25/03/20 BREAKING UPDATE FROM HSE – PLEASE READ ALL OF THE FOLLOWING BEFORE CONTACTING THE PRACTICE:
The HSE has updated the criteria for Covid-19 testing. GPs learned of these changes in the early hours of this morning. Regarding testing, please do not contact the practice for a new referral unless you have a high temperature/fever and a cough or wheeze. The practice phone lines are exceptionally busy at this time.
Even though the HSE are no longer testing people with mild symptoms of Covid-19, you still need to self-isolate for 14 days (if you have mild symptoms) and be fever free for the last 5 days of the self-isolation. HSE Helpline numbers: 1850 24 1850 or 1890 300046
If you have been referred for a test you may not now meet the criteria and your test will not go ahead. Please read the following from the HSE carefully:
MEETS CRITERIA
A patient with acute respiratory illness (fever and at least one sign/symptom of respiratory disease, e.g., cough, shortness of breath); OR A patient with any acute respiratory illness AND having been in contact with a confirmed or probable COVID-19 case in the last 14 days prior to symptom onset; OR A patient with severe acute respiratory illness (fever and at least one sign/symptom of respiratory disease, e.g., cough, shortness of breath; AND requiring hospitalization) AND in the absence of an alternative diagnosis that fully explains the clinical presentation.
AND IS IN ONE OF THE FOLLOWING CATERGORIES
a) Symptomatic close contacts of a confirmed case b) Symptomatic healthcare workers c) Symptomatic at risk groups that include persons with diabetes, immunosuppressed, chronic lung disease, chronic heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, chronic renal disease, chronic liver disease and smokers d) Symptomatic household contacts of at-risk groups e) Symptomatic staff or residents in a long-term care facility f) Symptomatic prison staff and inmates where it may be difficult to implement self-isolation advice g) Symptomatic pregnant women* (*not because of a documented increase risk of complications but to ensure to safe clinical pathway of care)
WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT FOR PATIENT SAFETY AND STAFF SAFETY. PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY
Please note that due to the severe crisis of Covid-19 that phones lines are extremely busy. Please do not ring for any routine health care management as we are unlikely to be able to facilitate such requests in the coming few weeks. The situation is being reviewed daily.
We are not taking any advance bookings at present.
NO WALK IN SERVICE AVAILABLE FOR ANY ISSUES. The practice doors are not open.
If you have an appointment please attend ONLY that time-WAIT IN YOUR CAR UNTIL A DOCTOR OR NURSE CONTACTS YOU TO COME TO THE DOOR OR THE WINDOW. KEEP A 2 METRE DISTANCE FRM ANYBODY ELSE IN THE VICINTY. IF YOU ARE COUGHING OR SNEEZING WEAR A FACE MASK OR COVER YOUR MOUTH AND NOSE WITH A FACIAL TISSUE.
If you arrive early you will not be seen sooner and will not be allowed to enter and will be asked to return to your car/home etc.
Only the patient is allowed to attend unless you are a minor (<17 years) or have a registered carer or reside in a care home. We must be informed of this named person and their contact details when booking the appointment or you will not be allowed to enter.
We will ask you to sit with at least 2 metres between any staff member or other patient and to stand at this distance from others if you are approaching the door and when in the reception area.
Parents are not allowed to bring other children/siblings with them-only the child who has been given an appointment.
If you have any symptoms of a respiratory infection (cough, breathless, wheeze, runny nose) or fever, you should wait in your car until you are contacted by telephone to enter the surgery. Do not come to the door.
Results, prescriptions, letter and test results cannot be ordered at reception but will be requested by telephone or via post. Again, this is for your safety and staff safety.
Do not attend the surgery if you are concerned that you have Covid-19, if you have symptoms, to collect or request paperwork including prescriptions.
DO NOT ATTEND if you have been in contact with somebody who does or have travelled in the past 14 days. You will be asked to leave immediately.
For routine queries:Please phone the HSE helpline instead: 1850 24 1850 or 1890 300046
PLEASE KEEP OUR PHONES FREE FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE SICK WITH POSSIBLE COVID 19
CORONAVIRUS – In response to rumours, none of our staff have symptoms or have been diagnosed with Covid-19 but may have been asked to self isolate.
Please read the following carefully: If you have a cough, fever, breathing difficulties, runny nose, think you may have been in contact with someone with Coronavirus, or travel queries DO NOT ATTEND THE PRACTICE OR THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT. Please ring 1850 24 1850.
If you do not have a GP and you have symptoms, phone 112 or 999. For more information please visit www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus
Contact us: 061-705000. Opening hours 9am – 5pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday (closed between 12pm and 2pm daily). Opening hours 9am – 12am on Thursday.
Shannon Medical Centre is a modern, purpose built general practice designed to allow us to provide our patients with the very best healthcare services. It is a child friendly practice, with a play area and baby-changing facilities. It is also wheelchair accessible.
Shannon Medical Centre is located in Shannon Town Centre and there is parking adjacent to the building.
Can I get a letter to be referred to a Hospital Emergency Department (ED) without seeing a doctor? Please visit the News page of this website.
