Key Services

COVID-19 PCR Testing and Bespoke Advice

The Walcote Practice doctors can provide consultations by video or telephone should you have questions or concerns about possible coronavirus infection or regarding any other aspect of your health, including mental health.

We are also able to facilitate private testing for coronavirus/ COVID-19 through our UKAS registered laboratory. For specific advice and booking information regarding COVID PCR testing for travel please click here.

Options for COVID-19 Testing at The Walcote Practice

COVID-19 is caused by a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) which is currently in circulation around the world, including within the UK. The Walcote Practice is here to provide support regarding any queries you may have.

Our flat all inclusive fee for processing COVID-19 PCR analysis is £125 per individual, including certification.

For all pre-departure travel and general screening COVID-19 PCR test enquiries, please call reception on 01962 828715 within office hours or email info@thewalcotepractice.co.uk with your details and circumstances including date required, and informing us of your destination’s screening requirements, if relevant. Please note that it is your responsibility to inform us of the specific requirements for the Fit to Fly Certificate of your destination country, as these frequently change. We provide same day reporting/ certification on a weekday morning COVID-19 PCR test sample.

We are also able to provide Statements of Recovery from COVID-19 in the context of infection within the last 90 days, where this is a requirement for travel (£85) – please email info@thewalcotepractice.co.uk with your details, PCR result and isolation dates.

To determine evidence of previous exposure, we also provide the high sensitivity Attomarker SARS-CoV-2 quadruple antibody test (£125). Developed by the University of Exeter, this test distinguishes between vaccine induced immunity and antibody response from natural infection, as well as providing a quantitative assessment of current COVID-19 immunity. The most comprehensive immune profile is provided – antibody results for four different SARS-CoV-2 proteins: Spike, Omicron Spike (with mutations), Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) and Nucleocapsid. C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration is also included, to assess levels of active inflammation.

IMPORTANT PLEASE NOTE: Due to the need to maintain a safe environment, we are unable to provide COVID-19 SARS-CoV-2 testing for symptomatic individuals, other than remotely for our registered/ Healthplan patients. In these circumstances, please contact 119 or the online NHS testing service.

For information on how we process your data, please read our Fair Processing Notice.

Latest Government Advice

You are advised to stay at home (isolate) and arrange COVID-19 PCR testing if you have recently experienced any of the following:

  1. A new continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual)
  2. High temperature – this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back
  3. A loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia)
  4. Having been a close contact of someone who has recently tested positive for Covid-19 (however those who are fully vaccinated or aged under 18 years and 6 months do not need to self isolate)

If you feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home, or your condition gets worse, or your symptoms do not get better after 7 days, call your doctor at The Walcote Practice or use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service. If you do not have internet access, call NHS 111. For a medical emergency dial 999, making sure to highlight any Covid-19 symptoms or exposure risks that you may have.

The Walcote Practice is available should you have questions or concerns about possible coronavirus infection or regarding any other aspect of your health, including mental health.

Please click here for Government guidance about how to carry out and end isolation either individually or as a household. Please click here for Public Health England information on the coronavirus outbreak.

COVID-19 – What You Can Do

It is important that you follow any government requirements regarding restriction of your movements. Doing so is vital to protect your health and that of others, particularly the most vulnerable members of society.

The following steps can be undertaken to support the health of yourself, family and friends during this concerning time:

  • Maintain a calm attitude
  • Optimise health to help combat any infection – eat nutritious meals, ensure adequate fluid intake, take exercise if possible, always prioritise a good night’s sleep
  • Wash hands often for 20 seconds, avoid shaking hands or touching face
  • Ensure availability of anti-fever medications at home such as paracetamol (taking any allergies into account)
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a disposable tissue when you cough or sneeze (or use your arm if needed), dispose of the tissue immediately and then wash your hands straight away with soap and water or use a hand sanitiser – Catch It, Bin It, Kill It
  • Self-isolate when you meet the criteria to do so – each person has a responsibility to safeguard the population, particularly the vulnerable and elderly, from COVID-19. Please click here for Government guidance about home self-isolation.
  • Have a plan in place for obtaining any necessary supplies and medication during self-isolation for yourself and any vulnerable family members/friends. Also have a back-up plan in case anyone is in isolation.
  • Be proactive regarding mental health when in self-isolation – create a structure to the day, keep in touch with people by phone/online videolink, undertake enriching activities eg read a book, research something of interest, do crafts etc.

It is important to remember that the vast majority of people will recover from COVID-19. The Walcote Practice will be doing our best to provide healthcare support and to maintain availability of our service during the COVID-19 outbreak period.

Sources of support

The Walcote Practice

Our GPs offer consultations by video, telephone or in person (as appropriate). These can be arranged by dialling 01962 828715 or emailing info@thewalcotepractice.co.uk 

  • Government guidance for the public
  • NHS 111 online (people should only call NHS111 if they cannot get online or if they have serious symptoms that they cannot manage at home)
  • In the case of severe symptoms which may be related to COVID-19, phone 999. However, you must be sure to mention symptoms of COVID-19 so that the ambulance team can prepare appropriately.