Covid Testing update 16/9/2020

Please note that due to increased demand, there are no local testing centres with walk in capacity, you will need to book an appointment

Please book online via  https://self-referral.test-for-coronavirus.service.gov.uk/antigen/name

or call 119

Update on isolation periods

As of the 30th July 2020, people who test positive for Coronavirus or show symptoms in the UK must now self isolate for 10 days rather than 7

Cervical Screening Programme

We are now able to offer Cervical Screening (Smear tests) for patients overdue or due for their test. Please call reception to book

Coronavirus (COVID19)

 We are continuing to keep you updated on the government’s response to COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

The following information is taken from https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

Stay alert

We can all help control the virus if we all stay alert. This means you must:

• stay at home as much as possible
• work from home if you can
• limit contact with other people
• keep your distance if you go out (2 metres apart where possible)
• wash your hands regularly

Do not leave home if you or anyone in your household has symptoms

What are the symptoms of Coronavirus?

• A high temperature
• A new, continuous cough
• A loss of, or change to, your sense of smell or taste

What should I do if I have symptoms?

Follow the new NHS test and trace advice (see below)

NHS test and trace service

Part 1: for someone with symptoms of coronavirus

1. Isolate: as soon as you experience coronavirus symptoms you must self-isolate for at least 10 days. Anyone else in your household must self-isolate for 14 days from when you started having symptoms

2. Test: order a test immediately at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus or call 119 if you have no internet access

3. Results: if your test is positive, you must complete the remainder of your 10-day self-isolation. Anyone in your household must also complete self-isolation for 14 days from when you started having symptoms. If your test is negative, you and other household members no longer need to self-isolate

4. Share contacts: if you test positive for coronavirus, the NHS test and trace service will send you a text or email alert or call you with instructions of how to share details of people with whom you have had close, recent contact and places you have visited. It is important that you respond as soon as possible so that we can give appropriate advice to those who need it. You will be told to do this online via a secure website or you will be called by one of our contract tracers

Part 2: if you are contacted by the NHS test and trace service because you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for coronavirus

1. Alert: you will be alerted by the NHS test and trace service if you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for coronavirus. The alert will usually come by text, email or phone call. You should then log on to the NHS test and trace website, which is normally the easiest way for you and the service to communicate with each other – but, if not, a trained call handler will talk you through what you must do. Under-18s will get a phone call and a parent or guardian will be asked to give permission for the call to continue

2. Isolate: you will be told to begin self-isolation for 14 days from your last contact with the person who has tested positive. It’s really important to do this even if you don’t feel unwell because, if you have been infected, you could become infectious to others at any point up to 14 days. Your household doesn’t need to self-isolate with you, if you do not have symptoms, but they must take extra care to follow the guidance on social distancing and handwashing and avoid contact with you at home

3. Test if needed: if you develop symptoms of coronavirus, other members of your household must self-isolate immediately at home for 14 days and you must book a test at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus or call 119 if you have no internet access. If your test is positive, you must continue to stay at home for at least 7 days and we will get in touch to ask about your contacts since they must self-isolate. If your test is negative, you must still complete your 14-day self-isolation period because the virus may not be detectable yet - this is crucial to avoid unknowingly spreading the virus.

For information on certification for work see further information on our website: sickness certification

Useful links for patient information during Coronavirus

• General NHS advice - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
• Guidance on for people in high risk category - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19
• Pituitary/ adrenal insufficiency (including steroid sick day rules) - https://www.endocrinology.org/news/item/14050/Coronavirus-advice-statement-for-patients-with-adrenal%2fpituitary-insufficiency
• Underlying lung disease (British Lung Foundation) - https://www.blf.org.uk/support-for-you/coronavirus
• People with Asthma - https://www.asthma.org.uk/advice/triggers/coronavirus-covid-19/
• People with Diabetes - https://www.diabetes.org.uk/about_us/news/coronavirus?amp
• Sick day rules T1 diabetes - https://trend-uk.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/A5_T1Illness_TREND_FINAL.pdf
• Sick day rules T2 diabetes - https://trend-uk.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/A5_T2Illness_TREND_FINAL.pdf
• People affected by Stroke - https://www.stroke.org.uk/news/coronavirus-information-people-affected-stroke
• Pregnant women - https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/guidelines-research-services/guidelines/coronavirus-pregnancy/covid-19-virus-infection-and-pregnancy/
• Children/young people T1 diabetes - https://jdrf.org.uk/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-people-living-with-type-1-diabetes/
• People with Heart/circulatory disease - https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/news/coronavirus-and-your-health
• Older people - https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/health-wellbeing/conditions-illnesses/coronavirus/#
• Young people with anxiety - https://youngminds.org.uk/blog/what-to-do-if-you-re-anxious-about-coronavirus/
• Adults with anxiety - https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus-and-your-wellbeing/
• People with Rheumatoid arthritis - https://www.nras.org.uk/coronavirus
• People with any kind of arthritis - https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2020/march/coronavirus-covid-19-what-is-it-and-where-to-go-for-information/
• People with cancer - https://breastcancernow.org/about-us/media/statements/advice-coronavirus-people-cancer
• Children and Young People with Cancer - https://www.cclg.org.uk/Coronavirus-advice
• People with inflammatory bowel disease - https://www.crohnsandcolitis.org.uk/news/updated-wuhan-novel-coronavirus-advice
• People with Parkinson disease - https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/news/understanding-coronavirus-and-parkinsons
• People with Multiple Sclerosis - https://www.mssociety.org.uk/about-ms/treatments-and-therapies/disease-modifying-therapies/covid-19-coronavirus-and-ms
• People with Motor Neurone Disease - https://www.mndassociation.org/mnd-and-coronavirus/
• People with liver disease and liver transplant - https://britishlivertrust.org.uk/coronavirus-covid-19-health-advice-for-people-with-liver-disease-and-liver-transplant-patients/
• People with kidney disease including dialysis - https://www.kidneycareuk.org/news-and-campaigns/coronavirus-advice/
• People with epilepsy - https://www.epilepsysociety.org.uk/news/epilepsy-and-coronavirus-09-03-2020#.XnD_g8CnyEc
• People living with HIV - https://www.tht.org.uk/news/coronavirus-covid-19
• People with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ME - https://www.meassociation.org.uk/2020/03/coronavirus-covid-19-latest-government-advice-and-what-it-means-for-people-with-me-cfs-17-march-2020/
• People with autism - https://www.autism.org.uk/services/helplines/coronavirus.aspx

Information for carers - https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/health/looking-after-your-health/coronavirus-covid-19

Are you experiencing Domestic Violence?

Please call and make an appointment with one of our Doctors to discuss any concerns

other sources of help:

Refuge 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 2000 247

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-and-domestic-abuse/coronavirus-covid-19-support-for-victims-of-domestic-abuse

If you are in immediate danger call 999 and press 55 if you are not able to talk

Support for patients recovering from Covid-19

Homerton Hospital have produced a very useful leaflet for patients recovering from Covid-19. Click on the link below

Covid Recovery Pack

Support for patients shielding

We have attempted to contact all our patients who are shielding to offer support and offer referral to a Social Prescriber

If we have not reached you, or you are now struggling and need help with prescriptions/shopping etc, please contact the Practice so we can help you

For up to date guidance on shielding - please click on the following link gov.uk Shielding information

Link to Coronavirus information leaflets in 60 different languages

http://www.doctorsoftheworld.org.uk/coronavirus-information

We are looking to recruit more people to our Patient Participation Group (PPG)

Can you help?

We are always looking for new members of our Patient Participation Group

It is a chance to be a voice for others with the aim of improving the patient experience at Stamford Hill Group Practice

Would you be willing to join?

The group meets quarterly to exchange and discuss views about the services provided in the practice

We are hoping to move to virtual meetings to make it easier to be a part of the group

If you are interested in joining the group, please ask one of our reception team for more information

or send an email to cahccg.stamfordhillgrouppractice@nhs.net

Mental Health during Coronavirus Pandemic

Information taken from https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters

The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak means life has changed for us all. It may cause you to feel anxious, stressed, worried, sad, bored, lonely or frustrated.

It's important to remember it is OK to feel this way and that everyone reacts differently – for most of us, these difficult feelings will pass.

There are some simple things you can do to help you take care of your mental health and wellbeing during times of uncertainty. Doing so will help you think clearly, and make sure you are able to look after yourself and those you care about.

Here are 10 ways you can help improve your mental health and wellbeing if you are worried or anxious about the coronavirus outbreak covid anxiety tips