This is how you can see a GP over the bank holiday weekend in Leeds

Although most practices in the city will be closed appointments with GPs and other healthcare staff are still available.

However, the appointments must be pre-booed by calling your own GP practice or by ringing NHS 111.

The appointment may not be at your usual GP practice but at a nearby surgery referred to as an 'extended access hub.'

People are being reminded that they must call ahead as all walk-in options are currently suspended in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Most appointments are offered over the telephone or through video consultation.

Face-to-face appointments are still offered where these are necessary.

Dr Sarah Forbes, GP and Associate Medical Director for NHS Leeds Clinical Commissioning Group , said: “We want to make sure that people who are unwell can still get medical help over the bank holiday weekend so our extended access hubs will be open as normal.

"This means people can still see a healthcare professional, normally a GP or a nurse.

"Even though the appointment might not be at your usual practice and is likely to take place over the telephone, the healthcare professional looking after you will have access to your medical records.

“If you have any cancer symptoms such as a lump in your breast, changes in bowel habits, blood in your pee or poo, unexplained weight loss, moles that appear to change or a cough that you’ve had for three weeks or more please get in touch with your GP practice as soon as possible.”

Dr Forbes added: “You should call 999 for life-threatening emergencies, this includes chest pain, blackouts, severe blood loss that can’t be stopped, a serious injury, or if you think you’re having a stroke.

"Some people may decide that they don’t want to access emergency services, and this could possibly be due to fear of coronavirus or not wanting to burden the NHS.

"Please do not put your health at risk and get seen by a healthcare professional, you will be treated in a safe, low risk environment.

“If you’re not accessing medical care, doing essential shopping or your once daily exercise; we’d ask that everyone else helps us by staying at home.

"We appreciate that people may have planned street parties and gatherings for VE Day, but social distancing rules remains essential.

"If you go out, you should stay 2 metres away from other people at all times, and wash your hands as soon as you get home.

"Following these rules will help control the spread of the virus to the wider community, particularly the most vulnerable."

Dr Forbes also issued advice for those who think they may have coronavirus.

She said: “It’s really important that anyone who thinks they have COVID-19 follows NHS advice and stays at home, using the NHS 111 online service should they need any support.

"Should your symptoms get worse or you feel you’re struggling to cope please call NHS 111 or 999 in an emergency.

"Let the call talker know that you have coronavirus symptoms.

"You must not go to a GP, pharmacy or hospital unless you have been told to do so.”

If anyone is having difficulty getting food or medication delivered and do not have friends or family nearby, there is support available through the Leeds City Council helpline on 0113 378 1877.

For more information about the support that is available in Leeds, visit: www.leeds.gov.uk/coronavirus.A message from the Editor:

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