During the COVID-19 pandemic, primary care services are working in a different way to prevent the spread of the disease and protect patients and staff, while still providing essential services. Where patients are advised that a face-to-face appointment is necessary, services have taken measures to minimise risk to patients and staff.
This script provides a single, consistent source of information to clearly set out to the public how primary care services are operating.
If you or someone you live with HAS coronavirus symptoms (new continuous cough OR fever OR loss of/ change in smell or taste)
- Stay at home.
- If your symptoms worsen or you feel that you cannot manage at home, please refer to the NHS111 online coronavirus service. If you can’t get help online, call 111.
- Please do not go to your GP practice, community pharmacy, dental practice or optician.
If you, or people you live, with DON’T HAVE coronavirus symptoms and you think you need primary care help and advice, don’t delay:
General practice
- GP practices are there to help you get the care and advice you need.
- To protect you from coronavirus, your GP practice will try to help you remotely as much as possible:
- Contact the practice, either online, by an app or by phone to be assessed. Find out more here: www.nhs.uk/health-at-home
- You will be assessed and as far as possible you will receive advice or care via a video consultation, or over the phone.
- If a face-to-face appointment is necessary, you will be advised on what to do. GP practices have measures in place to minimise any risk from coronavirus.
Please do not enter the practice unless you’ve been advised to. This will ensure they can continue to provide essential care safely.