GP surgeries across Conwy change services and appointments in response to coronavirus

Temporary changes to appointments and the way services are provided have been made to practices managed by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB).

Those impacted include: Canolfan Goffa Ffestiniog in Blaenau Ffestiniog; Rysseldene in Colwyn Bay; Llys Meddyg in Conwy and Meddygfa Gyffin in Conwy.

The changes have been made in an attempt to limit the spread of Coronavirus.

Patients registered at one of the surgeries listed, and wish to book an appointment, are asked to telephone their surgery first.

A spokesperson from BCUHB said: “If possible we are asking our patients not to attend the surgery to make an appointment.

“Patients will be asked a series of questions relating to their symptoms. Guidance will be provided to them by either a receptionist and/or a GP/Nurse and an appointment will be made for them at the surgery if required.

“We kindly ask patients that they do not go to the GP surgery if they have high temperature/fever and/or new continuous cough. Self-isolate for seven days. Only ring 111 if symptoms worsen.”

Other practices managed by the health board, outside the Journal area, include Health Centre in Criccieth; Cambria Surgery in Holyhead; Longford House Surgery in Holyhead; Panton Surgery in Holywell; Porthmadog Health Centre in Porthmadog; Pen y Maes Health Centre in Wrexham ; Borras Park Surgery in Wrexham; The Medical Centre in Wrexham (Ruabon) and Beechley Medical Centre in Wrexham (Hightown).

Craig y Don Medical Practice are asking patients not queue at the door from 8am.

In a statement, the practice said: "If you have a temperature, cough or flu-like symptoms, do not attend the surgery, even if you have not been abroad or had contact with someone with coronavirus.

"We are now only dealing with urgent problems, and the overall aim is to reduce face to face contact to the absolute essential minimum.

"If you feel that you need advice from a doctor please telephone the surgery – do not simply turn up as you will be asked to leave and telephone.

"Your care will be reviewed by a clinician and dealt with appropriately.

"These arrangements are likely to apply for the next few weeks until we are notified that we can return to normal working arrangements.

"If you already have an appointment booked in the please ring the surgery as it may need to be cancelled."

Mostyn House Medical Practice in Llandudno have put a stop to their walk in blood test clinics.

In a statement, a spokesperson said: "You will now need to make an appointment. We are trying to control the amount of patients we have in the surgery at any one time. We will not be calling patients in for routine monitoring for the next few weeks. We hope this will be a temporary measure and apologise for any inconvenience."

The practice have also asked patients not to book a GP appointment or attend the practice if they have concerns about whether or not they have been affect by coronavirus.

For non-managed BCUHB practices or queries relating to managed BCUHB practices, patients can telephone their GP surgery direct, check their website or social media feeds for the latest guidance in making an appointment.