Common Concerns

As we come out of lockdown, a lot of people are contracting colds/coughs and other common illnesses. The majority of these can be managed safely at home without the need to speak to a doctor.

As a rough rule for duration of common illnesses:

Cough and cold/bronchitis – 3 weeks

Diarrhoea – 1-2weeks (vomiting often accompanies at the start and generally settle within 48 hours)

Fever – up to 5 days (fever 38 C or above if under 3 months needs immediate medical attention     or     if temperature not settling with both Paracetamol and Ibuprofen)

Sinusitis – 2.5 weeks

The website   www.whenshouldiworry.com   has really helpful information for parents of unwell children.

NHS Choices also has a lot of helpful information about common illnesses and how you can best access the correct treatment/advice.

Need medical advice/assessment?

1. 1. Call 01708 775300, use e-Consult  or email us havccg.westernroad@nhs.net. 111 can be called if we are closed, or GP Access hub service on 020 3770 1888 between 8am and 8pm 7/7.
   2. 999 is for emergencies.
   3. If asked to come to the surgery please wear a face covering and read the instructions in this link.
   4. Home visits requests will be assessed via telephone and arranged if needed.

Please consider investing in the following equipment:

1. 1. Blood pressure machine (patients needing regular checks)
   2. Thermometer (All patients)
   3. Pulse oximeter (Patients with chronic lung/heart conditions or prone to lung/heart-related illnesses).

Have a look at these (they may help resolve your query without the need for a telephone appointment):

1. 1. The tiles on the right side of the screen
   2. The links below
   3. Icons on the bottom right
   4. The various links in the blue header menu above

Covid-19 vaccination/boosters – you will be contacted when it is your turn and can then book an appointment via our reception team.

Covid-19 links

Covid-19 – safely isolating at home – leaflet for patients

COVID-19 – related links including info on recovery/long-COVID syndrome

https://www.yourcovidrecovery.nhs.uk

Other links

Book an appointment for blood test   (once you have been given a blood form)

Request repeat contraceptive prescription

New patient registration

Data opt Out – Information for Patients