URGENT MESSAGE Re: PRESCRIPTIONS
We are experiencing unprecedented demand for prescriptions due to unnecessary ordering of medications in light of COVID-19. This is putting incredible strain on our administrative team,as well as our community pharmacies.
DO NOT order medications that you are not in need of within the next 7 days. These will no longer be issued. Prescription requests for paracetamol (tablets and suspension) for patients who are not usually prescribed this on a regular basis will not be issued without clear indication. If you do not regularly require asthma medication, such as salbutamol/ventolin inhalers, these will not be issued “just in case”, as there is no clinical indication.
We will NOT accept messages such as “I need my whole family’s medication”.
Just as we must stop stockpiling food – it is our collective responsibility to minimise medication stockpiling in order to ensure that patients who really need those treatments do not go without. Please review your supplies and think before ordering.
Please share this post and notify your relatives and friends.
Lochmaben Medical Team
COVID-19 Update: 23/03/20
* COVID-19 Announcement *
As of 8am today, all COVID-19 queries will be managed through a central assessment hub, currently located through the NHS 111 service.
If you have any COVID-19 questions please refer initially to the NHSinform website. If you have a new persistent cough, fever, sore throat or breathing difficulty then call 111 and you will be contacted by the assessment centre, where further information will be given. For life-threatening illness, you should call 999 as before.
All non-COVID medical advice should be obtained through the practice as before. It is not necessary to notify us if you are self-isolating.
Please continue to practice safe social distancing and self-isolation.
Best wishes,
The Lochmaben Medical Team.
Covid-19 Update: Important update
In line with national guidance, Lochmaben Medical Group will be operating a reduced access policy to protect patients and staff from potential transmission of coronavirus. There will be no unscheduled access to the surgery without prior arrangement and as such the doors are locked. We will aim to deal with the majority of problems via telephone, with only the most urgent consultations on a face-to-face basis.
If you have a routine appointment booked in the coming weeks you will be contacted by the surgery via telephone or SMS. The practice is NOT closed.
If you require medical attention then please contact the surgery and you will be called back by an appropriate member of the clinical team.
Routine monitoring of chronic medical conditions such as diabetes and hypertension will be at a reduced level and non-essential services such as medicals, travel clinic, minor surgery, contraceptive procedures will be cancelled for the foreseeable future to allow our staff to focus on managing COVID-19.
All repeat prescription requests should be made via the prescription line or online ordering. Please do not deliver prescription slips through the letterbox or in person as these will not be processed.
In regards to COVID-19 – if you have minor symptoms (ie dry cough, fever) then you do not need to call the surgery – please self-isolate for 7 days (and until >48hrs free of fever) before returning to normal activities. You can take paracetamol and fluids for symptom relief. You do not require a sick line (MED3) to cover your absence if self-isolating. For further advice about coronavirus please visit NHSinform website. If you have worsening symptoms then please contact the practice or 111.
We will continue to keep you informed as the situation changes. Please share this information with relatives etc.
Best wishes,
Lochmaben Medical Team
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