Northumberland GPs thank public for their understanding and cooperation in difficult time

The public’s understanding and cooperation is much appreciated by NHS Northumberland Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) during this difficult and unsettling time. GPs are, however, urging people to contact their doctor’s surgery if they need immediate care for urgent and persistent health conditions and not delay doing this due to assumptions that GPs are too busy or over concerns around being exposed to Covid-19 if they require to be seen face-to-face.Dr Graham Syers, a GP in Alnwick and Clinical Chair at the CCG, said: “My colleagues and I are truly humbled by all of the support we are receiving. Whilst we are very grateful for and impressed with how quickly people have adapted to recent changes, we believe some patients with serious and persistent symptoms are not contacting us. “We appreciate that it is difficult and can be unnerving having to access care in different ways and sometimes in different places, but there’s no need to be concerned.

“Although we will most likely be in personal protective equipment when you see us, and we may ask you to wear this too, please don’t be alarmed. We need to ensure we protect both ourselves and those that visit practices. “It’s vitally important that people with urgent medical needs get in touch with us. Please contact your GP practice either by phone or online. You can also contact NHS 111 for urgent medical advice.”Most initial consultations are being performed remotely with the use of telephones or video consulting where possible and no one is permitted to enter a practice building without first speaking to someone over the phone or online.The CCG is working to ensure that care continues to be linked up between community, local authority and hospital services. Community and practice nurses are continuing to care for those with short-term support needs and long-term health conditions. GPs are also spending more time supporting frail people at home or in care homes.

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