COVID-19 Episode 1: Introductory tips for general practice

We have decided to take a break from our normal release schedule to do a special, weekly series about the COVID-19 situation which is unfolding. Our hope is that we can provide some useful and practical information for everyone within primary care during this difficult time. 

In this first episode we talk to Dr Joanna Bircher (GP partner, clinical director for GPExcellence and Pandemic Lead for her PCN) and Dr Viren Mehta (GP partner, clinical director of his PCN and clinical director for Stockport CCG). 

• We summarise some of the Standard Operating Procedure from 19th March with practical tips on how to implement this.

• We think about ways that surgeries can reduce their footfall and protect staff and patients from exposure.

• We also touch on which normal general practice services should continue during this time and where to look for guidance.

• We talk about some ways to look after your staff, and speak specifically about home visits.

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Useful resources: 

• NHS England Standard Operating Procedure for General Practice (19th March 2020): https://www.england.nhs.uk/coronavirus/primary-care/general-practice/standard-operating-procedures/

• RCGP Guidance on workload prioritisation during COVID-19 (23rd March 2020): https://www.rcgp.org.uk/-/media/Files/Policy/A-Z-policy/2020/covid19/RCGP%20guidance/202003233RCGPGuidanceprioritisationroutineworkduringCovidFINAL

• PPE video for UK primary care: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zpg64grevO0

• Website collating useful COVID-19 links: https://primarycarepathways.co.uk/covid19

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We really want to make these episodes relevant and helpful: if you have any questions or want any particular areas covered then contact us on Twitter @PCKBpodcast, or leave a comment on our really quick anonymous survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/YYQ763C

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This podcast has been made with the support of Wigan CCG and GP Excellence in Greater Manchester. Given that they are recorded with Greater Manchester clinicians, the information discussed may not be applicable elsewhere and it is important to consult local guidelines before making any treatment decisions. 

The information presented is the personal opinion of the healthcare professional interviewed and might not be representative to all clinicians. It is based on their interpretation of current best practice and guidelines when the episode was recorded. Guidelines can change; To the best of our knowledge the information in this episode is up to date as of it’s release but it is the listeners responsibility to review the information and make sure it is still up to date when they listen.

Dr Lisa Adams, Dr Sara MacDermott and their interviewees are not liable for any advice, investigations, course of treatment, diagnosis or any other information, services or products listeners might pursue as a result of listening to this podcast - it is the clinicians responsibility to appraise the information given and review local and national guidelines before making treatment decisions. Reliance on information provided in this podcast is solely at the listeners risk.

The podcast is designed to be used by trained healthcare professionals for education only. We do not recommend these for patients or the general public and they are not to be used as a method of diagnosis, opinion, treatment or medical advice for the general public. Do not delay seeking medical advice based on the information contained in this podcast. If you have questions regarding your health or feel you may have a medical condition then promptly seek the opinion of a trained healthcare professional.