Ardleigh Surgery update (05/05/20)
The surgery now has a Facebook page to provide essential information.
Thank you to all the lovely people that paid tribute to the NHS staff last night, it really was a humbling and emotional moment.
Here at Ardleigh surgery we are continuing to offer the best service possible to our patients under challenging circumstances.
There are a few important points I would like to share with you:
1. Prescription requests are taking up to 5 days to process, just like the supermarkets we are seeing an unprecedented demand. The team are working extremely hard and many of us are working long hours and weekends to try and catch up, but the requests keep coming. Please let me assure you there is no need to panic about your medication, there are enough supplies to provide normal prescriptions as and when needed. You do not need to order more than one month at a time and you do not need to order more than 7 - 10 days ahead.
2. Many people are requesting inhalers that they have not been prescribed for several years. If you haven't needed an inhaler in the past year you will need to discuss your request with one of the asthma nurses. Prescribing unnecessary medication will put pressure on supplies and may result in national shortages (just like the supermarkets). If you become unwell and are breathless you should contact 111. Or in severe cases 999
3. You may have seen on social media people advising to contact your GP for a ‘rescue pack’. Rescue packs are only prescribed for people with severe COPD. If you feel your asthma or mild/moderate COPD has suddenly got worse please telephone the surgery or contact 111
4. We are trying our best to avoid bringing people into the surgery unnecessarily, if you have an appointment booked we will probably be contacting you to change your appointment to a telephone consultation.
5. We will continue to provide nursing care at our Dedham branch in the mornings, please do not go to Dedham unless you have a pre booked appointment.
6. All patients who come to Ardleigh surgery will be met at the door and if possible we will help you without you having to come into the building. If you do need to come in to be seen we will take your temperature before you enter
Dedham and Ardleigh helpline is a voluntary group organised by Dedham and Ardleigh Parish council and the local church.
If you are self isolating and need help collecting you medication, or getting shopping they can be contacted on 01206 322025
Please be kind to our staff, we are trying very hard to help and although we understand your concerns and frustrations we are doing our best and must comply with the latest guidelines and advice. Like most of you we have families at home too and share your concerns and worries but we are all committed to keeping things running here as smoothly and efficiently as possible.
At the surgery we have been overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity shown by so many local people and business. Bacon rolls, hot chocolate, bath bombs, hand creams, cakes, protective clothing and masks are just a few of the things that have been donated. We truly are grateful for all your support at such a difficult time, to receive a gift or a kind word is a huge boost to staff morale
Thank you from all the team at Ardleigh Surgery.
Stay home and stay safe