Click here to view our Winter Newsletter

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Flu Campaign & Covid Boosters

 

Our main flu campaign is coming to an end. If you missed your appointment for your flu vaccination and wish to have this, please contact the reception team who can book you an appointment at the surgery, alternatively if you are booked at the surgery for your covid vaccination you can have your flu vaccination at the same time.

We are continuing our covid booster clinics at Shiremoor Resource Centre and are currently vaccinating patients over the age of 40 and patients classed as at risk. You are eligible for a covid booster immunisation once 3 months (91 days) has passed since your second dose of the covid vaccine. Some patients are eligible for a 3rd dose covid vaccination at an 8 week interval since their 2nd dose, if you are in this cohort you should have been contacted by the surgery. Updated Government guidance recommends these patients have a subsequent booster following their 3rd dose, so it is important to book in for your 3rd dose as soon as possible so you can complete your vaccination course with a total of 4 doses. We will contact you to book an appointment for your covid booster/3rd dose vaccination, however if you feel you may have been missed and are in one of the above categories – please contact the reception team.

Our nasal flu campaign is underway and you should have been contacted if your child is eligible. If you have not been contacted and think your child is eligible please contact the surgery.

Please be aware Bridge Medical would never ask for payment or your bank details to book the COVID-19 vaccine.  If you receive a request for payment to book your vaccine please DO NOT divulge this information.

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Coronavirus

Covid infection rates in North Tyneside are still higher than the national average; we would like to remind our patients of the need to get a Covid PCR test if you have symptoms suggestive of coronavirus infection (such as cough, high temperature or change in your sense of taste or smell) as per current Government guidance. To arrange a test, visit https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or ring 119.

Lateral Flow tests are available from chemists and online but are only designed for use in people with no Covid symptoms (those described above).

Due to the current climate, and to further protect all of our patients and staff, from Friday 3rd April 2020, we ask all of our patients to stay at home and contact us via telephone or e-consult if you need help or advice.

While the practice remains open and fully staffed to answer your calls, our doors will be locked to protect patients with pre-booked appointments and members of staff that continue to provide the best and safest possible healthcare during this unprecedented time.

If you have a pre-booked appointment you will be asked to stay in the car park and you will be called in by the clinician, we ask that you please attend the surgery alone unless you have a carer. Please inform our reception team via telephone of any change to your mobile number. If you choose to wear a face mask, you can find out how to wear a mask and what you can use as a mask here.

Even after July 19th 2021 when you attend any healthcare setting you must:

• Keep wearing a mask
• Wash your hands
• Keep your distance

These measures remain in place to keep you and our vulnerable patients safe. Thank you for your understanding.

Click here for updated government guidance on self-isolation.

Please visit our dedicated COVID-19 page which may answer any further questions you may have.

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Travel Information

Demonstrating your COVID-19 vaccination status 

From 17 May 2021, people in England who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 can demonstrate their vaccination status for international travel. A full course is currently two doses of any approved vaccine. Vaccine status will be available through the NHS COVID Pass service from:

• the NHS App which you can download from app stores

• the NHS website

• 119 – by requesting a paper letter

You will need to register to use the online services, if you have not already. It may take more than a week for your identity to be checked and verified.

If you cannot access the online services, and you have had both doses of the vaccine, you can request a paper letter from the NHS by calling 119. Only call 119 if you are due to travel outside the UK in the near future and have had your second dose more than 5 working days ago. It may take up to 7 working days for the letter to arrive.

This practice is not able to provide you with a letter that shows your COVID-19 vaccination status. Please do not contact the practice about your COVID-19 vaccination status unless you have been advised to by the 119 service.

When you’re planning your travel, you should check the latest information on demonstrating your COVID-19 status when travelling abroad on the gov.uk website. Make sure there is enough time to get proof of your COVID-19 vaccination status before you are due to travel.

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Mental Wellbeing and Domestic Abuse

Click here for support

Op COURAGE: The Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service

Click here for more information regarding specialist care and support for Service leavers, reservists, veterans and their families.

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Register with our Practice

We are currently accepting new patients. To register with us, please complete the family doctor services registration form and our New Patient Questionnaire and return them to the practice. Please note only patients aged 16 and over need to complete the new patient questionnaire.

You can check if you are in our catchment area by typing in your postcode on the map.

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