COVID – 19 Restrictions: Update
As you are all aware, the Government have announced the easing of Covid restrictions with effect from Monday 19th July 2021.ย Consequently, we need to clarify the policy of Tinkers Lane Surgery for all our patients, from that date onwards.ย I can confirm that all staff at Tinkers Lane Surgery will continue to wear masks beyond 19th July and until further notice.ย 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.ย 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 toย ALLย patients:
- Wait in the mainย FRONTย waiting room (next to the reception desk) only.
- Youย MUSTย wear your ownย face mask or face covering.
- Maintain the 1 metre + rule.
- Sit on theย UNMARKED SEATSย only.
- Useย 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,ย MUSTย put them in the letterbox by the staff entrance.
- The water drinks machine can be used by patients, but the plastic cupsย MUSTย 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.ย Your continued co-operation and excellent support is much appreciated moving forward.
Many thanks
Robin Noel
Managing Partner
Tinkers Lane Surgery