Guys & St Thomas' - FAQ's about attending Hospital Video
Guys & St Thomas' have released a video covering some of the frequently asked questions about attending the hospital as service start to reopen.
Guidance note for patients requesting exemption letters regarding face masks
We are aware that some patients might be understandably anxious about the Government’s recent announcements around the use of face masks/coverings in various public settings.
GPs are unfortunately not in a position to provide individual risk assessments or letters for patients who feel that they should be exempt from wearing a face mask/covering.
The government guidance on exemptions suggests there is no requirement for evidence for exemption therefore it is sufficient for an individual to self-declare this.
In respect of public transport, the responsibility for issuing exemptions lies with the transport provider not your GP. Similarly, practices are under no obligation to provide letters of support for anyone who does not fall under the list of exemptions but who considers themselves to have another reason to be exempted.
Government advice on the use of face coverings can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-safer-travel-guidance-for-passengers#face-coverings
Some people don’t have to wear a face covering including for health, age or equality reasons. Some transport staff may not wear a face covering if it is not required for their job.
Other useful websites are:
https://www.asthma.org.uk/advice/triggers/coronavirus-covid-19/what-should-people-with-asthma-do-now/#Facemask
https://www.keepsafe.org.uk/posters
TFL face covering exemption
The following are EXEMPT from the requirement to wear a face covering on TfL's public transport stations, platforms and services:
- Children under the age of 11
- Employees of, or persons providing agreed services to, TfL
- Police constables (including British Transport Police) officers acting in the course of their duty
- Members or employees of the emergency services responding to an emergency
A person will have a reasonable excuse and will not be required to wear a face covering in the following circumstances:
- Where a person cannot put on, wear, or remove a face covering because of a physical or mental illness or impairment or disability (within the meaning of section 6 of the Equality Act 2010), or without severe distress
- Where a person is providing a lip-reading service to a person they are travelling with
- Where a person removes their face covering to avoid harm or injury, or the risk of harm or injury, to themselves or others
- Where a person is travelling to avoid injury, or to escape a risk of harm, and does not have a face covering with them
- If it is reasonably necessary for a person to eat and drink, and the person removes their face covering to eat or drink
- Where a person is required to remove the face covering by a police constable (including a British Transport Police officer) or another authorised person
If you believe you are exempt you can download an exemption card belowExemption Card
Visiting the practice? Please ensure you wear a face mask
Think you need a Fit Note (Sick Note), please read this article
If you are off work for up to seven days then you can self certify your period of sickness, Click Here for further details.
If your period of sickness is for longer than seven days and is either due to confirmed Coronavirus or advice to self isolate from a healthcare professional then you can apply for an isolation note from NHS 111. Click Here for further information.
Online Appointment Booking
Due to the escalating situation with Coronavirus the practice took the decision to switch all GP appointments to a telephone triage service, these phone calls are bookable online but the face to face appointments are not as these are only bookable by a GP and then only if they feel it is clinically necessary for you to attend the practice. Nurse appointments are only bookable over the phone as our reception team will check to see if you have any Coronavirus symptoms before booking an appointment. Our Nurse and HCA will only see patients for specific treatments and these are listed on the home page of our website.
COVID-19 is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It's caused by a virus called coronavirus.
Stay at home to stop coronavirus spreading
Everyone must stay at home to help stop the spread of coronavirus.
You should only leave your home for very limited purposes:
- shopping for basic necessities, for example food and medicine, which must be as infrequent as possible
- one form of exercise a day, for example a run, walk, or cycle – alone or with members of your household
- any medical need, including to donate blood, avoid or escape risk of injury or harm, or to provide care or to help a vulnerable person
- travelling for work purposes, but only where you cannot work from home
Important
These reasons are exceptions – even when doing these activities, you should be minimising time spent outside of the home and ensuring you are 2 metres apart from anyone outside of your household.
Information: There is separate advice:
How to stop infection spreading
There are things you can do to help reduce the risk of you and anyone you live with getting ill with coronavirus.
Do
wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
wash your hands as soon as you get home
cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards
Looking after your wellbeing
To help yourself stay well while you're at home:
- stay in touch with family and friends over the phone or on social media
- try to keep yourself busy – you could try activities like cooking, reading, online learning and watching films
- do light exercise at home, or outside once a day – see NHS fitness studio: exercises you can do at home
Information: Advice on mental health while you're staying at home:
What to do if you need medical help
If you need medical help for any reason, do not go to places like a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.
If you have symptoms of coronavirus (a high temperature or a new, continuous cough), use the 111 coronavirus service.
If you need help or advice not related to coronavirus:
- for health information and advice, use the NHS website or your GP surgery website
- for urgent medical help, use the NHS 111 online service – only call 111 if you're unable to get help online
- for life-threatening emergencies, call 999 for an ambulance
Read more advice about getting medical help at home.
Not sure what to do, Call NHS 111
