Next steps on infection prevention and control in the practices at Grassington and Ilkley
From week commencing: 6/06/22
For our staff: Mask wearing in the healthcare settings will not be required in non-clinical areas, other than personal preference.
Wearing of a face mask will now be the personal preference of the clinical member of the team, and in some circumstances they may require a patient to wear one.
Patients: If you attending the surgery for routine and non-Covid related appointment whether you wear a mask or not is your personal choice.
If you are attending the surgery for respiratory reasons or similar we would respectively ask that you continue to use a mask to protect our staff and other patients in the waiting areas.
Our Risk Assessment in the surgeries will be updated regularly and this guidance is subject to change at short notice if any further local outbreaks of Covid -19 occur.
We thank you for your understanding
COVID-19 vaccination – spring booster
Since 2020, the COVID-19 vaccine has been our most important protection against the virus, reducing the risk of it being spread and limiting the damage it does to our bodies.
The NHS has given more than 117 million doses of the vaccine in England, including more than 32 million booster and third doses. More than four in five eligible adults have received their booster dose, and around nine out of 10 of eligible people aged 40 and over.
Since the vaccine was first approved in the UK, health and care services have rapidly adapted their approach to respond to new clinical recommendations, to make it the biggest and most successful vaccination programme in NHS history.
The latest UKHSA data (COVID-19 vaccine weekly surveillance reports, week 10) shows that the COVID vaccine has led to more than 157,000 hospitalisations being avoided.
Spring boosters
In February, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) advised a spring dose of the COVID-19 vaccine for:
- adults aged 75 years and over
- residents in care homes for older adults
- individuals aged 12 years and over who have a weakened immune system
The NHS will contact those who are eligible to make a spring booster appointment, so
people should wait until they hear from the NHS. The NHS will prioritise those whose clinical need is greatest, as it has throughout, starting with those who have had a bigger gap since their last dose, then working through the cohort to invite others who have waited less time. Everyone who is eligible will be offered a top up between three and six months over the Spring and early Summer.
Evergreen primary and booster offer
At the same time, the NHS continues to encourage those who have yet to come forward for their first, second or booster dose, to do so at a time and place that is convenient for them. COVID-19 is still active, and the vaccine offers the best protection against becoming seriously unwell, staying out of hospital and passing the virus on to others.
Nearly one in five eligible adults have yet to receive their initial booster dose and the NHS is urging them to come forward.
There are still plenty of walk-in options in every part of the country for people to get their initial booster. People can find their nearest centre or book an appointment at
www.nhs.uk/covid-booster or by calling 119 free of charge (translators are available on request) and more information can be found at www.nhs.uk/covidvaccine.
Those who have recently recovered from COVID should still come forward for their vaccination, as having had the virus does not give the same levels of protection. Anyone over 18 who has had COVID will need to wait four weeks before having any dose of the vaccine, or 12 weeks for those aged 12 to 17.
I G Medical will be offering the Spring Boosters for eligible Patients at both Ilkley and Grassington practices from W/C 18/04/22.
Invitations will be sent from us in the coming weeks.
Face coverings and social distancing still in place in GP practices
COVID restrictions are ending in many settings. However, Public Health England’s infection prevention control guidelines are set to remain in place for all staff, patients and visitors.
Therefore we are asking all staff and patients at IG Medical to continue to wear a face mask/covering (unless you are exempt) and follow social distancing rules.
We thank you for your continued support in keeping our staff and patients protected.
Booster vaccine clinics
We are still holding some small Covid booster clinics. Please contact us directly to arrange yours on 01943 604999.
COVID VACCINE PASSPORTS
Please do not contact the Practice about COVID vaccine passports. You can find all the information you need below.
Anyone requiring a COVID vaccine ‘passport’ for travel needs to go to the Gov.uk website to read the full requirements:
You can download the NHS app from Apple or Google Play:
If you do not have an email address or a smart phone to download the NHS App then you will need to telephone 119. From Monday 17th May the NHS helpline can provide a letter to your home address. You must have had your second vaccine at least 5 days before your request. The letter can take up to 5 days to reach you.
This letter will not be provided by the Practice.
COVID-19 VACCINATIONS
Updated guidance for the use of the Oxford AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine – 7th May 2021
The Joint Committee for Vaccinations & Immunisations has updated its guidance for the use of the Oxford AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine. It has recommended that people under 40 are offered an alternative vaccination where available and where this will not cause delays to people having the vaccine.
This follows ongoing reviews by the independent regulator, the MHRA, of a very small number of people in the UK who have developed a rare blood-clotting condition since having the Oxford AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine. Both the JCVI and MHRA have emphasised that the risk is extremely small – just over 10 people in every million have developed this condition – and that the benefits of the vaccine outweigh the risks for the vast majority of people.
However, given current vaccines supplies and that infection rates are increasingly coming under control in the UK, the JCVI has recommended taking this precautionary measure for younger people. This takes into account that this rare condition is seen more often in younger people and that the risks from COVID-19 decrease with age.
The latest guidance is as follows:
- Everyone who has had the AstraZeneca vaccine should still have a second dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine, irrespective of age, unless they suffered any serious side effects after their first vaccination. Having the second dose is very important as it will give you higher and longer lasting protection.
- People over 40 or who have a health condition that puts them at higher risk of severe Covid-19 disease should still be offered the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine. The benefits in protecting them against the serious consequences of COVID-19 outweigh any risk of this rare condition.
- People aged 18-39 who do not have a health condition that puts them at higher risk of severe Covid-19 disease will be offered an alternative Covid-19 vaccine where available. It is important that you have the vaccination as soon as possible to protect you and to reduce the chance of passing on the virus.
- People under 40 can still choose to have the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine if this will mean they can be protected more quickly and they have been made aware of the guidance.
Please see the leaflet below that has been produced by Public Health England and the NHS to answer any questions you may have:
Beware of fraudulent calls and texts offering COVID-19 vaccine
We are aware that some patients are receiving fraudulent calls and text messages offering the COVID-19 vaccination. In some cases, people are asked to press a number on their keypad or to send a text message to confirm they wish to receive the vaccine. Doing so is likely to result in a charge being applied to their phone bill. In other cases, callers are offering the vaccine for a fee or asking for bank details.
The vaccine is only available from the NHS and the NHS will contact you when it is your turn.
Examples of fraudulent messages:
We would like to say a huge THANK YOU to all our patients during the COVID-19 period. We are very grateful for your continued support and understanding.
Please continue to call the surgery if you need a doctor or nurse appointment and if you are invited to attend the surgery for a pre booked appointment you will no longer be asked to wait outside.
Can we ask that you bring your own face covering to preserve our PPE stocks and on entering the building please have your mask on and use our hand sanitiser before approaching the reception desk area.
We will only be open for pre booked appointments, not drop in at this point, so if you have any queries please continue to call us or use our online eConsult.
If you have a prescription request please continue to drop in the letter box or use the online facility as we won’t be able to take this over the desk.
We need your help to keep our staff safe and to protect our vulnerable patients who are invited into the building for appointments. We hope you can support the teams at both practices to look after you and your family.
More information on NHS website:
GETTING TESTED FOR CORONAVIRUS
How to book a coronavirus test
If you have symptoms of coronavirus you can book a test using the online booking system at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119. There are a number of testing centres across our area.
You must have an appointment booked before visiting a testing centre.
Bradford and district
Find information about the location of testing centres and how to book a test on the Bradford Council website.
Craven
Find information about the location of testing centres and how to book a test on the North Yorkshire County Council website.
We know that there is a high demand for tests, so please only book a test if you have symptoms.
GP practices cannot give you a coronavirus test. If you do have symptoms, please do not come to our GP practice in person, you will be putting others at risk. Stay at home and get in touch with us over the phone or via our website. Symptoms of coronavirus include a new persistent cough, a high fever or loss of smell or taste. If you have any coronavirus symptoms you must isolate immediately (stay at home) for 10 days (don’t wait for a test or a test result before doing so).
To stop the spread of coronavirus, please continue to wash your hands regularly, use a face covering when social distancing is not possible and try to keep your distance from people you do not live with.
PRESCRIPTION ORDERING
We would ask that patients do not pre-order more medication than you actually require.
As per NHS England guidelines we are continuing to issue a maximum of two months’ medication at a time as normal. This is to ensure that an artifical shortage is not created. Please follow the usual processes for ordering your medication. Thank you.
ISOLATION NOTE
If you have symptoms of coronavirus and need to stay at home, use the NHS 111 coronavirus service to get an isolation note.
Please do not contact the surgery unless you need a sick note for another reason.
ACCESSIBLE GUIDES
Bradford Talking Media has a range of EasyRead guides on coronavirus, social distancing, social isolation, looking after your mental health and more.
COVID 19 Support – Craven Local Community Response Teams
Main access point North Yorkshire Council: 01609 780780
(Person needing Support with food & prescription deliveries, dog walking, transport and/or befriending)
Grassington, Threshfield, Buckden, Kettlewell, Linton, Cracoe, Rylstone, Hetton, Conistone, Kilnsey, Starbotton, Hubberholme, Yockenthwaite,
01756 752222 (Grassington Hub)
Hellifield, Long Preston, Settle, Bentham, Ingleton, Burton in Lonsdale, Clapham, Austwick, Horton in Ribblesdale, Langcliffe, Malham
01729 823066 (AGE UK North Craven)
Carleton, Glusburn, Cowling, Cononley, Sutton in Craven, Lothersdale, Kildwick, Farnhill
01535 630223 (Glusburn Institute)
Skipton Food Bank
Contact GP practice (Social Prescribing Service) for a referral
Signpost to any of the above services or NHS volunteer page: click here
Other services
MENTAL HEALTH
MIND
0300 123 3393
First Response 24hour crisis help line 01274 221181
DOMESTIC ABUSE
IDAS www.idas.org.uk
info@idas.org.uk
24-hour National Helpline 0808 2000 247
SAFEGUARDING
North Yorkshire Council Safeguarding Team
WELFARE & FINANCES
Citizens Advice team 0844 411 1444
Age UK 01729 823066
National Careers Helpline 0191 731 4750
Social Services 01609 780780
ANY OTHER QUERIES
Please direct person to their registered GP practice to access the Social Prescribing Service.
COVID 19 Support – Wharfedale Local Community Response Teams
Main access point Keighley Hub, Bradford Council Council: 01274 431000
(Person needing Support with food & prescription deliveries, dog walking, transport and/or befriending)
Ilkley and District Good Neighbours
01943 603348
Burley Community Support
07802 800016
Addingham Good Neighbours
01943 831758 / 07470 537421
Ilkley Food Bank
Contact GP practice (Social Prescribing Service) for a referral
Signpost to any of the above services or NHS volunteer page: click here
Other services
MENTAL HEALTH
MIND
0300 123 3393
First Response 24hour crisis help line 01274 221181
DOMESTIC ABUSE
IDAS www.idas.org.uk
info@idas.org.uk
24-hour National Helpline 0808 2000 247
SAFEGUARDING
Bradford Council Safeguarding Team
Adults: BSAB@bradford.gov.uk or call 01274 432736.
Children:
Call 01274 435600
Emergency Duty Social Worker : 01274 431010
WELFARE & FINANCES
Citizens Advice team : 03442 451282
Age UK: 01274 391190
National Careers Helpline: 0191 731 4750
Keighley Pathways 01535 608631
Social Services 01274 435400
ANY OTHER QUERIES
Please direct person to their registered GP practice to access the Social Prescribing Service.