NHS Patients, Staff and Visitors Must Continue To Wear Face Coverings in Healthcare Settings
England’s Chief Nurse has today reminded the public that everyone accessing or visiting healthcare settings must continue to wear a face covering and follow social distancing rules.
Covid restrictions will end in many settings in England from Monday 19th July.
However, Public Health England’s infection prevention control guidelines and hospital visiting guidance are set to remain in place for all staff and visitors.
That means NHS visitor guidance will stay in place across all health services including hospitals, GP practices, dental practices, optometrists and pharmacies to ensure patients and staff are protected.
Staff, patients and visitors will also be expected to continue to follow social distancing rules when visiting any care setting as well as using face coverings, mask and other personal protection equipment.
The NHS will continue to support staff in ensuring that the guidance is followed in all healthcare settings.
bma-covid-gp-practice-face-mask-social-distance-poster-july-2021.pdf
Covid-19 vaccination status
From 17 May 2021, people in England who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 can demonstrate their vaccination status for international travel. A full course is currently two doses of any approved vaccine. Vaccine status will be available from:
It may take more than a week for your identity to be checked and verified so you can use this service.
If you cannot access the online services, and you have had 2 vaccines, you can request a paper letter from the NHS by calling 119. Only call 119 if you are due to travel abroad in the near future and have had your second dose more than 5 working days ago. It may take 7 working days for the letter to arrive.
This practice is not able to provide you with a letter that shows your COVID-19 vaccination status.
When you're planning your travel, check the latest information on demonstrating your COVID-19 status when travelling abroad on the gov.uk website. Make sure there is time to get proof of your vaccination status before you leave.
New guidance has been issued for the use of the Oxford AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine.
This follows further reviews by the independent regulator, the MHRA, and the Commission for Human Medicines, 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.
The MHRA and Joint Committee for Vaccinations and Immunisations have emphasised that the risk of this condition is extremely small and that the benefits of the vaccine outweigh the risks for the vast majority of people. They have recommended that:
• Everyone who has had the AstraZeneca vaccine should still have a second dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine, irrespective of age, unless they have had a blood clot or have an existing risk of thrombosis (blood clotting)
• People aged 40 and over 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. (This has been recommended as a precaution as people under 30 are at less risk from Covid-19 and not because they are considered to be at particular risk of developing the rare blood clot.)
• 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
• Leaflet on COVID-19 vaccination and blood clotting
Please read the latest update regarding the Covid vaccination here
Covid vaccination update
Coronavirus - see 'News' for the links for latest advice, including our face covering policy
The latest advice for patients on Coronavirus can be found in the link below which is updated regularly:
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
Face covering policy
Flu Vaccinations 2020/2021 - Please see 'Our Services' for more information on what to expect at our flu clinics this year.
Illness in newborn babies - new leaflet to help keep your baby safe and well.
Illness in newborn babies leaflet
Find out about The Cornwall Link
The Cornwall link is an online portal where you can find information on a wide range of services, community groups and organisations in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. The aim is to provide individuals, families, carers, volunteers and healthcare professionals with access to services and community based activities that will reduce social isolation and improve health and wellbeing. This platform has been designed in collaboration with Age UK Cornwall staff and clients, volunteers, GPs and supporting partners including, Cornwall Neighbourhoods for Change, NHS Kernow, Cornwall Rural Community Charity and the Eden Project.
www.cornwall-link.co.uk
Measles - it's not just a kid's problem! See 'News' for more
Teenagers, young adults and anyone who has missed their MMR vaccination can get measles. Symptoms include high fever, rash (sometimes starting around the ears), sore red eyes, aching and feeling unwell. If you think it could be measles, please telephone the surgery before arriving to minimise risk of infecting others. If you know you haven't had your MMR vaccine and would like to, contact the surgery to make an appointment.
Parents Guide for Feverish Children - see Latest News for the link
If you are a parent, please take a look at the link: Feverish Child Guide
Caring for someone experiencing mental health issues? See Carers Page
for info regarding a free 2 day course in Cornwall.
NHS Electronic Prescription Service - see 'Further Information' for details
The Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) is an NHS service. It gives you the chance to change how your GP sends your prescription to the place you choose to get your medicines or appliances from. For more details please see to the right under Further Information.
Truro Health Park - Car Parking Regulations - see 'News' for info
Patients can park for up to two hours, and arrangements will be in place for patients who exceed the two hour period due to their appointments over-running.
These parking arrangements came into force at Truro Health Park on 1 April 2012 and came after months of research as a response to patient and public complaints that accessing the car park was proving increasingly challenging and causing problems to those affected. These arrangements mean fewer staff are able to park on site and all patients are encouraged to stay only for the length of their appointment so that spaces can be used by other patients. The regulations also clearly state that the car park can not be used by the shopping public or by local residents who are not using the facility.
If you have any comments or suggestions please write to:-
Complaints Manager
Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Primary Care Trust
Sedgemoor Centre
Priory Road
St Austell
PL25 5AS