Covid-19 Information & Support

To help keep everyone safe

please do not come to the surgery if you have any symptoms of COVID infection.

The Covid19 pandemic has added to the strain on all NHS services. As a result of this, waiting list times for outpatient and specialist appointments and procedures have increased for everybody.

We appreciate that this can cause worry and uncertainty about when you will eventually receive an appointment. The practice has no direct access to the hospital appointment lists.

If you have been referred by your GP/are waiting for :

· An outpatient appointment

· An appointment for hospital tests (eg scans)

· A date for an operation or other treatment

· A follow-up from your hospital team

and you have a query about what is happening, please contact the Patient Helpdesk on 0800 048 5800.

Only call the practice if your condition has genuinely deteriorated, when you will be reviewed by one of the clinical team and appropriate action can be taken in regard to your care.

COVID boosters and flu jabs for housebound patients

The programme to deliver the winter vaccinations to all our housebound patients is coming into a new phase.

From the 8th November, even more housebound patients will be contacted about their COVID boosters and flu jabs as the roll out expands with an extended team of ‘roving’ vaccinators visiting patients in their homes or places of residence.

For our region, the district nursing team will be delivering flu jabs and Pharmacy2U will be managing the roll out of the COVID boosters.

The teams will be fully equipped and will carry out the vaccinations in patient’s homes in the quickest and safest way possible.

Please note that with the very high number of housebound patients across our region, the roll out of this phase will take a number of weeks to complete – from booking appointment times through to the vaccination visits. However, nobody will be forgotten.

Having both the COVID booster and the flu jab will help protect you against the respiratory diseases that are circulating this winter.

What will happen?

The new phase for housebound patients will begin on 8th November.

At some point after that date, you, your carer or relative will receive two separate phone calls. One from the district nurses about the flu jab and a separate one from Pharmacy2U about the COVID booster.

• Dates and times will be agreed with you and you will receive two separate visits for your winter vaccinations.
• Please note the telephone calls will NOT be from the normal surgery number, however, the caller will identify themselves as being from either the district nursing team, CPFT or Pharmacy2U.
• The COVID booster is the Pfizer vaccine, which is being given to everyone across the UK as a booster. This will boost the immunity you developed from your first two COVID vaccinations.

Please note: A patient is deemed to be housebound when they are unable to leave their home environment through physical and/or psychological illness. Those who are housebound will have been identified by their registered GP.

21st October 2021

Please note, we are inviting eligible patients for their Covid-19 Booster and flu vaccine as quickly as possible. Please DO NOT call the practice but instead wait for a sms with link to book.

How soon you are recalled is dependent on eligibility, appointment availability and number of days since your second dose.

Flu vaccines will be given with the Covid vaccine in the clinics. Only in exceptional cases for the safety of a small minority of patients will we be giving flu vaccines at the surgery.

If you wish to book for a flu vaccine sooner than your invite, please do so via a local pharmacy.

Stage 1 is to vaccinate all care home residents, over 70’s, patients that are immunosuppressed and their household contacts and frontline health and social care workers. We are now 4 weeks into the vaccination programme.

Stage 2 is to vaccinate all over 50’s and patients over the age of 16 in an at risk group.

As mentioned above, we cannot deliver COVID boosters earlier than 180 days from your second dose of the primary course. You can check 180 days using the following link – https://www.timeanddate.com/date/durationresult.html…

For queries relating directly to the Covid-19 booster or flu vaccines please e-mail capccg.stgeorgesmedicalcentre@nhs.net – this will ensure our phone lines and AskmyGP remain open for those needing to speak with a clinician more urgently.

As a Primary Care Network we are working hard to get through all eligible patients as quickly as possible.

Thank you for your patience.

St George’s

COVID Booster and Flu Vaccinations

COVID boosters are here and will be administered as soon as possible to the original cohorts 1-9.

Stage one of the Winter Plan is that COVID boosters will be given to care home residents, the immunosuppressed and extremely vulnerable over-16s, frontline health and care workers, and all over-70s. Then in stage two they will be given to all over-50s, plus all over-16s in a flu or Covid risk group, and any adults who share their home with an immunosuppressed person.

The GP practices which make up the ELY Primary Care Network have been working hard to put robust plans in place to rapidly deliver both flu jabs and COVID boosters to all our eligible patients.

Yesterday we started the roll out of phase 3 of the vaccination programme and we have now vaccinated all eligible care home residents and staff in Littleport with their COVID booster and flu jab.

We cannot deliver COVID boosters earlier than 180 days from your second dose of the primary course. Sorry. https://www.timeanddate.com/date/durationresult.html…

We will be in contact via SMS or phone to invite you when you are due from the Ely North and South PCN’s.

Vaccinations will be at Cathedral Medical Centre and Staploe Medical Centre as planned.

We will plan where possible and with patient consent to administer both COVID booster and flu vaccination at the same time.

We will obviously prioritise those patients with the greatest need and those that are furthest from the 180 day vaccination point.

Thank you for your understanding and patience. Our amazing team are working as fast and effectively as they can to get this large task delivered safely, quickly and smoothly.

*Pre-school children will continue to receive their flu vaccination at the surgery and school aged children will receive their flu vaccination at school*.

“We aim to deliver the maximum available courses of vaccine, combined with high uptake in priority groups in order to minimise morbidity and mortality as much as possible, as soon as it feasible to do so”.

Explainer information for patients about QCOVID 

Posted on 17th February, 2021

Why have I received this letter? 

NHS England had used a risk assessment tool called QCOVID to calculate people’s risk of getting COVID.  This is a complex tool that looks at a variety of different factors to assess peoples’ risk.  Because you have received this letter, you are one of the patients identified by the tool as being at high risk if you were to get COVID.  You can see all the information your GP received here. 

What in my medical records has caused me to be added to this list? 

Unfortunately, your GP surgery has no current way of replicating the analysis that has been done by NHS Digital and so we are unable to tell you why you have been added to this list.  This situation may change over time, but we have no way of knowing when. 

 What should I do now?  Should I go to work?  Should I go out? 

You should follow the advice detailed here.  This will mean that you need to take extra measures above and beyond those which you probably have been taking.  The guidance covers: 

• Social activities 
• Work 
• Educational settings 
• Travel 
• Shopping
• Medicines 
• Accessing care and support 
• Registering for additional support 

You may be eligible for additional support and should be able to receive statutory sick pay for time off from work. 

 What about vaccination? 

If you are under 65 you should be prioritised for vaccination ahead of others in cohort 6 which is people who are at risk because of a variety of medical conditions.  If you are over 65 you will have already been in group 5, so this won’t affect the priority with which you’re given the vaccine. 

What if I think they’ve added me incorrectly? 

At the moment, the best way to review this is through discussion with your GP.  Please bear in mind that GPs are incredibly busy at the moment vaccinating patients as well as trying to provide as normal a service to patients as possible.  Because of this it may not be possible to immediately deal with enquiries about this and you may be asked to submit your details in an online form.  

 Do I have to follow this guidance? 

Patients at high risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19 infection are strongly encouraged to follow shielding guidance. However, this is advice, and not the law. Patients can choose whether or not they want to follow it. 

 Why am I only now being identified as high risk? 

This tool has only just been approved for use in assessing patient’s risk of COVID 19.  Until now we haven’t had sufficient scientific evidence to run population-based tools that can accurately assess people’s risk of developing COVID. 

Over 70 or clinically extremely vulnerable and NOT had your Covid-19 vaccine?  Please call us to book.

Posted on 4th February, 2021

Patients who are aged 70 or over or clinically extremely vulnerable (previously on the shielding list) who have not had their first COVID-19 vaccination are now being asked to call us to book their vaccination appointment.

It’s important that you get in touch so you can get the protection you need.

Patients may have also received a letter from the National Booking Service inviting you to book an appointment at one of the Mass Vaccination Centres. If so, patients can choose to book an appointment at one of these sites following the details in the letter or contact us to book in at our GP Hub.

The message for all other patients who fall outside of the cohorts 1-4 priority groups remains the same – stay safe, sit tight and we will contact you when it’s your turn.

You can find out more about the COVID-19 vaccination programme, including frequently asked questions and patient information leaflets here https://www.cambridgeshireandpeterboroughccg.nhs.uk/news-and-events/latest-news/covid-19-national-vaccination-programme/

Update on Covid-19 Vaccinations

Posted on 4th February, 2021

Another busy week in the Ely N and S PCNs for Covid Vaccinations, covering Burwell Surgery, Cathedral Medical Centre, Staploe Medical Centre, Haddenham Surgery, St George’s Medical Centre, and St Mary’s Surgery. Here are our latest stats:

• 12,500 vaccines given so far from 15th Dec 2020 to 31st Jan 2021
• Cohort 1 (care homes): 100% of all our consenting care home residents have been vaccinated.
• Cohort 2 (Over 80s): all invited, and approx. 92% vaccinated.
• Cohort 3 (Over 75s): all invited, approx 91% vaccinated.
• Cohort 4 (Over 70 and clinical extremely vulnerable): all invited, approx 80% vaccinated.

We will be completing cohorts 1-4 this week, a week ahead of the national deadline! Everyone who has a mobile number on their patient profile has already been invited by SMS to self-book.

This week we are making sure that all eligible patients from cohorts 1-4 will be vaccinated by the end of this week if they want to be. To aid this, we would like to invite all of these patients to call their practice between 3pm and 5pm each day this week on 01353 864100 if they haven’t yet had their vaccination and would like one.

Last week was a fantastic 1000 hour effort from our incredible team of volunteers and staff from across all six practices – the commitment is just awe-inspiring. Thanks so much!

We’ve been bowled over by all the wonderful feedback as well – so we wanted to say thank you to all of you for taking the time to share your experience. It’s the best possible fuel to keep everyone going  🙂

Housebound patients and COVID vaccination – an update from Ely PCN (26 January 2021)

 We are working with our local Practice teams, our CCG, and Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Foundation Trust (CPFT) to deliver COVID vaccinations for housebound people who cannot attend a vaccination centre.

 There are important safety constraints around safe transport and delivery of Covid vaccine, which means home vaccination is a particular challenge. However, we are now able to deliver vaccines to eligible housebound people and have already made a good start. We are currently on track to ensure all patients within the priority groups will be vaccinated by the middle of February. 

 If you are housebound and expecting a Covid vaccination, you can expect a phone call from one of our team who will make arrangements with you. 

 We hope that you can appreciate the special challenges of community vaccination for housebound patients, and we thank you for bearing with us. 

 Further information on Covid-19 Vaccination Programme can be found here:  https://www.cambridgeshireandpeterboroughccg.nhs.uk/news-and-events/latest-news/covid-19-national-vaccination-programme/

Today the government announced that from 26^th December 2020, Cambridgeshire will be a classed as a Tier 4 area.

Tier 4 is best summarised as “Stay at Home”. There are significant restrictions on all citizens’ travel, work  and leisure. We encourage you to read the details from the government website here: Tier 4 information

The government have also written guidance for people classed as Extremely Clinically Vulnerable. You can find this here:  Extremely Clinically Vulnerable

We know patients may want to call us to ask questions. However, to minimise pressure on our phone lines, please read the government guidance documents above before contacting the Practice – we expect many of your questions will be answered in the guidance.

St George’s Medical Centre will stay open, and we will continue to see patients in person when clinically necessary.

To help reduce Covid-19 spread, we ask all patients not to turn up at the Practice without phoning for an appointment first.

Thank you,

Simon Randall, Practice Manager 18:00 Weds 23^rd December 2020

Suspected Coronavirus: Isolating at Home

Posted on 22nd December, 2020

This leaflet is a guide for patients with suspected coronavirus who have not been admitted to the hospital and will be isolating at home.

Healthwatch Survey for patients

https://www.healthwatchcambridgeshire.co.uk/news/2020-05-28/take-our-survey-about-your-health-and-care-during-coronavirus-crisis

Accessing Dental Care in England from 8 June 2020

From 8th June dental practices are able to open. Practices will need to prioritise patients with the most urgent need.

If you need help from a dentist:

• Contact your dental practice by phone or email.
• You will be given advice or offered an appointment if appropriate.
• For urgent dental care you can also use the NHS 111 online services.

Please do not visit your practice unless you’ve been advised to. This will ensure the practice can continue to provide essential care safely.

Testing and Tracing for Coronavirus

Patients that have symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) can ask for a test to check if they have the virus (antigen test).

This can be arranged online –
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/testing-and-tracing/

Or by calling 119

If you test positive you will then be contacted to trace who else you may have been in contact with.

As always, anyone that has symptoms or has been in contact with someone that has coronavirus are advised to self-isolate and only leave your home in order get tested.

Sick Notes relating to Covid-19

Local Support During Covid-19

For local support, from the collection of medicines to the delivery of groceries or a regular wellbeing chat, you can contact –

• Covid 19 Coordination Hub Call 01353 665 555 (Mon- Fri 9am-4pm) or email covid19@eastcambs.gov.uk
• Covid 19 help and support group (Littleport) on Facebook Or call 07905 026323.
• Care Network – Call 01353 659639 https://care-network.org.uk/

Support for ‘high risk’ patients

If you require help and support you can contact NHS volunteer responders service. They are able to assist with collection of medicines from pharmacies and making regular phone calls to check on people isolating at home. To self-refer, please call 0808 196 3646. Please note, this is only for individuals identified as high risk who have received a letter asking them to self-isolate.

Recognising Heart Attacks, Strokes and Heart Failure during the Coronavirus pandemic and beyond

PCCS PT NOTICE

First Response Service – Mental Health Crisis

If you are in mental health crisis, dial 111 and press option 2.

For further information about Coronavirus and your wellbeing –  https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/

Domestic Abuse

If you are in immediate danger, call 999 and ask for the police – the police will continue to respond to emergency calls.

If you are in danger and unable to talk on the phone, dial 999, listen to the questions from the operator and respond by coughing or tapping the handset if you can. Then follow the instructions depending on whether you are calling from a mobile or a landline.

If you call from a mobile

If prompted, press 55 to Make Yourself Heard – this will transfer your call to the police.

Pressing 55 only works on mobiles and does not allow police to track your location.

If you call 999 from a landline

If only background noise can be heard and BT operators cannot decide whether an emergency service is needed, then you will be connected to a police call handler.

If you replace the handset, the landline may remain connected for 45 seconds in case you pick up again.

When 999 calls are made from landlines, information about your location should be automatically available to the call handlers to help provide a response.

Further advice is available here –

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-and-domestic-abuse/coronavirus-covid-19-support-for-victims-of-domestic-abuse

https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/

Help with Legal Issues

If you are looking for help with legal issues, Advicenow is an independent, not-for-profit website, run by the charity Law for Life: the Foundation for Public Legal Education.  It provides accurate, practical information on rights and the law in England and Wales. Some of what Advicenow can help with is listed below:

• PIP appeal
• Benefit sanctions
• Sorting out arrangements for your children
• Issues with a divorce
• What to do when you are threatened with homelessness
• What to do if you are homeless

https://www.advicenow.org.uk/advicenow-guides

Helplines

These phone lines are not for urgent health crises but are available if you need a listening ear –

LIFELINE (Cambs)  0808 808 2121 (2pm – 11pm daily)

SANELINE  0300 304 7000 (4.30pm to 10.30pm daily)

ANXIETY UK 03444 775 774 (9.30am to 5.30pm daily)

The MIX – Under 25s – 0808 808 4994 – (4pm – 11pm daily)

CHILDLINE – 0800 1111 (9am – midnight)

SILVERLINE – older people – 0800 470 80 90 – (Anytime)

AGE UK – 0800 12 44 222 – (Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm)

MENTAL HEALTH C.A.L.M. (Men) – 0800 58 58 58 – (5pm to midnight)

SAMARITANS – 116 123 – (Anytime)

YOUTH HELPLINE – 0330 606 1174 – (10am to 10pm)

OCD ACTION – 0845 390 6232 – (Not immediate support – if busy, they will call back in 48 hrs)

SUPPORT LINE – 01708 765200 – NOT A CRISIS LINE – Emotional support to any individual on any issue.  Hours vary.

DOMESTIC ABUSE NATIONAL HELPLINE – 0808 2000 247

WOMEN’S AID Cambridge – 01223 361214 / Outreach – 07730 322098 – (Between 5:30 and 9:30pm)

Support for Women and Children

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS – 0800 917 7650 – (24-hour)

GAMBLING NATIONAL Helpline – 0808 8020 133 – (daily, 8am to midnight)

BEREAVEMENT CARE – 0808 808 1677 or Cambridge 01223 633536 – (Monday to Friday 9.30am – 1.30pm)

EATING DISORDER – BEAT – 0808 801 0677 (adults) or 0808 801 0711 (for under-18s)

RAPE CRISIS – 0808 802 9999 – (daily, 12pm to 2.30pm and 7pm to 9.30pm)