Grove Medical Practice

With immediate effect patients visiting the surgery will be asked to wear face masks or other form of face covering.  If you do not have one we can provide one when you arrive.  If you need to use one of our masks please remember to dispose of it responsibly in the bin provided when you leave.   Thank you

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 as photo of how things looked on the new first floor on the 29.5.20 shows 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 +

UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE THE FRONT DOORS WILL BE OPEN BETWEEN 8AM – 12PM and 1PM – 6PM ONLY

IF YOU HAVE A FEVER, COUGH OR SHORTNESS OF BREATH PLEASE DO NOT VISIT THE SURGERY OR ANY PHARMACY OR HOSPITAL – PLEASE SELF-ISOLATE AND GO ONLINE TO NHS 111 FOR THE LATEST GUIDANCE.

PATIENTS WHO ARE UNWELL SHOULD STILL CALL THE SURGERY AND REQUEST TO BE ADDED TO THE PHONE TRIAGE LIST – DO NOT ATTEND THE SURGERY – THE DOCTOR WILL TELEPHONE YOU. 

If having spoken to you it is considered that you need to be examined and that it is safe to do so this will be arranged for the same day – if you are unavailable to come in that day the telephone assessment would need to be done again at another date to establish that it is safe at that time

PATIENTS WITH APPOINTMENTS WITH THE NURSING TEAM:

We will contact patients either by SMS, EMAIL or Telephone if there are changes to a book appointment.

IF YOU ARE COLLECTING REPEAT PRESCRIPTIONS OR DROPPING OFF SAMPLES PLEASE FOLLOW THE SIGNAGE AS YOU ENTER THE BUILDING – contact with the reception team will be restricted – please follow any verbal instructions you are given and do not approach the reception desk unless advised to do so.

Thank you for your patience and understanding during this challenging time.

This information will be updated as the guidance changes so please check

Further information can be found online at:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/sick-pay-from-day-one-for-those-affected-by-coronavirus