FACE COVERINGS -
We are aware that some patients might be understandably anxious about the Government's recent announcements around the use of face masks in various public settings. The Governments guidance on exemptions suggest there is no requirement for evidence for exemption therefore it is sufficient for an individual to self-declare this. Doctors are not in a position to provide individual risk assessments or write letter for patients who feel they are exempt from wearing a face covering. You may print your own EXEMPTION CARDS for use on public transport or when our in public. For more information can be found on the governments site.
How is the 2019-nCoV spread?
The exact way the virus is spread is not fully known. With similar coronaviruses (MERS and SARS) person-to-person spread is thought to have happened mainly via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, similar to how influenza and other viruses that cause respiratory illness spread. There also may be some spread when a person touches a surface or object that has virus on it and then touches his or her own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes. Spread of SARS and MERS between people has generally occurred between close contacts. There is much more to learn about 2019-nCoV and investigations are ongoing.
What are the symptoms of 2019-nCoV?
Patients with 2019-nCoV have reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of:
- fever
- cough
- shortness of breath
What are severe complications from this virus?
Many patients have pneumonia in both lungs.
How can I help protect myself?
This best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
There are simple everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses. These include:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcoholbased hand sanitizer.
If you are sick, to keep from spreading respiratory illness to others, you should:
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Prescriptions
Due to the coronavirus outbreak we will temporarily accept repeat medication requests over the phone. You can also order medication by signing up for online services which can be accessed through our website, or by signing up for the NHS app. Please speak to a member of staff to register for online services if you have not already done so.
Sick Notes
Please see the information on the Gov.uk for advice to employees regarding isolation notes - Advice for employees
Coronavirus FAQ's
Q - Can you prescribe an inhaler I had some time ago just in case I need it but I am feeling well at present?
A - It is not appropriate to be issuing inhalers on the assumption you may need it. If you are feeling unwell you will need a telephone call from an appropriate clinician.
Q - I have various symptoms - can I go to work?
A - We can not give work related advice please refer to the NHS 111 self assessment tool
LINKS TO PATIENT INFORMATION ON CORONAVIRUS
General NHS advice
Underlying lung disease (British Lung Foundation)
People with asthma
People with diabetes
People affected by stroke
Pregnant woman
People with a heart condition
Older People
Young people with anxiety
Adults with anxiety
People with rheumatoid arthritis
People with Cancer
Shielded patient list
National and local support services
| National - Crisis Support | Who for | Contact Number, Website or Email |
| Morrison's Supermarket | Telephone Ordering Service for Elderly or vulnerable customers who require next working day grocery delivered to their home. Choice of 47 essential products and payment taken by bank card at their doorstep. | 03456 -116-111 select option 5 |
| NHS Responders Volunteers | Shielding Patients who have received letters from the Government or a GP surgery.
Support with shopping, prescription collection & delivery and transport to medical appointments. | 0808 196 3646 https://volunteering.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk/nhs-volunteer-responders-portal/isolating |
| Samaritans | Anyone having a difficult time or anyone who's worried about someone else | 116 123 (free from any phone) https://www.samaritans.org/branches/northampton |
| CRUSE Bereavement | Offers advice and support when someone dies | 0808 2000 247 www.cruse.org.uk |
| Local -Crisis Support | Who for | Contact Number, Website or Email |
| Woodview Medical Centre - Social Prescribing Link Worker | Patients at WMC who require help or support during the Covid-19 Crisis can book a telephone appointment with our Social Prescribing Link Worker | 01604 670 780 |
| Northampton County Council | Shielding or vulnerable patients requiring a NCC employee to pick up and deliver of prescriptions from their pharmacy and befriending support. | Community Resilience Service support line on 0300 126 1000 (option 5) |
| Age UK Northamptonshire | Shielding or vulnerable patients requiring Age UK staff/volunteer to pick up and deliver prescriptions, do small emergency shop, or donate or receive emergency food from their food bank and befriending support | 01604 604 500 |
| Moulton Parish Council | Shielding or vulnerable patients requiring Local volunteers to pick up and deliver prescriptions, do small shop, or donate or receive emergency food from their food bank, run errands, walk dog and telephone befriending | Call Mary-Jane Brown 07484 907 438 moultoncommunityconnector@gmail.com |
| Supporting Independence Programme | The Supporting Independence Programme provides up to 12 weeks of one to one support for those of us who may have slowed a little, are feeling less confident getting around or who need someone to help on a regular basis. | 0300 126 1000 https://www.northamptonshire.gov.uk/ councilservices/health/pages/supporting-independence.aspx |
| Community Law | Provides independent and confidential specialist legal advice, representation, training and consultancy services. | 01604 621038 |
| Citizen Advice | Advice and help given on any subject. | 03444 111 444 www.cencab.org.uk |
| Changing Minds IAPT (Mental Health Support) | For Adults requiring Mental Health Support.
SilverCloud offers secure, immediate access to online supported CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) programmes, tailored to your specific needs. Topics include; managing stress, managing worry, managing depression, resilience, sleep, mindfulness and money worries. | 0300 330 10 11 https://changingminds.silvercloudhealth.com/signup/ |
| CATSS 24 hours Crisis Telephone Support Services | The service helps anyone who feels unsafe, at risk, or unable to cope without support. | 0800 917 0464 www.nhft.nhs.uk/catss |
