‘WORKING WITH COURAGE FOR THE NHS’

Dear Patients

 Please be mindful that we are short staffed due to self isolation of some of our staff members.

We will continue to provide the best care and service under these difficult circumstances.

You can also book your appointments/view test results through Patient Online access.

Please sign up by following the link below

Watford Health Centre

We appreciate your patience during this time.

Thank you for your understanding.

IMPORTANT MESSAGE – PLEASE READ 

Covid 19 continues to be on the rise and as we approach the winter period we are also seeing an increase in coughs and cold in both children & adults.

Please look at this useful website for parents, created by GP’s and Paediatricians with guidance (also in other languages) in managing many childhood illnesses including coughs and colds https://what0-18.nhs.uk/

The practice continues to offer patients telephone appointments during the Covid 19 Pandemic

Please rest assured that if your issue cannot be dealt with safely on the telephone, via video call or using the technology in place, the clinician will arrange a face to face appointment at an appropriate time and location.

We continue to see many patients face to face if needed and have done throughout the pandemic but this is a decision that needs to be made by the clinician.

Face masks still need to be worn when attending the surgery

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS/COVID 19 MYTHS 

I’ve done a lateral flow test at home Doctor, it isn’t Covid

This is not an accurate test if you have symptoms. A PCR test is the only conclusive way of knowing and should be requested at the first sign of symptoms. Get a free PCR test to check if you have coronavirus (COVID-19) – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

But I’ve just got a cold Doctor, it’s not Covid

As winter approaches we are seeing an increase in coughs and colds in both children and adults. Neither you or your doctor can tell if you simply have a cough or a cold or if you have contracted the Covid 19 Virus. Please do a PCR test.

But I’ve been vaccinated Doctor, it’s not Covid

The Covid Vaccination is really important and has been shown to reduce the severity of your illness, minimise complications and prevent hospital admission. However you can still get Covid even if you have been vaccinated. Please do a PCR test.

But I’ve already had Covid Doctor, it cant be Covid

You can still get Covid again even if you have had it before. Your symptoms may not be the same. Please do a PCR test.

But Ive only got a bit of a sore throat, runny nose or a bit of diarrhoea – it isn’t Covid Doctor? 

You may be right. However Covid 19 can present with any of the following symptoms, even if mild

Cough, temperature (feeling hot/shiver/rigors), loss of taste/smell

Abdominal pain/diarrhoea/vomiting/runny or blocked nose/sore throat or generally feeling non specifically unwell

So if you have any of the above symptoms, please book a Covid PCR test ahead of your call.

Get a free PCR test to check if you have coronavirus (COVID-19) – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Your result is usually back within 24-48 hours.

Please note the GP will have access to your PCR result (usually within a few hours of you receiving it). This is usually texted or emailed to you. It will state you are either negative or positive.

If I have potential Covid Symptoms or a positive test does this mean my GP won’t see me? 

Not at all. Your GP will still consult with you by telephone or video call if you are feeling unwell and require a consultation.

The result or pending result will help doctors decide where to see you, if needed. Patients with a positive Covid 19 result or those with potential Covid 19 Symptoms are usually seen at a Covid Hot Hub Clinic, by a GP, within a nearby location, within Watford.

If we need to see you at the surgery, this must be done under strict clinician instructions so that others are kept safe from contracted the virus.

Please Help us Help You 

VACCINATION UPDATE

FLU VACCINATIONS

Dear Patients we are awaiting further stock for flu vaccinations, in the meantime please contact us and we will book your appointment.

COVID VACCINATIONS – BOOSTERS

All patients eligible for a COVID Booster will be contacted by us in due time.

VACCINE FOR 16-17 YEAR OLD PATIENTS

We are offering Pfizer vaccine to all 16-17 year old patients who have not had their Covid-19 vaccination yet. Please contact us on 07402404258 to book your appointment.

FACE COVERINGS UPDATE FROM 19TH JULY 2021 FOR NHS PATIENTS

NHS Patients, staff and visitors must continue to wear face coverings in healthcare settings

Covid restrictions will end in many settings in England from Monday 19th July 2021.

However, Public Health England’s infection prevention control guidelines and hospital visiting guidance are set to remain in place for all staff and visitors.

That means NHS visitor guidance will stay in place across all health services including hospitals, GP practices, dental practices, optometrists and pharmacies to ensure patients and staff are protected.

Staff, patients and visitors will also be expected to continue to follow social distancing rules when visiting any care setting as well as using face coverings, mask and other personal protection equipment.

The NHS will continue to support staff in ensuring that the guidance is followed in all healthcare settings.

We need to continue to do what we can to keep people safe from catching Covid-19. One way we can all help with this is by continuing to wear a face-covering in our practice and we are asking all patients to do that, as well as our staff. Keeping our staff safe is essential to keep operating efficiently.

We are also continuing to make sure we don’t have large numbers of patients in our waiting areas and on the premises – again this is about reducing the chance of infection when there are rising rates in the community.

The various measures we have taken, including increased use of personal protective equipment, patients wearing face masks, holding more virtual consultations, social distancing and extra premises cleans have helped protect staff, patients and visitors over the past year. Taking these steps has also enabled us to continue providing many of the non-urgent services that would otherwise have been postponed.

We want to make sure you can all be confident about accessing or visiting local healthcare services safely.

Thank you for your understanding and your cooperation with this – it makes a huge difference.

Concerned about your information being shared? 

What you need to know.

Patient data from GP medical records kept by GP practices in England is used respectfully, securely and safely every day to improve health, care and services through planning and research, helping to find better treatments and improve patient care.  Data collected by the NHS is only used for health and care purposes. It is never shared with marketing or insurance companies.

The NHS is planning to introduce an improved way for GP practices to share information about patients- called the General Practice Data for Planning and Research data collection.  News of these plans has caused some concern to some of our patients, who have decided that they don’t want their data to be involved.

We have now been informed that no data will be shared in this new way until 1 September this year.  This delay is to enable the national organisation NHS digital to clearly explain their plans to the public and health professionals, as well as to thoroughly investigate any concerns that have been raised.

If you have already been in touch with the practice to ask to be ‘opted out’ of your identifiable information being shared outside of our practice for any purpose, your request will be honoured.  This will not affect your own care. However, nobody’s data will be shared in this new way before 1 September.  If you would like to find out more about why the NHS collects and uses data, please go to this website.

We are here for you when you need us – how to access services

If you need the help of a GP, practice nurse or other health professional that works in our surgery, we are here for you.

GP practices are busier than they have ever been and we want you to know how to get the help you need from us.

As you will know, we have been open throughout the pandemic, offering you telephone and online appointments, with face to face consultations available for those who need them. We have continued to help many thousands of patients each week, alongside planning and delivering the COVID-19 vaccination programme.

There are some things that patients can do to help make sure we can see everyone who needs us, as quickly as possible. Please continue to contact us by phone or online as this helps us to manage people entering our practice building; it is much better if you don’t come to the practice unless you have an appointment. We need to keep social distancing in our practice building to keep everyone safe, we also ask that you always wear a mask while in the surgery. Please remember that appointments are a set amount of time so it is only safe to discuss one or two health issues. If you have more to discuss please mention this when you speak to reception staff.

Our busiest times of the day on the phones are between 8am and 10am so if you can, we would suggest that you call outside of this time.

During the pandemic the use of our online system “ Online Consult” increased. It is a great way to get clinical advice for your condition, however, it is worth remembering that each consultation takes a significant of time to review and there are lots of other ways to get advice. Also you will not get an instant response to these so if it is urgent please call the practice or contact 111.

On our website we have links to key NHS information and advice. Please also go to www.nhs.uk which is a as a source of trusted health advice about your or your child’s condition. Your local pharmacist is also there for you as an expert in medicines. They can offer advice for certain ailments. They will also know when you need to contact a GP or another more urgent service. Many pharmacies are open in the evening and at weekends, you can find them on the CCG website: https://www.enhertsccg.nhs.uk/pharmacies

Remember if the situation is urgent you can contact NHS 111 by visiting www.111.nhs.uk or by calling 111. They can also support with a mental health crisis if you select option 2.

You don’t need to see a GP to refer yourself for some mental health services. Find out more at https://www.hpft.nhs.uk/services/community-services/wellbeing-service/ If you are worried about your mental health and any harm you may cause yourself please contact your practice.

Remember to always dial 999 straight away when it is a real emergency, for example if you think someone is having a heart attack or a stroke.

Please continue to use general practice when you need to, we are open and there for you.

Thank you for your support.

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Did you know overprescribing of some Antibiotics can lead to Clostridium Difficile Infection: Please click here for more information Clostridium difficile – NHS (www.nhs.uk)

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DEDICATED COVID VACCINATION CLINICS

WE HAVE GIVEN

OVER 18000

FIRST & SECOND DOSE COVID VACCINATIONS

I am over 65 or between 16 and 65 with a medical condition that puts me at risk of Covid 19 and have not yet had my Covid19 Vaccine. How can I get my vaccine? 

Please contact us on 07402404258 so we can book your appointment.

Where can I park?

Parking  will be available on Rosslyn Road and if you have a disabled badge you can park temporarily on the double yellow line on Upton Road. Please ensure you wear a MASK.

What is the current advice on the risk of blood clots and the AstraZenica Vaccine?

For any queries regarding the vaccine do contact us on 7402404258. We will be happy to discuss any concerns.

More information can be found on our Covid & Flu Support page.

Please click here for Dementia UK -Useful Tips on the Covid-19 Vaccine for people with Dementia

Get the latest NHS information and advice about coronavirus (COVID-19) 

Advice in your region  England | Scotland | Wales | Northern Ireland | Ireland

Get a test to check if you have coronavirus

Download the NHS COVID-19 app

Check if you or your child has coronavirus symptoms

Find out about the main symptoms of coronavirus and what to do if you have them.

Testing and tracing

Get a test to check if you have coronavirus, understand your test result and find out what to do if you’re contacted by NHS Test and Trace.

Self-isolation and treatment if you have coronavirus symptoms

Advice about staying at home (self-isolation) and treatment for you and anyone you live with.

People at high risk

Advice for people at higher risk from coronavirus, including older people, people with health conditions and pregnant women.

Social distancing and changes to everyday life

Advice about avoiding close contact with other people (social distancing), looking after your wellbeing and using the NHS and other services.

COVID-19 support recovery service

‘Your COVID Recovery’ helps you to understand what has happened and what you might expect as part of your recovery.

GOV.UK: coronavirus – guidance and support

Government information and advice.

GOV.UK: local restrictions – areas with an outbreak of coronavirus

Local outbreak advice.