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 of you who have not always been able to book a face-to-face GP appointment.
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.
- Please follow the latest Covid NHS guidance. Please wear a face mask or covering when entering the building.
- Appointments can be made through the new online eConsult system or by telephoning the surgery.
The receptionist will arrange an appointment 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
Portland Medical Practice continue to provide booster vaccinations to patients. You will be contacted when you are due.
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/
Supporting your recovery after COVID-19
As you find yourself recovering from COVID-19 you may still be coming to terms with the impact the virus has had on both your body and mind.
These changes should get better over time, some may take longer than others, but there are things you can do to help.
Your COVID Recovery helps you to understand what has happened and what you might expect as part of your recovery.
For more information please go to the following website - https://www.yourcovidrecovery.nhs.uk/
Test and Trace Support Payments
To find out how to click here or call 01922 654111
Test and Trace Support Payments in Walsall
What are Test and Trace Support Payments?
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 your application online and upload the required evidence, please visit https://go.walsall.gov.uk/residents_COVID_support to apply, if you are unable to use the online application process, you can contact us on 01922 654111. A discretionary scheme will also be available for customers who meet all the criteria but do not receive a qualifying benefit but are receiving a low income and will struggle financially during self-isolation, you can make an application through the portal as above or contact us by telephone shoud you need help or support
For more detail on how the local authority uses and shares your information as part of the COVID-19 response. please visit the Privacy notice at https://go.walsall.gov.uk/privacy_statement/service_area_privacy_notices
If you require this information in an alternative format please contact us on 01922 654111.
Walsall Council
Please click the link below for Oak Park's site map which is the designated site for the Covid-19 Vaccination.
Oak Park Site Map (PDF, 222KB)
Please click the link below for a Covid-19 guide for older adults.
Covid-19 A guide for older adults (EXTERNAL LINK)
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 COVID-19 vaccine.
Do not click on links in texts - always check it first
NEVER give out your personal details.
With the recent approval of multiple vaccines in the UK, these types of scam attempts are likely to continue as fraudsters look to take advantage of the rollout to so many people.
Cold calls regarding the vaccine are also beginning to take place - we've already had reports of scammers asking people to pay for it over the phone. If you receive one of these calls, hang up.
Protect others by reporting incidents like this. If you, or anyone you know, have been
affected by this fraud or any other scam, report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123
2040 or visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk
What should you do after the vaccine?