Gillan House Surgery Newsletter

ISSUE 20
May 2020
 Welcome
 How is Gillan House coping at present?
 How can patients help the Surgery?
 Covid-19: remaining fit and healthy
 Enfield Council Information
 Self-refer yourself for physiotherapy
 Gillan House Patient Participation Group (PPG)
 Who’s Who at Gillan House Surgery?
 Gillan House Surgery Opening Hours

Welcome to the May edition of Gillan House Surgery’s Newsletter

which is being issued during the Covid-19 pandemic. It focuses mainly
on how Gillan House is coping with the coronavirus outbreak; how
patients can help relieve pressure on the Surgery; and sets out some
guidance on remaining fit and healthy during these difficult times.

How is Gillan House coping at present?

Fortunately the GPs and Practice staff are in good health at present
but are experiencing unprecedented demands on their time and
services in very challenging conditions. They have been required by
the NHS to make many changes in procedure, often at very short
notice, and have had varying degrees of success. At last there are
signs, however, that the new ways of working are beginning to settle
down.

How can patients help the Surgery?

Coronavirus symptoms
If you live alone and have either a high temperature or a new
continuous cough, do not leave your home for 7 days. If you live with
other people, keep them at home for 14 days. To check if you need
medical help use the online 111 coronavirus service:
[Link] Only telephone 111 if you do not have
internet access or cannot get help online. Please do not visit the
Surgery or a hospital or pharmacy. In an emergency telephone 999.

Econsult
Following government advice, and to ensure that as many patients as
possible can be helped, Gillan House has introduced a system of
online consultations called econsult. There is a link to this system on
the Practice website: [Link] Various
options are available to patients, including self-help, but if GP
assistance is required then the Practice will undertake to respond by
the end of the next working day. All patients with access to the internet
are encouraged to use this new system which will help minimise
personal visits and telephone calls to the Surgery.

Repeat medication
Patients with online access are asked to order repeat medication
online, either by using the link on the Gillan House website or by
registering with Patient Access on [Link] If
you are a new user then our Receptionists will be able to assist and
guide you through the registration process. Please order your regular
medication in good time but do not over order or stock pile.

Telephoning the Surgery

Those patients without online access may continue to telephone the
Surgery if they need help with a condition other than Covid-19.
Because of high demand it may take longer than usual to get through
the recorded messages and queueing system. Please be patient and
be prepared to discuss your condition with the Receptionist so that
they can decide the best means of providing you with the assistance
you require.

Do not sit and wait out an illness

Please do not sit and wait out an illness, trying to be helpful by not
contacting the Surgery. If you delay your treatment you could become
seriously ill which would then put more strain on the NHS. Patients are
not always helping the NHS by not contacting their Surgery so please
follow the guidance given in the above paragraphs as necessary.

Covid-19: remaining fit and healthy

For those patients with online access there is extensive guidance on
the NHS website about taking care of your mind and body during the
current crisis. Please see:
[Link]
staying-at-home-tips/
Handwashing is an important part of staying fit and healthy. Advice is
given at: [Link]
your-hands/ .
If you have young children it is especially important that they learn how
to wash their hands properly. It’s not just about Coronavirus, it’s a skill
for life.
Take plenty of exercise in your garden (if you have one) or, for
example, by going for a walk whilst complying with government
guidelines - currently once a day for up to one hour staying two metres
(about 6 feet) away from other people.
With schools closed to most children it is important that their minds are
kept active and their bodies healthy. Some useful resources are:
 health information suitable for children:
[Link]
 get children moving: [Link]
 online mental health support for young people:
[Link]
Finally, stretch your minds by visiting online museums and galleries
across the world at: [Link]

For those patients without an internet facility it may be possible to enlist

the help of family, friends or neighbours to access this information.

Enfield Council Information

Enfield Council has produced a website dedicated to health and social
care including how to look after your physical and mental health at
home while in isolation, and advice on staying in contact with loved
ones using technology. Please see:
[Link]
And for the latest information about changes to Enfield Council’s
services as a result of the coronavirus pandemic please go to
[Link]/covid19.

Self-refer yourself for physiotherapy

It is now possible to refer yourself for physiotherapy treatment without
having to see a GP first. If you have access to the internet you can
complete an online referral by visiting [Link]. You
will be taken through a series of questions relating to your symptoms
and your response will be reviewed by a team of senior
physiotherapists at Enfield Health. They may decide to send you some
advice and appropriate exercises or advise you how to contact the
service directly if further treatment is indicated. If you do not have
access to the internet you can telephone 03330 433966 although this
will usually involve a call-back within 2 working days.

Gillan House Patient Participation Group (PPG): next meeting

The meeting planned for Friday 15 May 2020 has been cancelled.
Members will be consulted about a date for our next meeting once the
current lockdown has been lifted and it is safe to meet again.

Who’s Who at Gillan House Surgery?

The team at Gillan House currently comprises:
Dr Sinnappoo Karthikesalingam (Dr Karthi)
Dr Abirame Sambasivan (Dr Abi)
Dr Debjani Nandi
Dr Tim Fenn
Dr Mark Curtin
Dr Rochelle Rosenthal
Ms Maureen James (Senior Practice Nurse)
[cont]
Mrs Berrin Buyukarslan (Practice Manager)
Mrs Jennifer Zidan (Admin /Receptionist)
Mrs Dee Topiwala (Receptionist)
Mrs Fouzia Irshad (Receptionist)
Mrs Tasneem Malik (Receptionist)
Mrs Saeema Malik (Receptionist)
Miss Manisha Bhagbut (Receptionist)
Mrs Indrani Yogarajah (Receptionist)
Miss Ayisha Malik (Receptionist)
Mrs Fakher Rauf (Receptionist)
Mrs Bhavna Luchman (Receptionist)

Gillan House Surgery Opening Hours

The times shown below are subject to change during the current crisis.
Please do not attend the Surgery if you have Coronavirus symptoms,
but follow the guidance given in the above paragraphs.

Reception Times:
Monday –Friday: 8:00am-6:30pm

Surgery Times:
Monday: 8:10am-1:00pm 3:00pm-6:00pm
Tuesday: 8:10am-1:00pm 3:00pm-6:00pm
Wednesday: 8:10am-1:00pm 3:00pm-6:00pm
Thursday: 8:10am-1:00pm 3:00pm-6:00pm
Friday: 8:10am-1:00pm 3:00pm-6:00pm

Extended Hours (strictly appointment only):

Monday – Thursday 7:30am - 8:00am
Saturday: 8:00am - 11:00am