COVID-19: Important Practice Information
Please page down for more information on visiting any of our surgeries
Mask wearing within the practice
Mask wearing Policy changes
We are no longer expected to wear masks in our building.
Any patients that we bring in with respiratory or covid symptoms should be asked to wear a mask – be mindful that the law does not require them to.
Acute patients with respiratory symptoms will be seen in our isolation room, away from other patients.
If we have a covid outbreak in the area, we will be required to revert to mask wearing and this will be noted on signs around the building.
We would ask patients to wear a mask if you have:
- Respiratory problems
- A cough
- Flu like symptoms
- Any symptoms of Covid
- Or are vulnerable or have low immunity
Received a Covid Vaccination abroad - updating your vaccination status in the UK
If you have received a Covid Vaccination abroad please follow the link below to help the NHS update your vaccination record:
Alternatively please call 119 and ask them to help you.
Travel - Vaccination status letter
What to expect after your Covid Vaccination
People who are most at risk from the complications of COVID-19 are being offered the COVID-19 vaccination first.
In the UK, there are 2 types of COVID-19 vaccine to be used once they are approved. They both require 2 doses to provide the best protection. Both have been shown to be safe and effective in clinical trials.
An independent group of experts has recommended that the NHS offers these vaccines to those at highest risk of catching the infection and suffering serious complications if they do catch the infection. This includes older adults in care homes and frontline health and social care workers. When more vaccine becomes available, the vaccines will be offered to other people at risk as soon as possible.
The vaccine you are being offered is amongst the first to be approved as safe and effective by the independent Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
Side effects
Like all medicines, vaccines can cause side effects. Most of these are mild and short-term, and not everyone gets them. Even if you do have symptoms after the first dose, you still need to have the second dose.
Although you may get some protection from the first dose, having the second dose will give you the best protection against the virus.
Very common side effects include:
- having a painful, heavy feeling and tenderness in the arm where you had your injection. This tends to be worst around 1 to 2 days after the vaccine
- feeling tired
- headache
- general aches, or mild flu like symptoms
Although feeling feverish is not uncommon for 2 to 3 days, a high temperature is unusual and may indicate you have COVID-19 or another infection. An uncommon side effect is swelling of the glands. You can rest and take the normal dose of paracetamol (follow the advice in the packaging) to help make you feel better.
These symptoms normally last less than a week. If your symptoms seem to get worse or if you are concerned, call NHS 111. If you do seek advice from a doctor or nurse, make sure you tell them about your vaccination (show them the vaccination card) so that they can assess you properly.
You can also report suspected side effects of vaccines and medicines online through the Yellow Card scheme or by downloading the Yellow Card app.
For more information see the government website
Non Registered Patients
Your own GP surgery will contact you when it is your turn for the Covid Vaccination.
You will be invited to attend the surgery there, and can discuss with them when they call you.
You should also receive a letter in the future inviting you to attend a mass vacination site, which you can use to book a vaccination appointment either by calling 119 or booking via www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination. You can only book if you have received a letter and not already had the first dose of the vaccine.
Visiting the Practice
Please avoid visiting the practice unless you have an appointment already booked. When you visit the practice please try to socially distance.
If you are visiting Cornwall, and not registered with us, we ask that you contact your own GP or the 111 service.
If you develop a cough, temperature or lose your sense of smell or taste, please talk to our staff before visiting our surgeries.
Self-Isolating and Prescriptions
A friend or neighbour can collect your prescription on your behalf.
Sick notes
Online Isolation notes for those self-isolating due to coronavirus, either because they have symptoms or they live with someone who has symptoms, can be accessed through the NHS Website.
Contacts
Samaritans
Call: 116 123 for free 24/7
Email: jo@samaritans.org
Sane Line
Out-of-hours mental health helpline
Every day 16.30-22.30
Call: 0300 304 7000
Shout
24/7 UK crisis text service
Text ‘SHOUT’ to ‘85258’
Rethink advice and information line
Monday – Friday 10.00-14.00
Call: 0300 5000 927
https://www.rethink.org/aboutus/what-we-do/advice-and-information-service/
Outlook South West
https://www.cornwallft.nhs.uk/outlook-south-west/
Register for Online Therapy through an online referral form – SilverCloud