Author: BJGP Life

Samuel Trethewey is a Clinical Research Physician working in general practice in Cornwall. His...

The COVID-19 pandemic is expected to pose an unprecedented challenge to the NHS’ provision of healthcare over the coming months. Epidemiological modelling predicts a burden of disease at least 8-times greater than current critical care capacity… Practices across the country, including Somerset’s Frome Medical Practice (FMP), are putting in place preparations needed to provide a breadth of primary care services

Lebanon diagnosed its first case of COVID-19 on February 21, 2020. After one day, policy makers launched a massive educational campaign to educate the public on how to prevent this virus. A week later, closure of nurseries, schools and universities was in effect. After 19 days of diagnosing the first case, closure of cafes, restaurants, hotels and gyms took place.

One of the other customers, a regular like me who knew I was a doctor, rushed in to save me: ‘No, no. This lady is doing good work in this country.’ I surely am. I work for the NHS during the COVID-19 pandemic. I call on you to speak up now. Demand that government suspends the NHS charging regulations that restrict access to the NHS for anyone suspected of having an irregular immigration status.

This guide, written by Roger Neighbour and experienced senior colleagues, is an aide-memoire for clinicians conducting telephone consultations to assess and advise patients concerned they may have coronavirus.