Supporting your health during COVID-19 outbreak
As you will no doubt be aware, a novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is currently in circulation globally and the UK is experiencing increasing numbers of new cases. The population does not have prior immunity to this virus, therefore significant impacts on people’s health, movements and economic disruption are expected.
The Walcote Practice has undertaken careful planning and has implemented measures to help us maintain service availability for as long as is safely possible. Patient and staff health are our priorities. We are hopeful that service availability will be maintained. Any potential disruption will be notified via our website.
You may understandably be wondering how best to support the health of yourself, family and friends during this worrying time. Effective steps that could be taken include:
- Maintain a calm attitude – the odds are in everyone’s favour
- Optimise health to help fight 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 and immediately wash your hands 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.
Realistically, life as we know it may change for some time during the months ahead. It is important to remember, however, that the vast majority of people will recover from COVID-19.
We send our best wishes to you and your family during this difficult time. Please be assured that The Walcote Practice will be doing our best to provide healthcare support and to maintain availability of our service over the coming weeks and months.
Sources of support
The Walcote Practice
If the practice is temporarily closed, our GPs may be able to offer telephone or online video consultations. These can be arranged by dialling 01962 828715 or emailing info@thewalcotepractice.co.uk
It is difficult to predict call volumes or numbers of requests for such consultations so please do bear with us whilst we respond to all requests as soon as we are able. Non-urgent queries should be directed to us by email which will be constantly monitored as far as possible.
Usual health matters
- Your NHS GP
- NHS111 phone line
- For emergencies, Accident and Emergency department (A&E, phone 999 if required)
COVID-19 queries
- Government guidance for the public
- NHS111 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.
