The BMA have announced a period of industrial action by GPs. The partners at Parkbury House Surgery support the reasons behind this; however, the actions they are choosing to take should have limited impact on frontline patient contact.
Key messages for patients
Do
- If you have an appointment at the practice, do attend as usual, unless you are told otherwise
The NHS has a duty to provide the best care possible for patients with the resources we have.
- The practice is still open between 08:30 and 18:30 Monday to Friday.
- Throughout the industrial action, the practice will continue to provide reasonable care to patients. This includes:
- Making appointments available
- Providing advice or care to patients by another means
- Giving advice on alternative services
- Providing access to prescriptions, long term condition management, vaccinations, diagnoses and referrals
If not able to contact the practice, patients can use 111 online for health needs, and only using 999 if it is a serious or life-threatening emergency. For more information on when to call 999 and when to go to A&E, you can visit the NHS UK website.
Your local pharmacist may also be able to offer treatment and some prescription medicine for some conditions, without you needing to see a GP (this is called Pharmacy First).
- earache (aged 1 to 17 years)
- impetigo (aged 1 year and over)
- infected insect bites (aged 1 year and over)
- shingles (aged 18 years and over)
- sinusitis (aged 12 years and over)
- sore throat (aged 5 years and over)
- urinary tract infections or UTIs (women aged 16 to 64 years)
If you go to a pharmacy with one of these conditions, the pharmacist will offer you advice, treatment, or refer you to a GP or other healthcare professional if needed.