Ileach Update 3rd July 2021
Dr Angus MacTaggart writes:
In response to the rise in cases of Covid-19 across Argyll & Bute, we are all being asked by the Health and Social Care Partnership to review the extent of our social contacts. Whilst we have made excellent progress with the vaccination programme on Islay and will have, by the end of last week, offered a first dose to the vast majority of the adult population, there is still a small risk of serious illness as well as significant consequences for those who are identified as close contacts of a positive case.
For this reason we have taken the decision to limit direct patient access to face-to-face appointments across our three practices for a short period. We are still encouraging patients to get in touch with us for all issues which you feel require the attention of a GP or one of our nursing team but, during this time, you will be offered a telephone call to discuss your query rather than a direct appointment. If, after this initial telephone call, it is felt that you require to be seen face to face this will be organised and we will continue to undertake all urgent nursing procedures.
As a GP practice, we do not have access to all the information relating to positive test results and are not responsible for contact tracing or public messaging regarding current cases. This information is processed and communicated by the Scottish Government and Public Health Scotland and can be viewed by small neighbourhood (Islay, Jura & Colonsay are identified as The Whisky Isles) by visiting the Public Health Scotland daily Covid-19 dashboard. See our Covid-19 page for a link to this.
We are hopeful that cases will begin falling across Argyll & Bute in the coming weeks and that our previously announced direct access GP appointments will resume as soon as possible. If you require further information relating to Covid-19, this is available at www.nhsinform.scot/coronavirus.
If you develop symptoms of Covid-19 whilst on Islay or have been asked by the contact tracing team to organise a PCR test, please immediately self-isolate and contact the Islay Testing line on 01496 305308. If you require advice on managing the symptoms of Covid-19 or think you require face to face assessment of these symptoms by a doctor, please visit NHS Inform at the link above or contact NHS24 on 111.
Covid-19 vaccination update (for people aged 18 - 39)
The practice has now attempted to contact all permanently registered patients aged 18-39. If we have been unable to contact you it is likely that your contact telephone number is not up to date. If you are aged 18 to 39 and we have not been able to contact you by telephone, please call Bowmore Surgery on 01496 305305 to update your contact details and register your interest in receiving the vaccine. The Scottish Government has updated eligibility criteria to include all people who who will be 18 or over by 31 July 2021.