Dear colleagues,
We know there is increased pressure across the urgent care system at the moment, and Queen’s Hospital is currently experiencing a very high level of demand. There are a few things we’re asking practices and GPs to do to help the trust manage this demand by ensuring patients are making best, and appropriate, use of all urgent care services.
Use NHS 111 for patient assessments
Remember, you can direct your patients to the new NHS 111 Clinical Assessment Service for an assessment by a clinician – GP, nurse, pharmacist, paramedic – over the phone, if you aren’t able to assess them yourself or at the practice that day. The NHS 111 service has clinicians available 24/7 to make assessments and can arrange an ambulance for the patient if needed. Please use this rather than directing patients to 999, unless you have assessed that they need an ambulance.
Refer to the GP hubs for same day appointments
Urgent same day GP appointments are also available at our GP hubs every day (6.30pm-10pm on weekdays, and 8am-8pm on weekends), which can be booked by calling 020 3770 1888, or NHS 111.
Please within your practice continue to do all you can to help care for patients locally and do not refer patients into Queen’s and King George hospital Emergency Departments (A&E or the Urgent Care Centre) unless it is absolutely essential.
Preventing the spread of norovirus
We are also aware of a number of cases of norovirus in the community (diarrhoea and vomiting). Please can we ask that you do all you can to avoid sending patients with symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting to hospital unless absolutely necessary.
We would also urge you to ensure that colleagues, patients and relatives are paying extra attention to hand hygiene at this time to help limit the spread. Washing hands thoroughly and frequently with soap and water is by far the most effective method as alcohol gels do not kill the virus.
The same communications are being reiterated to all staff within the hospital trust and care homes, so any support you can offer would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks for your continued support.
Dr Jagan John
Urgent Care Lead
BHR CCGs
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