Coronavirus COVID-19 Update

What's Happening in the Surgery

How are we minimising the risks to patients? 

In order to ensure that we can continue to deal with as many patients as possible, we are delivering appointments face-to-face, online through AccuRx and over the telephone and you will be advised on which is the best approach for you after a telephone consultation with a clinician. 

Please do not come to the surgery unless you have been asked to attend a face-to-face appointment.

If a GP/nurse has advised you to attend the surgery, we ask that any patients over the age of 5 wear a face covering or mask. This is to reduce the risk of infection and to protect other patients and staff. 

In order to adhere to social distancing rules, please do not attend the surgery more than 5 minutes before your appointment is due. If you are attending via foot, please note that no more than 4 people should be in the Purley Waiting Room (2 people in the Coulsdon Waiting Room) at any one time.

Patients are encouraged to use the hand sanitising units that are located throughout the building during their visit.

Our doctors and nurses will be wearing PPE (face masks, gloves, aprons) during your appointment. This is to protect your health. If you have any hearing difficulties which may be worsened by the wearing of a face mask, please advise the clinician.

Cancellation of and re-arrangement of routine appointments

Where we have needed to cancel or re-schedule appointments due to the current situation, we appreciate that this will not have been welcome news. We will do our best to provide capacity to re-book these appointments as soon as we are able.

We are booking in all ante-natal, post-natal and baby checks and are also offering appointments with our nurses for all immunisations, wound dressings, ear irrigation and cervical smears. Please contact our Reception or go online to book if you require any of these services.

Do I need a sick note?

Please note that GP practices will not be providing sick notes for self isolation due to Coronavirus. Isolation notes can be applied for here.

Face mask exemptions

 From July 24th 2020, everyone is required to wear a face covering when entering a shop or business. This is in addition to wearing one on Public Transport which has been mandatory for some time now. 

If you feel you are unable to wear a mask for auditory, sensory or breathing reasons, please visit Asthma UK or KeepSafe and download an exemption card for you to show if asked why you are not wearing one.

Please note that GP practices will not be issuing any patients with exemption letters or certificates. Please visit the Government website for further information and advice on face coverings.

What if I need my regular medication? 

Please order repeat medication via our website, Patient Access or NHS App. Please be aware that although we are working through requests as quickly as we can, the levels of demand mean that prescriptions may take longer than the usual 48 hours to process.

The Practice has seen an increase in requests for repeat medicatons which we are actively discouraging. Your GP will not issue supplies beyond your normal requirements. If widespread 'stocking up' of medications occur, the supply chain will not cope and we could find ourselves in a situation like we experienced in supermarkets where there were serious stock shortage issues.

Please note:

• DO NOT come to the GP surgery reception to request your prescription
• DO drop off your prescription requests in the letter box outside either of our surgeries
• DO sign up for Electronic Prescription Service with a pharmacy or attach a self-address envelope to your repeat request
• DO sign up to Patient Access or the NHS app to request your medication online.

Coronavirus Vaccination Queries

The British Society for Immunology have launched a new guide to vaccinations for COVID-19.

 The free, easy to read guide explains how the vaccines work and answers all common questions as well as providing up-to-date information on the current approved COVID-19 vaccinations in the UK.

Croydon Reach Out

Social distancing does not need to mean social disengagement. View our leaflet on how to stay connected!

Coronavirus FAQ

Click here to read more.