Community healthcare services still open

Residents in Inverclyde are being reminded that access to frontline healthcare professionals such as GPs and dentists is still available during lockdown.

Inverclyde Council and Inverclyde Health & Social Care Partnership (HSCP) are backing a new primary care campaign to encourage people to continue to seek medical assistance if they require it.

Practices for GPs, dentists and opticians are still open despite the current lockdown restrictions, as well as pharmacies which can offer advice and treatment.

The campaign also encourages those who are struggling with their mental health to seek help.

Councillor Robert Moran, Inverclyde’s health and social care convener, said: “We are being told to stay at home to help slow the spread of Covid-19 and I encourage people to please continue to do that.

“But that doesn’t mean that people’s health should suffer. GPs, dentists, opticians and pharmacies are still open and here to help and they have been right throughout the pandemic.

“I urge people: please don’t suffer in silence. If you have any concerns about any aspects of your health, continue to contact our first class health professionals who are there to help.”

People are encouraged to call their GP, dentist, optician or pharmacist in the first instance to avoid any unnecessary journeys in keeping with the stay at home rules to help minimise the potential spread of Covid-19.

Practice staff will then advise whether an appointment in-person is required and what to do next.

If a visit is required, there are coronavirus safety procedures in place which patients must adhere to, including wearing a face covering, sanitizing their hands and keeping a two-metre distance.

Staff will be wearing full personal protective equipment.

A video has been produced explaining what people can and cannot do when accessing primary care services and what to expect should they have to visit in person at a GP practice.

It is available on the Inverclyde Council YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/inverclydecouncil

More information about accessing primary care services, including mental health support, can be found at www.nhsinform.scot or call NHS24 on 111 24 hours a day.