Advertisement feature Your GP services ‘‘Use video consultations” are still open to provide care
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: · Order repeat prescriptions · See parts of your health record, including test results
· Book, check or cancel appointments
Carla, a working mum from Sussex, needed a GP appointment and felt anxious about attending in person with her daughter because of the pandemic.
She was able to be seen by a GP through a video consultation by using an app on her phone.
She said: “I knew I needed to see someone before my condition got worse, but I didn’t think I was an urgent case.
“My practice provides video consultations, so I downloaded the app they use on my phone. I haven’t used this before and it was really easy, efficient and quick.
“Once registered, I booked an appointment, writing a short note about my health need and adding a photo.
“I could choose my appointment time or wait for the next available slot, which was in just 10 minutes.
“The GP video-called me through the app on my phone and within five minutes they had sent a prescription through to my local pharmacy, which I then collected the next day.
“I would definitely recommend online video consultations to others, especially right now when we are all trying to reduce our contact with other people to stay as safe as possible.”
To find out what services are available online at your GP surgery and which providers you can use, check your surgery’s website or contact them by phone.
GP surgeries and primary care services are up and running. If you have a health concern that you would usually consider seeing a GP for, please get in touch with your surgery as help is still available and you shouldn’t avoid seeking it.