GP surgeries: Supporting patients during Covid-19
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Healthwatch Oxfordshire contacted the Practice Managers of all GP practices in July 2020 to hear how the Covid-19 pandemic has impacted on their surgery’s delivery of service to their patient community. Of the 73 Practice Managers contacted 14 completed the online survey.
Many GP surgeries used multiple methods of communicating with their patients during the Covid-19 pandemic, including text messages, GP website and notices in the surgery.
Covid-19 Hub Clinics are now running where patients with suspected Covid-19 infection have been treated instead of them attending the surgery. Most of the practice managers who replied explained other changes to the services, including triaging patients over the phone and establishing the best way to consult with them.
Many commented that their patients have been very positive in understanding the need for change, whilst appreciating the continuation of service and the options available to them.
There is concern from some practice managers around the Flu Vaccine campaign which is due to start in late September, mainly due to the number of patients involved and having to keep to the social distancing rules.
The survey picked up examples of good practice including ensuring that their practice is as virtually accessible as possible, and keeping in touch with vulnerable, housebound or “at high risk shielding” patients.
Ten of the respondents commented that they were in touch with their PPG but said that due to many PPG members shielding their main communication channel was by email, phone and occasionally by virtual meetings.