We are here for you when you need us – how to access services
If you need the help of a GP, practice nurse or other health professional that works in our surgery, we are here for you.
GP practices are busier than they have ever been and we want you to know how to get the help you need from us.
As you will know, we have been open throughout the pandemic, offering you telephone and online appointments. Face to face consultations are available for those who need them. We have continued to help many thousands of patients each week, alongside planning and delivering the COVID-19 vaccination programme.
There are some things that patients can do to help make sure we can see everyone who needs us, as quickly as possible. Please continue to contact us by phone or online as this helps us to manage people entering our practice building; it is much better if you don’t come to the practice unless you have an appointment. We need to keep social distancing in our practice building to keep everyone safe, we also ask that you always wear a mask while in the surgery. Please remember that appointments are a set amount of time so it is only safe to discuss one or two health issues. If you have more to discuss please mention this when you speak to reception staff.
Our busiest times of the day on the phones are between 8am and 10am so if you can, we would suggest that you call outside of this time.
On our website we have links to key NHS information and advice. Please also go to www.nhs.uk which is a as a source of trusted health advice about your or your child’s condition. Your local pharmacist is also there for you as an expert in medicines. They can offer advice for certain ailments. They will also know when you need to contact a GP or another more urgent service. Many pharmacies are open in the evening and at weekends, you can find them on the NHS website. You can also find out how to make the most of your pharmacist.
Remember if the situation is urgent you can contact NHS 111 by visiting www.111.nhs.uk or by calling 111. They can also support with a mental health crisis if you select option 2.
You don’t need to see a GP to refer yourself for some mental health services. Find out more at https://www.hpft.nhs.uk/services/community-services/wellbeing-service/ If you are worried about your mental health and any harm you may cause yourself please contact your practice.
Remember to always dial 999 straight away when it is a real emergency, for example if you think someone is having a heart attack or a stroke.
Please continue to use general practice when you need to, we are open and there for you.
Thank you for your support.
The Loughton Surgery
COVID-19
Vaccination
The Covid-19 vaccine is now being rolled out across west Essex. Those who are most at risk from Covid-19 and the people that provide care to them are being prioritised first. Please do not contact us for your vaccine – wait to be called. In line with national guidance and to protect those who are the most at risk first, the vaccine is initially being offered in the community to people aged over 80. You will be contacted when it’s your turn for a vaccine. Even if you are fit and healthy, you are still at risk of getting Covid-19, being vaccinated can greatly reduce your risk of getting the virus so please do attend your appointment when called.
Get a test to check if you have coronavirus on GOV.UK
Symptoms: Find out about the main symptoms of coronavirus and what to do if you or your child has them.
Testing and tracing: Get a test to check if you have coronavirus, understand your test result and find out what to do if you're contacted by NHS Test and Trace.
Self-isolation and treating symptoms: Advice for people at higher risk from coronavirus, including older people, people with health conditions and pregnant women.
