COVID VACCINATION
Dear patients,
We will start vaccinating patients with the COVID-19 vaccine soon.
The vaccination clinics will be carried out at weekends in the practice. This requires a lot of additional planning and organisation on our side.
Could we please ask that you do not contact us regarding COVID vaccination appointments. We will be in touch with you individually when your patient group is due to be vaccinated; unfortunately this might also be with short notice.
We, as a practice, greatly appreciate your understanding and help in these difficult times.
Thank you very much
All staff at Dingwall Medical Group
Minor Injuries Unit, Invergordon
Please be advised that the Minor Injuries Unit in Invergordon is closed.
Breast Screening Invitations
Phase 2 of the flu vaccination programme
Patients aged 60-64 years (by 31/03/2021) are now eligible for the seasonal flu vaccination. Please contact the Health Centre on 01349 863034 to book an appointment. If you do not wish to have a flu injection, please let us know so we can update your record.
Patients Aged 65 or over (by 31/03/2021) still due Seasonal Flu vaccination
If you have not yet received your flu injection and wish to have it, please call the Health Centre on 01349 863034 to book an appointment. If you do not wish to have a flu injection, please let us know so we can update your record.
Highland Smoke Free Service
National Wellbeing Hub
The National Wellbeing Hub https://www.promis.scot/ has lots of resources that can help health and social care staff and unpaid carers combat stress and improve wellbeing.
To find out more visit: https://www.promis.scot/resource/coping-and-self-care/
* Patient Notice *
Please be aware that due to COVID-19 our waiting room windows shall be open to ensure the area is well ventilated.
Can you please make sure you wear appropriate clothing as the waiting room may feel colder than usual.
Thank you for your understanding.
Epilepsy Scotland Check-in Service
For further information please visit: https://www.epilepsyscotland.org.uk/
Mikeysline - New Textline Number
For those looking for support please use the NEW TEXTLINE NUMBER - 07786 207755.
You can now also contact them in the evening using Live Chat, Twitter or Messenger via www.mikeysline.co.uk.
Opening Hours: Sun to Thurs 6pm - 10pm / 7pm - 7am Fri & Sat.
The Hive Drop-in Centre is open for 1-2-1 support Sun to Thurs 6pm - 10pm and until 11pm on Fri/Sat.
Cruse Bereavement Care Scotland
Please do not hesitate to pick up the phone if you need some support for a bereavement.
NEW Freephone number: 0808 802 6161
Their webchat service is also available via their website: www.crusescotland.org.uk
Routine cervical screening is resuming from September
Patients on routine recall who should have been sent a reminder letter from the time of the pause onwards are now being sent their reminder letter.
Please be advised you may have to wait longer than usual for your appointment. This is because there are fewer appointments at GP practices due to the extra measures that are being put in place to keep you and our staff safe.
If you have received a reminder letter, are overdue a smear test or have symptoms causing concern please contact the practice to make an appointment on 01349 863034.
For information on cervical screening please visit: https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/screening/cervical/cervical-screening-smear-test
Age Scotland New Comradeship Scheme for Older Veterans
All change with appointments at Dingwall Medical Group
Dr Mack describes what to expect as the Practice adapts to the changes needed as a result of the Covid pandemic.
NHS Pharmacy First Scotland
NHS Pharmacy First Scotland is a new Pharmacy led service which launched today (29th July) replacing the Minor Ailments Service. You can use NHS Pharmacy First Scotland if you are registered with a GP practice in Scotland or you live in Scotland.
Further information and a patient leaflet can be found via the links below:
https://www.gov.scot/…/nhs-pharmacy-first-scotland-informa…/
https://www.nhsinform.shttps://www.gov.scot/news/right-care-right-place/?fbclid=IwAR3BrFkXUEIaRJirHrw7e1B7xJyjtF8bCmJmiIQwcPdIPyRVxeEUnIddxJE
https://www.gov.scot/publications/nhs-pharmacy-first-scotland-information-patients/
https://www.nhsinform.scot/
Resumption of Screening Programmes
As screening programmes begin to resume patients should continue to be aware of and act on any symptoms associated with the conditions being screened for. If you are concerned about symptoms, please contact the Health Centre.
If you have concerns, please call NHS Inform on 0800 22 44 88 or contact the appropriate screening centre.
Further information is available on the NHS Inform website: https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/screening
Face Covering Exemption: Not Everyone Can Wear One
For more information and advice visit: https://accessibletravel.scot/face-mask-exemption-not-everyone-can-wear-one/
Social support information during COVID-19 pandemic
Social Support Leaflet
Mobile Testing Unit
Here is a link to the statement on the NHS Highland website: https://nhsh.scot/2zoSLxc
Please visit https://self-referral.test-for-coronavirus.service.gov.uk/ for up-to-date info on testing for key workers.
If you are not a keyworker but do have symptoms and are above the age of 5, you can book via here: https://nhsh.scot/2LEhHmZ
Looking after your wellbeing during the COVID-19 outbreak
https://llttf.com/corona/
Ear wax management during COVID-19
For advice please visit:
https://www.helpinhearing.co.uk/ear-wax-management-during-…/
3 before GP
Think 3 before GP
Can you self care? Consult trusted sources? Seek the advice of a pharmacist?
Guide to Services
https://www.nhsinform.scot/
The NHS is still here for you
Whilst we appreciate all people are doing to help the NHS during this time, it’s vital those with non-coronavirus health concerns still seek help as they would have before the outbreak.
The NHS is here for you, so don’t ignore the warning signs. You are not being a burden, you are looking after yourself and our NHS by doing so.
If you notice a deterioration in your health or someone in your household, call your GP in normal hours, 111 out of hours, or in an emergency dial 999.
Your community pharmacy and your GP are open, please contact them for advice or with concerns.
If you are concerned about a potential sign or symptom of cancer contact your GP practice to get checked.
If you or your child has an immunisation appointment, make sure you attend, or reschedule if you’re showing symptoms of COVID-19.
For further information visit www.nhsinform.scot
Cancer
- Don’t delay in getting potential cancer signs and symptoms checked during COVID-19 your GP practice is still here for you.
- It’s probably nothing serious, but it’s best to get checked, as the earlier cancer is found the easier it is to treat.
- Information on the common signs and symptoms of cancer can be found at www.getcheckedearly.org
- NHS screening services for breast, bowel and cervical cancer have been paused during COVID-19 but if you’ve noticed symptoms and are concerned, your GP practice is open and ready to help. Getting checked early is one of the main reasons why more people are surviving cancer.
Fast deteriorating conditions
- If you or anyone in your household notices a rapid deterioration in their health, seek help immediately.
- Don’t ignore the early warning signs of serious conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, severe asthma, or diabetic collapse.
- The NHS is still here for you. Call 999 for an emergency or your GP in normal hours and 111 for out of hours support.
Dingwall Medical Group
During COVID-19 we are advising patients to contact the surgery by telephone and our administration staff will take your details and a note of your symptoms. One of our GP’s will then contact you by telephone and review how you are feeling. They may offer you a video consultation using ‘Near Me’ video consulting or arrange for you to come in if they are unable to complete the consultation during their phone call with you.
For further information about ‘Near Me’ video consulting please visit: www.nearme.scot/
** Immunisations **
It is important to attend immunisation appointments during #COVID19.
To find out more visit:
www.nhsinform.scot/immunisation
Just Ask Enquiry Line
Scottish Government Helpline
A New Government Support Helpline has been set up to provide essential assistance to those who don't have a network of support and are at high risk of contracting COVID-19.
The service is aimed at those who are over 70, disabled, require the support of mental health services, are pregnant or receive a flu jab for health reasons.
The service will connect callers to local services which can help provide food and medicine as well as emotional support.
The helpline - 0800 111 4000
Your Mental Health and Coronavirus
For support relating to your mental health during the Coronavirus pandemic, please follow the link below
Your Mental Health and Coronavirus
Changes to Access as a result of COVID-19
This GP Practice is currently restricting access for the safety of all patients and staff. The practice remains open for all essential primary care problems but on the advice of Health Protection Scotland we have put in place a process whereby everyone is screened by telephone prior to being seen. All patients will still have access to the care they require.
We appreciate your patience and understanding at this time.
Please phone 01349 863034 if you feel you require medical advice and we will call you back.
Coronavirus COVID-19 Update
If you have a new continuous cough and/or a fever, please do not come to the surgery. Please visit the NHS Inform website www.nhsinform.scot or call 0800 028 2816 and follow their advice.
Please be aware that for the foreseeable future we have put a temporary suspension on our online booking system.
Thank you from all at Dingwall Medical Group.