Update on local GP services from the Cheshire CCGs

In recent weeks GP practices across Cheshire have moved quickly to implement new models of clinical care in order to appropriately deal with the Coronavirus outbreak. This has meant significant changes to how practices are available to and interact with their patients.

Practices are not closed and continue to provide patient care. However, patients are likely to find that first contact with their practice is managed remotely – either via telephone or video link.

Because of the need to reduce person-to-person contact in order to control viral spread and also because practices are losing staff who are themselves isolating in line with government advice, some aspects of routine care are being deferred. Practices are instead focusing their time and effort on people who are acutely ill and in proactively caring for those in vulnerable groups.

Patients who believe they may have Coronavirus – owing to a new continuous cough or  a fever (greater than 37.8) – should remain at home and self-isolate. Should people feel the need for medical assessment or if their condition deteriorates they should use the NHS 111 online service (or if they have no Internet access should phone 111).

There is no concern regarding medicines supplies and practices will continue to issue prescriptions for routine medications. However, it is likely many practices will move some patients on to repeat dispensing for a period of several months, which will mean instead of people having to request a repeat prescription from their GP practice each month it will be available in the pharmacy for them on a monthly basis.

The situation is likely to continue to change and the Clinical Commissioning Groups are working very closely with GP Practices in Cheshire to maintain services alongside our wider partners in health and care.

Our practices are very grateful for the public’s patience, support and understanding in the face of changes to the services that they offer.

Dr Andrew Wilson, Clinical Chair

NHS Eastern Cheshire CCG, NHS South Cheshire CCG, NHS Vale Royal CCG, NHS West Cheshire CCG