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Get the latest NHS information and advice about coronavirus (COVID-19).

Check if you or your child has coronavirus symptoms

Find out about the main symptoms of coronavirus and what to do if you have them.

Self-isolation and treatment if you have coronavirus symptoms

Advice about staying at home (self-isolation) and treatment for you and anyone you live with.

Testing and tracing

Information about testing for coronavirus and what to do if you're contacted by the NHS Test and Trace service.

People at high risk

Advice for people at higher risk from coronavirus, including older people, people with health conditions and pregnant women.

Social distancing and changes to everyday life

Advice about avoiding close contact with other people (social distancing), looking after your wellbeing and using the NHS and other services during coronavirus.

GOV.UK: coronavirus – guidance and support

Government information and advice.

COVID-19 and children

Appointments

Home Visits

Been Off Work?

Access the online appointment system

COVID-19 and children

At this challenging time, it is extremely important for you to know that COVID-19 is unlikely to make your child unwell, but they like everyone else might be infectious so staying at home when well remains the message.

However, all the ‘normal’ illnesses that can make children severely unwell still remain and there is a major risk that parents may delay bringing their child to the attention of a healthcare professionals even if they are unwell because of concerns about COVID-19. GPs and hospitals are still providing the same safe care that they have always done for children.

If you are not sure if your child is unwell and whether they need to be seen, click here call 111 or contact your GP. For information about crying babies, click here. If your child appears severely unwell and advice is not quickly available call 999 or take them to ED as you would in other times.

The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health have produced a very helpful infographic on accessing the right care for your unwell child.

Please click here to view this.

Appointments

The surgery operates an appointments system and appointments can be made by telephone or by coming into the practice.

Please note that an appointment is for one person only. If you have a number of issues to discuss, please ask for a longer appointment these are available on pre bookable only or you may be asked to rebook as consultations are limited in time.

We operate an "on the day" appointment system but future booking is possible up to 4 weeks in advance for early morning, afternoon or Saturday appointments.

For on the day appointments please ring the surgery at 08:00am. Please be aware that these are peak times and occasionally phone lines may be busy.

Telephone Consultations

We also offer telephone consultations with the GPs. Telephone consultations can be booked for discussing medication and discussing test results. To book a telephone consultation, please telephone the surgery as normal. Unfortunately we cannot give a give a time, please let reception know if you cannot take calls at certain times and we will try to accommodate you as much as we possibly can.

Text Messaging

The surgery offers a free text message appointment reminder service. If you would like to sign up for this free service click here for our consent form.

Cancellations

If you cannot attend an appointment for any reason please inform us as soon as possible in order for us to give the slot to someone else.

Home Visits

Doctor's bag Whilst we encourage our patients to come to the surgery, where we have the proper equipment and facilities available, we do appreciate this is not always possible. In this respect, if you do need a home visit, you can help us by calling reception before 10:00. Please call 01908 618265 option 1.

You may only request a home visit if you are housebound or are too ill to visit the practice. Children with mild fevers or rashes can usually be seen at the surgery in an isolation room.

Your GP will only visit you at home if they think that your medical condition requires it and will also decide how urgently a visit is needed. Please bear this in mind and be prepared to provide suitable details to enable the doctor to schedule house calls.

Please note that not having transport does not warrant a request for a home visit.

You can also be visited at home by a community nurse if you are referred by your GP. You should also be visited at home by a health visitor if you have recently had a baby or if you are newly registered with a GP and have a child under five years.

Sickness Certificates

You do not require a doctor's sickness certificate for any illness lasting seven days or less. Your employer may however require you to complete a self-certification form (SC2) which is available from your employer or on the HMRC website.

Evidence that you are sick

If you are sick for more than seven days, your employer can ask you to give them some form of medical evidence to support payment of SSP (statutory sick pay).

It is up to your employer to decide whether you are incapable of work. A medical certificate, now called a 'Statement of Fitness for Work’ (see below) from your doctor is strong evidence that you are sick and would normally be accepted, unless there is evidence to prove otherwise.

You could also provide evidence from someone who is not a medical practitioner, e.g. a dentist. Your employer will decide whether or not this evidence is acceptable. If your employer has any doubts, they may still ask for a medical certificate from your GP.

Statement of Fitness for Work - ’Fit Note'

The 'fit note' was introduced on 6 April 2010. With your employer's support, the note will help you return to work sooner by providing more information about the effects of your illness or injury.

For more information see the DirectGov website (where this information was sourced).