Latest coronavirus update from Llangollen Health Centre

COVID-19 - PATIENT UPDATE NO 1 

We will be providing our patients with a series of updates regarding the Coronavirus as the situation in the UK develops.  There are no confirmed cases of coronavirus in our local area at the moment.  However, as a practice, we are taking some precautionary measures to safeguard our patients and staff against any potential spread of the virus.  We would like to assure our patients that, should the need arise, we have a robust plan in place and that the wellbeing of our patients and staff is our priority. 

Any patient who is worried that they may have Coronavirus (either because they have symptoms of fever, cough or cold, have recently travelled to an affected area or have had contact with a confirmed case of Coronavirus) should self-isolate and ring NHS Direct on 0845 46 47. 

This is a summary of the precautionary measures we have taken so far: 

Online booking of appointments has been suspended 

This is to allow us to screen patients before they book appointments to ensure that any suspected cases of coronavirus are identified and handled appropriately. 

Repeat medication can be ordered over the telephone for the foreseeable future 

This is to limit the number of visits patients need to make to the Health Centre. 

Guidelines on making appointments 

We have introduced some guidelines for our receptionists to follow when patients are wanting to book appointments.  This means they will be asking questions regarding symptoms and travel, and offering patients pre-booked telephone consultations instead of face to face appointments if this is appropriate. 

Guidelines on attending appointments 

We are asking patients who have fever, cough or cold symptoms not to attend the Health Centre unless they have been asked to do so by a doctor.  If you have developed these symptoms in the intervening period between booking and attending your appointment, we ask that you do not attend but ring us on 01978 860625 instead. 

We are asking patients to limit the amount of time they spend at the Health Centre as much as possible.  Therefore we are advising patients not to arrive early for their appointments, or if they do, to wait in their cars if possible until their appointment time.   

We are asking patients not to bring family members or companions with them to their appointments unless they really need to (for example carers or to assist with mobility). 

Suspension of Non-Essential Activities 

We have agreed with the Friends of Llangollen Health Centre to temporarily close the Friends Café and we have suspended some of the other group activities that take place in our group room and waiting room areas.