We are extremely busy at the moment please consider all health options that are available in the community if you think you need to see a health professional:

· Your local pharmacist can help with any advice and medicines for minor illnesses and injuries and most have a room where you can discuss issues with pharmacy staff without being overheard. Pharmacists are also trained to tell you when your symptoms mean you need to see someone at your GP Practice

· Go online at www.111.nhs.uk if you urgently need medical help or advice and it’s not a life threatening situation. With NHS111 online you can:

You can find out how to get the right healthcare in their area, including whether you need to see a GP or seek urgent care

You can get advice on self-care

You can get a call back from a nurse, doctor or other trained health professional if you need it

· Your local urgent treatment centres are open 365 days a year and can treat non-life-threatening illness and injury and has x-ray facilities. The two nearest to Warrington are Widnes and Runcorn

· Please keep A&E free for those who really need it and only attend A&E or call 999 for a life-threatening illness such as choking, chest pain, blood loss or open fractures. If you attend A&E and your condition not deemed to be life threatening, you will be advised of other local services that are more suitable for you

· Also remember self-care. The majority of people feel comfortable managing everyday minor ailments like coughs and colds themselves, particularly when they feel confident in recognising the symptoms and have successfully used over-the-counter medicine before. More information about how to treat many common conditions at home can be found on the national NHS website: www.nhs.uk/condition

IF YOU REQUIRE URGENT MEDICAL ASSISTANCE WHICH CANNOT WAIT UNTIL THE SURGERY REOPENS PLEASE CALL 111. CALLS TO THIS NHS SERVICE ARE FREE FROM BOTH LANDLINES AND MOBILES.

Face-to-face appointments are available to all patients where there is a clinical need. You will be asked to first discuss your conditions over the phone or online with a member of the healthcare team to assess what would be most appropriate for you and which practice member would best provide it.

Most common conditions can be assessed and diagnosed by your doctor by telephone or video consultation. They are experienced and skilled in doing this. Using technology like this will help to protect you, your family and loved ones - and GP practice staff from the potential risk of the virus.

General practice services are extremely busy and are working hard to treat as many patients as possible.

HOW TO ACCESS OUR APPOINTMENTS

Before requesting an appointment please consider the alternatives. The pharmacist behind the counter at your local chemist is highly trained in offering a wide range of services and may be able to give you the help you need, so you won’t have to spend time waiting for an appointment.  For more information please visit our self care page If however you do require an appointment please telephone the surgery on 01925 630282 where our trained Reception staff will ask a series of questions to ensure you are directed to the most appropriate member of the team.  If you do not have telephone access then patients are permitted to call in person at the practice.