Calderdale NHS’s Advice to residents –
We are making changes to the way you access GP services during the coronavirus pandemic to help protect people and slow the spread of the virus.
From Monday 30 March 2020 people cannot enter GP practices in Calderdale unless they have been given permission by a clinician during a telephone or video consultation.
If you need an appointment or advice, call your GP practice by phone in the first instance. You can use the NHS Find your GP service to get their contact details.
The receptionist will take details and process your call as usual. If your needs require a clinical opinion a phone or video call with a GP, nurse or other healthcare professional may be booked for you.
If a face-to-face GP appointment is necessary, you will be told which GP practice it will be held at. This appointment may take place at a different surgery to the one you usually go to, and with a different doctor or nurse than the one you usually see.
If a home visit is needed, one will be arranged. The doctor who visits may not be the one you usually see.
Please be assured that the clinician you see will have access to all of your medical records, and will be able to make informed decisions based on your health needs.
These are temporary measures taken to ensure we can continue to meet your needs in general practice.
It also supports the national efforts to encourage people to stay at home and maintain social distancing measures, and ensure that people receive the best medical care while keeping doctors and nurses safe.
How to access NHS Services during the coronavirus pandemic
For help and information about coronavirus
Those with symptoms should use the 111 Coronavirus online service. People should only call 111 if you’re unable to get help online.
Those advised to self-isolate can get a note to send to their employer online at https://111.nhs.uk/isolation-note/
Using GP practices
If you need to contact a GP, do not go into the surgery in person.
If you need an appointment with a clinician, or advice, call your GP practice by phone in the first instance. You can use the NHS Find your GP service to get their contact details.
Your GP surgery will then give you advice about what to do.
A phone or video call with a GP, nurse or other healthcare professional may be booked for you.
You’ll only be asked to visit a surgery if absolutely necessary.
Your GP surgery may be very busy at the moment. So you may have to wait longer than usual to speak to someone if it’s not urgent.
General health advice
The best place to get accurate health information is the NHS website.
The NHS website has information and advice on:
Repeat prescriptions
If you have a repeat prescription that you normally request at your GP surgery or pharmacy, you can do normally this online, using an app or by calling your surgery or pharmacy.
Please be patient when calling as they may be very busy at the moment. You may have to wait longer than usual to speak to someone.
Urgent medical help
If you need urgent medical help, use the NHS 111 online service.
The 111 online service asks questions about your symptoms to help you get the help you need.
Only call 111 if you’re unable to get help online.
During the coronavirus outbreak, the 111 phone line will be very busy so it will be quicker and easier to get help online.
Emergency medical help
For life-threatening emergencies, call 999 for an ambulance.
Try to avoid going to A&E, as there’s a risk you could catch coronavirus or spread it to people who are seriously ill.
