CORONAVIRUS UPDATE - July 2020
We would like to update you on accessing services here at the surgery during the current COVID-19 pandemic. Every effort has been made to help protect both patients and staff alike.
TESTING - The Welsh Government have joined the UK-WIDE HOME TESTING SCHEME. This enables patients to order tests IF they have symptoms. Please apply through either the NHS website or dial 119.
HELP THE FIGHT AGAINST COVID - Has your doctor or nurse said you are likely to have a COVID-19 infection, or do you have any of the symptoms ? Are you aged 65 and above or Aged 50 to 64 with a listed illness ? You could be eligiable to join the PRINCIPLE trial and help the fight against COVID-19. Click here to find out more.
REPEAT MEDICATION – these are being processed as usual but we have been encouraging patients to set up online accounts (My Health Online) so that they can order their medication from home, preventing the need to come to the surgery. Non-dispensing patients have been asked to sign up with a local pharmacy who will then arrange collection of their prescriptions, again reducing footfall through the surgery. Deliveries can also be arranged with the pharmacies. If a patient has a query with their medication we ask that they either telephone the surgery (or pharmacist) or drop a note into the outside post box.
GP APPOINTMENTS – all GP appointments continue to be arranged as telephone consultations. Patients are given a time when the Doctor will call them to discuss their current issues. If a GP needs to see a patient a video consultation can be organised and if the Doctor needs to physically see a patient they will arrange this with them. Home visits are arranged in the usual way; but the Doctor will telephone the patient beforehand.
NURSING TEAM APPOINTMENTS – these are also mainly telephone consultations, to protect both patients and staff during this current season. Sometimes patients may email through a photograph, which may help the clinician. Patients are reviewed face to face only when necessary (eg. Necessary Dressings / blood tests)
FACE TO FACE APPOINTMENTS – we try to arrange appointments for the most AT RISK patients first thing in the morning (between 08:00am and 09:00am), this is when the surgery has had little or no patient footfall, therefore reducing risk. Bookings are arranged with breaks in between to allow patients to enter and leave the building with reduced risk of meeting another patient. Patients are usually advised by staff to remain in their car until the clinician is ready to see them, being contacted by the team member at the appropriate time.
SHIELDING LETTERS – many patients should have received their shielding letters from the government by now. Some patients may not have had this letter but are advised to shield, in this instance a letter can be generated by the surgery. Please contact us if you have an enquiry about this. Latest government guidance states that patients should continue to Shield until 16th August 2020.
ENTERING THE SURGERY BUILDING. We are asking that patients only enter the building if absolutely necessary; with people contacting the surgery by telephone rather than coming onto the premises. If patients do come to the surgery we ask that they wear a face covering and use the hand sanitisers located in the reception area. We have face shields and face masks available to patients if they do not have their own. Floor markings are now in place so that patients can adhere to the social distancing rules.
We would like to thank all our patients who have been supportive during this challenging time. Please contact us by telephone if you have any questions or concerns, as we are here to help and support you all.
Privacy Notice - Covid 19 - Please see the following Privacy Notices English Privacy Notice/Welsh Privacy Notice
Virtual Autism Advice Session (VAAS)
For more information on VAAS please click here
Helplines
NSPCC helpline: 0808 800 5000 If you're worried about a child, even if you're unsure, contact NSPCC professional counsellors for help, advice and support.
Childline 0800 1111: offers free, confidential advice and support for any child 18 years or under, whatever the worry.
MIND www.mind.org.uk Mental Health Support with specific advice on ‘Coronavirus and your wellbeing’
YoungMinds https://youngminds.org.uk Supporting children and young people and their parents/carers with their mental health and wellbeing. Specific advice on managing self-isolation and anxiety about coronavirus
BeGambleAware: For help, advice or support please go to BeGambleAware.org or phone the FREE 24/7 National Gambling Helpline - 0808 208 0133
Recent Updates
Diabetes Newsletter
Please click on the following link to view a recent Diabetes News Letter : April News Letter
Optometry Services
Please click on the following link to view the latest information regarding Optometry Services: Optometry Services
Dental Services
Please click on the following link to view the latest information regarding Dental Services: Dental Services
Welcome to Tudor Gate Surgery
With patients' needs at the heart of everything we do, our website has been designed to make it easy for you to gain instant access to the information you need. As well as specific practice details such as opening hours and how to register, you’ll find a wealth of useful pages covering a wide range of health issues along with links to other relevant medical organisations.
Get Well, Keep Well
Of course we’re not just here for when you are unwell. Our team of healthcare professionals and back-up staff offer a number of clinics and services to promote good health and wellbeing whatever your medical condition.
Join In
We hope you enjoy having a look around the site and familiarising yourself with some of the online features such as ordering a repeat prescription. Whatever your thoughts, be sure to let us know via our feedback function. Comments and suggestions are always a great way of helping us continue to enhance the way we look after you.
Access Standards
A new set of standards were announced by the Minister for Health and Social Services in March 2019 that are aimed to raise and improve the level of service for patients in Wales from their GP practices. Please see the following for further details:
Access Standards - English Access Standards - Welsh
NEW PHARMACY SERVICE
Some community pharmacies are offering the new Common Ailments Service. Patients can access this new free NHS service where they can get advice and treatment
CCTV
Closed circuit television is installed at the practice premises for the purpose of staff, patient and premises security. Cameras are located at various places on the premises, and images from the cameras are recorded.
How we use your medical records - Important information for patients
- This practice handles medical records in-line with laws on data protection and confidentiality.
- We share medical records with those who are involved in providing you with care and treatment.
- In some circumstances we will also share medical records for medical research, for example to find out more about why people get ill.
- We share information when the law requires us to do so, for example, to prevent infectious diseases from spreading or to check the care being provided to you is safe.
- You have the right to be given a copy of your medical record.
- You have the right to object to your medical records being shared with those who provide you with care.
- You have the right to object to your information being used for medical research and to plan health services.
- You have the right to have any mistakes corrected and to complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office. Please see the practice privacy notice on the website or speak to a member of staff for more information about your rights
There is a free on-line ‘Life after Cancer’ resource. This research is based on the stories of research participant who are living beyond cancer diagnosis and treatments.
This resource was produced in collaboration with Velindre Cancer Centre, Tenovus Cancer Care, e-Cancer.org, Macmillan and staff from Cardiff University, School of Healthcare Sciences
https://mailchi.mp/ecancer/life-after-cancer-e-learning-modules-for-patients-are-live
Bowel Screening Wales
Bowel Screening reduces your risk of dying from bowel cancer. Men and women aged 60 to 74 are invited to take part every two years. When due you will be sent a screening test kit. If you have any concerns contact the Free phone helpline on 0800 294 3370
(Site updated 09/07/2020)