NHS North Yorkshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) says it is concerned patients may be putting off using NHS services for illnesses not related to coronavirus (Covid-19).
The CCG is reminding patients that GP services, pharmacies, NHS 111, out-of-hours services and emergency departments are all still available to patients should they be needed.
NHS North Yorkshire CCG Clinical Chair, Dr Charles Parker, said: “Whilst it is really important to follow the government guidance to stay home during this period, it can be confusing to know what to do when you are feeling unwell.
“We need to ensure people are still accessing help, particularly with serious illnesses, as these conditions have not gone away just because of coronavirus. NHS 111, hospitals and GPs are still providing the same care they have always done.
“It can be very dangerous to put off getting seen as you can put yourself at risk of late diagnosis of things such as cancer, heart attacks and stroke.
“We have noticed that children in particular seem to be presenting less and we are urging parents to make sure they are using the right service for their child if they are displaying worrying symptoms.”
Access to the GP may initially by telephone as GP practices are still advising patients to only attend in person if they are specifically asked to. Surgeries across North Yorkshire will be offering video and phone consultations for those who are not asked to attend in person.
Patients should still dial 999 in the event of a life threatening emergency.
For further advice on how to best use the NHS visit: https://www.nhs.uk/
Patients can also continue order repeat prescriptions on the NHS App and through their GP surgery website, where available. Find out more about ordering medicines online at www.nhs.uk.
ENDS
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Notes to editors
If you or someone you live with has coronavirus symptoms (high temperature and / or a new continuous cough):
- Stay at home.
- If your symptoms worsen or you feel that you cannot manage at home, please refer to the NHS111 online coronavirus service. Only call 111 if you can’t get online or you’ve been instructed to.
- Please do not go to your GP practice or community pharmacy.
If you think you need to talk to your GP practice about something other than
coronavirus:
- Contact your GP practice online or by phone to be assessed. If your practice is not open for any reason you will be directed to another nearby service.
- If a face-to-face appointment is necessary, you’ll be advised on this.
Important information on prescriptions during the COVID-19 epidemic
- Order repeat prescriptions in your usual quantities at the usual time. Over ordering of your medicines may mean someone else has to go without their medicines.
- Order your usual prescription online or use the NHS App. Do not go to your GP practice or pharmacy to order prescriptions and only phone them if you cannot order online or by the app. You can order repeat prescriptions on the NHS App and through your GP surgery website, where available. You can find out about ordering medicines online at www.nhs.uk
- If you have a prescription to collect:
-
- If you are 70 or over, have a long-term health condition or are pregnant you should arrange collection by a relative or friend, if at all possible
- Ask any relatives and friends who are delivering your medicines to make sure they have seen you pick up the bag
- If your medicines are being delivered make sure you keep a safe distance when you receive them.
- For everyone else, if you are going into a pharmacy in person, follow social distancing rules and the rules put in place by the pharmacy to protect you and their staff
- Pharmacies may have altered opening times to manage their workload
- Sales of some medicines may be restricted in quantity by pharmacies to ensure that there is enough for everyone.
About NHS North Yorkshire CCG
NHS North Yorkshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) was formed in April 2020 and is responsible for ‘buying’ health services for more than 425,000 people living in the county. It replaces NHS Hambleton, Richmondshire and Whitby CCG, NHS Harrogate and Rural District CCG and NHS Scarborough and Ryedale CCG which have now been disestablished.
NHS North Yorkshire CCG is led by Accountable Officer Amanda Bloor, and Clinical Chair Dr Charles Parker.