NHSEI’s updated COVID SOP for general practice has just been published, see below:
We would draw your attention to a couple of areas where the LMC has concern, below. The SOP is guidance and not mandatory and, as always, whilst practices must have regard to it, at the end of the day it is up GPs’ and practices to do what they believe is clinically appropriate in each individual circumstance.
Home visits Home visiting teams should screen patients, carers and household members for symptoms of COVID-19 on arrival at the patient’s home
The LMC’s view, it goes without saying, that such risk assessments must be carried out remotely before visiting.
Shielded patients Ensure patient review is done remotely (telephone, video, online) where possible, otherwise by home visit. If it is deemed safer to see patient at GP premises and the patient is able to attend then surgery attendance, at the designated locality site, and not a home visit, must be the default. This is entirely in line with earlier NHS England guidance on this issue.