Covid-19 Vaccination Update
We will using a text messaging system to invite patients to book appointments. Please use the link provided in the message to book an appointment at one of our GP led local clinics or to inform us that you have booked elsewhere so that we can offer the dose to another patient.
If we do not hold a valid mobile number for you we will call you on a landline number to make your booking.
UPDATE 19TH JULY 2021
Although the government has confirmed that lockdown restrictions are lifting on Monday 19th July, The Dove River Practice will be continuing with the measures we have in place to keep our service operating safely. Infection rates for COVID are still high but we will review the situation when the rates significantly drop.
We will still require all patients, unless exempt, to wear a mask to enter the building and social distancing will continue in the waiting room.
Anyone not wearing a mask will be told that they have to wait outside the surgery until the healthcare professional is ready to see them.
We must protect our patients, staff and frontline clinicians.
Thank you for your continued support and cooperation.
https://www.england.nhs.uk/2021/07/nhs-patients-staff-and-visitors-must-continue-to-wear-face-coverings-in-healthcare-settings/
Covid Vaccine Status
The Government has announced that from 17th May 2021, people will be able to demonstrate their COVID-19 vaccine status for travelling purposes, by accessing the NHS app, or by calling 119 . Please note that we are unable to issue this certificate at the practice.
Please see Demonstrating your COVID-19 vaccination status when travelling abroad - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) for further information.
Proof of your vaccination status will be available on the NHS app, which is also valuable for accessing your health records and ordering repeat prescriptions.
The NHS app can be downloaded from here NHS App on the App Store (apple.com) for iPhone or here NHS App - Apps on Google Play for android.
Alternatively, you can call the NHS helpline on 119 from 17th May and ask for a letter to be posted to you. This must be at least 5 days after you’ve completed your course of the vaccine; the letter may to take up to 5 days to reach you.
Appointments
Please telephone the surgery to make an appointment to keep footfall in the Surgery down, we are not taking appointment bookings at the Reception desks.
Safety guidelines for staff and patients
Collecting Prescriptions and Medication - SUDBURY
The Sudbury Surgery is allowing a maximum of three people in the surgery at any one time. You must have a face covering on before entering the building.
The Dispensary is OPEN. If you have a paper script to drop off, please post this through the front entrance door. If you are collecting a prescription or someone is doing this for you, the dispensary hatch is now open and will serve through the hatch providing there is sufficient space in the waiting room. Otherwise, prescriptions will be brought to the front of the building; please press the intercom button and tell us that you are here to collect medication and a Dispenser will bring the items to you, if you have to pay we will sort that outside too. If possible, please bring a debit card that is contactless, alternatively we will accept cash.
Please abide by the 2 metre rule at all times.
The delivery service at Sudbury has been increased whilst we are in the Pandemic, delivering medication to all patients including those shielding and self-isolating. Please indicate if you would like to use this service by informing the Dispensary Staff by writing on the paper script when you drop it in or online (if you are registered). There is also an email address sudburydispensing@nhs.net
Medication – TUTBURY
We are working closely with the Chemists and where necessary, the Chemists and ourselves will take prescription requests by phone. Please do not do this unless you are housebound and have no friends or family to drop off your repeat request.
When dropping off your repeat prescription request, please use the letterbox by the door or drop off at the Chemist. We are pro-actively changing all paper prescriptions to electronic, which will go automatically to a Chemist of your choice. If you do not already have a nominated Pharmacy, please contact either the Pharmacy or ourselves and we can do the nomination for you during this time.
Mental Health Support
Please see our pages below for links to Mental Health Support pages
CORONAVIRUS
The following links may be useful to you;
Link to the Gov website with most up to date advice for the at risk groups https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-social-distancing-and-for-vulnerable-people/guidance-on-social-distancing-for-everyone-in-the-uk-and-protecting-older-people-and-vulnerable-adults
We are unable to provide verification of risk for your employer or confirm or quantify anyone's individual's risk. We are following the national advice which is being updated daily and advise you to also do so. https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/coronavirus-covid-19-uk-government-response
If you require a sick note for your employer due to the coronavirus, please click on the following link and scroll down to "get your isolation note" and follow the steps. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/self-isolation-advice/
Here is the link to advice for employers. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/guidance-for-employers-and-businesses-on-coronavirus-covid-19
Link to advice for extremely vulnerable: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19
Here is the latest advice about coronavirus https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
Stay at home guidance. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-people-with-confirmed-or-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection
Here is the latest advice for those who are at risk - as a guide this refers to patients usually offered a seasonal flu jab. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-social-distancing-and-for-vulnerable-people/guidance-on-social-distancing-for-everyone-in-the-uk-and-protecting-older-people-and-vulnerable-adults
East Staffordshire Primary Care Network
Dove River Practice is a member of the East Stafforshire Primary Care Network, providing additional services jointly with other Practices in the network. For more information, please click on the document below.
Confidentiality
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) came into force on 25th May 2018. This notice describes how we collect, use and process your personal data and how we comply with our legal obligations to you. Your privacy is important to us and we are committed to protecting and safeguarding your data privacy rights.
Patient Privacy Notice October 2022
Supplementary Privacy Notice - Covid-19
NHS Information Governance COVID Transparency Notices
GPES Transparency notice
Track and Trace Privacy Notice
GP Connect
How we Use your Information Leaflet
NHS Digital - Data Collection and Opt Out;
Patient information
NHS National Data Opt-Out Programme
The NHS wants to make sure you and your family have the best care now and in the future. Your health and adult social care information supports your individual care. It also helps us to research, plan and improve health and care services in England. There are very strict rules on how this data can and cannot be used, and you have clear data rights. We are committed to keeping patient information safe and will always be clear on how it is used. You can choose whether or not your confidential patient information is used for research and planning.
Click the link for more information about the programme and how to opt out:
Half Day Closures for staff training in 2022 are listed in our opening times.
Staffordshire Connects
The purpose of the Staffordshire Connects directory is to provide citizens with information about activities, groups and organisations that can help them to stay independent and well.This includes information about home care providers, carers groups, leisure services, support groups, equipment and technology providers. There is also much, much more.As well as being a directory, Staffordshire Connects also provides access to:
- A health and well being planner. The planner provides self-help information, advice and guidance on leading a healthier lifestyle. The short link for the health and well being tool is www.staffordshireconnects.info/plan
- An equipment and technology product showroom – browse, search and compare different products that can make daily life that little bit easier
- A social care self assessment tool where by you can assess care needs and get some useful information, advice and guidance along the way
https://www.staffordshireconnects.info/kb5/staffordshire/directory/home.page