Everyone over 50 will be eligible for both flu vaccine and covid booster this Autumn.  Plans are already well under way for this campaign and appointment details will be arriving very shortly.  Letters have started to be posted out to patients with appointments.  Any queries or problems, please email nsc.clinic@nhs.net

People in England who have had a full course of the COVID-19 vaccine can demonstrate their COVID-19 vaccination status for international travel.

https://digital.nhs.uk/services/nhs-app/nhs-app-guidance-for-gp-practices/nhs-covid-pass

Due to the current Coronavirus (Covid-19) situation, the way you access your GP practice has changed.

Whilst restrictions are easing and our doors are now open we are still following a triage appointment system.  You will therefore still receive a phone consultation before any face to face appointment for all GP's and Nurse Practitioners.

If you do need to see a doctor face-to-face, then this will be arranged for you.

Alternatively, use the online NHS 111 service or call 111.

We want to reassure you that your GP practice is still here to look after you and your family.

Stay at home and do not leave your house for 10 days from when your symptoms started. This will help protect others in your community whilst you are infectious. You should:

• plan ahead and ask others for help to ensure that you can successfully stay at home
• ask your employer, friends and family to help you to get the things you need to stay at home
• stay at least 2 meters (about 3 steps) away from other people in your home whenever possible
• wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds, each time using soap and water
• stay away from vulnerable individuals such as the elderly and those with underlying health conditions as much as possible

You do not need to contact your GP Practice or call NHS 111 to go into self-isolation.

Please see attached Self Isolation Booklet for your information.  

Booklet

You will need to self-isolate for 10 days. After 10 days:

• if you do not have a high temperature, you do not need to self-isolate
• if you still have a high temperature, keep self-isolating until your temperature returns to normal

If your symptoms worsen during home isolation or are no better after 10 days contact online/call the NHS 111 service.

If you, or the person you are caring for, is struggling to breathe, has a fast pulse, their hands or lips are cold and/or blue, are drowsy, confused or difficult to wake, has tightness in their chest, or is unable to speak in short sentences, dial NHS 111 or 999 immediately.

If you need any other medical help, or advice, please contact your GP surgery between the hours of 8.00am and 6.30pm, and NHS 111 between the hours of 6.30pm and 8.30am for advice. In case of emergency, call 999.

If you’re finding it hard to access information for Coronavirus, or are self-isolating, meet Ask A&E’s free COVID-19 Care Assistant, powered by Babylon. It helps make it easier for you to take care of yourself and the ones you love.

The COVID-19 Care Assistant offers free information from NHS doctors and clinicians. You can access it through the University Hospitals of Birmingham website, or by searching for ‘Ask A&E Birmingham’. You will then be asked to register for an account.

Here’s how it can help you, in four easy steps.

1. Get the latest information: The COVID-19 Care Assistant gives you continually-updated information about coronavirus. Topics like how to self-isolate and how to take care of someone with coronavirus. Information comes from NHS doctors and Public Health England.
2. Access a symptom checker and live chat: The symptom checker has the ability to recognise what might be COVID-19 symptoms and suggest possible next steps. You can access the symptom checker (24/7) via the website and use the live chat feature (8am-8pm) to ask questions and receive answers from a member of the team.
3. Receive a care plan: After you receive information about your symptoms, the COVID-19 Care Assistant will give you a care plan, based on the latest guidance. After downloading the Babylon app and using your existing log in details, you’ll get daily notifications to track your symptoms, including your temperature, information for the isolation period and general tips for your physical and mental wellbeing.
4. Speak to a healthcare expert: The COVID-19 Care Assistant allows you to have a video consultation with a clinician via the website. After you enter your symptoms into the symptom checker, it will indicate possible next steps. But, if you believe you need to speak to a healthcare professional, you can book a video consultation. You can do all of this within the website or by downloading the Babylon app.

Access the COVID-19 Care Assistant here.

Do not use this service during an emergency (emergency services should be contacted instead), or if you are pregnant. Steps 1-3 of Ask A&E’s COVID-19 Care Assistant is a general information service. It does not provide medical advice or a diagnosis but will provide you with information and/r possible actions you may take. Depending on the outcome of Steps 1-3, you may be referred for a digital consultation with a local clinician (Step 4).