Minchinhampton Surgery

We are aware that some patients might be understandably anxious about the Government’s recent announcements around the use of face masks in various public settings.

GPs are unfortunately not in a position to provide individual risk assessments or letters for patients who feel that they should be exempt from wearing a face mask.

Gloucestershire Local Medical Committee has therefore prepared this guidance note as the statutory body that advises and supports all GPs and practice teams across both counties. 

The government guidance on exemptions suggests there is no requirement for evidence for exemption therefore it is sufficient for an individual to self-declare this.

Similarly, practices are under no obligation to provide letters of support for anyone who does not fall under the list of exemptions but considers them to have another reason to be exempted.

Government advice on the use of face coverings can be found here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own

Some people don’t have to wear a face covering including for health, age or equality reasons. Some transport and retail staff may not wear a face covering if it is not required for their job.

 We hope that this guidance provides some reassurance for you on this issue.

Mental Health Support

Local sources of support include:

• Qwell – Digital mental health and wellbeing platform including self-care resources, peer support and access to online counsellors https://www.qwell.io/
• Gloucestershire Counselling Service www.gloscounselling.org.uk
• Let’s Talk: 0800 073 2200 or www.letstalkglos.nhs.uk
• Every Mind Matters: http://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters
• Five Ways to Wellbeing and further support: https://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/look-after-your-wellbeing
• The Samaritans: 116 123 or https://www.samaritans.org
• Swindon and Gloucestershire Mind: https://sgmind.org.uk
• Human Givens: https://humangivens.com

• Childline 0800 11 11 www.childline.org.uk

• The Mix 0808 4994 www.themix.org.uk or text THEMIX to 85258
• Young Minds 0808 802 5544 www.youngminds.org.uk or text YM to 85258
• Teens in Crisis: https://ticplus.org.uk
• Gloucestershire’s Rethink Self Harm Helpline: 0808 801 0606 or glosselfharm@rethink.org

• CRISIS number 0800 169 0398 
• Or, if immediate danger to life dial 999 or go to nearest Accident & Emergency department     

We have currently suspended the removal and fitting of contraceptive coil and implants in line with national guidance.

Our clinicians are still available for telephone advice on all forms of contraception.

We will reinstate the provision of these services when the national guidance indicates that is appropriate to do so.  Please check back on our website for updates on this service.

News letter Spring 2020

Update 01/04/2020

Following the speech from the Prime Minister on March 23rd…

Everyone must stay at home to help stop the spread of coronavirus.

This includes people of all ages – even if you do not have any symptoms or other health conditions. You should only leave the house for 1 of 4 reasons: • shopping for basic necessities, for example food and medicine, which must be as infrequent as possible
• one form of exercise a day, for example a run, walk, or cycle – alone or with members of your household
• any medical need, or to provide care or to help a vulnerable person
• travelling to and from work, but only where this absolutely cannot be done from home These 4 reasons are exceptions – even when doing these activities, you should be minimising time spent outside of the home and ensuring you are 2 metres apart from anyone outside of your household.

There is separate advice about:
• staying at home if you’re at a higher risk of getting seriously ill from coronavirus
• staying at home if you or someone you live with has symptoms of coronavirus.

To help yourself stay well while you’re at home:
• stay in touch with family and friends over the phone or on social media
• try to keep yourself busy – you could try activities like cooking, reading, online learning and watching films
• do light exercise at home, or outside once a day If you need medical help for any reason, do not go to places like a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.

If you have symptoms of coronavirus (a high temperature or a new, continuous cough), use the 111 coronavirus service. If you need help or advice not related to coronavirus:
• for health information and advice, use the NHS website or your GP surgery website
• for urgent medical help, use the NHS 111 online service – only call 111 if you’re unable to get help online
• for life-threatening emergencies, call 999 for an ambulance

Read the full advice on protecting yourself if you’re at a higher risk from coronavirus on GOV.UK.

If you live with someone who has symptoms of coronavirus, you can get an isolation note, you do not need to get a note from a GP.

Only call 111 if you cannot get help online.

For further information go to nhs.uk/coronavirus or gov.uk/coronavirus.

Advice accurate as of 21:00 31/03/2020. Next review due 01/04/2020.

PPG Committee minutes Feb 2020

News letter Winter 2020

We are pleased to be able to offer in-house smoking cessation support with our trained advisor. Please contact Reception to book a consultation.

Delay to child flu