COVID-19 INFORMATION
Face Masks
Whilst the wearing of face masks in our Surgeries is not mandatory we do encourage patients to wear them.
If you think you may have COVID-19 please do not enter the Surgery.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Testing for Covid-19
Please follow this link to learn more about testing: Information on testing for Coronavirus
Lateral Flow Testing- please watch this Covid Self Test video on how to use Lateral Flow Tests correctly.
Domestic Violence
Please note that you can still get support if you are suffering domestic violence
There is a national campaign, #YouAreNotAlone and local authorities and all agencies working in the East Sussex area want to ensure that you know that you can get support in a safe way. The local number for victims to contact for support is:
East Sussex – 0300 323 9985
Sussex Police have also provided a short information video
COVID-19 Information
Important information about the Coronavirus (COVID-19)
The NHS in High Weald Lewes and Havens and Public Health England (PHE) are well prepared for outbreaks of new infectious diseases. The NHS has put in place measures to ensure the safety of all patients and NHS staff while also ensuring services are available to public as per normal.
The latest information on symptoms on Coronavirus, infection and areas where recent travel may have resulted in a high risk of exposure can be found on: NHS.uk - Coronavirus (Covid-19).
NHS 111 has an online coronavirus service that can tell you if you need medical help and advise you what to do.
Use this service if:
- you think you may have Coronavirus
- in the last 14 days you have been in a country or area with a high risk of Coronavirus
- you have been in close contact with someone with Coronavirus
Do NOT go to a GP Surgery, Pharmacy or hospital. Call 111 if you need to speak to someone.
Like the common cold, Coronavirus infection usually occurs through close contact with a person with novel Coronavirus via cough and sneezes or hand contact. A person can also catch the virus by touching contaminated surfaces if they do not wash their hands.
Testing of suspected Coronavirus cases is carried out in line with strict guidelines. This means that suspected cases are kept in isolation, away from public areas of GP Surgeries, Pharmacies and Hospitals and returned home also in isolation. Any equipment that comes into contact with suspected cases are thoroughly cleaned as appropriate. Specific guidance has also been shared with NHS staff to help safeguard them and others. Patients can be reassured that their safety is a top priority and are encouraged to attend all appointments as usual.
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.
All potential covid related appointments will be telephone triaged and no face to face appointments will be booked with the GP prior to a telephone consultation.
If you require a nurse or HCA appointment the receptionist will ask relevant questions to determine whether attendance at the Surgery is safe for both you and our staff. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Nurse and Healthcare appointments for online booking
Online appointments are for telephone calls only until further notice. If you want to see a GP face to face then please call to book an appointment in the usual way and speak to a member of the reception team.
Heathfield and Firs Surgeries are running a pilot for online booking of appointments for nurses and healthcare assistants, besides doctor's appointments. Please be reminded NOT to book on line for: Medicals, Baby checks, Post Natals, Coil Fits, Implanon/Nexplanon, Travel vaccinations (we do NOT offer a travel clinic, but do offer the NHS injection Hep A&B, Typhoid & Tetanus), Blood Tests (All are done at the Firs Surgery), Wound Care.
These procedures need more time and/or special clinics and should be booked at reception or by phoning the Surgery.
Please note that only certain procedures can be done by a nurse or an Health Care Assistant. A nurse can see you for: Smear (20 minutes), Pill Check (10 Minutes), Hep A&B injection, Typhoid injection, Tetanus injection (10 minutes), Prostap or Zoladex injection (10 Minutes), Ear syringing: You will need to phone in and book into a clinic.
A Healthcare Assistant can see you for: INR check (10 minutes), Blood Pressure measurement (10 minutes)
Covid Status on the NHS App
You can view and download your COVID-19 vaccination status using the NHS App.
You need to create an NHS login to use the NHS App if you do not have one already. NHS login registrations may take longer than usual when there are high numbers of requests. You will need to register at least 2 weeks before your departure date.
The information on a patient's Covid-Status will be drawn from the NIMS (National Immunisation System of Record) and not from the GP Record. This will be a national programme, using national data.
You can call 119 and ask for a letter with your COVID-19 vaccination status to be posted to you. This must be at least 5 days after you complete your course of the vaccine. You do not need to know your NHS number to get a letter, but the process to request a letter may be quicker if you do.
Covid Champions
The Board of the Sussex Clinical Commissioning Group has recognised the work of the Vaccination Champions. They were praised for all of their work to date in our communities. There are approximately 100 Champions, who are volunteers working with the programme to share the latest information and updates to encourage uptake and support communities.
Heathfield Surgery is delighted to be working with the Vaccination Champions and can inform you that they have set up a special email service to answer any questions you may have: heathfieldvacschamp@gmail.com
The email will be checked on a regular basis and the Covid champions will endeavour to answer any COVID vaccine issues as soon as possible, depending on capacity and volume.
Covid 19 Vaccination Scams
Heathfield Surgery would like to warn you about Covid 19 vaccination scams. NHSE has this advice for patients:
An official NHS text message will include details of your GP practice. It will also include details of the local vaccination service and its location;
Scam text messages and emails are not including local information such as your GP practice details or where you are invited to attend;
The COVID-19 vaccination is only available by the NHS and it is free – you will never be asked to pay for it or your bank details.
If you are worried about a text message you have received, please be assured you will remain on your GP practice list for vaccination if you don't respond.
