NHS D&G are grateful to everyone across the region for continuing to follow the guidance to stay at home and for complying with social distancing measures when leaving the house for essential supplies, essential medical needs and for daily exercise. These measures have been successful in flattening the curve in Dumfries and Galloway and we need to continue with them to maintain this position.
It is clear that COVID-19 will continue to be with us for some time and GP practices will need to maintain many of the measures that have been in place over the past few weeks in order to protect patients and the practice team.
Wherever possible, patients needing to access GP services are receiving telephone and video consultations, with patients attending the practice premises only where necessary. Patients should feel reassured that online appointments are completely safe and secure and the technology is very easy to use. These types of appointment allow patients to access the care they need while staying at home, helping to reduce the spread of the virus.
If you do need to be examined then you will be invited to attend for appointment in the surgery. Please be reassured that all practices have arrangements in place to support social distancing and do not be unduly concerned that some of the practice team may be wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Access to all GP practices is now by prior arrangement, so, if you need help from your GP practice please do get in touch by telephone and do not attend the surgery in person without an appointment.
In the first instance, anyone experiencing mild symptoms of coronavirus should look at the information relating to COVID-19 on the NHS Inform website www.nhsinform.scot/coronavirus.
Should further advice or guidance be needed, call NHS24 on 111.
Please be reminded that Community Pharmacies remain open across the region offering expert advice and guidance on a wide range of health issues. Community Pharmacies have also introduced arrangements to support social distancing.
Please be reassured that your GP practice is there to support you and therefore please continue to access your GP services when you need them.
