Dear Colleague
In response to the rapidly developing covid-19 situation I would like to share some further resources with you, which may aid in addressing some of the queries we have received back from practices across London. I know there are many other issues you need support with as well, and my team and I are working to escalate them upwards, or address them ourselves where we have the capability.
- Practice door poster re: triage and appropriate service
- BMJ Covid-19 flow chart – what should I do if I suspect a patient may have covid-19
- Red Whale covid-19 – check list and guidance
- Londonwide LMCs’ guidance, Med3 and travel insurance letters requests
- Practice door poster re: triage and appropriate service
In response to requests from practices here is a model notice, quality assured by our medical directors, which you are free to display at the surgery door to aid patient triage. It clearly describes actions for patients to take when they present with symptoms of covid-19 or ‘other problems’.
We have not indicated the time within which a patient may expect a call back, as it is a practice based clinical decision as assessed on the reason indicated for the triage telephone call. Our thanks to Bucks, Berks and Oxon LMCs for the poster.
- BMJ covid-19 flow chart – what should I do if I suspect a patient may have coronavirus disease
The BMJ have produced this flow chart poster to guide people working in primary care through how to manage patients who they believe may have covid-19. This is part of a wider set of general practice resources produced by the BMJ.
- Red Whale covid-19 – check list and guidance
Red Whale, the medical learning resources provider, have produced a guidance document including a checklist and flow charts for managing covid-19 patients and making sure your practice is as prepared as can be. It can be downloaded here.
- Londonwide LMCs’ guidance, Med3 and travel insurance letters requests
If you missed my message this morning, it contained our own guidance on covid-19, a template letter for patients to fill out themselves covering Med3s for covid-19 (thanks to Cambs LMC) and another template for you to fill out if asked to write a letter regarding travel insurance.
It goes without saying that this advice is the best available and is subject to change at short notice.
Please DO watch out for further bulletins and check in to our website daily: www.lmc.org.uk/coronavirus-covid-19.
As ever I welcome your feedback at mword@lmc.org.uk, and know that my team of experts and leaders here at Londonwide LMCs will always be by your side.
With best wishes
Dr Michelle Drage MBBS FRCGP
CEO, Londonwide LMCs