These are the changes made to Calderdale GP services during lockdown

People cannot enter GP practices in Calderdale unless they have been given permission by a clinician during a telephone or video consultation.

Residents are being asked to contact their GP practice by phone if they need an appointment or advice.

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Doctor Majid Azeb, GP at Southowram Surgery and Calderdale Clinical Commissioning Group’s Clinical Lead for Primary Care, wants people to be clear on how they can do their bit to keep each other safe and reduce the risk of passing the virus to others.

“The best advice I can give people, as a GP, is to stay at home. If you need a doctor then phone your GP surgery. Don’t go to your surgery, as you won’t be let in.

“If you need an appointment with a GP or Practice Nurse you’ll have one over the phone, or a video call. If a face-to-face GP appointment is necessary, you’ll be asked to go to a practice that may not be the one you usually go to, and be with a different doctor or nurse than the one you usually see. Home visits can be arranged if the doctor thinks it is needed.

“GP services in Calderdale are being consolidated so that people will only be seen at five practices across our area, and only when there’s a real medical need for a face-to-face appointment.

“GP’s are still here to help and treat people, but this is what we’re doing to reduce the risk of people being infected and protect doctors, nurses, reception staff, and patients. I’m asking that the people of Calderdale play their part by staying at home and following government guidelines on social distancing.”

NHS walk-in centres at Todmorden Health Centre and Horne Street Surgery in Halifax have also closed their doors temporarily to protect key front line services in the fight against the coronavirus.

If you have symptoms of coronavirus (a high temperature or a new, continuous cough), do not go to a GP, pharmacy or hospital. Use the NHS 111 Online service at www.111.nhs.uk/covid-19