CORONAVIRUS UPDATE - MAY 2021

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.

COVID-19 VACCINATIONS - Please do not contact the GPs regarding covid vaccines, for the most up to date information and FAQs please visit: https://phw.nhs.wales/topics/immunisation-and-vaccines/covid-19-vaccination-information

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 when necessary. Annual health checks (eg. Diabetes / Asthma) are now being arranged as face to face bookings.

FACE TO FACE APPOINTMENTS – 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.

FACE MASK EXEMPTIONS - Everyone aged 11 and over are required to wear a face covering when entering public areas unless an exemption applies. Exemptions include having a physical or mental illness or because of a condition or impairment. If the person is accompanying somebody who relies on lip reading where they need to communicate and they cannot access a clear face covering, then they would be exempt. Face Covering exemption forms issued by the Welsh Government can be obtained at our Reception Desk. 

LONG COVID - Please see the link which gives help and advice to patients suffering from Long Covid  - Recovery app launched in Wales to help support people with long COVID | GOV.WALES

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.

It is not part of General Medical Services for us to provide individuals with letters for the exemption of wearing face masks, if a patient wishes to have an exemption card you can download one from here For more information please see :https://gov.wales/face-covering-exemption-card

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

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Mind Monmouthshire  *New* Active Monitoring Service is delivered in partnership with 17 local Minds in Wales, adapted for COVID 19 - Find out more here.

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Audiology Updates - 

Drop-in clinics are still currently closed. Please see below ways in which patients can contact the team -  

If patients have any ongoing issues please contact us on: 

ABUHB Audiology 

Phone: 01633 234 390,  01873 732800 and 01443 802446 

Email: ABB.GwentRGHAud@wales.nhs.uk 

New online hearing aid battery and tubing ordering service now available: https://abuhb.nhs.wales/hospitals/a-z-hospital-services/audiology/ 

Helplines

National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247 https:/ /www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/

• 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

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 

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

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.

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