriate places to be seen.
“Parents should be absolutely assured that all children will be seen as necessary in the most appropriate locations.
“Parents and carers are reminded that if they are concerned about their child’s health at any point, they should react as they would have done before the COVID pandemic.
“If simple measures are not effective, or you have significant concerns, please seek advice and help, either from your GP surgery in hours if you think the issue is non-COVID, or by calling 111 if concerned regarding COVID-19.
“Call 111 for both COVID and non-COVID concerns in the out of hours periods.”
For the latest health information visit http://nhsinform.scot/coronavirus
A Perthshire woman is bound to get the royal seal of approval as she raises funds for the NHS.
Hazel MacFadyen is planning on walking around the village of Stanley every day until the middle of June dressed up as the Queen.
She headed out in costume for the first time on Tuesday – the Queen’s birthday – and will continue until the Queen’s official birthday on Saturday, June 14.
Hazel, who turns 70 next month, wants to thank the NHS heroes who are working so hard through the coronavirus crisis.
And she also wanted to thank them for the care she and her family have received from the health service over the years.
Hazel explained: “The NHS saw me through breast cancer and looked after my son, who died at 18 after a bad accident, for 11 days before he died.
“My mum had cancer and my dad had dementia, so I’ve always wanted to give something back.
“But this isn’t about me, this is about the staff on the front line working so hard right now.
“I was going to have a joint 70th birthday party for charity, but obviously that has been cancelled.
“Every time I turn on the TV right now I get so emotional for the nurses and care workers.
“I thought this would be a good way to mark the Queen’s birthday and raise money for the NHS.”
Hazel was persuaded to do the challenge by her friend Morag Middleton.
Each walk takes her around 45 to 50 minutes, so she still has quite a bit of walking to do before June 14.
Hazel says it has given her a focus and the support from the community has encouraged her.
“It gives me a purpose,” she explains. “It gets me outside and on my feet.
“It’s something to look forward to every day and hopefully it will cheer people up a bit. Everyone is rooting for me and wishing me good luck, which has been great.”
Morag has set up a Go Fund Me page to help Hazel raise money.
Hazel admits she has been inspired by Captain Tom Moore, the 99-yearold World War II veteran who has raised over £25 million for the NHS by doing laps of his garden.
She said: “I was just talking to my neighbour about him, and I take my hat off to that man.
“What a challenge to take on at that age. He seems like a lovely man.”
To help support Hazel raise money for the NHS, go to www. gofundme.com/f/queen-doesher-daily-walk
Hazel has a short break on her way around the village