Support your surgery so it can be there to support you
GPs, their teams and patients have faced an extremely challenging time during the COVID-19 pandemic
Face-to-face contact has had to be limited across all NHS services to protect you and keep you safe from the risk of infection. We know that it’s been frustrating for some ofyou who have not always been able to book a face-to-face GPappointment.
Despite lockdown measures lifting, we must be honest and tell you that the pandemic hasnot ended, the threat of COVID – 19 remains and general practice will continue to struggle to meet the growing needs of patients. This isn’t the way we want it to be.
But there are millions of patients whose treatment has been delayed now seeking help, more tests to administer and more bureaucracy, as well as millions more vaccine appointments to deliver in the coming months.
We can’t meet this challenge, without more support. General practice desperately needs help, which is why we’re calling on the Government to provide the funding needed to provide better services, more GPs, and staff to see you promptly, and sufficient safe space in waiting areas and for staff to see you. Your GP surgery needs your support, so it can be there to support you.
Please take a minute to sign our petition and show your support for your local practice by visiting www.bma.org.uk/supportyoursurgery
#SupportYourSurgery
Portland Medical Practice will continue to provide advice/treatment for any medical concerns. However, there have been changes to protect staff and patients during the Covid-19 Pandemic.
- Only enter the building if you have a pre-booked appointment or you have been asked to attend by a clinician.
- Place prescription requests through the letterbox at the front of the building.
- Please follow the latest Covid NHS guidance. Please wear a face mask or covering when entering the building.
Please note we will not be booking face to face GP or Nurse appointments unless advised by a clinician.
All our appointments are now made through the new online eConsult system.
The receptionist will arrange a telephone or video consultation for you if necessary in accordance with national guidance.
Please remember we are still here to provide advice/treatment for any medical concerns. If you need to be seen face to face we can arrange this in a way that keeps you safe. Please do not ignore worrying symptoms.
Covid-19 Vaccination News
As we begin to roll out COVID-19 vaccines, we'd like to remind people of 4 things:
- We'll contact you when it’s your turn, so please be patient.
- Please act on your invite when it comes.
- Please do not ring the practice unless we have invited you to book.
- Remember Hands, Face, Space. It will save lives and help the NHS
Find out more on the NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/coronavirus-vaccine/
To find out the order in which people will be vaccinated please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-vaccination-care-home-and-healthcare-settings-posters/covid-19-vaccination-first-phase-priority-groups
Symptoms of Covid
The most important symptoms of Coronavirus (COVID-19) are recent onset of any of the following:
- a new continuous cough
- a high temperature
- a loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia)
Tests for Covid
If you think you have Covid, get tested.
Recovering from Covid
If you need help with recovering from Covid please use the excellent website developed by Lancashire NHS, to get back control from your symptoms. For more information follow the links below.
covidpatientsupport.lthtr.nhs.uk
movingmedicine.ac.uk/covidrecovery
www.yourcovidrecovery.nhs.uk
Cancer
Support can be found on the Cancer Research website.
Hands Face Space
We must keep on protecting each other
STAY ALERT • CONTROL THE VIRUS • SAVE LIVES
Test and Trace Support Payments In Walsall
Individuals who are informed by NHS test and trace on or after 28 September 2020 to self-isolate due to receiving a positive COVID-19 test - or have been identified by NHS test and trace as a ‘close contact’ of someone with a positive COVID-19 test may qualify for a support payment of £500 if they will lose money due to self-isolation.
What are the qualifying criteria?
To be eligible for the Test and Trace Support Payment, an individual must:
- have been asked to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace either because they’ve tested positive for coronavirus or have recently been in close contact with someone who has tested positive
- be employed or self-employed
- be unable to work from home and will lose income as a result
- be currently receiving universal credit, working tax credit, income-based employment and support allowance, income-based jobseeker’s allowance, income support, housing benefit and/or pension credit.
How to claim
You can make you application online.
To apply online or for further information please click here or call 01922 654111
Oak Park Site Map - Vaccination Site
Please click the link below for Oak Park's site map which is the designated site for the Covid-19 Vaccination.
Oak Park Park Site Map
Oak Park Leisure Centre Vaccination Site
As we begin to roll out COVID-19 vaccines, we'd like to remind people of 5 things:
- We'll contact you when it’s your turn, so please be patient.
- Please act on your invite when it comes.
- Please do not ring the practice unless we have invited you to book.
- Remember Hands, Face, Space. It will save lives and help the NHS
- we will be booking over 80's only at the moment.
Scam Text About Covid-19 Vaccine
A dangerous fake NHS text has been circulating, telling people they’re eligible to apply for the COVI-19 vaccine. Here’s what it looks like.
Do NOT click on links in unknown texts - always check it first.
This URL takes you through to an extremely convincing fake NHS website that asks for your personal details, but the member became suspicious when it asked for his bank/card details in order to ‘check his identity’.
- The NHS will never ask you for your bank account or card details.
- The NHS will never ask you for your PIN or banking password.
- The NHS will never arrive unannounced at your home to administer the vaccine.
- The NHS will never ask you to prove your identity by sending copies of personal documents such as your passport, driving licence, bills or pay slips.
If you believe you are the victim of a fraud, please report this to Action Fraud as soon as possible by calling 0300 123 2040 or visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk.
What should you do after the vaccine?