Supplementary Privacy Notice on COVID-19

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 utilise a one way system through the surgery and limiting the number of patients in the waiting room at any time. 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.

***

OPEN SURGERY TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED;

This is a precautionary measure in relation to the Coronavirus Pandemic

We will now be conducting our consultations via telephone.

**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.