As part of the national response to COVID-19, antibody testing is now available in Kings Lane Medical Practice  for staff and some patients.

Patients who are already having blood taken as part of other tests (either in hospital or in their GP practice) may be asked whether they would like an antibody test. The test is completely voluntary. 

It’s important to note that this is not a test for immunity, there is no strong evidence yet to suggest that those who have had the virus develop long-lasting immunity which would prevent them from getting the virus again. Antibody testing at this stage is useful primarily to improve our understanding about the spread of the virus.

For the latest information about the antibody tests, please go to: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-antibody-tests/coronavirus-covid-19-antibody-tests

Supplementary privacy note on Covid-19 for Patients

This notice describes how we may use your information to protect you and others during the Covid-19 outbreak. It supplements our main Privacy Notice which is available elsewhere on the practice website.   

Please see attached pdf document in relation to this.  

Attachments

The most up-to-date public guidance is always online at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus 

If you have symptoms associated with coronavirus you are advised to stay at home for 7 days.

Please do not book a GP appointment or attend your GP practice, pharmacy or hospitals unless advised to do so.  

If you live with other people, they should stay at home for at least 14 days, to avoid spreading the infection outside the home.   After 14 days, anyone you live with who does not have symptoms can return to their normal routine. But, if anyone in your home gets symptoms, they should stay at home for 7 days from the day their symptoms start. Even if it means they're at home for longer than 14 days.

If your symptoms are serious, or get worse, NHS 111 has an online coronavirus service that can tell you if you need further medical help and advise you what to do.

Only call 111 direct if you are advised to do so by the online service or you cannot go online.

For the latest COVID-19 advice please visit www.nhs.uk/coronavirus 

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

• Always carry tissues with you and use them to catch your cough or sneeze. Then bin the tissue, and wash your hands, or use a sanitiser gel.

• Wash your hands more often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.  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.

Attachments

Please see www.nhs.uk for any queries relating to coronavirus. 

Appointments

Due to recent Covid-19 developments, we have been advised by NHS England to move to a total Triage system.   This means if you call for an appointment you will be triaged by a Nurse (for nurse related queries) or a GP over the phone initially.  The clinician will then decide if you need to come to the practice, if we will offer a home visit (Only for housebound) or if you can be supported through a video consultation.  

All routine face to face appointments will be either cancelled or changed to telephone triage.  If you do not wish to visit the practice but feel you still have a query (not related to Covid-19) then please use e-consult via the website home page.   

We apologise for any inconvenience caused. 

Please note: we still have flu vaccines available to eligible patients.  Please contact reception to book if you are over 65, pregnant or suffer with an at risk condition such as coronary heart disease, diabetes or asthma.