LATEST GUIDANCE
The NHS in Staffordshire and Public Health England (PHE) are well prepared for outbreaks of new infectious diseases. The NHS has put in place measures to protect patients, our community and NHS staff while ensuring as many services as possible are available to the public. We have changed how we work making the majority of contact via telephone and only seeing patients at the surgery when absolutely necessary.
If you have symptoms associated with coronavirus including a new continuous cough or a high temperature, you are advised to stay at home for 7 days. Please do not book a GP appointment or attend your GP practice.
If you live with other people, they should stay at home for at least 14 days, to avoid spreading the infection outside the home. After 14 days, anyone you live with who does not have symptoms can return to their normal routine.
But, if anyone in your home gets symptoms, they should stay at home for 7 days from the day their symptoms start. Even if it means they’re at home for longer than 14 days. The most up-to-date public guidance is always online at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus.
If your symptoms are serious, or get worse, NHS 111 has an online coronavirus service that can tell you if you need further medical help and advise you what to do.
Only call 111 direct if you are advised to do so by the online service or you cannot go online.
How to get an isolation note for your employer
This service, at nhs.uk, is for those who have been told to stay at home because of coronavirus and you need a note for your employer.
This service is only for people who:
- have symptoms of coronavirus and have used the 111 online coronavirus service
- have been told by a healthcare professional they have symptoms of coronavirus
- live with someone who has symptoms of coronavirus
- if you are not sure if you need to stay at home, get the latest NHS advise on coronavirus
- If you have to stay at home but feel well enough to work, ask your employer if you can work from home. If you can work form home, you will not need an isolation note.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): what you need to do
The Government have launched a new website in support of patients who are struggling with Covid 19. Use this service to find out what help you can get, if you’re affected by Coronavirus. You can use it for yourself or someone else:
- Feeling unsafe
- Going into work
- Paying bills or being unemployed
- Getting food
- Having somewhere to live
- Mental health and wellbeing
Coronavirus – Looking after your Mental Health and Well Being
In recognition of the unprecedented challenges which the outbreak and extended periods of self-isolation can pose, Public Health England has published new online guidance setting out principles to follow to help people to manage their mental health during this difficult time, such as:
- maintaining contact with friends and family via telephone and video calls, or social media
- keeping a regular routine and sleeping pattern
- focusing on a hobby or learning something new
Parents and carers will also benefit from tailored advice on how to support children and young people with stress during the coronavirus outbreak, which includes providing clear information, being aware of their own reactions and creating a new routine.
Today’s guidance has been developed in partnership with leading mental health charities and clinically assured by the NHS. It also includes steps that those living with serious mental health problems can take, including seeking support from their mental health teams.
MPFT Health & Wellbeing have established an ‘Urgent Mental Health Support Line’ Mental Health and Wellbeing Guidance.
East Staffordshire Primary Care Network – Top Tips for Covid-19 Recovery
The NHS APP
Owned and run by the NHS, the NHS app is a simple and secure way to access a range of NHS services on your smartphone or tablet.
The NHS App lets you book GP appointments, order repeat prescriptions and access a range of other healthcare services.
Who is it suitable for?