Coronavirus (COVID-19) and requests for fit notes (Med3)
Sick note requests in relation to being off work. By law, medical evidence is not required for the first 7 days of sickness. For any period of illness less than 7 days you can self-certify.
In light of the emerging COVID-19 crisis it is likely a vast amount of people will be self-isolating in accordance with advice provided by the Government and Public Health. In these cases, your GP will not be able to issue you a sick note. We expect your employer to be sympathetic towards the circumstances.
If you remain unwell and unfit to work over seven days, the advice is to visit www.111.nhs.uk and complete an online self-assessment.
General Practice is under a lot of pressure and needs to prioritise the healthcare needs of patients who are acutely unwell. We hope that you understand the current situation and apologise for any inconvenience.
Isolating at Home
www.england.nhs.uk/coronavirus/publication/suspected-coronavirus-covid-19-important-information-to-keep-you-safe-while-isolating-at-home
Appointments
During the November lockdown period, should you require medical attention, please contact us – routine and emergency appointments will be available.
We would like to reassure you that routine nurse appointments will continue to take place during November, including blood tests, immunisations, smear tests and blood pressure checks. Please ring for an appointment or book online.
November lockdown: We are currently operating a telephone triage system; you may have a telephone appointment with a Clinician and, if required, face-to-face appointments will be offered.
November lockdown: If you require medical assistance, please use our online consultation system. Your Clinician will review your request and should you need a face-to-face appointment, you will be offered one at the surgery.
Shielding
Shielding will not resume during the current lockdown period. If you were previously advised to shield, or you are clinically extremely vulnerable, you must minimise your contact with others and follow government guidelines: www.gov.uk/guidance/new-nat...otecting-people-more-at-risk-from-coronavirus
Flu clinics
Please note that flu clinics WILL go ahead as planned during the November lockdown. You do not need to ring the surgery to check if this is going ahead.
Flu clinics will continue to run as planned. If you have an appointment, please ensure you wear a mask and adhere to social distancing. Please do not attend if you have any symptoms of, or have been in contact with anyone with, coronavirus.
Prescriptions
During the lockdown period, we will process prescription requests as normal. You do not need to order extra medication in advance. Please order online, giving (48-72 amend as required) hours’ notice.
National restrictions from 5th November 2020
Advice for Parents during Covid -19
Reconnections is a local service that supports over-65s who are feeling socially disconnected to have new experiences and make new friends.
With the help of our friendly local volunteers, we provide companionship, encouragement and ideas to help you make new friends. You can rediscover hobbies and interests or try new activities
Coronavirus
If you are experiencing flu like symptoms or have had close contact with someone who has. DO NOT come to the practice.
Instead please call the practice for advice.
www.havering.gov.uk/covid19
Face Covering information and Exemption
www.gov.uk/government/publications/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own
www.keepsafe.org.uk/card
Support when most needed
Havering Council has teamed up with local mental health charity Havering Mind to launch a new free telephone support line to provide trauma and bereavement counselling to those affected by the Coronavirus crisis.
The new service will support any resident or Havering Carer that has been affected by a COVID-19 bereavement and wishes to talk to someone.
Counselling is available to any Havering resident or Havering Carer over 18 years of age, who has been affected by a bereavement or trauma relating to COVID-19.
To access this free service which is available seven days a week from 9am to 7pm, Monday to Friday and 10am to 1pm at weekends, email help@haveringmind.org.uk or telephone 01708 457040.
Help in an emergency
Havering Council is running a free-to-call helpline for residents with urgent emergency food or medicine needs because of coronavirus.
The helpline - 0800 368 5201 - is for you are already vulnerable and have no means of getting more food or medicine.
You can call between 8.30am and 6pm on weekdays and 11am and 4pm at the weekend.
Alternatively, email: covid19support@havering.gov.uk
Vulnerable Patients
www.mencap.org.uk/advice-and-support/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-resources-support-workers
Reconnections is a local service that supports over-65s who are feeling socially disconnected to have new experiences and make new friends.
With the help of friendly local volunteers, they provide companionship, encouragement and ideas to help you make new friends. You can rediscover hobbies and interests or try new activities – all in the heart of your local community. 020 7050 6565, BDH@ReconnectionsLocal.org, www.ReconnectionsLocal.org
Crisis Helplines
National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247 www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk
NSPCC helpline: 0808 800 5000 If you're worried about a child, even if you're unsure, contact NSPCC professional counsellors for help, advice and support.
Childline 0800 1111: Offers free, confidential advice and support for any child 18 years or under, whatever the worry.
MIND: Mental Health Support with specific advice on ‘Coronavirus and your wellbeing’. www.mind.org.uk
YoungMinds: Supporting children and young people and their parents/carers with their mental health and wellbeing. Specific advice on managing self-isolation and anxiety about coronavirus. youngminds.org.uk
ICON: Babies cry: You can cope. iconcope.org
SafeLives: Specific resources for domestic abuse and COVID. safelives.org.uk/news-views/domestic-abuse-and-covid-19
IRISi interventions: irisi.org/iris/find-your-local-iris-site/