999 Service Launched in British Sign Language
An official 999 service has now been launched in British Sign Language.
Using a dedicated smartphone APP or the 999 BSL website, callers will be connected to a 999 call handler via a BSL interpreter.
The service can be accessed at 999bsl.co.uk – you can also download the iOS or Android app there.
You can now check-in for your appointment even quicker and it’s contactless!
You can now check-in even quicker for your appointments by using our new contactless QR Code Check-in screen!
That means no more queuing at reception and with it being completely contactless, it is also helping prevent the spread of covid-19.
How to use it:
- If you have a smart phone, have your camera open at the ready and when you get to the check-in screen simply hold it over the QR code shown.
- Your phone will then automatically take you to the check-in page asking you to select your birth month and date and the first letter of your last name.
- And that’s it, you have now arrived for your appointment, so you can take a seat!
Have you got the NHS App?
The NHS App is a simple and secure way to access a range of NHS services on your smartphone or tablet. Account verification is done centrally and you don’t need a password from your GP surgery.
You can now use the app to show your Covid vaccination status.
You can use the NHS App to:
- get advice about coronavirus – get information about coronavirus and find out what to do if you think you have it.
- order repeat prescriptions – see your available medicines, request a new repeat prescription and choose a pharmacy for your prescriptions to be sent to.
- book appointments – search for, book and cancel appointments at your GP surgery. See details of your upcoming and past appointments.
- get health advice – search trusted NHS information and advice on hundreds of conditions and treatments. You can also answer questions to get instant advice and medical help near you.
- view your health record – securely access your GP health record to see information like your allergies and your current and past medicines. If your GP surgery has given you access to your detailed medical record, you can also see information like test results and details of your consultations.
- register to be an organ donor – choose to donate some or all your organs and check your registered decision.
- find out how the NHS uses your data – choose if data from your health records is shared for research and planning.
Download the app now from the App Store or Google Play, or find out more information at NHS App – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Loneliness Awareness Week
This week is Loneliness Awareness Week, the event happens annually and is hosted by Marmalade Trust.
The campaign aims to reduce the stigma around loneliness and encourage people to talk more openly about it. The campaign aims to reach 18-24 year old’s, we know that young people feel more confident and motivated to take action to help other people who feel lonely rather than doing things to help themselves.
However, we know that loneliness is an issue that can affect us all, young or old, at any point in our lives.
This week, reach out to others, check in on friends and family, help someone who may be feeling lonely, small acts of kindness can make a big difference.
Serious Shortage Protocol for HRT gels
The NHSBSA have released new Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs) for HRT products.
The SSPs apply to Oestrogel pump gel, Sandrena 0.5mg and 1mg gel sachets and Lenzetto spray.
Pharmacies are now allowed to switch patients to patches if they are unable to obtain a supply of the gels.
Pharmacies are also allowed to restrict the quantities to 3 months’ supply without contacting the prescriber.
Local pharmacies have been contacted to ensure they are aware of the SSPs.
Please note that you do not need to contact your GP, your Pharmacist will be able to look into this for you.
Important information regarding the Covid-19 Booster Vaccines
It was announced on Sunday, 12 December 2021, that the NHS will offer a booster vaccination booking to every adult by the end of December in response the Omicron variant.
Please note that you should not contact your GP Practice to book your booster jab, you should use the National Booking Service or call 119. Some vaccination sites may offer a walk-in service but the best way to ensure you get a jab is to make an appointments through the nationals booking service.
General practice is working hard to support the covid-19 vaccination programme, but we are still here for you but the way you access care may be different:
- Face-to-face appointments are available to all patients where there is a clinical need. You will be asked to first discuss your conditions over the phone or online with a member of the healthcare team to assess what would be most appropriate for you and which practice member would best provide it.
- Most common conditions can be assessed and diagnosed by your doctor by telephone or video consultation. They are experienced and skilled in doing this. Using technology like this will help to protect you, your family and loved ones – and GP practice staff from the potential risk of the virus.
- General practice services are extremely busy and are working hard to treat as many patients as possible.
GP Update Covid Booster 13th Dec 2021
Update on the Covid Booster Programme: 13th December 2021 from Oakwood Medical Centre
Following the recent announcement by the Prime Minister that the NHS priority is to vaccinate all eligible adults with their booster vaccination before the 1st of January 2022, we will be redeploying our teams to deliver this.
Over the next few weeks Primary Care will only focus on Urgent issues and vaccinations, which means all non-urgent and elective appointments will be postponed until the New Year. At this time we will not be cancelling appointments already booked, however we may need to do so at short notice. The Practice will contact you directly if this is the case.
If your issue is non-urgent please postpone contacting the Practice until a later date, or call 111.
111 is an open access service that is available 24/7.
Booster Appointments
We are working with our Primary Care Network colleagues to increase the number of appointments available for all Northwich Patients at pace, and you will see more become available alongside those on the National Booking System.
At Oakwood we will send you a text message with a link to book into our Kingsmead Medical Centre vaccination site. If you cannot use this link please contact the Practice on 01606 544241. For those without a mobile phone a member of our team will be contacting you directly ASAP, or you can contact us on the number above.
Thank you for your understanding and patience.
Proof of Medical Exemption – Covid-19 Vaccination
Some individuals are unable to be vaccinated and also, in some cases, tested for medical reasons. You can apply for proof that you have a medical reason why you should not be vaccinated or why you should not be vaccinated and tested.
If you get this proof of medical exemption you’ll be able to use the NHS COVID Pass wherever you need to prove your COVID-19 status within England.
Until 24 December 2021, you can self-certify that you’re medically exempt if you work or volunteer in a care home.
Some businesses in England choose to use the NHS COVID Pass as a condition of entry. Until 24 December, businesses can decide whether to allow in people who self-declare that they’re medically exempt.
From 25 December, if you’re unable to get vaccinated, you’ll have to use the NHS COVID Pass in the same way that people who are fully vaccinated use it.
For full information on the requirements for proof regarding being exempt from Covid-19 vaccination please visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/covid-19-medical-exemptions-proving-you-are-unable-to-get-vaccinated
