Noticeboard

Coronavirus

The NHS in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin and Public Health England (PHE) are extremely well prepared for outbreaks of new infectious diseases. The NHS has put in place measures to ensure the safety of all patients and NHS staff while also ensuring services are available to the public as normal.

 

The risk to the general public is moderate. If you have arrived back to the UK from any of the High Risk Countires within 14 days, follow the specific advice for returning travellers.

 

If you develop symptoms of cough or fever or shortness of breath, should immediately:

 

  • Stay indoors and avoid contact with other people as you would with the flu
  • Call NHS 111 to inform them of your recent travel to the country

 

Information for the public is available at gov.uk/coronavirus

 

Like the common cold, coronavirus infection usually occurs through close contact with a person with novel coronavirus via cough and sneezes or hand contact. A person can also be infected by touching contaminated surfaces if they do not wash their hands.

 

 Testing of suspected coronavirus cases is carried out in line with strict regulations. This means that suspected cases are kept in isolation, away from public areas of the hospital and returned home also in isolation. Any equipment that come into contact with suspected cases are thoroughly cleaned as appropriate. Specific guidance has also been shared with NHS staff to help safeguard them and others.  Patients can be reassured that their safety is a top priority, and are encouraged to attend all appointments as usual.

 

Everyone is being reminded to follow Public Health England advice to:

 

  • Always carry tissues with you and use them to catch your cough or sneeze. Then bin the tissue, and wash your hands, or use a sanitiser gel.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after using public transport. Use a sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are unwell.

 

You can find the latest information and advice from Public Health England at www.gov.uk/coronavirus.

 

 

Repeat Prescriptions
Prescriptions Fees
Online Ordering
Repeat Request
Patient Access

It has been brought to our attention that since the update to ‘Patient Access’, the on-line prescription ordering system, there may be difficulties for dispensing patients using the practice dispensary.

The updated ‘Patient Access’ suggests that you can nominate a pharmacy to electronically receive your prescription. As a dispensing practice we do not have the functionality to be able to send prescriptions electronically to pharmacies.  The implications for you and us are as follows:




    • Prescriptions would have to be posted to pharmacies. To do this we will need you to provide us with stamped, addressed envelopes.


    • Because we would need to use the Royal Mail it could take an additional 2-3 days for a pharmacy to receive the prescription and dispense the medication.


    • Following changes to the Data Protection Act (GDPR), we are unable to fax prescriptions.


    • The dispensary is an important part of the services we are able to provide at the practice and without the additional income the practice receives through dispensing, other services to patients will be affected and could be cut back.



The suppliers of these systems are aware of the problem and are working to address them. However, while this process is underway, I would ask that when you use ‘Patient Access’, you make sure that you check your settings to ensure that you do not select a pharmacy to dispense your prescription. 

This is a national problem that we have no control over, but we are hoping that it is resolved soon.

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