Dear all,

As somebody pointed out in the comments on this morning’s Facebook post ( https://www.facebook.com/drsmorricemassongeddes/photos/a.1710382462577311/2626921410923407/)  , our phone lines are struggling to cope just now. Having discussed this amongst ourselves, it is apparent that we are spending a lot of time having conversations with patients who have no reason to suspect Coronavirus and are consulting us regarding mild viral illnesses. This is a situation partly of our own making, having given the receptionists instructions leading to this on Friday. A new phone message will be applied later today (as soon as we can get it done) as below in italics with links included for you:

  • If you have returned from a Coronavirus at-risk area in the past 14 days (see NHS Inform website https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19 or phone 0800 028 2816 for up to date locations) or you have had close contact with a confirmed Coronavirus case, the GP needs to speak to you. This must be by telephone, not in person. Tell the receptionist this is why you are calling.
  • If neither of these is applicable and you are normally healthy but have mild viral symptoms, these usually get better with self-care and you do not need to see or speak to a GP. Check our website https://www.clarkstonmedical.co.uk/self-help/ or NHS Inform for advice.
  • If you have a chronic lung condition and are currently unwell, you should request a GP telephone appointment.
  • For all other conditions, normal signposting activities still apply.

We are sure that you appreciate that we are trying to continue to deal with major issues such as heart disease,  depression and cancer as always, and can’t be deprioritising those conditions behind telephone calls about sore throats. We will endeavour to provide ‘business as usual’ as much as possible for as long as possible, and we need your cooperation to achieve this. We thank you for the overwhelming support  and good sense demonstrated thus far.

Kind Regards,

All of us at Clarkston Medical