NEW OPENING TIMES
From April 1st 2020 our opening times will be 8am - 6.30pm Monday - Friday.
CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) INFORMATION
APPOINTMENTS - ONLINE BOOKING - PLEASE NOTE THIS IS TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED
This is to mitigate any risk that potentially infected patients might book appointments online and attend the practice.
The NHS across Essex will be better prepared for outbreaks of new infectious diseases if the public follows Public Health England advice.
We have put in place measures to ensure the safety of patients and staff which may mean your patient experience is subject to change.
The Chief Medical Officer announced on Friday 13 March that the country has moved into the ‘Delay’ stage of the response to coronavirus (Covid-19).
The new advice issued by the Prime Minister is to stay at home for 14 days if one member of the household is affected and if you have either:
- a high temperature (37.8C or above) or
- a new continuous cough
Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or a hospital. You do not need to contact 111 to tell them you're staying at home.
Use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service if:
- you feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home
- your condition gets worse
- your symptoms do not get better after seven days
Only call 111 if you cannot get help online.
Stay At Home advice can be found here.
For Parents - A Special COVID Message - what you should do if your child is ill or injured, please click here Advice for Parents during Covid-19 if their child is ill or injured
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, and
- avoid close contact with people who are unwell.
Information remains subject to regular change and updates. More information can be found on the NHS website here.
If you think you are a vulnerable patient and that you should have received a shielding letter or have received a letter and require further information or support, please visit:
www.gov.uk/coronavirus-extremely-vulnerable and follow the instructions.
NEW PHONE SYSTEM
We have had a new telephone system installed. Please note that ALL calls are now recorded for training and quality purposes.
SHARPS BIN DISPOSAL
From January 1st 2019 you will no longer be able to return your sharps bins to your local pharmacy. Epping Forest Council has arrangements in place for the disposal of used sharps bins, details of which can be found by clicking on the link below.
Epping Forest sharps bin disposal information
EVENING AND WEEKEND GP APPOINTMENTS
The West Essex Evening and Weekend GP service provided by HUC (Herts Urgent Care) offers additional, pre-booked appointments at convenient times to suit your needs.
Please see the attached information or contact reception for details.
HUC Patient Information
PATIENT PARTICIPATION GROUP MEETING
Our next meeting is on Monday 15.06.2020 at 7.30pm at the surgery. All registered patients are welcome to attend.
Physiotherapy Self Referral
Patients can now find full details of how to complete the self-referral process for Physiotherapy on the EPUT website via the following link:
https://eput.nhs.uk/our-services/essex/west-essex-community-health-services/adults/rehabilitation/musculo-skeletal-physiotherapy/physiotherapy-self-referral-form/
On this page it explains how patients can complete a Physiotherapy Self-Referral Form themselves and then email or post it to EPUT. Or, patient's can simply phone EPUT directly to discuss the self-referral process, if they would prefer to do so by calling: 01279 827404 (lines open 09:00 – 16:00 Monday to Friday).
TEXT MESSAGES
Due to the new GDPR requirements, we are no longer be able to text you unless we have your explicit consent. Please call into the surgery to complete a consent form if you have not already done so.
PARKING RESTRICTIONS
Please note that you cannot park on the single yellow lines in Rous Road and Hurst Road between the hours of 1 and 2pm. You may park there at any other time. Please also be aware that neighbouring Dene Road is now resident permit parking only. You may want to try and avoid these times when planning your visit to the surgery.