We are aware that some practices may have had to cancel community clinics (based in the practice), such as ante-natal clinics due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We appreciate that in certain exceptional circumstances such decisions may be unavoidable, legitimate and entirely reasonable.
However, we would strongly advise that you co-ordinate/communicate with all community providers so they are aware of any changes in your practice opening procedures, in order that they may be able to support you through this difficult time. Practices who have already liaised with their community workers about their in-house changes have not reported any problems.
Guidance previously forwarded by the LMC and which may support you in your discussions:
- Practices must move to 100% remote triage for allocation of all face-to-face appointments
- Displaying the poster must be supplemented by physical measures at surgery doors to minimise the possibility that any symptomatic patients who should be self- isolating at home and following national guidance might ignore the poster and inappropriately set foot in the surgery, thereby putting staff and other patients/public at risk. Practices have a duty of care here to their staff, patients and public.
I am aware of confusion in the wording of the message below:
NHS England has told us that practices are required to remain open and not close their doors
There is a world of difference between a practice being closed and a staffed and operational practice which is taking the necessary precautions, as above, (for example locking the patient doors and only allowing patients in when they have given an undertaking they do not have relevant symptoms) in line with its duty of care to staff and patients to minimise the possibility of an infected patient entering the premises but which continues to provide essential services in line with the contractual definition. Practices which take legitimate action as above are not in breach of contract and will be fully supported by the LMC.