Burnley Group Practice

· Across Lancashire and South Cumbria we are taking urgent action to rearrange some routine blood tests so that we can make sure testing is prioritised for those who absolutely need it.
· A supplier to the NHS has advised us of a global shortage of some equipment used for taking blood tests.
· Anyone who needs a test for urgent health problems will still get one. Where your clinician recommends that it’s safe to do so you may be asked to come back for a test at a later date, or your appointment may be rescheduled.
· Given the nature of the shortage, we cannot give an exact date for when the test will be rescheduled, but please be assured that if your condition or symptoms require it, then you will get a test, and we will be re-booking your test when supplies become more easily available.
· If your condition or symptoms change or get worse, please contact the NHS as you would normally.

Flu/Covid Vaccine poster when attending 2021

We have started to add our flu clinics, if you are eligible for the flu vaccination (you can check here if you’re not sure: Flu vaccine - NHS (www.nhs.uk)), please make an appointment:

 Book online if you can (if you’re not already registered for our online services, email us at gp@nhs.net )

• If you can’t book online, email us with your availability gp@nhs.net and your preferred site to attend
• Only ring us if you can’t book online or email – if you’re already seeing a Practice Nurse or Health Care Assistant over the coming weeks they will probably give you your flu vaccine at the same time, similarly if you’re having your Covid booster with the practice you will be offered the flu vaccine at the same time. If you have to ring, please avoid between 8-9 and 12-2, we are currently experiencing high call volumes
• Let us know if you don’t wish to be vaccinated to ensure we don’t continue to call you – either reply to your text message or email us as above

Infection prevention control guidelines to remain in place

The highest priority for the NHS remains the safety of staff, patients and visitors.

While COVID restrictions will end in many settings in England from 19 July, everyone accessing or visiting healthcare settings must continue to wear a face covering (unless they are exempt) and follow social distancing rules.

Public Health England’s infection prevention control guidelines and hospital visiting guidance are therefore set to remain in place for all staff and visitors and across all health services including hospitals, GP practices, dentists, optometrists and pharmacies to ensure patients and staff are protected.

Read the infection prevention control guidance in full at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-infection-prevention-and-control

Telephone Lines – Statement from the Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG)

We are aware that some of our patients have been experiencing difficulties in contacting their GP practice by telephone. On behalf of the affected GP practices, we apologise for the inconvenience that these patients have experienced. CCG colleagues have been working hard to support GP practices and the telephony provider to resolve the issues and a replacement system has now been put in place, despite delays caused by Covid 19. It does appear that the new system is now stabilising following the migration, although there have been a few teething problems which our support services acknowledge have caused issues for some patients; they are working to stabilise this. Our monitoring shows that the number of issues reported is now significantly reduced. Practices will explore how best to organise their workforce during periods of high demand. In addition, the CCG are working with stakeholders to explore options for telephony across Lancashire and South Cumbria, in the future, taking into account the latest digital technologies. We would kindly ask that callers continue to be patient with their GP practices, particularly during peak periods while the system stabilises. GP practices in Pennine Lancashire have provided a high quality service throughout the Covid 19 Pandemic and their dedicated staff continue to work extremely hard to organise and respond to high demand, as a result of patients feeling more confident to seek healthcare.