7 January 2022
To support you in this challenging time we have prepared some ready-made communications to share with your patients.
Please find below updated text for practice websites, text for automatic email responses, a script for practice managers/receptionists/care navigators on the Covid-19 vaccine and vaccination programme and on how to best access care in light of the current surge in Covid-19 cases and staffing pressures.
These are a guide and can be tweaked depending on the circumstances in your practice.
- Up to date information Covid-19 and the vaccination programme in north east London is here https://www.eastlondonhcp.nhs.uk/ourplans/covid-19.htm
- Public facing information on how to best access NHS care is here www.northeastlondonccg.nhs.uk/urgentcare
Contents
Web or email text for if you have to reduce opening hours or close due to staff absence.
Practice manager/receptionist/care navigator key lines.
Website text
Get your Covid-19 vaccine today
We urge everyone aged 12 and over who has not yet had their first, second or booster vaccine to book on the national booking system (or call 119) or find a walk-in site.
Vaccination is the best protection we have against Covid-19 (including the Omicron variant), serious illness and hospitalisation.
There is comprehensive information on the over 100 vaccination sites in north east London, guidance, and answers to questions about the vaccine here.
Getting the help you need
The NHS is very busy as Covid-19 infection rates continue to be high. This means we have a number of staff who are ill or having to isolate at the moment, but we’ll help you get urgent care when you need it.
You can contact us via our website or by phone. Many appointments are now over the phone. This is for everyone's safety and means we can manage the huge increase in requests for help and advice with the fewer staff we have available.
We will assess your situation and invite you into the practice if necessary. Appointments will be held in the best way to prioritise those most in need and keep you safe from Covid. Non-urgent enquiries may have to wait a bit longer.
We can arrange same-day appointments, either by phone or in person, if you need urgent care but please don't visit without an appointment.
This website can help you find the right service for your needs: northeastlondonccg.nhs.uk/urgentcare.
If you feel unwell or have a minor injury, your local pharmacist can offer advice and medicines to help you treat your condition at home or you can visit NHS111 and if you cannot access the internet, call 111.
Please remember that 999 and A&E are for emergencies.
Please help reduce infections, help us help you and keep each other safe by following the latest Covid-19 rules and getting vaccinated.
(Set an email out of office permanently, so that everyone receives the below response to email enquiries)
We urge everyone aged 12 and over who has not yet had their first, second or booster vaccine to book on the national booking system (or call 119) or find a walk-in site.
Vaccination is the best protection we have against Covid-19 (including the Omicron variant), serious illness and hospitalisation.
There is comprehensive information on the over 100 vaccination sites in north east London, guidance, and answers to questions about the vaccine here.
The NHS is very busy as Covid-19 infection rates continue to be high. This means we have a number of staff who are ill or having to isolate at the moment, but we’ll help you get urgent care when you need it.
You can contact us via our website or by phone. Many appointments are now over the phone. This is for everyone's safety and means we can manage the huge increase in requests for help and advice with the fewer staff we have available.
We will assess your situation and invite you into the practice if necessary. Appointments will be held in the best way to prioritise those most in need and keep you safe from Covid. Non-urgent enquiries may have to wait a bit longer.
We can arrange same-day appointments, either by phone or in person, if you need urgent care but please don't visit without an appointment.
This website can help you find the right service for your needs: northeastlondonccg.nhs.uk/urgentcare.
If you feel unwell or have a minor injury, your local pharmacist can offer advice and medicines to help you treat your condition at home or you can visit NHS111 and if you cannot access the internet, call 111.
Please remember that 999 and A&E are for emergencies.
Please help reduce infections, help us help you and keep each other safe by following the latest Covid-19 rules and getting vaccinated.
Web or email text for if you have to reduce opening hours or close due to staff absence
We have a number of staff who are ill or having to isolate at the moment meaning we are unable to open on xx days at xx times.
If you need urgent care during these times this website can help you find the right service for your needs: northeastlondonccg.nhs.uk/urgentcare.
If you feel unwell or have a minor injury, your local pharmacist can offer advice and medicines to help you treat your condition at home. If you have a more serious illness, you can visit NHS111 and if you cannot access the internet, call 111.
Please remember that 999 and A&E are for emergencies.
Alternatively fill out an online consultation on our website or call back when we are open. We will assess your situation and offer you a telephone appointment or invite you into the practice if needed. Appointments will be held in the best way to keep you safe from Covid and non-urgent enquiries may have to wait a bit longer.
Please help reduce infections, help us help you and keep each other safe by following the latest Covid-19 rules and getting vaccinated.
Practice manager/receptionist/care navigator key lines
These depend on the circumstances of the GP surgery, so please use as appropriate.
- The NHS in London is very busy as Covid-19 infection rates continue to be high, which means lots of staff are ill or having to isolate at the moment, but we’ll help you get urgent care when you need it.
- Most appointments are over the phone. This is for everyone's safety. It means we can manage the big rise in requests for appointments and advice; we can prioritise those most in need; and it reduces the spread of Covid. We will assess your situation and invite you into the practice if needed.
- We can arrange same-day appointments if you need urgent care but please don't visit without an appointment.
- This website can help you find the right service for your needs: northeastlondonccg.nhs.uk/urgentcare.
- There are over 100 places you can get a Covid vaccination in north east London, including lots of high street pharmacies. You can find your nearest one on the national booking system or NHS walk in finder.
- Everyone aged 12 and over can book your first or second dose of vaccine using the national booking system, calling 119, or where possible, book directly with, or walk into, a local vaccination centre.
- Anyone aged 18 and over (and those aged 16-17 with underlying conditions), is eligible for a booster jabfrom 3 months after your second dose and you can book your vaccine using the national booking system, or by calling 119. Everyone over 18 can book directly with, or usually walk into, a local vaccination centre.
- If you are 18 or over, immunosuppressed and eligible for a third primary Covid-19 vaccinedose you can book your vaccine using the national booking system. Immunosuppressed children and young people aged 12 to 17 can get a third dose at a walk-in vaccination site if they have a letter from a GP or hospital confirming their eligibility.
- If you live or work in a care home and haven't been vaccinated please speak to your manager.
- Search ‘Covid Vaccine’ or ‘NEL HCP’ online (nhs.uk) for information, updates and frequently asked questions on the vaccination programme in east London.