Covid Information

Covid-19 Virus Latest Update

The team at Meadowside Medical Centre  is currently experiencing a high volume of calls from people who need urgent help and advice.  The high rates of community transmission of the Covid virus, coupled with the growing numbers of people being admitted to hospital, mean the whole of the NHS across the North West region is under pressure.

For this reason, it is taking us longer than we would like to respond to calls and we are having to ask people who have less urgent health needs to wait a bit longer for an appointment.  We are continuing to prioritise urgent cases.

If your condition is not as urgent, we would ask that you look at the other options available for accessing NHS services e.g.

·         Following self-care advice where you can from www.nhs.uk

·         Using your local pharmacy for expert help and advice for every-day conditions

·         Using online services where you can request repeat prescriptions via the NHS app or your practice patient online service

·         Seeking support and advice from NHS 111 online to direct you to the best service for your needs if you’re not sure what to do.

Thank you for your support and your patience.

Due to new advice from the UK Chief Medical Officers, we now inform you of the need to reschedule your second coronavirus vaccination appointment. The new medical advice is that the second dose of the vaccine remains effective when given up to 12 weeks after the first dose, and should be given towards the end of this 12 week period.

While you will need two doses of the vaccine to get the best long-term protection from the virus, you will still have a significant level of protection at 22 days after you received the first dose. The new guidance will also help ensure that as many people as possible benefit from the first dose of the vaccine as soon as possible.  Please be reassured that there are no safety concerns in the new guidance, and it will not impact on how effective the vaccination is in protecting you from Covid-19 once the course is complete.

Please do not call us. You will be called in due course to reschedule your second vaccine appointment.

The NHS across the Cheshire 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 into 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 or
  • a new continuous cough

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 feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home
  • your condition gets 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 here https://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 or sneeze. Then bin the tissue, and wash your hands, or use a sanitiser gel.
  • 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 here https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19;