OMICRON CORONAVIRUS VARIANT
On Monday 29 November the Joint Committee on Vaccinations and Immunisations made a series of recommendations to expand the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme in response to the new coronavirus variant Omicron.
There are no immediate changes to the current Vaccination Programme in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire (BNSSG) until we receive the national guidance on operationalising these recommendations.
In the meantime, please do not contact the practice until more information is released about how these changes will be rolled out. When it is your turn to be vaccinated, we will be in touch.
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COVID RESTRICTIONS
Keeping Patients & Staff safe
In order to continue protecting our patients and staff, we are continuing to ask patients to wear face coverings within the practice
For anyone unable to wear a face covering or who may be exempt, please let our Navigation Team know so that suitable appointment arrangements can be made for you to receive the care you need
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We are Still Here For You
During this Covid-19 pandemic, the safety of our patients and staff is paramount. We are following national and local guidance around how we can best offer healthcare and safely resume services. We also have to be mindful of what hospitals and other services are doing.
We are still limiting the number of patients in the waiting areas at any one time to ensure a safe environment for our patients and staff. For these reasons;
- Patients with appointments gain entry to the practice via the buzzer and intercom to the right of the doors into the practice. Our doors remain closed at this time but we are not closed
- Please do not arrive more than 5 minutes ahead of your appointment time as we may have to ask you to wait outside
- All patients are asked to wear a face covering whilst in the practice. Please discuss with our Navigation Team in advance if you cannot wear a mask
- The majority of consultations will continue to be by telephone or video, initially at least. Rest assured that if a clinician needs to see you face to face, arrangements will be made.
- You may also be asked to send in photographs where this is likely to help a clinician ahead of a telephone or video appointment
Don’t let worries about Covid-19 stop you seeking medical help when you need it. If you or a loved one has signs of a serious condition or illness like a stroke or severe chest pain get help straight away by going to A&E or calling 999 https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/nhs-services/urgent-and-emergency-care/when-to-go-to-ae/
Thank you for your support. Stay safe.
Helping You To Better Health
Here at Bedminster Family Practice we offer a full general practice service and run specialist clinics for diabetes, COPD, coronary heart disease and asthma sufferers and for minor surgery.
We aim to treat all our patients promptly, courteously and in complete confidence. We believe it is important that you know who you are speaking to and so our practice staff wear name badges and also 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
Say Yes to Chlamydia Testing!
We are currently offering a free, confidential test for Chlamydia to all women under 25 regardless of whether they have any symptoms, when they speak to a doctor or nurse about contraception.
Please ask at your appointment if you would like a test or if you prefer, you can order a free home testing kit here:
https://www.unitysexualhealth.co.uk/request-postal-kit-using-online-account/
Here is further information on why testing is important:
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1058641/NCSP_patient_information_leaflet_March_2022.pdf
Important update:
Urine samples left at reception desk
Please note that urine samples can no longer be accepted by our Navigators 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.
Login to Patient Access Online Services for booking appointments and ordering prescriptions
(Site updated 09/08/2022)