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Why GP's haven't changed the way they see people since the beginning of the pandemic

Since the beginning of the first lockdown, in March 2020, GP practices were one of the many front-facing services that had to drastically adapt to help fight the spread of the virus, and change the way in which they operate. This included moving face to face appointments online or via the telephone. However, unlike some other businesses and organisations, GP practices haven’t returned back to their previous way of working. This has led to patients and members of the public questioning why not.  

In response to this, and to help support patients and carers, The Mid and South Essex Health and Care Partnership have launched a communications campaign which has been developed locally, to highlight why GP’s haven’t changed the way they see people since the beginning of the pandemic. 

Amanda Shears, Patient Engagement from the Mid and South Essex Health and Care Partnership, explains how the campaign came about and why it’s important:

"Due to the pandemic, GP practice teams across the country and locally have had to adapt the way they work and how services are provided to keep both patients and staff safe.

Therefore, the Mid and South Essex Health and Care Partnership have produced a new suite of materials to help explain and address why GP practices are continuing to work differently.

This is in response to ongoing patient need and public perceptions about the ways in which GP services continue to operate."

"The aim is to explain why practices are working differently and what is being done to support patients to help stem some of the frustrations that people have.

These have been developed based on insight from residents/PPG members, practice managers and a behavioural scientist."

GP Practices are still very busy, and are doing more appointments than they were before, however if you need to see someone at your GP practice; you still can. But to keep you and everyone else safe, they may ask you some questions over the phone first. This also ensures that you get the appointment you need, whether that is to be seen in person, via a telephone or video appointment, or by visiting your local pharmacy. Your pharmacy can give you lots of free confidential advice about lots of common illnesses, for you or the person you care for. 

The information you provide will help to ensure that you get the right care in the right way by the right health professional at the right time.  

Because people attending the GP surgery are usually sick or older; for health reasons, it is not a good idea to have a lot of sick or older people inside together. 

More staff are also now working in GP practices with a range of healthcare professionals such as physiotherapists, paramedics, and mental health professionals, who can diagnose and treat a range of health conditions and make sure you get the support you need quicker. 

You can also now order repeat prescriptions online or through the NHS App, which you may find quicker and more convenient. Download it today at: www.nhs.uk/app  

You can also visit: www.essexcovidvaccine.nhs.uk for information relating to the COVID-19 vaccination programme. 

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