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 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:
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:
Download the app now from the App Store or Google Play, or find out more information at NHS App – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
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.
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.
There have been reports of issues with our telephone lines – we are in the process of investigating this with our phone supplier as a matter of urgency. The phone lines are working and patients are getting through, we are unaware of why some patients are unable to dial in to us at the moment – it seems to be happening to a minority of calls however this is very frustrating for patients and we are aware of this.
We have our online consultation system in place on our website and patients have been coming into Practice as well as using the NHS App and Patient Online Services. We apologise for this frustration and we hope to have this resolved as soon as possible.
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:
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.
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.
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