Pennywell Medical Centre 'operating as normal' after undergoing 'thorough' clean amid coronavirus outbreak

Facilities at Pennywell Medical Centre as “operating as normal” following a thorough deep clean at the premises, which took place as a precaution following the first diagnosed case of coronavirus in the city.

A woman was confirmed to be suffering from the illness on Monday, March 9. She is in a stable condition in South Tyneside District Hospital, according to her family.

She is understood to be from the Pennywell area.

The Echo was contacted by members of the public, who expressed concern that parts of the centre were closed earlier this week.

An NHS spokesperson said on Wednesday, March 11: “Pennywell Medical Centre has been thoroughly cleaned as a precautionary measure, in line with Public Health England guidance, to make sure there is no risk to patients.

“All services running from the centre are operating as normal.”

Sunderland City Council’s public health team have said that there is a ‘robust infection control plan’ in place for the city.

Gillian Gibson, Director of Public Health at Sunderland City Council said: “We are taking all the precautionary actions necessary to support and protect our communities in line with the Government’s published action plan.“

“Anyone who thinks they have symptoms should contact the NHS 111 online Coronavirus service: https://111.nhs.uk/covid-19 or call NHS 111 rather than visiting their GP, hospital or pharmacy.”

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