From the start of April, patients across Scotland who are unwell with Covid-19 symptoms and may require medical attention are being asked to contact their GP instead of NHS 24.
NHS Inform’s coronavirus webpage remains the fastest way for people to obtain the latest health advice and information.
As of 1 April, patients with Covid symptoms who would previously have called 111 will be asked to contact their GP practice in the first instance during the working day. This is consistent with what is already done for all other respiratory conditions. If help and advice is required out of hours, 111 should still be called.
Dr Linda Findlay, Medical Director, South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “Patients who are unwell with Covid-19 symptoms and may need medical attention can now contact their GP practice and only call 111 when your GP practice is closed. NHS Inform’s webpage is still a great source of information for patients.
“GPs have been open throughout the pandemic and have been busier than ever. Although many of the pandemic measures within the general community are relaxing, it’s vital people are aware that Covid is still very much with us and there remains great pressure across the whole health and care system.
“It is unlikely that general practice will return to pre-pandemic ways of working. GP practices have had to change the way they provide patient care to protect everyone, maintain safe infection control measures, ensure social distancing, wearing of face masks and minimising – where possible and safe to do so – physical contact.
“These restrictions will continue to be in place in healthcare settings across Lanarkshire for the foreseeable future and we would ask that members of the public continue to adhere to these.
“Most practices now operate a system where patients have to call the practice prior to being able to make an appointment. Practices have a wider healthcare team, in addition to GPs, and patients will be navigated to speak to the most appropriate person, e.g. the practice nurse, pharmacist etc.
“This way of working ensures the patient receives the right care from the right person at the right time and helps makes best use of the valuable and highly-skilled resources available. This has proved highly beneficial for patients to ensure their needs are met.
“GP practices are working harder than ever to ensure that they see everyone who requires a face-to-face consultation, for example, for physical examination or if tests need to be carried out.
“I would like to thank GPs for all that they have done and continue to do for their patients in the face of unprecedented demand as a result of the ongoing pandemic.
“Our staff continue to work extremely hard to ensure that patients are seen and treated as quickly as possible in the most challenging of situations and we ask that people be kind to our staff and colleagues who are committed to caring, no matter the circumstances.”
The public are reminded to access the right care at the right place. There are many alternatives within the community who can safely advise people on many health conditions.
Dr Findlay added: “There is help and advice on NHS Lanarkshire’s website including Meet the experts which offers a range of services that local healthcare professionals across Lanarkshire can provide. You can go directly to the right healthcare professional for the help you need when you need it, without having to see your GP first or face a lengthy wait in accident and emergency.
“NHS 24 can direct you to the right service day or night and provide urgent health advice out of hours by calling 111.
“NHS Lanarkshire has minor injury clinics that can treat a range of illnesses and injuries including sprains, strains, minor burns, bites and cuts and these can be accessed by contacting 111 in the first instance – often resulting in a dedicated appointment slot for the patient and thereby avoiding an unnecessary wait in A&E.
“The NHS inform website also provides advice on self-care and your local pharmacy is the first port of call for minor ailments. This can also help free up appointments for those who need them.”
