Do not leave home if you or someone you live with has either a high temperature or a new, continuous cough or loss/change to sense of smell or taste.

Check the NHS website if you have symptoms

The NHS across Teesside will be better prepared for outbreaks of new infectious diseases, if the public follows Public Health England advice.

The NHS has put in place measures to ensure the safety of patients and staff which may mean your patient experience is subject to change.

The Chief Medical Officer announced on Friday 13 March that the country is moving towards the ‘Delay’ stage of the response to coronavirus (Covid-19).

The new advice issued by the Chief Medical Officer is to stay at home for 7 days if you have either:

• a high temperature
• a new continuous cough
• a loss of normal sense of smell and/or taste

DO NOT GO TO A GP SURGERY, PHARMACY OR A HOSPITAL.  YOU DO NOT NEED TO CONTACT 111 TO TELL THEM YOU’RE STAYING AT HOME.

Use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service if:

• you fell you cannot cope with your symptoms at home
• your conditions get worse
• your symptoms do not get better after 7 days

Only call 111 if you cannot get help online.

Stay at home advice can be found:

www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/self-isolation-advice/

Everyone is being reminded to follow Public Health England advice to:

• always carry tissues with you and use them to catch your cough and sneeze, then bin the tissue, wash your hands, or use gel sanitiser.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after using public transport.  Use a sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are unwell.

Information remains subject to regular change and updates.  More information can be found on the NHS website:

www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

GP surgeries have been asked to consult with patients by telephone rather that face to face.  This measure protects our staff and patients.  This change will be implemented as from Monday 16 March 2020.

Please be assured that the staff at the Ravenscar Surgery are working extremely hard to implement measures to ensure we continue to provide a high standard of care to all our patients.  There is no cause for panic or alarm, we have contingency plans to ensure the continuity of your GP healthcare service.

All patients with pre-booked appointments will be contacted via text or telephone to determine the best course of action.

Online prescription services will continue to be managed on a daily basis, urgent requests will be accepted via the telephone.  All prescriptions will be sent electronically to your nominated pharmacy.

Patients will NOT be able to collect prescriptions from the surgery.

We will continue to keep you updated and ask for your patience and support at this challenging time for the NHS.

If you are concerned that you may have been exposed to Coronavirus (COVID-19)  please access NHS 111 online see the URL below:

https://111.nhs.uk/service/covid-19

For general information regarding the virus please use below URL:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

Please do not attend the surgery.