If you have symptoms please book a test as normal via the government website. If you are unable to book a slot please email d-ccg.devon.urgenttesting@nhs.net and you will be contacted by someone who will direct you to the nearest testing centre.
You can check your symptoms via 111 online or calling 111.
On Holiday In North Devon
If you are on holiday and need medical advice from a GP Surgery because you are unwell or have forgotten your medication please contact your own GP from where you live and they can help you – all practices are now doing telephone and video consultations and they can also send prescriptions electronically to anywhere in the country. This means your own GP, who knows you and your medical history, is in a better position to help you than being seen as a temporary resident in a local surgery.
If you develop COVID-19 symptoms during your visit, do not ignore or try to hide your symptoms. It is important you act quickly to help protect yourself and protect those around you. It is your responsibility to stay safe and keep safe.
North
Devon Council has launched a new community support hub to ensure the
most vulnerable residents are not forgotten during the Coronavirus
pandemic.
A new dedicated phoneline and online form are now
available to those who need support who haven’t already got help from
family, friends, neighbours and their local community.
The
service will vary according to where people live but will typically see
the co-ordination of grocery shopping, prescription collections and
social contact. In the major towns and villages, NDC will work alongside
health and wellbeing partners One Northern Devon who have a network of
volunteers on a street by street level. In the more rural areas, the
partnerships will be with parishes and other community groups set up to
support people during the crisis.
The public are being asked to
check that their local neighbours are getting support and if they are
worried about them, then contact the support hub who can make enquiries.
Council
Leader Cllr David Worden says: “We know there are many people already
receiving lots of support in their communities and it’s wonderful to see
the efforts people are going to. However, we’re aware there will be
people slipping between the cracks and this service is here to help
them.”
One Northern Devon Chair Dr John Womersley says: “It’s
been fantastic to see so many groups spring up for people in communities
to help one another. The One Northern Devon network does not replace
that – we are using all the brilliant schemes that are out there and
offering them our support. If there are any volunteers or volunteering
groups that are not yet part of the network, we’d love to hear from
you.”
The number to call is 01271 388280 and the online form and more information on community support are on the NDC website.
Contact Information:
Claire Holm
Customer and Corporate Communications Manager
North Devon Council
claire.holm@northdevon.gov.uk
For information or advice regarding Coronavirus please use the website links below –
Useful websites
https://www.england.nhs.uk/coronavirus/primary-care/
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-information-for-the-public
Possible Scam – COVID-19 test code text message
http://devonccg.newsweaver.com/nwstatic/spacer.gif There has been notification of a scam text message regarding Covid-19 testing codes. Patients are reporting they have received a text with a code for a test when they haven’t contacted NHS 111. 111 have confirmed they have NOT sent out these texts, and any patients in receipt of these messages should delete them immediately without responding.
NHS Volunteer Responders Scheme for Shielding Patients
The scheme is now open for self-referrals for people who have been advised to shield and those most at risk who are isolating at home from coronavirus. These people can ask volunteers for short-term help by calling 0808 196 3646 between 8am and 8pm. Please pass this number on to patients who could benefit from this support. You can find more information about the programme on the link below – https://volunteering.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk/nhs-volunteer-responders-portal
Government launches plan to tackle loneliness during coronavirus lockdown The Government has launched a major effort to tackle loneliness and social isolation during the COVID-19 outbreak and period of social distancing. The latest #Let’sTalkLoneliness public campaign has been rolled out to get people talking openly about loneliness, which includes new public guidance offering useful tips and advice on what to do to look after yourself and others safely. You can find more information on the link below – https://letstalkloneliness.co.uk/
