GP practices and pharmacies in Buckinghamshire to stay open for telephone appointments on Good Friday and Easter Monday 2020
GP practices and pharmacies in Buckinghamshire are to stay open for telephone appointments on Good Friday and Easter Monday 2020.
The GP practices will be open for telephone appointments on Good Friday 10th April 2020 and Easter Monday 13th April 2020. However pharmacies will also be open but their opening hours may be different to usual.
Dr Raj Bajwa, GP and Clinical Chair of NHS Buckinghamshire Clinical Commissioning Group said: ‘Due to the current coronavirus pandemic we are expecting the long Easter weekend to be a particularly busy time for the NHS.
We hope that by keeping GP practices and pharmacies open in this way we will be able to continue to provide care to those who need it and alleviate some of the pressure on the healthcare system at this time.‘
Anyone who does have a medical problem that is not related to coronavirus is advised to contact thier GP. Initially all GP appointments will be on the telephone. The GP will do all they can to help over the phone however, should they feel the need to see you face to face for an examination, you will be invited to the surgery for review. Patients are advised not go into their GP practice in person without prior agreement.
Residents are being advised to use these services responsibly and appropriately to ensure people with the most need receive care during the pandemic. Anyone with coronavirus symptoms should stay at home and self-isolate for seven days while others in the household should self-isolate for 14 days.
To et support and advice you can visit NHS online and use the 111 coronavirus service. But you should only call 111 if you feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home or you do not have internet access; if need be you may be directed to a COVID-19 clinic in the community. This approach will free up help for those who most need it.
Pharmacy opening times will be published on the NHS Buckinghamshire Clinical Commissioning Group website when they are available at www.buckinghamshireccg.nhs.uk.
Anyone needing health advice when their GP surgery or pharmacy is closed is advised to call NHS 111 to get advice on local services which are open. You can also visit NHS choices at www.nhs.uk.
Emergency Departments (A&E) and the 999 emergency ambulance service provide vital care for life-threatening emergencies, such as loss of consciousness, suspected heart attack or stroke, severe breathing difficulties or severe bleeding that cannot be stopped. In these extreme cases call 999 immediately.
Choosing the right NHS service will help get you the best advice and reduces pressure on A&E and GP services, freeing them up to help those who need it most during the coronavirus pandemic.
*Source of article : Press release from Buckinghamshire Council on behalf of the NHS Buckinghamshire Clinical Commissioning Group.
