Noticeboard

Supplementary Privacy Notice on COVID-19

We are now offering the COVID vaccination to all over 18-year olds. If you or someone you know that is eligible has not been contacted to book their vaccination, please get in touch with the surgery. If you do not wish to have the vaccination please inform the Practice. Don't forget to update your contact details too!

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There will be a drop-in COVID Clinic at the Richardson Hospital on Thu 15 July 2021 between 4pm and 8pm for people 18 years above requiring 1st dose of the vaccination. No appointment required. Please feel free to call in without an appointment.

Please note the surgery will be closed for Staff Training on the following dates;

Wednesday 21st July, 12.30pm - 6pm

Wednesday 18th August, 12.30pm - 6pm

Thursday 23rd September, 12.30pm - 6pm

If you require medical attention please contact NHS 111.

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CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19);

As many of you may know the Covid vaccination programme is now underway. The vaccinations are currently being offered at the Richardson Community Hospital in Barnard Castle via our PCN. Our staff are working through the cohorts of patients and inviting these in turn to arrange appointments;

Those aged over 80 years, living in a care home or frontline health care worker
Those aged over 75 years
Those aged over 70 years
Adults on the NHS Shielded patient list
Those aged over 65 years
Adults under 65 years with long term conditions, adults who provide regular care for an elderly or disabled person or younger adults in long stay nursing and residential settings
Those aged 50-64 will be offered it later.

We would ask that patients do not contact the practice to request an appointment.

The practice continues to limit the number of patients in the waiting room at any time. We have also reduced and limited the seating within the waiting room. However if you need to sit down whilst waiting to be seen please notify a member of staff.

Clinic arrangements unchanged with initial GP contact being via telephone.

IMPORTANT: Please DO NOT attend the surgery if you have tested positive for Covid-19 or are awaiting results of a Covid Swab. We have seen an increase in patients coming down and trying to enter the premises when they should be isolating.

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OPEN SURGERY TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED;

This is a precautionary measure in relation to the Coronavirus Pandemic.

Please refer to our 'Opening Times' page for more information relating to appointments.

**Wherever possible please contact the surgery by telephone for any general enquiries or to request a repeat prescription**

Please contact the surgery through "econsult" or call reception and ask for a telephone call back with a GP. We envisage being able to resolve many problems in this manner, however, please be assured that if the GP needs to see you face to face, they will advise you of this on the call and book you in appropriately.

We have made this decision as a precautionary measure to keep our patients and team members safe.

We appreciate your understanding, Old Forge

CARE NAVIGATION

Our receptionists are here to help you get to the right service. Please don't be offended if they ask what the problem is when you call to make an appointment. The receptionist might suggest other professionals that could help you such as: Opticians, Pharmacist, Nurse, Family Services or Support Groups. Thank you for your co-operation with this.

Dementia Friendly

Old Forge Surgery

We are confident that our website will provide clear and concise help and give our patients the information they require in an easy and convenient format. It has been designed with the patient’s needs at the forefront of everything, from checking surgery times to letting us know what you think of us.

Response to COVID-19 Vaccine Oxford-AstraZeneca media reports

The UK Medicines & Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, which is responsible for ensuring that medicines and medical devices work and are acceptably safe, have said that evidence DOES NOT suggest that the Oxford-AstraZeneca jab is linked to blood clots.

People should still go and get their COVID-19 vaccine when asked to do so.

Urgent Care

If you are unwell during the day; Monday to Fridays, 8am to 6pm then please ring us at the surgery. After 6pm and at the weekend ring NHS 111 and you will be guided to the most appropriate service to meet your needs.

By phoning NHS 111, patients who need to be seen urgently on the same day will be offered an appointment with a healthcare professional either at their own GP surgery or at another surgery nearby called a Primary Care Service or a hub.

Tel: NHS 111 - Talk Before You Walk

You should have received a leaflet delivered to your home with details about the range of services available and a copy can be downloaded here.

Nut Free Practice

The practice has introduced a ‘Nut Free Practice’ policy. This is to prevent the risk of patients or staff suffering from an allergic reaction to nuts.

We would be grateful if patients could avoid eating nuts prior to visiting the practice and to washing their hands if they have recently eaten nuts before attending the surgery. Please do not bring nuts into the practice.

Durham Locate

https://www.durhamlocate.org.uk/

Serving You

Our dedicated team are here to treat those minor ailments that occur as well as providing specialist management of long-term conditions and clinics covering a wide range of healthcare issues. The technology also means you can now do a lot of things from the comfort of your home such as order a repeat prescription or cancel an appointment.

Partners in Care

Once registered, patients and healthcare professionals work together to ensure the most appropriate care is provided. This partnership philosophy extends even further and our active patient group exists to make sure that patient needs and the practice offering are always heading in the same direction.

Booking Online

Follow the link: Click Here

Alcohol - Not the Answer

Many people have found themselves drinking more during the pandemic – and at levels that can harm health.

It is more important than ever before to look after our mental wellbeing and physical health – and cutting back on alcohol can help us do that.

Alcohol can be more harmful than you realise and just a couple of glasses a night can put you at greater risk.

Drinking no more than 14 units a week helps keep risks from alcohol low.

The main call to action is for people to reduce their drinking, and all campaign activity will encourage people to visit the Balance reducemyrisk.tv website.

New Service Offers Emotional Support

Our new 24-hour freephone listening, support and signposting telephone service offers emotional support to adults living in County Durham and Darlington. The service is available for people to call if they are in mental or emotional distress. Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the freephone line is an alternative to traditional crisis care for people and offers local people the opportunity to talk to trained mental health support workers about whatever is troubling them.

Experienced staff are on hand to provide listening support, offer advice and guidance and, if needed, signpost callers to other local services which can support their overall wellbeing.

To access the service call freephone 0800 0516 171 and select option 1 followed by option 3.

(Site updated 02/08/2021)