We have put together the latest Practice information to keep you updated:
* September 2020
We are still open to treat patients, provide advice and issue prescriptions and want anyone who has a health concern to feel reassured that they will be able to get an appointment and see a GP if necessary. The reason we cannot have open access to the Health Centre is that we have to assume that everyone has Covid19 and we need to do what we can to protect the chronically ill and vulnerable patients who do have to attend the Health Centre. We cannot arrange a routine appointment but if you do need to see a GP Face to Face it will be arranged.
Here’s a reminder of what to do to ensure the process of visiting or contacting your GP practice goes smoothly:
1) Ring in advance
2) Knock the door and wait alternatively ring the Department you are attending.
3) Wear a mask
4) When having a phone consultation, find somewhere quiet where you can speak aloud and have a note of what you want to discuss in front of you
5) If you need a repeat prescription, use our online ordering facility and allow 48 hours for it to be processed.
* July 2020
Face Coverings
If you are asked to attend the Health Centre please ensure you wear a face covering / mask. For further advice and guidance please see the following link:-
* June 2020
We are still here but there is no open access to the building for routine appointments etc. If you feel you need to speak to or see a GP or Nurse please contact the Practice between 08.30am and 11.30am and leave your details. If appropriate and the Doctor of Nurse wished to see you, you will be allocated a time. If possible please wear a Face Mask when you attend the Health Centre.
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Shielding Advice - 24th June 2020
The latest Shielding Advice has been issued by the Department of Health and letter are being processed this week. In brief If the risk continues to remain low, my assessment is that, from 31 July 2020, you will no longer need to follow the current shielding advice.
In the interim and because of the lower risk, from 6 July, I am also introducing some further easements to the current shielding guidance, and these are outlined below.
EASEMENTS FROM 6 JULY
From 6 July, people who are following the shielding advice will now be able to meet up to six people outside of their home, as long as social distancing is strictly observed.
If you are shielding alone, you can also form a support bubble with one other household. Where you form a bubble:
* social distancing is not required with the other household in your bubble; this will allow you to visit, stay over and spend more time with the second household
* the second household can be of any size; and
* both households should not be part of more than one bubble and should continue to socially distance outside the bubble.
You can find more information on support bubbles here www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-regulations-guidance-and-what-they-mean-you
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER 31 JULY?
After 31 July, providing the Covid-19 risk remains low, you will not have to shield. That will mean your personal “lockdown” will no longer apply.
However, you must continue to follow public health advice at all times and be really strict about social distancing and washing your hands.
Even though the risk of coming into contact with the virus is much lower, you still need to be careful because you remain more vulnerable than the general population. So you must follow the advice that is given to people who are deemed generally vulnerable, for example people with asthma or people over 70. This is about minimising any risk as much as possible, being aware that all contacts with the outside world must be managed really carefully.
Keep your distance, wash your hands, don’t touch your face, avoid touching hard surfaces if you are out. Wherever possible, avoid enclosed spaces where social distancing is hard to maintain – such as public transport and shops.
It is important to remember that because of your underlying condition, Covid-19 will remain a threat to you. At the same time, it is accepted that shielding has been really difficult and being stuck indoors indefinitely is bad for mental and physical health. What we all have to do in these difficult times is try to strike the right balance.
You can get more advice at this website: www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-vulnerable-people
For many of you, the pause to shielding is very welcome news. However, I know that you might also have some concerns. You have been shielding for many weeks and it is natural to feel a little apprehensive about this change.
You may want to consider making a plan for this now, to think about how your daily routine might change and what or who might help you to adjust.
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COVID-19 CONTACT TRACING STRATEGY AND PROGRAMME IN NORTHERN IRELAND - ‘TEST, TRACE AND PROTECT’
Details of the Strategy can be found on the following link.
https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/publications/covid-19-test-trace-protect-support-strategy
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* May 2020
Childhood Immunisations
It is important we continue to administer Preventative Immunisations to your children. Please ensure you bring your Children for vaccinations when they are due. We have safety measure in place you ensure you and your child's safety. Please do not attend if you, your child or anyone in your household have been experiencing any of the symptoms of Covid-19
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19th May 2020
Government guidance has been changed. All patients over 5 years of age with symptoms of coronavirus can now apply for a coronavirus test
To apply for a test please visit the following website to enter your details and see if you are eligible
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-getting-tested
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6th April 2020
Useful information for Covid-19 in Children
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* 1st April 2020
If you need to obtain an Isolation Note for your Employer you can access it here:
https://digital.nhs.uk/news-and-events/latest-news/isolation-notes
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HSCB Coronavirus Fact Sheet - 31.03.2020
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Practice Update - 25_03_2020
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Latest Advice - 20th March 2020
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Latest Shielding Advice
If you require to Self Isolate you can use this Code as a Sick Note for your employer
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NO ACCESS TO THE BUILDING
As per government guidance there will be no entry to Larne Health Centre without prior discussion and invite by a Doctor. There will be no face-to-face contacts including collection of prescriptions or general enquiries.
If you have been asked to attend the surgery please contact your reception for entry details
Dr Black & Lalsingh – 028 2826 1919
Larne Family Practice – 028 2826 1910
Where possible consultations will be via telephone with only urgent conditions being seen
Please advise us of your chemist preference for collection of medication as you will no longer be able to collect prescriptions from reception.
We must maintain tight hygiene controls
Where possible contact reception after 2pm for details of how to register for on-line services to be able to order prescriptions on line
Telephones are exceptionally busy so please be patient regarding telephone call backs.
Your support is invaluable and greatly appreciated