Frequently asked questions: Coronavirus

Page updated 1st November 2020

We understand that it is a difficult time for all. We appreciate your continued support and understanding during this challenging time.  We would ask that you only contact the surgery if absolutely necessary as the service is under extreme pressure.

Below are some frequently asked questions:

What are the symptoms of COVID 19?

• A new continuous cough and/or

• A  high temperature

• Loss or change in your normal sense of smell

How long to stay at home:

• if you have symptoms, stay at home for 10 days

• if you live with other people, they should stay at home for 14 days from the day the first person got symptoms (new advice as of 16 March)

• If you live with someone who is 70 or over, has a long-term condition, is pregnant or has a weakened immune system, try to find somewhere else for them to stay for 14 days.

• If you have to stay at home together, try to keep away from each other as much as possible.

Coronavirus - Self Isolation - By law, medical evidence is not required for the first 7 days of sickness (that is, employees can self-certify).  After 7 days, it is for the employer to determine what evidence they require if any, from the employee,  If evidence is required to cover beyond the first 7 days of absence then employees can get an isolation note from NHS 111 isolation note

For medical advice please phone NHS 111

Contact the surgery by phone if:

• Your symptoms do not improve after 7 days
• Your symptoms worsen whilst you are self isolating
• You have an underlying medical condition and develop symptoms

Phone 999 if it is an emergency 

for more information visit https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

Can I get tested for Covid 19?

Everyone can now get a test for coronavirus.

Please follow the link for further information:

Coronavirus testing

How can I get an appointment with the doctor?

We have suspended our online booking service and are not offering 'routine' face to face booked appointments until further notice.   We are now offering telephone and video appointments instead.  If you feel you need to see or speak to a doctor please phone the surgery on the usual number (contact details).  A member of our experienced reception staff will take your contact details and will ask some questions regarding why you want to speak to the doctor.  This information helps us prioritise patients who need urgent medical attention.  A member of our practice team will then phone you back.  You will be offered an appointment with a doctor if required.

How do I order and collect my repeat prescriptions?

Please use the dedicated phone line (contact details) to order your repeat prescriptions or the online service.  Due to high demand this line can be very busy, particularly on a Monday.  Thank you in advance for your patience with this.  When you phone the repeat line you will be asked to nominate a preferred pharmacy, if using online services please use the comment box to indicate your preference.  You can then collect your prescription there 72 hours later.  We are asking that you allow extra time before collecting your prescriptions due to the extra pressures on all services. 

Should I continue to take my immunosuppressant/biological therapy?

Please see the below links for further guidance on this:

For patients with rheumatological conditions taking immunosuppressant/biological therapy- British Society of Rheumatology Coronavirus Advice and Rheumatology Coronavirus Risk stratification table

For patients with dermatological conditions taking immunosuppressants/biological therapy-British Association of Dematologists Coronavirus advice and Dermatology Coronavirus Risk Stratification table

For Patients with Inflammatory bowel disease taking immunosuppressant/biological therapy IBD UK Coronavirus Advice and IBD Coronavirus decision tree

What is 'shielding' and am I in this group of people?

For the most up to date guidance on shielding please visit Coronavirus Shielding Guidance.

If you are taking immunosuppressant medication please see the rheumatology and dermatology stratification tables and IBD decision tree above.

FACE COVERINGS GUIDANCE

There is no need to get a letter from a doctor or government to show that you do not need to wear a face covering.

Please click the link below for further up-to-date guidance

www.nidirect.gov.uk

What are COVID 19 Centres?

As from Tuesday 31st March COVID 19 centres will be set up all over Northern Ireland.  The Belfast COVID 19 centre will be in Beech hall in West Belfast.  The purpose of the centre is to clinically assess patients with COVID 19 symptoms in order to decide if they are well enough to stay at home, need hospital admission, or may have another cause for their symptoms.  Patients are not routinely being tested as part of their assessment.  You can only be referred to the centre by your GP, who will only refer you if felt necessary.  Most patients with Coronavirus will have very mild symptoms and can be managed safely at home.  If you have Coronavirus symptoms which are mild access NHS 111 online, if you have symptoms which are concerning you please phone NHS 111.  Please only contact the surgery directly if you have an underlying significant medical condition, your symptoms are worsening or you are feeling very unwell.  If it is an emergency please phone 999.

I am feeling very anxious, is this normal?

Feeling anxious is a normal feeling given the current situation.  There are many ways to help with this this Mental Health and Wellbeing and Coronavirus guidance has some very useful tips to help.

What can I do if I have lost a loved one? Is there any support I can get?

How can I help my kids during the pandemic? Is there anything that can help with their mental health?

Should I continue to take my ACE inhibitor(ramipril, perindopril) or ARB (candesartan, irbesartan)?

The current advice is that you should continue with these drugs.  There is no evidence that these drugs increase the risks of infection from coronavirus or its severity.

Should I have a 'rescue pack' of antibiotics and steroids at home if I have asthma or COPD?

We do not recommend having rescue medication at home.  If you have a flare of symptoms or are unwell you should contact the surgery to speak to a doctor.

Please see HSCB website for further information 

For further advice on coronavirus and asthma please see Asthma UK coronavirus Guidance

For further advice on coronavirus and COPD please see British Lung Foundation Chronic Lung Disease and Coronavirus guidance