PEOPLE seeking appointments at GP surgeries in Keighley, South Craven and Skipton are being told not to call in person.

Under changes brought in today as a result of coronavirus, patients of Modality Practice surgeries must first telephone the surgery.

Staff will ask several questions before deciding whether to allow the patient to visit the surgery to see a doctor or nurse face-to-face.

The changes affect patients of Holycroft Surgery, Farfield Group Practice and Kilmeny Group Medical Practice in Keighley; Oakworth Medical Practice; Haworth Medical Practice; Fisher Medical Centre in Skipton; Crosshills Group Practice; and Silsden Group Practice.

Bill Graham, the Community Innovation and Development office for Modality, said this afternoon that the changes to access were designed to minimise the risk to patients and staff.

He said: "For patient safety, any patient wishing to make a GP appointment must phone the surgery and a clinician will call you back.

"This is to minimize the risk to patients and staff, and will take effect immediately.

"You can also contact your surgery via E Consult – available on your practice website. If you are worried about coronavirus, please visit 111.nhs.uk/covid-19 or call NHS 111."

Modality Practice Group today issued this statement:

In view of the increased concern with COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) we will be changing our appointment booking systems with immediate effect.

This is to ensure we reduce the risk of transmission and maintain a safe environment for all patients and staff associated with the practices.

We are now moving to a telephone first system for those requesting an ‘on the day appointment’. Patients will be triaged by a clinician BY TELEPHONE.

If patients need to be seen in the practice, an appointment will be arranged.

This may not be at your usual practice, but the clinician who sees you will have full access to you electronic patient record.

If you wish to make a routine appointment for a matter unrelated to Coronavirus,

PLEASE REFRAIN FROM GOING TO YOUR GP PRACTICE TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT IN PERSON,

DO contact the GP Surgery via telephone. Please tell the reception teams whether you would like a telephone consultation, video consultation or a face-to-face consultation.

The teams will be asking patients a set of questions prior to making appointments to ensure patients are directed to the appropriate healthcare professional or service.

Digital access - DO complete an eConsult if you need same day advice from a GP – see your practice website for the link

Online Line Booking for FACE-TO-FACE CONSULTATIONS: due to the need to answer questions prior to making an appointment, online booking has been suspended for the time being.

FOR ONLINE ACCESS TO HEALTH RECORDS AND ONLINE PRESCRIPTION REQUESTS, there is no change from previously.

Please contact the reception teams for information how to register for online access if you do not already have this.   

Finally, please ensure your Practice has up to date contact details for you, including mobile telephone numbers where available, for clinical staff and reception teams to be able to contact you urgently if needed.

We understand that this may cause you some difficulties and thank you for your understanding during this challenging time.

ADVICE FOR THOSE WHO ARE SUFFERING FROM SYMPTOMS THAT MAY BE CAUSED BY COVID-19

If you have arrived back to the UK from an affected area, kindly follow the specific advice for returning travellers.

Public Health England’s information regarding affected areas and health care guidance changes daily and can be viewed at gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public#returning-traveller

If you have visited an affected area in the past 14 days or have been in contact with someone infected with Coronavirus or you think you may have Coronavirus or if you have a fever, cough, sore throat or breathing problems:

DO NOT GO TO YOUR PRACTICE OR, COMMUNITY PHARMACY OR HOSPITAL

DO stay indoors and avoid close contact with people

DO seek medical help and advice by visiting nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/ or

DO call NHS 111 by simply dialling 111 or visiting 111.nhs.uk/covid-19 if you need further medical help and advice.