Get the Latest Updates from Churchdown Surgery here:
Challenges
The surgery has been facing great challenge with running of the vaccine clinics most weekends on top of dealing with a greater demand for appointments. Each week our GPs and advanced nurse practitioners have a total of around 1000 appointments which is far higher than we’ve ever had to deal with before.
We really do appreciate your patience; we know we often have to ask you to wait for an appointment and that it can take some time to get through on the phone at times. We are working really hard at the surgery and appreciate your kindness to our staff during this time.
Changes In How To Make An Appointment
We have made some changes in how our appointments are offered starting from 1st November. Upon calling the surgery, our Care Navigators (receptionists) will help find you an appointment with the right clinician at the right time. Our Care Navigators will work with you to find the right solution which could include a telephone, video or face to face appointment, as a pre-bookable appointment or on the day depending on the urgency of the need at hand.
We anticipate this change to improve access to the surgery and improve continuity of care for ongoing problems. eConsult will still be available for those that find it a convenient way of accessing the surgery.
Covid Precautions
In order to protect our vulnerable patients and staff through the winter, from Covid, flu and other infectious illnesses, we will be maintaining social distancing where possible. This may involve us asking you to wait in the car park for your appointment if the waiting room gets busy.
We shall continue to request that you wear a facemask when you come to the surgery, as per national guidelines for the wearing of personal protective equipment in a healthcare setting (unless exempt).
If you have any symptoms of Covid-19 such as a cough, fever, loss of taste or smell, we ask you to undertake a Covid test (lateral flow test, or even better a PCR test) before coming to your appointment, and again may ask you to wait in the car park until you are seen.
Grab A Jab
Please do grab a jab when invited for both Covid and flu to help protect yourself and others.