Coronavirus

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.

Despite lockdown measures lifting, we must be honest and tell you that the pandemic has not 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 of 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.

Open. To protect you from coronavirus, your GP practice will try to help you remotely and then see you face to face if needed

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