Coronavirus (COVID-19) - specific advice for patients in "at risk" categories
There are different, quite specific categories of patients.
Category A are those over 70 or anybody who is medically advised to have a Flu Jab every year; these should operate very strict Social Distancing.
Letters have been sent to those deemed to at risk (Category B) and these should be "shielded". i.e. stay at home and avoid face-to-face contact for 12 weeks.
Category C patients, are also at risk and should be "shielded". However these patients are currently still in the process of being identified and will be notified in the coming days once the information and guidance has been fully confirmed by the Government, NHS England and other associated health professionals.
For more information, please go to:
Sick notes for self-isolation
In light of the current Coronavirus situation, it is inevitable that people may need to self-isolate at home, even when they have no symptoms of illness. Unfortunately your GP will not be able to issue a sick note for this.
If you are considering requesting a sick note from your GP in relation to being off work, the Government’s rules are that a sick note can only be issued when an individual has had more than 7 continuous days off sick due to an illness (including weekends). For periods of illness less than 7 days you can complete a self-certification and give this to your employer.
If you have been told to self-isolate for 7 days or more, either by official advice, NHS111 or a health professional, you will be able to get an isolation note via 111 on-line. This would be available to those with Coronavirus symptoms and also those living with someone who has symptoms.
Please note that you can only get an isolation note if you have been told to stay at home by official advice, NHS 111 or a healthcare professional.
Additional Appointment Services
Pharmacy
As well as the Care at the Chemist service, our receptionists are happy to book a minor ailments consultation with a local pharmacist of your choice.
Additional Doctor and Advanced Nurse Practitioner appointments:
We can book an Appointment for you:
- Woodside Health Centre, Haydock, Sat 9:00 – 12:00, Sun 9:00 – 12:00
- Millennium Centre, St Helens, Mon – Fri (except Tues ) 17:30 – 21:00, Sat 08:00 – 15:00, Sun 08:00 – 12:00
- Rainhill Clinic, Rainhill, Mon – Fri 17:00 – 21:00
- Rainford Health Centre, Tues 17:30 - 21:00
From 1st July 2019, patients at this practice, who require medical advice Out of Hours will speak to NHS 111 for initial help and advice. Patients who need to be seen by a Clinician will still be given an appointment or home visit if they are housebound. The service will still have the ability to issue urgent prescriptions, book into appointments at the St Helens Urgent Treatment Centre, offer GP extended access appointment at one of three hubs in the borough along with the ability to link patients into other appropriate services.
This change is due to contractual changes in the way your Practice provides Out of Hours and, in keeping with the national direction of travel to implement NHS 111. NHS St Helens CCG has commissioned Primary Care 24 (PC24) on behalf of your Practice to deliver Out of Hours services. You will continue to receive a safe, high-quality Service
If you need medical advice outside of normal surgery opening hours you can still call the Practice number for information on how to access the Out of Hours Service or you can call NHS111 directly. You can phone 111, 365 days a year, to reach a full range of local health services, including out of hours doctors, community nurses, emergency dental care and late night opening chemists. Calls from landlines and mobile phones are free.
Extended Hours Promotion
Meningococcal ACWY Vaccine
Protection from meningitis and septicaemia if you are aged 25 or younger and going to university
If you’re planning to go to university, please make an appointment as soon as possible before leaving for university. You are at more risk of meningitis and septicaemia in the first weeks at university when you mix with lots of new people, some of whom may unknowingly carry the meningococcal bacteria, which is usually spread through prolonged close contact.
As the vaccine will also boost your protection against MenC, it replaces the “Freshers’” MenC programme which has been in place for the past year.
If you decide not to have the vaccination please let us know so we can enter this on your medical records.
Further information on the vaccination programme and meningococcal disease can be found on NHS Choices at:http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/vaccinations/Pages/men-acwy-vaccine.aspx
Named GP
From April 2015, all patients have to be allocated a named GP, here at the Practice. Due to the fact that we are a single handed practice, your GP is Dr H M Rahil.