The NHS in Leeds is urging people to get in touch with their GP practice if they don’t feel well or have concerns about their health.
Dr Jason Broch is a Leeds GP and Clinical Chair of NHS Leeds Clinical Commissioning Group. He said: “coronavirus has led to a number of changes in GP practices so things may look a little different, but we’re very much open and seeing patients.
“Practices have a range of different health care professionals who can help you, including health care assistants, nurses and nurse practitioners, physiotherapists, as well as GPs. That’s why we ask you to tell us a little about what you need so we can make sure you see the right person.
“To help keep everyone safe and to minimise the risk of infection, our receptionists need to ask a few extra questions, and we’re currently doing most consultations by phone or video; however, if we need to see you, then we will ask you to come to the surgery or arrange a home visit.
“It’s particularly important that you contact your practice soon as possible if you feel something isn’t right with your body, such as a lump in the breast, changes in bowel habits, blood in your pee or poo, unexplained weight loss, moles that appear to change or a cough that you’ve had for three weeks or more.
“We’re also carrying out routine and preventative care such as cervical screening tests, children’s immunisations and reviews for people with existing health conditions. If you receive a reminder about any of these, please make an appointment – you’ll be seen in a safe environment.
“Coronavirus might have changed the way you access your GP but we’re still here for you and can help with any health concerns you may have.”
To help reduce the risk of coronavirus infection, anyone who needs to contact their practice is asked to phone rather than visit the surgery unless they have an appointment. Patients who need repeat medication can order it online or by phone.
It’s particularly important that anyone going for a face-to-face appointment lets the practice know if they or anyone in the household has any symptoms of coronavirus. These include a high temperature, continuous cough or loss or change of sense of taste or smell.
Anyone with symptoms must self-isolate for 10 days, only leaving home to get tested. – visit www.nhs.uk/coronavirus or call NHS 119 to book an appointment at your nearest centre.
NHS here for you
Help the local NHS by backing ‘Your NHS is still here for you’ campaign (www.leedsccg.nhs.uk/HereForYou). This reminds local people to seek medical care when they need it, particularly for life changing and life threatening illnesses. Support the campaign on social media by following @NHSLeeds on Twitter, Facebook.com/nhsleeds or nhsleeds on Instagram to share the #NHSHereForYou messages.