All ‘routine GP appointments’ in Derbyshire suspended until further notice over coronavirus fears
All ‘routine’ GP appointments in Derbyshire have been cancelled as over-stretched surgeries focus on “urgent care for the most unwell”.
A statement from the Derby and Derbyshire Local Medical Committee said: “The COVID-19 Pandemic is having an unprecedented impact on the National Health Service across the country, stretching services which were already struggling.
“Derbyshire general practice is adapting to these pressures on a day-by-day basis; reacting and implementing the expert advice from NHS England and Public Health England.
“Therefore, it is imperative that patients understand that they will see rapid changes in the way Derbyshire General Practice functions.
“All changes will be designed to reduce the spread of the virus and minimise the impact of COVID-19 on our most vulnerable and frail patients. It is likely that:
1) Routine GP appointments will be suspended whilst surgeries concentrate on urgent care for the most unwell.
2) Patients will see a move from face-to-face appointments to telephone and virtual appointments.
3) Practices will move to a system where ALL patients will need to speak to a medical professional to determine the need for an appointment (telephone triage).
“On behalf of all practices we ask Derbyshire residents to bear with GPs and their teams during this period of high demand and uncertainty and follow updates on practice websites and SMS messages.”
The committee added: “At this point in time GPs cannot test for the coronavirus.
“Derby and Derbyshire Local Medical Committee would like to thank patients for their understanding and thank all our front-line NHS staff for continuing to do the very best for Derbyshire’s patients.”