Coronavirus: Latest advice from Sunderland GP surgeries

It comes as the number of positive COVID-19 cases continues to rise across the UK with Government advice urging people to avoid the likes of pubs and restaurants in a bit to prevent the spread of the illness.

Doctor’s surgeries across the country are also working to impose temporary measures to protect patients and staff during the coronavius pandemic.

In a bit to tackle the situation many surgeries in Sunderland have said they are now offering phone appointments and asked those with coronavirus symptoms to stay away from the practice.

As of Tuesday, March 16, here is the latest on the action taken by Wearside practices:

Fulwell Medical Centre, Ebdon Lane, Sunderland, issued the following statement to patients on its Facebook group: "If you have either a high temperature of over 37.8 degrees or a new continuous cough please stay at home and self isolate for seven days.

“If you feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home or your condition gets worse or your symptoms do not get better after seven days please use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service.

“Any appropriate support will be provided by the 111 service and we will not be able to see you in the practice or provide advice over the phone.

“Our patient care advisors will be asking all patients questions regarding symptoms prior to booking any appointments."

Ashburn Medical Centre on Toward Road, Sunderland, issued the following statement to patients on its Facebook group “Any patients who already have appointments booked, please attend your appointment as normal.

“If you have any of the following symptoms - shortness of breath, persistent cough, temperature above 37.8, sore throat - please do not attend the surgery but do contact us for further instruction.

“We are working by same day appointments only at the moment.

“To ensure you receive the best care possible our receptionists will ask you some questions when you call for an appointment.

“We do understand that this is frustrating but we must ensure the safety of our patients and staff and thank you for your cooperation.

“To reduce unnecessary visits to the surgery we ask if you can nominate a local pharmacy for you to collect your prescription from.

“Instead of coming to the surgery to put your prescription in we do have a prescription line, option 2 when you call, it will say reception is not available but to leave a message.

“Please leave your full name, date of birth and what medication you require also your nominated pharmacy.”

Broadway Medical Practice at Springwell Health Centre said on its Facebook page: “Due to Coronavirus Broadway Medical Practice has converted all appointments to telephone or video consultations.

“Only patients that have been requested to attend the practice by a clinician should come to the practice for a face to face appointment until further notice.

“If you need to contact us please call the practice 0191 5229908.”

Dr Gellia & Dr Balaraman - Monkwearmouth Health Centre on Dundas Street said on its Facebook page: “Due to the coronavirus Dr Gellia & Dr Balaramans Practice informs you that all appointments will be converted to telephone or video appointments.

“Only patients that have been requested to attend by a clinician should come into the practice for a face to face appointment until further notice.”

The Galleries Medical Practice based at The Galleries in Washington said on its Facebook page: “We have taken the decision to move all appointments to telephone appointments.

“We are not saying patients can't be seen we simply need to reduce unnecessary movement and ensure all patients are triaged first.

“We kindly ask that you do not attend the surgery without speaking to a clinician first. All patients that have booked appointments will be contacted.

“We have not taken this decision lightly and understand this may be frustrating but patient and staff safety is of the highest importance to us.”