COVID-19 - Do not come to the practice if you have a high temperature or a new continuous cough
To reduce your chances of catching COVID-19 and reduce pressure on the practice during this busy time, GP appointments will be carried out by phone, video or other online service, unless there is a clinical need for you to come into the practice. This will help minimise risk while continuing to ensure our patients receive the care and advice they need. Thank you for your support.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Question: Sick Notes – am I able to get a sick note in relation to Covid-19 issues?
Answer: Please read the notes below before requesting a sick note. We will not be issuing sick notes in the following cases;
- Absences of less than 7 days as you should self-certify the first 7 days of any absence
- To confirm that you are self-isolating or live with someone who is self-isolating. You can however obtain an Isolation Note via https://111.nhs.uk/isolation-note/
- To confirm someone is over 70 years of age
- To confirm pregnancy
- To provide evidence of pre-existing health conditions. You can ask for a summary of your pre-existing health conditions which we can send to you by text. Only request this if you absolutely need it. Please make requests via our website. We will reply within 21 days
Question: I cannot get Paracetamol. I need a prescription
Answer: Unless you are already being prescribed Paracetamol for an ongoing condition we are unable to prescribe this unless a doctor has assessed you and deemed it necessary
Question: I need a prescription. Can I come and collect it?
Answer: We are asking all patients to nominate a pharmacy to whom we can electronically send your prescriptions. This not only reduces footfall into the surgery but is also a much quicker and effective process for you.
Question: I want to see a doctor in person. I don’t want a telephone appointment as they won’t be able to help me over the phone.
Answer: We have moved to telephone appointments in line with national guidelines. If the GP you speak to feels they need to see you in person, they will make those arrangements.
Question: My partner has a cough and dry throat, do I have to self-isolate?
Answer: You should refer to the latest guidance from the NHS 111 coronavirus service, NHS and Public Health England.
Question: I've heard I can get a Rescue pack for my asthma or COPD?
Answer: Please do not contact the practice for a rescue pack unless this is something that has previously been agreed and prescribed by your medical team
How to avoid catching or spreading coronavirus
DO:
- Wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
Always wash your hands when you get home or into work
Use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards
try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell
DON'T:
- touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean
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Helping you to better health
Bedminster Family Practice offers a full general practice service and runs specialist clinics for diabetes, coronary heart disease and asthma suffers and for patients needing minor surgery.
We aim to treat all of our patients promptly, courteously and in complete confidence. We feel it is important you know who you are speaking to, so our practice staff wear a name badge and identify themselves on the telephone.
Your Health and Local Services
The Bristol service finder app can help you find your nearest, most appropriate health service using GPS mapping, wherever you are in England. Click this link to find out more
Community Pharmacy
When you call the surgery, our care navigators book you in to see the most appropriate member of the multidisciplinary team. To optimise patient experience and ensure that everyone gets the care that they need, our care navigators will direct appropriate patients to the community pharmacist.
What is an NHS Community Pharmacist Consultation?
- It’s a consultation with a fully qualified pharmacist at a local pharmacy.
- It involves a clinical assessment and conversation with the pharmacist. This will be in the privacy of a consultation room.
How can the pharmacist help?
- The pharmacist has the right clinical training to assess you and recommend the best treatment for some common conditions.
- If your symptoms suggest it’s more serious, the pharmacist will help you to get an urgent GP appointment if needed.
- If you don’t need any treatment the pharmacist will be able to provide reassurance. For instance, a minor illness may get better on its own.
- To help with symptoms, the pharmacist may offer to sell you an over-the-counter medicine.
What happens next?
- The pharmacist will make a record of the outcome and send it to your GP.
What training does the pharmacist have?
- Every pharmacist is trained for five years in the use of medicines, managing minor illnesses and providing health and wellbeing advice, so they are the right person to see.
If you have any questions, please speak to the local pharmacy team, or contact the surgery.
For further information: Go to www.nhs.uk/pharmacyadvice
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Important update:
Urine samples left at reception desk
Please note that urine samples can no longer be accepted by our receptionists unless the sample has been requested by a doctor or nurse. Safe testing and interpretation can only be provided if a doctor or nurse recommends a test. If you believe you need any form of medical test please arrange a nurse or doctor appointment to allow for a proper assessment and management plan.
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Bedminster Family Practice is participating in a multicentre trial run by the University of Bristol looking at use of antibiotics in young children with a cough
Caring for Children With Coughs
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*****TRAVEL CLINIC UPDATE*****
Our travel clinic is currently suspended so we are not currently able to provide travel advice. If you are going abroad you need to go to www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk at least three months before you are due to travel and determine which vaccinations are recommended.
We are able to provide the following vaccines under the NHS and if required you should make a Nurse appointment with reception:
- Diptheria, tetanus & polio
- Hepatitis A
- Typhoid
Any other vaccines can be obtained at the NOMAD clinic on Park Street or at certain pharmacies.
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(Site updated 26/03/2020)