Covid 19: Patients displaying Coronavirus symptoms advised to stay away from medical centres

A post on the Notting Hill Medical Practice, Doagh Road, Newtownabbey, website said: “Due to the management of Coronavirus it is no longer safe to operate an open surgery.

“Due to the increased demand we expect on the Health Service as the result of the above, we will not be booking routine GP or practice nurse appointments, cryo, minor surgery and medicals from Monday, March 23.

“Please ring from 8.30am on 02890808200 to seek telephone triage advice. If you have a temperature, cough or any flu like symptoms please do not attend the health centre- ring 028 90 808200 for advice.”

Similar advice is also being provided by Whitehouse Medical Practice.

A spokesperson for the facility based in the Abbey Centre said: “If you have any of the following: cough, fever, respiratory, diarrhoea or flu-like symptoms or have travelled within the last 14 days, do not come to the surgery.”

Urging people with symptoms to phone the surgery, a spokesperson for Abbots Cross Medical Practice in Newtownabbey said: “If you have recently been travelling outside of the UK, you may be at an increased risk of COVID-19 (coronavirus).

“Areas of risk are China, Thailand, Japan, Rep of Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Macau, Italy, Iran, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar.

“Based on this rapidly evolving situation, travellers who have visited countries considered to be at higher risk of COVID-19 are being asked to self-isolate, even if they have no symtoms. If you have symptoms please call the surgery on 02890364048. Please make your way to your residence, and stay indoors.

“If you have no symptoms, but have travelled to any of the listed destinations within the last 14 days, you can call the NHS helpline on 111 option 1 for advice.”

In Carrickfergus, a spokesperson for The Castle Practice said: “Contact us by phone for advice regarding Coronavirus. We are following advice from the Public Health Authority. Please follow the advice given by our doctors.

“Contact us by phone for advice or appointments through our usual Triage System. Do not attend the health centre looking for an appointment or advice regarding any medical issue - phone first.

“Please be considerate of other patients and safeguard yourself and healthcare workers. Please do not attend the health centre to order medication. Please order by phone or on our website or through a local pharmacy.

“We would ask all patients who have appointments to ensure that they have tissues and cover their nose and mouth when exhibiting any respiratory symptoms when you are in the health centre regardless.

“Wash your hands. Sanitiser is not enough. We are busy trying to help and give advice in relation to Coronavirus while continuing to deal with sick patients.

“We only have so much capacity. Please be mindful and consider others, we appreciate your help in this matter.”

A number of ‘infection control steps’ are being taken at Meadowbridge Surgery in Whitehead in a bid to limit the risks.

A spokesperson for the Slaughterford Road facility said: “As a precautionary measure a room has been designated for consultation of patients with coughs and cold who need seen.

“Contact us by telephone when you arrive outside the building/in the car park and you will be called back to come in for your appointment when the GP is ready.

“Please use the side door to the left of the building as per signage. Do not come through reception. Infection control steps being taken to limit risks. Many thanks for your co-operation.”

Meanwhile, residents in Larne are being urged to harness the power of social media during the current situation to help members of the community who are unable to leave their homes for food or medical supplies.

In a statement issued to this paper, Alliance Party representative, Cllr Danny Donnelly said: “With peak of the Coronavirus pandemic looming in Northern Ireland, it’s important to look at how we might help people who are alone and isolated at this time.

“Helen O’Rahilly was on the BBC’s Talkback yesterday talking about a scheme she came up with to help. The idea is a local social media campaign to help people in her area in Dublin get food and medications delivered to their front door while they were in isolation.”

The Larne Lough councillor added: “Using the hashtag #SelfIsolationHelp and the name of town or area, it can connect people who are alone and self isolating at home due to a diagnosis of Coronavirus with local volunteers who are willing to deliver necessities to their front doors.

“Being isolated must be very frightening and I believe we should do all we can. I would encourage people to use the #SelfIsolationHelpLarne hashtag on social media to avail of any volunteers who may be able to help.

“I am happy to help where I can and I’ve been approached by others who are interested in helping in this manner also.”