As you are aware COVID 19 is ever changing, as a Practice we have had to act quickly to reflect changes to government and NHS guidance. 

We wish to assure you that we are open and are seeing patients, so we can do this safely we have had to change the way we operate.  Help us, help you stay safe.  Thanks for your understanding at this time.

We ask that you only come into the surgery if absolutely necessary; this is to help us keep patients and staff safe.  We are observing 2 metre distancing which means this limits the number of people we can have in the surgery.

Our reception team will be booking telephone appointments with our clinicians, you may ask for a video consultation if you prefer.  If following the consultation the clinician feels you need to be seen they will book you in for a face to face appointment.

We ask that all patients coming into the practice wear a face mask in line with government advice. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/staying-safe-outside-your-home/staying-safe-outside-your-home .  As per government guidance, exemptions apply to very young children, disabled patients and those with breathing difficulties.

Face coverings are different to face masks in that they can be homemade, made of cloth, and be reusable.

To reduce risk we would appreciate you requesting  your prescription either email darwinmedical.practice@nhs.net or  use the NHS app or Patient access. You can of course ask your pharmacy to order on your behalf.  We appreciate this may not always be possible and will now be accepting paper prescriptions requests.   If you do need to bring your paper copy into the surgery, please pop it into the box near reception rather than handing it over the counter.

If you do not have Patient Access or the NHS app take this opportunity to sign up for these online services. 

https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/nhs-services/the-nhs-app/

https://www.patientaccess.com/

We’ve have launched a new system you can use to check your symptoms and submit forms to us. It’s really simple to use, you can follow the link https://www.online-consult.co.uk/org/darwin-medical-practice.  The forms are clear and easy to understand.

You should contact us if you notice a change that isn’t normal for you or if you have a symptom that you are worried about.  If you need to get in touch, we are ready to help you safely.

You will be able to talk through your concerns on the phone or via a video consultation.  If you need to be seen it will be in a non-COVID area, the clinician will advise you on the protocol when attending.   If needed, we can arrange tests in the safest way possible.   If you need to see a clinician, they will follow strict guidance on infection control to protect themselves and other patients. This will include wearing personal protective equipment and restricting the number of people allowed on the premises at any one time, we ask that you cover your mouth and nose either with a scarf or mask. 

Parents of children who are not well please note

COVID19 is unlikely to cause a serious illness in children, but please remember children can still become seriously unwell from other causes that are always around.

Please do not let concerns over COVID19 stop you from contacting medical services.

If you are not sure if your child needs to be seen please go to https://www.what0-18.nhs.uk/national for advice or contact 111 or your GP. 

If your child is severely unwell call 999 or go to A&E.

Test and Trace 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTeX5Y8HhRk&feature=youtu.behttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTeX5Y8HhRk&feature=youtu.be