CORONAVIRUS

Question 1

How will I see a clinician?

Answer

Kingfisher Medical Centre is still here for you, our lines are still open and you can still book appointments. However, we have now temporarily suspended all routine face to face appointments to minimise risk to patients and staff. A clinician will call you at your appointment timeslot instead. If the clinician deems a face to face appointment is required, they will book it with you during the telephone appointment.

Question 2

How do I contact the surgery?

Answer

If you would like to book an appointment or require other services provided by the surgery, please do not attend the practice. Instead please stay home and call 020 8692 7373 or email the practice lewccg.kingfisher@nhs.net. The doors of the surgery will only be opened for patients with face to face appointments that a clinician has booked during a telephone appointment.

Question 3

How do I get my repeat prescriptions?

Answer

If you are a registered patient you may request your prescription via our 'patient section'.

Question 4

How can I get a fit / sick note for work?

Answer

For fit / sick notes related to COVID-19, please go to https://111.nhs.uk/isolation-note/ to receive an official NHS isolation note. For other non-coronavirus sick notes, for the first 7 days you are able to self-certify, see here. If you are sick for more than 7 days, please submit a form via our 'patient section'.

Question 5

Information on Face coverings

Answer

Face masks or coverings are now mandatory in most public areas.
We understand that some patients will be anxious about wearing a mask especially those with certain medical conditions.
GP’s are not able to provide exemption letters for patients who believe they should be exempt from wearing a face covering.
The current guidance suggests there is no requirement for the public to provide medical evidence for exemption from wearing face masks therefore a self-declaration should be sufficient.
Please go to the GOV.UK link here for more information on the use of face coverings. You can also find exemption card templates here.
For specific requirements in reference to public transport, shops or other areas where masks are required please contact those specific companies for further information.

Question 6

Advice from NHS England & Goverment

Answer

The government have put in place measures to keep people safe and prevent the spread of COVID-19, details of which can be found at Gov.uk/coronavirus . The NHS has also provided extensive online advice which can be found here NHS/Coronavirus .

Question 7

Advice on how to manage "mild" symptoms

Answer

If you are experiencing "mild" symptoms of coronavirus please make sure you: - Rest and sleep - Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration – drink enough so your pee is light yellow and clear - Take paracetamol to lower your temperature

Question 8

When to use the NHS 111 service

Answer

Please only use the NHS 111 online service if: - You feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home - Your condition gets worse https://111.nhs.uk/ please only call 111 if you cannot get help online.

Question 9

Advice for diabetics

Answer

For people living with diabetes and their families, Diabetes UK have provided specialist advice on their website. If you are concerned about your condition during this time, please contact the practice.

Question 10

Guidance on shielding

Answer

If you or someone you care for has been identified by NHS England or your GP surgery as being “at very high-risk” you will have been immediately advised to start shielding. Guidance on what this involves can be found here and if you require any further advice please contact the pratice.

Question 11

Advice for looking after your mental health

Answer

The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak means that life is changing for all of us for a while. It may cause you to feel anxious, stressed, worried, sad, bored, lonely or frustrated. It's important to remember it is OK to feel this way and that everyone reacts differently. Remember, this situation is temporary and, for most of us, these difficult feelings will pass. You can find out more on how to look after your mental health and some useful numbers here.

Question 12

Domestic violence

Answer

For anyone who feels they are at risk of abuse, it is important to remember that there is help and support available to you, including police response, online support, helplines, refuges and other services. You are not alone.

The household isolation instruction as a result of coronavirus does not apply if you need to leave your home to escape domestic abuse.

Friends, family, neighbours and community members can be a vital lifeline to those living with domestic abuse. If you are worried that someone you know may be a victim of domestic abuse, reassure them that the police and support services are still there to help and direct them to sources of support. Find national support here. Find local support in Lewisham here.

Question 13

Information on face coverings

Answer

Face masks or coverings are now mandatory in most public areas.
We understand that some patients will be anxious about wearing a mask especially those with certain medical conditions.
GP’s are not able to provide exemption letters for patients who believe they should be exempt from wearing a face covering.
The current guidance suggests there is no requirement for the public to provide medical evidence for exemption from wearing face masks therefore a self-declaration should be sufficient.
Please go to the GOV.UK link here for more information on the use of face coverings. You can also find exemption card templates here.
For specific requirements in reference to public transport, shops or other areas where masks are required please contact those specific companies for further information.

Question 14

Need help or support

Answer

If you or someone you care for need support during these unprecedented times, please find local support here.

Question 15

Want to volunteer

Answer

If you want to volunteer you can find out more here.

CORONAVIRUS

Advice on the surgery