The NHS in England and Public Health England (PHE) are extremely well prepared for outbreaks of new infectious diseases. The NHS has put in place measures to ensure the safety of all patients and NHS staff while also ensuring services are available to the public as normal.
The risk to the general public is moderate. If you have arrived back to the UK from mainland China, Thailand, Japan, Republic of Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia or Macau within 14 days, follow the specific advice for returning travellers.
Call 111 now if you've been:
• to Wuhan or Hubei Province in China in the last 14 days (even if you do not have symptoms)
• to other parts of China, including Macau and Hong Kong, in the last 14 days and have a cough, high temperature or shortness of breath (even if it's mild)
• to Thailand, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, Republic of Korea or Malaysia in the last 14 days and have a cough, high temperature or shortness of breath (even if it's mild)
• in close contact with someone with confirmed coronavirus
Do not go to a GP surgery, community pharmacy or hospital. Call 111, stay indoors and avoid close contact with other people.
Further information is available on nhs.uk.
Like the common cold, coronavirus infection usually occurs through close contact with a person with novel coronavirus via cough and sneezes or hand contact. A person can also be infected by touching contaminated surfaces if they do not wash their hands.
The risk of being in close contact with a person with coronavirus or contaminated surfaces is very low at the current time, as members of the public who have visited Wuhan or Hubei province, China are currently in isolation.
Testing of suspected coronavirus cases is carried out in line with strict regulations. This means that suspected cases are kept in isolation, away from public areas of the hospital and returned home also in isolation. Any equipment that come into contact with suspected cases are thoroughly cleaned as appropriate. Specific guidance has also been shared with NHS staff to help safeguard them and others. Patients can be reassured that their safety is a top priority, and are encouraged to attend all appointments as usual.
Everyone is being reminded to follow Public Health England advice to:
• Always carry tissues with you and use them to catch your cough or sneeze. Then bin the tissue, and wash your hands, or use a sanitiser gel.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after using public transport. Use a sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are unwell.
You can find the latest information and advice from Public Health England at Further information is available on nhs.uk.
Due to the recent Coronavirus outbreak, our Reception Team will be asking you additional questions.
The Receptionist will ask if you have travelled to China / Asia in the last 14 days or been in contact with anyone who has.
If the answer to any of these questions is yes, please do not visit the surgery, stay home and dial NHS 111 and speak to the operator for further guidance
PLEASE BE VIGILANT
IF YOU ARE APPROACHED BY ANYONE IN THE CAR PARK ASKING YOU TO SIGN A COLLECTION FORM FOR A DEAF CENTRE, PLEASE ALERT A MEMBER OF STAFF IMMEDIATELY. WE HAVE NOT GIVEN PERMISSION FOR ANY COLLECTORS ON SURGERY PROPERTY.
**IMPORTANT INFORMATION - RECEPTION STAFF VACANCY, PLEASE SEE VACANCY SECTION FOR FURTHER INFORMATION **
Patient information: There will be no reception cover at our late Friday evening clinics from 6:30pm. If you are attending the surgery for an appointment after this time, please take a seat and you will be called by the GP or Nurse on duty.
If you are entitled to the flu vaccination we are now taking bookings, please telephone to make your appointment.
Did you know that we are open late on some Friday evenings and Saturday Mornings? Please Click here for more information.
Welcome to Branksomewood Healthcare Centre
Branksomewood Healthcare Centre is a relatively large but friendly practice looking after approximately 12,400 patients attracting funding for approximately 11,000 of these. We have a team of 10 General Practitioner’s (GP) and a team of highly skilled practice nurses and allied health professionals. We offer full services as required under a General practice Contract. The practice also offers appointments with Counsellors and Psychologists, Community Midwives, Phlebotomy and Physiotherapy.
We are confident that our website will provide clear and concise help and give our patients the information they require in an easy and convenient format. It has been designed with the patient’s needs at the forefront of everything, from checking surgery times to letting us know what you think of us.
Serving You
Our dedicated team are here to treat those minor ailments that occur as well as providing specialist management of long-term conditions and clinics covering a wide range of healthcare issues. The technology also means you can now do a lot of things from the comfort of your home such as order a repeat prescription or cancel an appointment.
Partners in Care
Once registered, patients and healthcare professionals work together to ensure the most appropriate care is provided. This partnership philosophy extends even further and our active patient group exists to make sure that patient needs and the practice offering are always heading in the same direction.
Access
The practice premises has ample parking, access for the disabled and toilet facilities, plus a spacious waiting area.
(Site updated 19/02/2020)