Dear patients of Merton Medical Practice,

As the restrictions surrounding the Covid-19 Pandemic ease we are also changing the way in which the surgery is run. Please take a moment to read the message below as it contains important information about how to book appointments and the services available.

In line with national guidance we have had to adapt the ways we deliver care to our patients. All appointment requests will triaged by a clinician by telephone or video, who can then book a face to face appointment if needed. Please provide our reception staff with as much information as possible about the nature of your problem.

We ask that you do not come to the practice unless you already have an appointment booked. These changes mean that we can continue to provide the care you need while keeping patients and staff safe.

If you have symptoms of corona virus, such as high temperature, a new continuous cough, a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste, you must self-isolate at home for seven days. Do not visit the GP practice, pharmacy or hospital. You can request a test for coronavirus by visiting www.gov.uk/coronavirus.

Please be aware that at peak times our telephone lines may be overstretched. You can make use of our Consulting Room.

This will allow you to:

• Book an appointment via Patient Access (you can also download their app for this)
• Ask a clinician a question via the website (please do not use this feature for urgent queries)
• Use the Doctorlink Service (also available via an app) if you are unsure if you need to see a doctor, which to go through your symptoms to see if you need to book an appointment

If you have a medication query please use our website as above or email swlcccg.mertonmedical@nhs.net to request this in order to reduce the pressure on the phones. We aim to deal with all emails within 3 working days, but most much sooner.

We are closely following the advice from the Government and Public Health England and are adjusting how we work accordingly, and if there are any changes they will be outlined on our website.

Please follow the Government’s advice on self-isolation and social distancing, this is incredibly important in order to reduce pressure on the NHS.

Thank you,

Merton Medical Practice