Mword 46 – Dr Michelle Drage’s latest update for GPs and practice teams on covid-19
Mword
19 March 2020
Dear Colleague
I know that pressure is mounting on practices across London. The Londonwide LMCs team and I will be working hard to support you throughout the coming days and weeks.
With CoVid-19 measures developing rapidly, and guidance and advice circulating from a range of sources, now is the time for timely and accurate information that makes it easier to cope.
From today, we will be updating London practices with key updates via email alerts. These alerts will be sent to LMC chairs daily in the early afternoon/at the end of the day and can be shared locally.
We know that this is a rapidly evolving situation. Guidance is correct at the time of publication and we have provide guidance on new measures and links to resources, but please bear in mind this might change daily.
We know that with measures such as social distancing and self isolation being put in place there are many more patients demanding fit notes/ Med3s. The current Government guidance for employers and businesses on coronavirus (covid-19) reiterates that medical evidence is not required for the first 7 days of sickness. It adds that after 7 days, employers may use their discretion around the need for medical evidence if an employee is staying at home.
Until further guidance is available, and as workload increases, Londonwide LMCs advise practices to upload this letter to your website and ask patients requiring a medical certificate for work relating to covid-19 to download a copy and give it to their employer.
Covid-19: Keeping you up to date
The Londonwide LMCs team are regularly monitoring and reviewing changes and updates, and liaising with NHSEI, health partners and commissioners at all levels. Our website will be updated daily with covid-19 relevant developments: our covid-19 update page will be updated frequently with links to NHSEI, Government, PHE and other guidance along with key statements from Londonwide LMCs.
The goal is to help colleagues safely provide appropriate care to patients during this covid-19 pandemic. This is our overriding priority.
It goes without saying that this advice is the best available and is subject to change at short notice.
