NHS Lanarkshire has developed a new animation to explain what now happens if you need to visit your GP practice.

Dr Linda Findlay, Medical Director South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “We want people to know that their practices are open and here to help. However, there have been a lot of changes due to covid-19 and these will be in place for the foreseeable future.”

The animation highlights the changes that are now in place. These include:

• Most appointments will now be by telephone or video consultation. After your initial assessment by telephone, practice staff will advise what is most appropriate for you. Remember this may be another service – for example, self-care, dentist, community pharmacy or optician. Please do not turn up at the practice without an appointment, to help reduce the risk of spreading the virus.
• Patients will only receive a face-to-face appointment when necessary – for example, when a physical examination is needed or if tests need to be carried out.
• Measures will be in place to ensure safety and physical distancing – for example, reduced capacity in waiting rooms, one-way systems, hand sanitiser and face coverings.
• Appointment systems will change to avoid queues. You will receive a precise time for your appointment, please do not arrive early or late. Reception staff will advise you on their own process.

Dr Findlay added: “I understand that it can be frustrating not always being able to see your GP, or other healthcare professional, face-to-face. However, we all need to play our part in suppressing covid-19 to keep ourselves and our communities safe.

“I would like to thank everyone for their continued patience and understanding as we all adapt to with these changes and our new way of working.”

You can watch the new animation on NHS Lanarkshire’s social media channels (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) and on the website www.nhslanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk/services/gp/