Easter Bank Holiday

We will be closed over the Bank Holiday weekend from Friday 29th March to Monday 1st April. We will reopen as normal on Tuesday 2nd April at 8am. To ensure all patients are able to access care over this weekend please click here for ‘Get to Know Where to Go’ information. A&E departments (also known

Need help with a non-urgent medical or admin request? Contact us online.

PCR Test needed if you have COVID-19 Symptoms

If you or your child have any 1 or more of these 3 coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms, even if mild, you need arrange for a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test before contacting the GP:

  • a high temperature
  • a new, continuous cough
  • you’ve lost your sense of smell or taste or it’s changed

We are seeing an increase in Winter Respiratory Illness and need to ensure we continue to protect both patients and staff from contracting coronavirus. If you have any ONE or more of the above symptoms, we will ask for a PCR test to be taken prior to making you a face to face appointment with the GP. When you have symptoms a Lateral Flow Test is not sufficient to rule out COVID-19, this can only be confirmed by a negative PCR test.

Rapid Lateral Flow tests – are only for people who do not have symptoms, they give a quick result using a device similar to a pregnancy test. 1 in 3 people with COVID-19 do not have symptoms but can infect others, even if you’re vaccinated, you could still catch the virus or pass it on. This rapid test helps protect yourself and others.

If you have symptoms, self-isolate straight away until you get your results. Do not leave home, except to post a test kit or for a PCR test appointment. Check if the people you live with need to self-isolate on NHS.UK.

Get tested as soon as possible if you have symptoms

Book a visit to a test site to have the test today. Test sites are open 7 days a week. Order a home test kit if you cannot get to a test site.

You need to get the test done in the first 8 days of having symptoms.

On days 1 to 7, you can get tested at a site or at home. If you’re ordering a home test kit on day 7, do it by 3pm.

On day 8, you need to go to a test site – it’s too late to order a home test kit.

Order or book a test by phone

If you have problems or cannot use the online service, call 119.

Lines are open 7am to 11pm.

If no tests are available online, do not call helplines to get a test. No extra tests are available through the helplines.

What to do if your child seems very unwell

Children and babies will still get illnesses that can make them very unwell quickly. It’s important to get medical help if you need it.

Urgent advice:Call 111 or your GP surgery if your child:

  • is under 3 months old and has a temperature of 38C or higher, or you think they have a fever
  • is 3 to 6 months old and has a temperature of 39C or higher, or you think they have a fever
  • has other signs of illness, such as a rash, as well as a high temperature (fever)
  • has a high temperature that’s lasted for 5 days or more
  • does not want to eat, or is not their usual self and you’re worried
  • has a high temperature that does not come down with paracetamol
  • is dehydrated – for example, nappies are not very wet, sunken eyes, and no tears when they’re crying

Immediate action required:Call 999 if your child:

  • has a stiff neck
  • has a rash that does not fade when you press a glass against it (use the “glass test” from Meningitis Now)
  • is bothered by light
  • has a seizure or fit for the first time (they cannot stop shaking)
  • has unusually cold hands and feet
  • has pale, blotchy, blue or grey skin
  • has a weak, high-pitched cry that’s not like their usual cry
  • is drowsy and hard to wake
  • is extremely agitated (does not stop crying) or is confused
  • finds it hard to breathe and sucks their stomach in under their ribs
  • has a soft spot on their head that curves outwards
  • is not responding like they usually do, or not interested in feeding or usual activities

PLEASE DO NOT GET UPSET WITH OUR STAFF WHEN THEY ASK YOU IF YOU HAVE HAD A PCR TEST. THIS IS GOVERNMENT GUIDANCE WHICH WE ARE ALL FOLLOWING TO ENSURE WE DO NOT SPREAD THIS VIRUS AND ENSURE WE CAN DELIVER VITAL HEALTH SERVICES THROUGHOUT THIS PANDEMIC. Thank you