CORONAVIRUS

 

WE WILL KEEP THIS SECTION OF THE WEBSITE UPDATED AS REGULARILY AS WE CAN KEEPING IN LINE WITH THE NATIONAL GUIDANCE

 

 

UPDATE 05/01/2021 - NATIONAL LOCKDOWN

 

Following last nights announcement of a new National Locdown please following the link below to view to latest guidance on what you can and can't do. Please note the guidance is almost identical to the Lockdown advice provided to us back in March 2020.

 

 

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/national-lockdown-stay-at-home

 

 

UPDATE 04/01/2021 - With another lockdown happening, please remember if you're struggling and you feel hopeless, you're not alone!!

 

Samaritans: 116 123

Anxiety UK: 03444 775 774

Mind: 0300 123 3393

Calm: 0800 58 58 58

Crisis Text Line: (Text) 85258

Child-Line: 0800 11 11

 

UPDATE 31/12/2020 - Happy New Year!

 

 

NEW YEAR OPENINGS: 31/12/20 - 08:00 - 18:30

                                         01/01/21 - CLOSED

                                         02/01/21 - CLOSED

                                         03/01/21 - CLOSED

                                         04/01/21 08:00 - 18:30

 

 

UPDATE 24/12/2020 - Merry Christmas!

 

 

CHRISTMAS OPENINGS: 24/12/2020 - 08:00 - 18:30

                                           25/12/20 - CLOSED

                                           26/12/20 - CLOSED

                                           27/12/20 - CLOSED

                                           28/12/20 - CLOSED

                                           29/12/20 - 08:00 - 18:30

                                           30/12/20 - 08:00 - 18:30

 

 

UPDATE 19/12/2020 - Changes to the Planned relaxation of covid rules for Christmas period UPDATED

 

 

Following the previous announcement that the you could spend the 5 days of Christmas with your Christmas bubble (upto 3 households). This has now been reviewed following the new tiering system. Please check the Gov.UK website for clarification https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/making-a-christmas-bubble-with-friends-and-family/making-a-christmas-bubble-with-friends-and-family

Have a safe Christmas.

 

 

UPDATE 15/12/2020 - The Covid Vaccination is here!

 

As previously advised you don't need to do anything, you will be contacted by the practice to arrange your appointments. We understand that there are a lot of people very anxious about getting the vaccination and whether or not they should. Please follow this link for more information regarding the vaccine. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-welcomes-the-mhra-review-into-pfizer-and-biontech-vaccine

 

We also appreciate that there are a lot of people very eager to get it but we ask for your patience as we roll out the programme. We will be starting with our 80 years patients and will keep you updated with our progress. You will be contacted when it is your turn to get booked in. 

 

 

UPDATE 10/12/2020 - Covid Vaccine roll out is on the way!

 

A vaccination programme is being finalised in Oldham and as soon as vaccines become available for us to hold clinics we will be starting with our most vulnerable patients. There's no need to do anything at this stage you will be contacted by us as soon as we have clinics arranged. We will be starting with our 80 years patients and will them move on accordingly. 

 

UPDATE 04/12/2020 - Weather Update

 

Severe weather warnings are being put into place as snowy weather cuts across Oldham. Please be safe on the roads if travel is required. Stay home where possible.

 

UPDATE 02/12/2020 - National Grief Awareness Week 02-08/12/2020

 

 

For information regarding Grief after breavement or loss. Please see the link below:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/coping-with-bereavement/

 

Within this link you will find self help solutions and suggestions on services that are available toyou.

 

 

UPDATE 14/11/2020 - Happy and Safe Diwali

 

 

 

 

UPDATE 11/11/2020 - Remembrance Day

 

Every year the nation unites to make sure that no-one is forgotten and to remember and honour those who have sacrificed themselves to secure and protect our freedom.

 

This year services at your local cenataph's have been cancelled in light of the risks posed. This doesn't mean that you cannot watch the live broadcast that will take place behind closed doors on BBC One.

You can also still take part in the poppy appeal by visiting the British Legion's website: https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-involved/poppy-appeal

 

UPDATE 05/11/2020 - Bonfire Night Like Never Before

 

Bonfire night is usually one of the guiltiest nights of the year for the NHS to see increased cases of burns and scalds. We can't stress how cautious you need to be this year. We need to avoid any unnecessary attendances at your local A&E departments. So think first and stay safe. 

 

 

UPDATE 31/10/2020 - Happy Halloween

 

We understand this year will be very different to years gone by, trick or treating, dressing up and going door to door is sadly going to have to change. There's been a surge of creative alternatives if you know where to look to keep the kids involved this year. Take a peak at at these suggestions:

- Halloween cinema night

- Spooky Halloween hunt around the home

- Pumpkin carving

- Organise within your community a safe trick or treat system (maybe leave a bowl of treats on the door steps)

- Scary games or activities - get creative!

 

 

UPDATE 23/10/2020 - NEW GUIDANCE FROM GOVERNMENT ISSUED

 

As you will be aware the Government has created the '3 Tiered' system to identify and create awareness of the level of risk of infection is in your area of England. Oldham has been increased to Tier 3 which means that we are now catergorised as Very High.

 

This is the highest tier which indicates that we are currently at a high risk of infection.

 

What this means for you: This means that tighter restrictions apply to Oldham including;

 

Meeting with other people

You must not meet socially with friends and family indoors in any setting unless they are part of your household or support or childcare bubble.

You may continue to see friends and family you do not live with in groups of 6 or less in certain outdoor public spaces, such as:

parks, beaches, countryside, forestspublic gardens (whether or not you pay to enter them), allotmentsoutdoor sports courts and facilities, and playgrounds

You must not meet with people outside of your household or support bubble in a private garden or in most outdoor public venues.

 

Work

You should work from home where possible.

 

 

Business

 

Businesses and venues can continue to operate, in a COVID-secure manner, other than those that remain closed in law.

Leisure and hospitality

Pubs and bars must close. They can only remain open where they operate as if they were a restaurant - which means serving substantial meals, like a main lunchtime or evening meal. They may only serve alcohol as part of such a meal

Businesses selling food or drink on their premises are required to close between 10pm and 5am.

This will include takeaways but delivery, drive through and click and collect services can continue after 10pm.

 

 

Face coverings/masks

 

Members of staff and the public must now wear face coverings in enclosed public spaces.

If you do not, you could face a £200 fine.

 

Weddings, civil partnerships, religious services and funerals

You can attend places of worship for a service, however, you must not mingle with anyone outside of your household or support or childcare bubble.

Wedding and civil partnership ceremonies must only take place in COVID-secure venues or in public outdoor spaces they are restricted to a maximum of 15 people and receptions are not allowed.

Funerals must only take place in COVID-secure venues or in public outdoor spaces with a maximum of 30 people in attendance. Wakes or linked ceremonial events before or after the funeral are limited to a maximum of 15 people and must not take place in private homes.

 

Travel

If you need to travel we encourage you to walk or cycle where possible, or to plan ahead and avoid busy times and routes on public transport.

You are advised not to travel into or out of an area if it has been categorised as a very high alert level area, as Greater Manchester has. This is part of wider measures to help manage the risk of transmission.

You can continue to travel into or out of very high alert level areas if you need to for work, education, to access youth services or because of caring responsibilities.

 

Shielding residents

We are advising any residents who have recently shielded to continue taking extra care now that the shielding process has formally ended in Oldham.

 

For more infomation you can visit the Gov.UK Website or Oldham Council website.

 

UPDATE 14/10/2020 - QR Coding

 

If you are invited to attend the surgery for an appointment please be aware you will now be asked to scan a QR code with you NHS Covid-19 App to check in.

 

As always we appreciate your support.

 

UPDATE 12/10/2020 - NEW GUIDANCE FROM GOVERNMENT ISSUED

 

Local level alerts have been introduced across England introducing the "3 Tiered" system.

As it stands Oldham is being considered 'Tier 2' - What this means is that we have a higher level of infections where some additional restrictions are now in place.

 

For full details of these restriction we ask that you visit the GOV.UK website.

 

 

UPDATE 09/10/2020 - WHAT TO DO IF YOU TEST POSITIVE FOR COVID -19

 

If you have tested positive for Coronavirus you need to self-isolate for at least 10 days. The 10 days starts from when your symptoms started. If you have not had symptoms the 10 days starts from when you had the test.

 

UPDATE 07/10/2020 - COVID-19 TESTING IN OLDHAM

 

Oldham has a number of centres where COVID-19 Testing is taking place. It is free to get tested to anyone showing symptoms it is highly recommended that you get tested. You need to BOOK A TEST before attending these centres. To book a test and check availability at a centre near you please visit the GOV.UK website.

 

UPDATE 05/10/2020 - FLU CLINICS AVAILABLE

 

Just a reminder to all that the surgery has a number of flu clinics available for those patients 65 years of age OR you have a chronic illness. Just ring in and book in!

 

UPDATE 30/09/2020 -

 

 

 

UPDATE 25/09/2020

 

Things have changed dramatically since the outbreak of the coronavirus, especially in how you contact us here at Littletown Family Medical Practice.

 

Please be reassured that these changes have been implemented for your own safety as much as our own. It is why with great sadness that we have had to limit the amount of face-to-face contact whenever possible.

 

This is in the efforts to help stop the spread of Covid-19.

We are open to all patients and if you feel that you need to be reviewed by a GP, please ring us on 0161 624 5457 or visit our practice website at littletownfamilymedical.secure-gpsite.nhs.uk to complete an E-Consultation. Our basic opening hours are 08:00-18:30, Monday – Friday.

You can also call NHS 111.

 

Please do not come to the surgery unless you have an appointment or have been asked to attend the surgery by a clinician.

If you are waiting for a check-up, please be assured we will be in touch.

Appointments are being delivered face-to-face, online and over the phone.

 

If you are asked to come to the surgery for a face-to-face appointment, please remember to wear a face covering. Measures are in place to keep you safe from infection during your visit to the surgery.

 

 

 

UPDATE 14/09/2020 - New Government Guidance regarding Social Distancing

 

The Government issued NEW guidance today regarding meeting others safely. Here is a breakdown of that guidance:

 

You are still encouraged to Wash your hands frequently, cover your Face with a facemask where required and to maintain the 2 metere Space where possible.

 

When seeing friends and family you do not live with you should meet in groups of 6 or less. In England, this limit of 6 includes children of any age.

 

 You are advised to limit how many different people you see socially over a short period of time and meet people outdoors where practical: meeting people outdoors is safer than meeting people indoors because fresh air provides better ventilation.

 

 

The 'Rule of 6' has now become law and the police will now have the powers to enforce these legal limits, including to issue fines

 

There are exceptions where groups can be larger than 6 people. The ful list of these examples can be found on the weblink below.

 

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-meeting-with-others-safely-social-distancing/coronavirus-covid-19-meeting-with-others-safely-social-distancing#seeing-friends-and-family

 

 

 

UPDATE - 09/09/2020 - FLU CLINICS ARE NOW AVAILABLE

 

Please contact the GP surgery to arrange your seasonal influenza vaccination.

 

 

 

 

UPDATE 09/09/2020 - We are supporting the 'Hands. Face. Space' campaign promoted by the government. We urge you to continue to wash your hands, cover your face and make space to control infection rates and avoid a second peak.

 

 

UPDATE 30/08/2020 - 

 

 

UPDATE 21/08/2020 - 

 

In advance of tomorrows new local rules as published on Oldham.Gov.UK

 

 

 

For full details please refer to 

 https://www.oldham.gov.uk/coronavirus

 

 

UPDATE 05/08/2020 - 

 

 

 

 

Tougher #Coronavirus restrictions are now in place in #Oldham and across the North West to keep us safe and to stop the spread of the virus. If you want to know how this affects you, please visit our website for more information www.oldham.gov.uk/Coronavirus

 

 

 

UPDATE 31/07/2020 -

 

As you will be aware following the recent announcments in the news Oldham has been identified as having an outbreak of coronavirus (Covid-19). Although this means that local restrictions are now in effect we still want to wish you a safe and happy Eid!

For all the details regarding the new restrictions that have been put into place for the North West of England including Oldham please follow the link below:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/north-west-of-england-local-restrictions-what-you-can-and-cannot-do

 

UPDATE 24/07/2020 - BAME

 

 

 

UPDATE 22/07/2020 - Holiday Activities 2020

 

Holiday Activities and Childcare Categories

Summer 2020

 

Brief descriptions of Holiday Care and Holiday Activities to help to signpost parents

 

 

Categories	Brief description	Web link to find info
Childcare	General childcare in an early years setting or with a childminder   From ages birth 0 to 14 years (ish)   We suggest parents check the Ofsted childcare register for details  https://www.gov.uk/get-childcare	List of childcare providers
Family Information Service (FIS)	Information on childcare and services for families with children, aged 0-19 years old (0-25 years with SEND)	FIS - Family Information Service
Holiday Care Holiday Club	Full or part time days From aged 3 to 14 years(ish) Run in the school holidays Times can run from 7.30am to 6.00pm(ish) each one is different	List of Summer Holiday Care
Holiday Schemes Holiday Activities Summer Offer Summer Activities	Tend to run from aged 5 years upwards. Usually sessions or full day Run in the school holidays Times vary but could be 9.00am to 12noon or 1.00pm to 3.00pm(ish)	Holiday activities
Out of School Club	Before and after school times In term time Times usually between 7.30am(ish) to the school start and then at the end of school day to 6.00pm(ish) School age pupils to 14 years (ish)	List of childcare providers
SEND Local Offer Local Offer LO Activities	The SEND LO directory is updated regularly with a range of activities for children and young people aged 0 -25 years who have a special educational need or disability (SEND).    It also contains useful information for their parents and professionals.	www.oldham.gov.uk/localoffer

 

https://littletownfamilymedical.secure-gpsite.nhs.uk//userfiles/docs/Holiday Activities and Childcare Categories and Weblinks.docx

 

UPDATE 09/07/20 - Face coverings and now mandatory

 

 

Please can all patients wear face coverings when attending the surgery for appointments.

 

Remember, please DO NOT attend the surgery unless you have been instructed to by a clinician. Thank you.

 

UPDATE 08/07/20 - Cervical Screening

Ladies, our nurse is still doing cervical screening. So please contact the surgery to book in.

In these uncertain times you may have concerns about coming to the surgery, but please be aware that we have procedures in place to keep you and our staff safe!

 

For more information please follow the link below 

It only takes a few minutes and could save your life 

 

https://www.jostrust.org.uk/information/coronavirus/faqs 

 

UPDATE 06/07/20 - Information for patients

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UPDATE 15/06/2020 - It is compulsory for patients to wear face masks or face covering when attending the surgery

 

As the NHS re-opens and patient numbers are increasing it is so important that we do everything that we can to avoid the spread of this deadly virus; that is why in accordance with government guidelines we are asking that any patient's or visitors to the practice must wear a face mask or face covering. Please respect this request it is for everyone's safety.

 

 

UPDATE 21/05/2020 - How to celebrate Eid in lockdown

 

 

 

 

18/05/2020 UPDATE - Anyone aged 5 or over who has coronavirus symptoms is now eligible for a test.

Book online 

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/testing-for-coronavirus/ask-for-a-test-to-check-if-you-have-coronavirus/

 

 

If you have a new continuous cough OR high temperature OR loss/change in your normal sense of smell or taste, self-isolate and book a test

 

01/05/2020 UPDATE - Please watch the video below for informaton on changes in primary care and the different consultations GP surgeries are offering.

 

This will help you have a better understanding of the changes and what to expect when you need medical care.

 

 

 

 

27/04/2020 UPDATE - SHOUT 24/7 text messaging service to support those in crisis

This free text messaging helpline is a private, silent and trusted way for anyone experiencing mental health challenges to find a safe space to seek help and support. You can send a text message any time of day or night wherever you are – every conversation is with a human being.

It's easy to use

You don't need an app or dataThere's no registration processIt's silent and won't appear on your phone billConfidential and anonymous.

It's provided by trained volunteer staff supported by clinical supervisors

Text: GMOldham to 85258

After you text a crisis volunteer will reply. The volunteer will offer you support and respond to your questions until they, and you, feels in a safe calm place. The volunteer will also provide sign posting to other services that can offer you specialist support and ongoing help in your local area.

Important information – Mobile Network Disclaimer

It's free and confidential to text our service from the following major networks: EE, O2, Three and Vodafone. These include – BT Mobile, Tesco Mobile, Virgin Mobile, iD Mobile, Sky, Telecom Plus, Lebara and GiffGaff.

Some Android phones issue a warning that you will be charged for texting us. Provided you are on one of the networks listed above, this warning is incorrect and you will not be charged. If you text us from a network that is not on this list there is a possibility that you may be charged for the messages and that they may appear on your bill. This applies to a very small minority of operators.

It is not possible to text the service from some networks, which do not provide the capability to message short codes. These include Lyca mobile. If your message will not send, or if you do not receive an automated message in response, it is an indicator that the service is not working.

If in doubt, please contact your mobile phone network before texting, or email info@giveusahout.org

 

06/04/2020 UPDATE - Opening Hours over Easter Bank Holiday

 

Please be aware that the surgery will be business as usual over the Easter Bank Holidays as for the first time the surgery will be opening on Good Frida (10/04/2020) and Easter Monday (13/04/2020) to alleviate the over increasing pressures within the NHS during the Covid-19 pandemic.

 

What this means for you! It means that if you require any medical attention over the Bank Holidays we are requesting that you contact the GP surgery initally to be triaged. Then depending on the ailments you will be directed to the most appropraite service.

 

27/03/2020 UPDATE:- A helpline is now available for our most vulnerable residents unable to leave the house - and without a trusted friend, neighbour or family member to help them. 0161 770 7007 Open 9am-5pm on weekdays. And 11am to 2pm on weekends. Please share with those who need it.

 

26/03/2020 UPDATE:- Washing your hands is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself and others from illnesses. If you do not have immediate access to soap and water then use alcohol-based handrub if available.Washing your hands properly removes dirt, viruses and bacteria to stop them spreading to other people and objects. It can help stop people picking up infections and spreading them to others.

 

 

25/03/2020 UPDATE:- Just a reminder that we are not currently seeing seeing patients unless they have been triaged by a clinician first. We urge you not to attend the surgery unless you have been asked to do so. If you have a medical query or concern please ring the GP surgery and you will be telephone triaged.

 

 

23/03/2020 UPDATE:- Please see below a post published by Asthma UK. It is regarding rescue packs of steroids and antibiotics.

 

 

 

20/03/2020 UPDATE: - Please be aware that the GP surgery will not be providing sick notes (Med 3 certificates) to any patient who is currently off work due to the effects of the Coronavirus/ COVDI- 19. Instead please can we advise that you follow the weblink below to obtain a isolation note provided by the NHS 111 service. All employers should accept this as a valid note. Thank you.

https://111.nhs.uk/isolation-note/

 

 

16/03/2020 UPDATE: - see below message

 

 

 

 

13/03/2020 UPDATE: - AS OF TODAY THE PRACTICE WILL NOT BE SEEING ANY PATIENTS FACE TO FACE FOR ROUTINE APPOINTMENTS - INSTEAD THE CLINICIANS WILL TELEPHONE TRIAGE FOR THE PROTECTION OF STAFF AND PATIENTS ALIKE IT IS NOT RECOMMENDED TO COME TO THE SURGERY. PLEASE USE NHS 111 ONLINE FOR ADVICE.

 

Anyone with a continous cough OR fever (>37.8) must self isolate for 7 days (this includes children)

Travel history is now irrelevant

Anyone with these symptoms who is WELL can just stay at home and does not need to ring 111 or be tested. If symptoms deteriorate use NHS 111 online for advice.

Anyone with these symptoms who is UNWELL should go to NHS 111 online for advice, they must NOT go to the GP, 111 will access and advise

 

12/03/2020 UPDATE: STOP!

PLEASE READ

Have you got a COUGH, FEVER or Shortness of Breath? Please GO HOME and ring the surgery.

Have you travelled outside the UK in the last 14 days and have any of these symptoms? GO HOME and contact NHS 111 or 111.nhs.uk/covid-19.

 

 

11/03/2020 UPDATE:

 

The latest guidance on Coronavirus stipulates there are Category 1 countries and Category 2 countries if you have travelled to any of the countries follow this advice below.

 

CATEGORY 1 COUNTRY/ AREA

 

Wuhan city and Hubei Province (China)

Iran

Daegu of Cheongdo (Republic of Korea)

ANY Italian town under contamination measures

 

ADVICE: Travellers should immediately self - isolate, even if asymptomatic and call NHS 111 to inform of recent travel.

 

 

CATEGORY 2 COUNTRY/ AREA

Cambodia             China                          Hong Kong                  Italy: North*

Japan                    Laos                           Macau                         Malaysia

Myanmar               Republic of Korea      Singapore                   Taiwan

Thailand                Vietnam

 

ADVICE: Travellers do not need to take special measures, but if they develop symptoms they should self- isolate and use the 111 online coronavirus service.

 

SYMPTOMS: The virus can cause pneumonia. Those who have fallen ill are reported to suffer coughs, fever and breathing difficulties. In severe cases there can be organ failure. As this is viral pneumonia, antibiotics are of no use. The antiviral drugs we have against flu will not work. Recovery depends on the strength of the immune system. Many of those who have died were already in poor health.