Grove Medical Practice

Please click here for your NHS Guide to help you choose the right service
for you and your NHS    NHS Stay Well Guide

It is understandable that the general public may be anxious about the Government’s recent announcement on the use of face coverings in various public places . 

However, GPs are not in a position to provide exemption letters or certificates for patients who believe they should be exempt from wearing a face covering.

The guidance suggests there is no requirement for the public to provide evidence, medical or otherwise, for exemption therefore a self declaration from the individual should be sufficient. 

GP practices are under no obligation to provide letters of support for anyone who does not fall under the list of exemptions but considers them to have another reason to be exempted. Government advice on the use of face coverings, including a list of exemptions where people do not have to wear a face covering for health, age or equality reasons, can be found here:  Facecovering government advice

For further information following a stay in hospital please click here: After a hospital stay

For further information following a trip to A&E or your GP please click here: Following a GP or A&E visit

For further information re Alcohol sanitiser and car fires please click here: Warning about alcohol sanitiser

With immediate effect patients visiting the surgery will be asked to wear face masks or other form of face covering across both nose and mouth whilst they are in the surgery. This does not apply to children under the age of 2 years who should NOT wear a mask.  Please could all patients also respect social distancing when in the surgery.    Thank you

If anyone wishes to make one here is a link to instructions on how to make your own masks: How to make and wear a cloth face covering

We are pleased to report that in spite of the COVID-19 pandemic work has been continuing on the extension and refurbishment of the premises over recent weeks.  Progress has been slower than planned – partly because of the need for observance of social distancing but more significantly because building supplies, such as timber, plaster and plasterboard have been difficult to source with most builders merchants being closed.  We are pleased to say that the steel framework for the upper storey, including the roof has now arrived and work is gathering momentum.  Internally works have been progressing – the Disabled toilet and baby changing room is being refurbished, a significant amount of plastering has been done which has made the spaces look much lighter and rather less like a building site.  There is still much to do – but progress is being made.  As soon as we have a clear timeline with regards to a completion date we will share it with you.

In line with national guidance the practice is able to provide a Home Delivery Service to those most vulnerable patients who have been advised to isolate for 12 weeks if that person does not have a relative, friend, carer or volunteer to collect their medicines for them. Please contact us if you might qualify for this service.

Shielding patients can now self refer to the Good Sam group:   NHS Volunteer Responders – now open for self-referrals.  People who have been advised to shield can ask volunteers for short-term help by calling 0808 196 3646 between 8am – 8pm.  They can offer help with tasks such as collecting shopping and prescribed medicines or driving patients to medical appointments.

If you would like to complete an Advance Care Plan, to outline your thoughts about your care should you contract  COVID-19 then please find guidance and a blank document for you to complete on this link. It is very useful to discuss your thoughts with those close to you, and if you need to discuss with us at the surgery, then please do ring us.

This plan would help us understand your decisions about treatment, should you become very unwell, and will let us know who you have shared your plan with.
Once complete, please keep a copy yourself and  return a copy to us at the surgery.

Meanwhile, please follow all government advice to stay safe.           COVID-19 Advance Care Plan

Our Patient Participation Group have put together a guide of useful information and contacts which can be found here: Useful Info List

From Friday 20 March onwards, those who have COVID-19 or are advised to self-isolate for 7-14 days will be able to obtain an “isolation note” by visiting NHS 111 online and completing an online form, rather than visiting a doctor. For COVID-19 cases this replaces the usual need to provide a “fit note” after seven days of sickness absence. Isolation notes will also be accepted by Jobcentre Plus as evidence of your inability to attend.

The link to the online form is here:  Isolation note for 7-14 days

If you are self isolating for longer than 14 days following government advice complete this form: Letter to employer 14 days +