Still shielding.

[stanns]

I need to go to the Doctors surgery for an injection, but the receptionist has told me that the government are not shielding anymore, so I have to go into a waiting room with 6 other people. This is worrying.

[Suzie42]

Sorry to hear that...... My surgery are still keeping patients apart. I went in for blood test this morning just before surgery opened, so i saw just the gp who did it. Perhaps you could say you feel very vulnerable and ask for first slot of the day. Hope you get it sorted. Take care

[Badbessie]

Same with my GP. However my wife was in one corner and other patients in other corners. All wore masks. Rooms were cleaned between patients etc and you waited outside if you were early. If it is well organised there is little to worry about.

[sassy59]

The government may not be shielding but you feel differently so your surgery should have a way of calling you in without being with others. Can you wear a face covering? That will help. If you go to the surgery by car you could wait in your car and then be called in.

Our surgery has a large waiting area so you’re never close to anyone. Masks have to be worn.

Hope something works out for you. Take care xxxx

[Damon1864 Volunteer]

My surgery are still keeping patients apart

[Kristicats]

Most surgeries are keeping patients well apart if they can’t do one in at a time. Also not letting patients touch door handles etc. It may be a large waiting area if 6 patients are in at once. All patients should wear masks as so should all staff and drs. Hands should be sanitised at the door and on leaving.

[Hidden]

During shielding, we phoned from the car park to say we’d arrived and either the nurse/GP came out to get us or reception phoned to say come in. More recently, we inform reception we’re there by talking through an outside window at both practice sites. At one, they then let us in to a clearly marked out waiting area (signs telling you where you can sit to maintain social distancing to other patients, although to date there’s never been more than me sat in there whenever I’ve been), at the other, you can either wait in your car or in the fresh air, and whoever you’re seeing will come and get you. At that one, if you’re particularly high risk, they take you in through the back door to avoid the chance of running into anybody in the halls of the practice. Masks are compulsory, alcogel is provided on entry and exit, and you’re in and out as quickly as possible.

[stanns in reply to Hidden]

Thank you but they used to, but not now.

[Izb1]

I dont think you will have any problems, my doctors surgery only let so many people into the waiting room and keep to social distancing rules. I wore a mask and gloves as did all the other people, so felt very safe x

[Maximonkey]

Hi Stanns, do not worry all surgeries are taking every precaution to prevent anyone with any Covid symptoms not to go into their premises. Wash your hands on entry and sit further away from the other patients than recommended, this should save you from any infection. Oh and wash your hands with the bio gel when you leave. Take care Maximonkey