COVID 19 UPDATE

Although the vaccine has been fantastic in reducing the spread of Covid-19. The numbers of infections and deaths appear to be rising this Autumn/Winter. As a result of the rise in cases and the lawful requirement to wear facemasks having been removed. The Orchard Medical Practice will continue to maintain extra infection control processes to protect its most vulnerable patients.

We respectively ask that ALL patients continue to wear face coverings when coming into the Health Centre. If you do not have access to a face covering we will be happy to provide you with either a surgical face mask or a face shield prior to you entering the Health Centre.

In very exceptional circumstances which in reality are rare, some patients may have a valid reason for not wearing a face covering, if that is the case we will arrange for you to be seen at a time and in an area separate from other patients. We do this as it is important that we protect vulnerable patients who are visiting the surgery.

We continue to offer triage on all patients requesting access to a GP. If a GP feels that you need further examination, they may ask for you to attend a face to face appointment, this will usually be on the same day if needed.

Patients that are suspected of having respiratory symptoms as a result of Covid-19 may be asked to attend the surgery and will be seen in a separate part of the building. Which has been isolated from the general population, you will be advised what to do if this is the case.

You should NOT come into the surgery if you think you might have Covid-19 or have the symptoms suggestive of the virus.

COVID BOOSTER VACCINATIONS - 4th Dose

Orchard Medical Practice is participating in the roll out of the Covid-19 Booster vaccination programme, which is for the >18year olds.

Although there has been an announcement regarding the offer of a 4th vaccination we have not been allocated any additional vaccine as of yet - When allocated we will of course prioritise the most vulnerable patients in the first instance.

Please be aware that eligibility at any point is dependent on you having at least 6 months from your third dose of Covid-19 vaccine.

Some patients that are Immune Suppressed may require a booster dose vaccine this means that the this means that the booster dose should be administered after a few weeks following the second dose. You will will usually be notified of the need for this either from the hospital, NHS England or your GP practice. Please make sure that you inform the receptionist clearly that you need a third dose opposed to a booster dose. It is the same vaccine just administered at a different interval.

The regulations regarding isolation appear to be changing daily and you should seek advise on what to do at the point you find that you are Covid positive .

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/coronavirus-vaccine/?priority-taxon=774cee22-d896-44c1-a611-e3109cce8eae

https://eput.nhs.uk/news-events/coronavirus/coronavirus-vaccine/

COVID DATA NOT SEEN IN YOUR PATIENT RECORD

If you received your Covid 19 Vaccinations at another organisation, we will not be able to look into this for you. You should ring 119 and ask them to refer you to the VDS service, they have been commissioned to validate immunisation data.

Covid https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19