Lewes GP surgeries issue advice to patients amid coronavirus crisis

GP surgeries in Lewes have issued advice to patients during the coronavirus crisis.
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School Hill Medical Practice, St Andrew’s Surgery and River Lodge Surgery – which have merged to form one practice called The Foundry – are ‘well placed to continue to provide coordinated care for the population of Lewes and surrounding villages during the unprecedented challenge that the Covid-19 pandemic presents,’ one of the practice’s partners, Dr Jason Heath said.

Dr Heath said the practice has been able to consolidate its services for the ‘safety of patients and staff’.

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“We are providing telephone consultations from all four sites and limiting face-to-face contact in line with NHS England advice, to reduce risks of staff becoming unavailable through illness or self isolation,” said Dr Heath.

River Lodge Surgery in Lewes. Picture: Google Street ViewRiver Lodge Surgery in Lewes. Picture: Google Street View
River Lodge Surgery in Lewes. Picture: Google Street View

“The doctors and managers are also working from home where they need to isolate due to family contacts.

“All first contacts will be by phone. We are also making very good use of new video consultation technology, which simply requires the patient to have a smartphone.

“Where it is felt clinically necessary a face-to-face appointment will be arranged, and an appointment time given for this.

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“Although surgery doors are closed, this is to prevent unintended arrivals that may present an infection risk to other patients or staff.

School Hill Medical Practice in Lewes. Picture: Google Street ViewSchool Hill Medical Practice in Lewes. Picture: Google Street View
School Hill Medical Practice in Lewes. Picture: Google Street View

“The surgeries are open. The door will be answered by a member of staff.”

Dr Heath confirmed a number of routine follow-ups will need to be postponed, but all essential follow-ups appointments including blood tests will continue.

He said the practice aims to be able to deal with a lot of ongoing health advice by telephone during this time of disruption.

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The usual repeat prescription service is available either online or through POD, he said.

St Andrew's Surgery in Lewes. Picture: Google Street ViewSt Andrew's Surgery in Lewes. Picture: Google Street View
St Andrew's Surgery in Lewes. Picture: Google Street View

All initial queries about Covid-19 symptoms should still go through 111 online, or by calling 111 if people do not have computer access.

Dr Heath added: “The 111, NHS.com and gov.uk websites have excellent self diagnosis, advice, links to printable sick notes and other reassuring information, or direction as to when you should seek further 111 advice if your condition worsens.”

River Lodge Surgery has been designated as the site for doctors to see patients who need assessment for a non Covid-19 condition but that may be suspected to have Covid-19, Dr Heath confirmed.

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Patients not thought to have Covid-19 symptoms, that need to be seen, will be directed to School Hill or Ringmer surgeries.

St Andrew’s Surgery continues to operate all phone consultation, video-consultation, prescribing and administrative functions but is designated as a non face-to-face contact site, said Dr Heath.

He added: “The situation continues to change daily, and we will continue to adapt to the challenges.

“The doctors and staff of The Foundry are grateful to their patients for continuing to be proactive in social distancing, appropriate self and household isolation, and shielding.

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“There is a huge amount of inspirational work going on in many parts of our community to all support each other.

“Please see individual surgery websites for additional information.”

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