Cancard – Confirming a diagnosis

The BMA and RCGP have issued a joint statement stating that they do not support the use of the Cancard and they do not support that GP’s sign a declaration confirming a diagnosis in order for the card to be issued.

March 29th, 2021

COVID-19 Vaccination for Unpaid Carers – Self-Referral Process

As part of the JCVI Priority Group 6, the COVID-19 vaccine is now being offered to unpaid carers aged 16-64 who provide face-to-face care for someone else. Some carers may have already received appointment letters over the last few weeks, however the Scottish Government launched a new self-referral system for carers to register for the vaccine.

For full eligibility details and to self-refer, carers can go to: www.nhsinform.scot/carersregister. Alternatively they can call the COVID-19 Vaccination Helpline on 0800 030 8013 to complete the registration from.

Please remember carers can still receive all types of support from local carer services. If you are an unpaid carer and are not in contact with a service, you can register with your local carer centre. (West Dunbartonshire Carers: 0141 941 1550).

March 18th, 2021

Covid-19 Vaccinations Update

Ages 75+

Individuals aged 75+ and those on the shielding register (i.e received shielding letter from the government) should have been vaccinated by the GP practice unless housebound or in hospital. If you fall into the above age group and have not been offered your first vaccination, please contact your GP practice.

Ages 65-74

Individuals aged 65-74 years of age should have been vaccinated by the local health board unless housebound or in hospital. If you fall into the above age group and have not been offered your first vaccination, phone The National Covid Vaccination Helpline: 0800 030 8013

Ages 16 to 64 years with underlying health conditions

Those aged 16 to 64 years with certain underlying health conditions which put them at higher risk of serious disease and mortality will be contacted by the local health board by end of March. Info on specified health conditions found here.

Carers

Unpaid carers in receipt of carers allowance will be contacted by the local health board by end of March

Unpaid carers not in receipt of carers allowance will be able to self-refer from 1st March for the vaccine if they are not contacted by phone or letter.

If you are an unpaid carer and are not in contact with a service, you can register with your local carer centre. (West Dunbartonshire Carers: 0141 941 1550)

Other Groups

The timetable is not yet clear for individuals out with the above groups and will be based on vaccine supply.

For the most up-to-date information on coronavirus vaccine, please visit : NHS Inform

For any coronavirus vaccine enquiries, please phone the National Covid Vaccination Helpline: 0800 030 8013

February 17th, 2021

GP Trainee Update

This week we have welcomed our new trainee, Dr Jasmin Gregory to the practice.

Dr Gregory will be with us initially for a period of 6 months. We wish her a warm welcome to the practice!

February 9th, 2021

Covid-19 Vaccinations Update

All West Dunbartonshire residents aged 80 and over will receive their vaccination appointment from their GP surgery by the end of this week.

Practices are also beginning to contact those over 75 and clinically extremely vulnerable patients (who have been shielding during the pandemic) to schedule their vaccine appointments. 

There are 2 different processes in place, to ensure as many people can be vaccinated as quickly as possible. Like those over 80, those aged 75 to 79 and those on the shielding register will be called direct by their GP surgery to arrange an appointment.  Those aged 70 to 74 will receive a letter through the post, with an appointment at a local centre or via a central booking system.

For more information on the mass vaccination programme underway in Scotland visit https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/immunisation/vaccines/coronavirus-covid-19-vaccine

January 28th, 2021

Coronavirus vaccination scam

The NHS has been made aware of fraudsters trying to take advantage of the COVID vaccination programme to make money from the public.

Good cyber hygiene does not change. Always be aware that an unsolicited telephone call, email or text message may not be from the person or organisation which it appears to be from. Never click on a link in a message you’re not expecting, and remember the NHS will never ask you for money relating to the COVID-19 pandemic.

You don’t need to apply for the vaccine

You don’t need to share your bank details to confirm your identity

Please ensure your family and friends are also aware of this scam.

January 27th, 2021

Right Care Right Place

The way we access urgent care has changed. To protect yourself and the NHS, it’s important you know how to get the right care, in the right place.

If we all use NHS services wisely, we can keep well this winter and get the care we need quickly, safely and as close to home as possible.

Please click here for a helpful quick glance guide on what service you should access for common ailments.

For a more in depth guide to NHS Scotland services, you can click here.

January 25th, 2021

COVID-19 Vaccinations

The COVID-19 vaccine is now available and NHS Scotland are prioritising the people who are at greater risk. The first people to be offered the free vaccine are:

• Residents in a care home for older adults and their carers
• People aged 80 and over
• Front line health and social care workers.

Vaccination for other groups will begin as soon as the supply of vaccine becomes available. The order in which people will be offered the vaccine is based on advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). For more information and to see the JCVI priority list, click here.

Currently your GP practice will be vaccinating person’s over the age of 80. The practice will be in touch to offer an appointment at a pre-arranged community clinic. All others may be part of a major public health campaign organised by the local Health Board.

For general enquiries related to COVID-19 vaccinations, please visit NHS Inform or call the Scottish COVID-19 Vaccination Helpline on 0800 030 8013 (available 8am – 8pm 7 days a week). Please note the helpline has been designed to answer general queries the public may have in relation to the COVID vaccine.

You may also find the Public Health Scotland Covid-19 Vaccination Information Leaflet helpful.

NHS Scotland strongly recommends you get the vaccine as soon as it is offered to you.

January 19th, 2021