We are here for you at Chiddenbrook Surgery. We urge that you contact us by telephone or e-Consult if you have any worrying symptoms, not related to Coronavirus, so you can access our services. Our clinicians are here to talk to you and advise the very best course of action for you. We use video consultations where needed.
If you have symptoms that are new, persistent, concerning or progressive, contact your GP online via their website or on the telephone for an initial assessment.
The best chance of successful treatment for cancer is through early detection. GPs are able to assess over the phone and by video and if necessary, they can plan for you to safely be seen face-to-face.
We are treating people with cough or fever in separate locations from those with other symptoms to ensure it is safe for you to attend the practice, if we think it is necessary.
Clinicians are using protective equipment when they do see people face-to-face to minimise the risk of transmission. We ask that you also wear a mask/face covering if you need to attend the surgery.
Hospitals are continuing to offer tests for cancer, and treatment for cancer. Social distancing measures are in place to keep patients and staff safe when they do come in for their tests. The type of assessment may change and it may take slightly longer than normal, but this is still better than delaying until after the pandemic.
Hospitals are taking care to make their cancer assessment services safe for patients to attend, where this is necessary. Some have moved cancer services off-site, some are using video consultations.
Some hospital procedures, operations and clinics are continuing to take place locally. You should not attend any appointment if you are self-isolating due to COVID-19 or have been informed by the hospital not to attend.
If you are experiencing symptoms of high temperature and/or a cough, you will need to contact NHS111 in the first instance.
We appreciate that everyone is trying to do the right thing by staying at home at this time, however, we are concerned that those caring for children, especially children with complex or underlying health conditions, may be too worried about going to hospital at this time to seek urgent medical help in the way that they normally would.
Nationally, the number of children with a delayed presentation to hospital is increasingly leading to further health complications and increased risk of serious illness, which could be avoided if medical help was sought sooner.
If you or someone you know has a life-threatening injury or illness, such as severe chest pain, bleeding, loss of consciousness or signs of a stroke, call 999 or go to your nearest accident and emergency department.