CORONA VIRUS UPDATE
PLEASE FOLLOW THE GOVERNMENT GUIDELINES
If you have a COUGH, HIGH TEMPERATURE OR CHANGE TO TASTE AND SMELL
You must go home and self-isolate.
You do not need to call us or NHS 111 to report your cough / high temperature. For further information please go to https://111.nhs.uk/covid-19
If you feel really unwell, call NHS 111 for medical advice
If you have another condition you are worried about please contact the Surgery
PHONE FIRST APPOINTMENT SYSTEM
All patients must call if they require an appointment
DO NOT WALK IN TO SURGERY
All patients will be called back by a clinician
We will try and manage your condition / needs without you having to come to the surgery
The clinician will book you an appointment where necessary
Current Appointment System
The NHS is under extreme pressure at the moment and here at Whitley House Surgery we have been trying some different ways of managing the appointment system. Thank you for bearing with us during this period.
DoctorLink
The surgery now also offers DoctorLink. You can download DoctorLink from here: https://app.doctorlink.com/whitleyhousesurgery/register
We ask that you undertake a symptom assessment through DoctorLink. The symptom assessment will ask you a number of questions to help to identify your problem and the outcome will direct you to the right treatment.
If your outcome indicates that an appointment is required at the surgery, simply click on the 'request an appointment' button. The surgery will call you to arrange an appointment.
NHS App
Use the NHS app to check symptoms order medication and book appointments including your flu vaccination. Go to www.nhs.uk/nhsapp
Missed Appointments
If you cannot make your appointment please call us and cancel your appointment or cancel it online so that we can offer it to someone else who needs it. If we have your mobile number you will also be sent a reminder text message with the ability to cancel via text message.
Pharmacist Advice and Treatment
You may not need to see a doctor or nurse. Many minor ailments can be treated by visiting your pharmacist - please click here for an information leaflet. The following website also contains lots of useful information for everyday ailments: www.selfcareforum.org
The Mid-Essex Clinical Commissioning Group have asked GPs to reduce their prescribing of the common medications in the following list. These are available over the counter from your pharmacy. To see list please click here
Appointments
We are able to see you by appointment only. Please telephone us on (01245) 347539 between 8.00am and 6.30pm Monday to Friday. Our online appointment booking service is currently unavailable due to Coronavirus. Please ask at reception for details. A normal appointment is 10 minutes and is intended for one person. Please request a separate appointment for each person. If you feel you need more time then please ask for a double appointment.
There is no restriction as to whom you see in the practice as the doctors provide cover for each other in their absence.
In the event that you need to be seen by a doctor the same day, our receptionist will arrange for you to be seen but not necessarily by the doctor of your choice. Please telephone before 10.00am where possible.
The doctors and nurses will do their best to keep to time but illness is not always predictable and unforeseen events may cause us to run late, in which case we apologise. Our receptionists will keep you informed of any delays.
The surgery offers a chaperoning service. Please make your GP, nurse or receptionist aware if you would like a chaperone present at your consultation.
Telephone Advice
Telephone advice is available from our doctors and nurses. Please ask our reception staff if you require a telephone call and they will be happy to advise on our procedure for this service.
Hearing Disabilities
Our surgery reception is fitted with an induction hearing loop. Please switch your hearing aid to the ‘T’ position and advise reception. Help with booking appointments over the telephone is available from RAD (Royal Association for the Deaf). Please advise reception if you wish to use this facility.
Language Translation
If you need an interpreter for your appointment with a doctor or nurse this can be arranged with Language Line. Please inform reception of your requirement.