Accessing GP Surgery During The COVID-19 Pandemic
COVID-19 has changed how patients access their GP. The pandemic has supercharged the use of remote consultations in primary care. These will never replace face-to-face appointments which should be available to patients where appropriate. However, remote consultations can be a convenient way for people to access medical advice and treatment.
The choice of appointment mode should also take account of patient preferences and the access they have to the internet and telephone. Patients should also have the option of coming to the practice in person while adhering to social distancing and IPC guidance.
- If you prefer a certain appointment type, then please talk to your practice. You will be asked to first discuss your conditions over the phone or online with a member of the healthcare team to assess what would be most appropriate for you and which practice member would best provide it.
- There are three ways you can choose to get in touch with your practice to get help: using a secure online form on the practice’s website, by calling them or by visiting.
- Regardless of how you contact your practice, your practice will help you get the care you need, whether it’s a face-to-face appointment, a phone or video call, or by sending a text or online message.
- You can attend the practice in person but please ensure you follow social distancing measures and do not attend if you have symptoms of COVID-19, are self-isolating due to a positive COVID-19 test or have been in close contact with someone with COVID-19
- Your practice may be participating in the vaccination programme, helping you and your community get vaccinated as quickly as possible, especially in response to the Omicron variant. They are balancing this with continuing to be open and managing your other clinical needs. Please do be reassured that if you need medical attention, your practice is here for you and will determine how to best support you, based on your symptoms.
- Please ensure you wear a face covering when attending the practice.
- Consider visiting the local pharmacy for clinical advice on minor health concerns.
It is important to register with your local practice. Anyone in England can register with a GP, without needing to show proof of address, ID or immigration status. Find out more about how to register with a GP.
How to seek healthcare advice from your GP
- Visit your GP surgery website and complete a secure online form to request advice or treatment. You will receive a response as soon as possible, usually within two working days. Online forms should not be used for very urgent medical problems.
- Call your surgery to arrange an appointment. You will usually be assessed on the telephone first, with face-to-face care arranged if clinically needed. If you have a preference about how to access care you can discuss it with your practice.
- You can visit your practice in person but please follow social distancing guidelines. You should not visit your practice in person if you are isolating due to COVID-19 or if you have any symptoms of COVID-19. You may be asked some questions about your condition to decide which member of the general practice team it would be most appropriate for you to see.
- For urgent issues or out of hours, you can also go online to seek NHS advice 111.nhs.uk or call the NHS on 111
- Download the NHS App to order repeat prescriptions and get health advice.
