#healthheroes: Leeds GP practices transform services during virus pandemic

Dr Martin Sutcliffe, of Alwoodley Medical Centre, said he wants to reassure the public that the centre is still open, but is dealing with patients differently during the pandemic.

Dr Sutcliffe said: "If you do need help we are available. We will talk to you by telephone first. We might talk to you by video chat rather than bring you in, but if necessary we will speak to you in surgery."

The YEP has joined with titles across the JPIMedia portfolio to celebrate health workers across Leeds, who are the very front line of keeping our nation safe during this uncertain time, as part of our #HealthHeroes campaign.

They are the doctors, nurses, porters, cleaners, administrators and many, many more who are making sure our extraordinary national health service can keep up with the increased demand as more people turn to it for help during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The YEP will be bringing stories of how those on the frontline are going the extra mile to keep us safe.

Dr Sutcliffe said that before the lockdown, around 200 patients per day had appointments at Alwoodley Medical Centre and around 100 people were dealt with by telephone.

He said on Monday (March 30), the centre dealt with 174 people by phone and just one patient was asked to visit a surgery at the medical centre.

Dr Sutcliffe said: "It is a similar story at surgeries across the country.

"The message to the public is that general practices in Leeds are open, we are just doing things a little bit differently.

"If we can manage you by telephone will do in order to prevent the risk of infection that comes with visiting a health establishment.

"A lot of people are phoning in with coughs and colds that probably are not coronavirus.

"There are a few people who want to know if they are on the Governemnt's list of high risk patients or not.

"We are trying to reassure them. We are still waiting for clarity from Government about who should be on the list.

"We are trying to proactively help them to manage their care, even though we don't have a completely clear idea of what the level of risk is for different people at the moment."

Dr Sutcliffe said staff at the centre have been contacting high risk, vulnerable and socially isolated patients to ensure they have the medication they need and are being able to get their shopping and food deliveries.

Dr Sutcliffe said: "I want to get the message out that we are here and we are working for you.

"If there is a health concern that is important the GP practice is open and ready to help you. We will just do it a little bit differently."

"Everything is on the phone first and if we can manage it by phone we will. Practices are using video technology when the phone isn't quite enough, but if a GP needs to see you, you will be seen in person if needs be."

Dr Sutcliffe said other measures to reduce risk of infection include prescriptions being sent to pharmacies electronically and sick notes being sent via e mail and text messages.

He said IT teams have worked tirelessly to set up GP's so they can work from home.

The team at Alwoodley Medical Centre includes GP's, nurses , healthcare assistants, a pharmacist and administrative staff.

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