Information about Coronavirus (COVID-19) - updated 6/5/2020

Information about Coronavirus (COVID-19) - updated 04/05/2020

The NHS in West Essex and Public Health England (PHE) are well prepared for outbreaks of new infectious diseases. The NHS has put in place measures to ensure the safety of all patients and NHS staff while also ensuring services are available to the public as normal.

To make sure you receive the most up-to-date guidance on symptoms, how to look after yourself and others and information on self-isolation and social distancing, please visit nhs.uk/coronavirus. 

Learn about the government response to coronavirus on GOV.UK.

 

Help us help you get the treatment you need

While we are being asked to stay at home to help prevent the spread of Coronavirus, it can be difficult to know what to do if you feel unwell or are concerned about specific symptoms such as cancer, heart attack or stroke. Please know that the NHS is still here to help you get the care and treatment you need, when you need it.

You can:

• Contact you GP practice online, via an app or by phone to be assessed (https://www.nhs.uk/health-at-home/)
• Visit the NHS 111 online service or call 111, and call 111 if you are worried about the health of your baby or child
• Dial 999 immediately if it is a serious or life-threatening emergency for you, an adult or child

You should go to hospital if you are told to go and attend appointments unless you have been told not to.

You can still order repeat prescriptions on the NHS App and through your GP practice or pharmacy’s online service, where available (https://www.nhs.uk/health-at-home/)

 

Routine vaccinations

If you or your child is due their routine vaccinations it is important they are still carried out. Routine vaccinations protect against serious and potentially deadline illnesses and stop outbreaks in the community.  (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/why-vaccination-is-safe-and-important/)

If the person needing vaccination has coronavirus symptoms or is self-isolating because someone in the household is displaying symptoms, please contact your GP practice for advice.

Every Mind Matters

If you are feeling anxious or stressed at this time, the Every Mind Matters campaign has developed some helpful tips on coping with lockdown. (www.everymindmatters.co.uk)

Support for people experiencing domestic violence

If you are experiencing domestic abuse then there is support for you. You are not alone. At home shouldn’t mean at risk and if this is you then isolation rules do not apply.

Police response and support services remain available. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, dial 999.

For more information visit www.gov.uk/domestic-abuse