Coronavirus: Latest advice from Hartlepool GP surgeries

It comes as the number of positive COVID-19 cases continues to rise across the UK with Government advice urging people to avoid the likes of pubs and restaurants in a bit to prevent the spread of the illness.

Surgeries across the country are also working to impose temporary measures to protect patients and staff during the coronavius pandemic.

In a bit to tackle the situation many surgeries in Hartlepool have said they are now offering phone appointments and asked those with coronavirus symptoms to stay away from the practice.

As of Tuesday, March 17, here is the latest on the action taken by Hartlepool practices:

Chadwick Practice on Park Road, Hartlepool, said on its Facebook page: "In line with NHS England guidance the practice is reviewing how we book appointments and you will see some changes in the coming weeks.

“This will involve using telephone triage and e-consultations which will allow us to manage patients at home whenever possible.

“These measures have been taken to protect you as patients and also our healthcare team in view of the COVID 19 cases in the UK.

“You can also use our e- consultation service which advises on both self care and allows an e-consultation to be forwarded to the practice.

“If you have travelled abroad in the last 14 days or been in close contact with someone with confirmed coronavirus please check the gov.uk website for the latest COVID-19 travel advice, or visit http://111.nhs.uk/covid-19 for further advice -please do not attend the practice."

McKenzie Group Practice on Kendal Rd, Hartlepool, said on its website: “From March 23 our face to face online booking slots will now be for telephone call backs only.

“When using the online booking service remember to leave your telephone number.”