STREP A Information

Zero Tolerance

The large majority of our patients interact with our staff in a respectful way and are friendly and understanding.  Sadly, in the past month or so, there have been a small number of people who have been aggressive and abusive to our staff.  The majority of staff work in the NHS because they care and wish to help patients, not because it is easy or well paid.  

We would like to remind patients that we operate a zero tolerance policy within Boundaries Surgery.

STREP A

Increase in cases of strep A infection/scarlet fever

Like other practices we're seeing an increase in calls from people concerned about recent cases of strep A in children. We know this can be very frightening. To reassure you, most children will only have mild illness. There is lots of info online on what to look out for.

You can download the free Heathier Together App where you can register your child and get instant advice on common conditions: Healthier Together There's also this helpful video on strep A with Dr Ranj below:

If you are concerned about how unwell your child is, please seek medical help.

STREP A / Scarlett Fever update - Last updated 15/12/2022

 

On top of our normal high winter workload, we, like every other practice nationally, are seeing a large number of calls related to concerns around strep A and scarlet fever, following reports that there has been an increase of cases. While most children will only have a mild illness, some may become seriously unwell, so if you are concerned about your child, please seek medical help.

You can get more information on what to look out for and when to seek medical help on the Healthier Together website: https://what0-18.nhs.uk/parentscarers/worried-your-child-unwell/scarlet-fever or by watching this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJ6E8WAnbHM

We are doing our best to ensure patients who need to be seen on the same day can be. We may not have capacity to see everyone and understand that delays getting through can be frustrating. We apologise for longer than usual waits to speak to our reception team.

After discussion with the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board, we have made the difficult decision, along with many other local practices, that we may need to temporarily delay routine appointments to ensure urgent cases can be seen quickly. This will be done according to clinical need, and we will do what we can to reduce disruption.

If you are unable to attend an appointment or need to rearrange, please let us know as soon as possible, so that we can offer it to others.

Please be patient with us and if your reason for contacting us isn’t urgent please consider getting back in touch on another day. If you can have your request dealt with online such as repeat prescription requests, general queries or fit to work certificates, please visit our website

Parents or guardians of children can also download the Healthier Together App for free onto their smartphone or through the website for instant advice on many common conditions: Healthier Together

Your local pharmacy can help with some minor ailments such as the common cold, upset stomach, or aches and pains. However, if you are getting worse or things change you can visit NHS 111 online, find your nearest Urgent Treatment Centre, or in an emergency, dial 999 or visit the emergency department.

Thank you for your understanding.