Patient Participation Group

COVID – 19 Restrictions: Update

As you are all aware, the Government have announced the easing of Covid restrictions with effect from Monday 19^th July 2021.  Consequently, we need to clarify the policy of Tinkers Lane Surgery for all our patients, from that date onwards.  I can confirm that all staff at Tinkers Lane Surgery will continue to wear masks beyond 19^th July and until further notice.  In addition, all patients attending the Surgery for a Face-to-Face appointment are required to continue wearing a face mask or covering (unless clinically exempt) until further notice as well.  This in line with Government advice on maintaining the use of masks and face coverings in health settings.

The reasons for our decision are as follows:

• The Government advises the continued use of masks and face coverings in all health settings.
• The ongoing protection of clinically vulnerable patients and staff.
• To maintain access for patients to our services; if multiple staff members test positive for Covid or Track and Trace order them to isolate, we will have to cancel appointments, shut down services for potentially, weeks at a time or worst case scenario, have to close the Surgery.

Accordingly, the following rules will still apply to ALL patients:

• Wait in the main FRONT waiting room (next to the reception desk) only.
• You MUST wear your own face mask or face covering.
• Maintain the 1 metre + rule.
• Sit on the UNMARKED SEATS only.
• Use the hand-sanitiser on entering and leaving the building.
• One appointment = one patient (except in circumstances where a patient cannot attend on their own), otherwise families/friends are to wait outside.
• Patients bringing samples to the surgery, MUST put them in the letterbox by the staff entrance.
• The water drinks machine can be used by patients, but the plastic cups MUST be disposed in the waste bin by the side of the machine.

It is requested that you continue to bear with us and comply with the above rules for us to continue to provide a comprehensive general medical service for you, our patients. Your continued co-operation and excellent support is much appreciated moving forward.

Many thanks

Robin Noel

Managing Partner

Tinkers Lane Surgery

Mental health and well-being support:

Whether you’re concerned about yourself or a loved one, these self referral mental health organisations can offer expert advice:

https://iapt-wilts.awp.nhs.uk/
https://www.onyourmind.org.uk/ (Under 18’s)

Professional referral:
https://www.oxfordhealth.nhs.uk/ser…/swbnes-camhs-community/

Take care of your mental health.

Covid-19 Vaccination Appointment Transport

Link 6 & RWB Good Neighbour Scheme is available to take patients to and from Covid-19 vaccination appointments for those who are unable to access transport from family or friends.  Please call 07879 394666 and we will do our best to accommodate your need.

General Practice Data for Planning & Research:

This practice is supporting vital health and care planning and research by sharing your anonymised data with NHS Digital. For more information about this see the GP Privacy Notice Template – Patients May 22.   If you don’t want your patient data to be shared for purposes except for your own care, you can opt-out by registering a Type 1 Opt-out . Your individual care will not be affected if you opt out using either option.

Diabetic Information for Patients: Click on the Clinics & Services Tab at the top of this home page to access up to date diabetic information for patients.