GP Practices in Kirklees are responding to Coronavirus (COVID-19) by following national advice from NHS England and the Government.
Practices are providing a ‘total triage system.’ This means patients will receive a consultation either on the telephone or by video link with a clinician. The clinician will then decide if the patient needs a home visit or if the patient needs to come to the surgery, or an alternative nearby practice. A face to face appointment will be made if necessary.
It is important that patients do not walk into their GP practice, whether that’s to make an appointment, hand in a prescription request or to ask about any other enquiries. All patients are asked to call their surgery first.
David Kelly, Clinical Chair of North Kirklees CCG and local GP in Heckmondwike said: “We understand this may not be a patient’s first choice of receiving a GP or practice nurse appointment. Telephone and online consultations are very effective, and have been running in most practices for a number of years.”
Dr Steve Ollerton, Clinical Chair of Greater Huddersfield CCG and local GP in Skelmanthorpe added: “These steps have been put in place to ensure we can continue to deliver primary care services, and make sure we are protecting our primary care workforce and patients who are asked to attend the practice. This does not mean that practices are closing or locking their doors.”
Patients are reminded to follow the latest NHS advice which is always available at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus