New procedure when attending either Blackburn Road or Birkenshaw Health Centre

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We’re asking all patients to arrive on time, alone and wearing a face covering when attending either Blackburn Road or Birkenshaw Health Centre.

We’ve already changed the way we work to make it safer for you to come into the practices when you need to.

Our staff wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) including face masks and aprons, we have protective screens in our waiting area and wherever possible social distancing guidelines are maintained.

By arriving on time, alone and wearing a face covering you are helping to reduce the risk of spreading coronavirus and keeping our staff and other patients safe.

You can use a scarf or bandana that ties behind your head. Or you can make your own face covering at home by following the instructions on the Government website. You do not need a medical mask, these are for front line health and care workers.

How to wear a face covering

  • Face coverings should cover the mouth and nose.
  • You should wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or use a sanitiser before putting on a face covering, before and after removing.
  • Avoidwearing the face covering on yourneck or forehead.
  • Don’t share face coverings.

We know some people may find it difficult to wear a face covering and we will make suitable arrangements to see these patients safely. This will discussed with you at the time of booking an appointment.

People who do not need to wear a face covering

  • Children under the age of three.
  • Primary school aged children (under 11) who may find it difficult to manage them correctly.
  • People who have a physical or mental illness or impairment, or a disability that means they cannot put on, wear or remove a face covering.
  • If putting on, wearing or removing a face covering would cause severe distress.
  • Some people may feel more comfortable showing something that says they do not have to wear a face covering. This could be in the form of an exemption card, badge or even a home-made sign. This is a personal choice and is not necessary in law.

The Government have made exemption resources available to download.

If you usually attend your appointments with the support of a carer they can still attend with you but hey will also need to wear a face covering.

If you arrive at either practice without a face covering, and it’s appropriate for you to wear one, you will be offered a face covering by our staff.

Further information about face coverings and how to wear is available on the Government website.

Help us help you stay safe – wear a face covering, arrive on time and alone.

Face Covering Exception Cards

https://www.asthma.org.uk/advice/triggers/coronavirus-covid-19/what-should-people-with-asthma-do-now/#Exemption

https://www.blf.org.uk/support-for-you/coronavirus/what-should-people-with-a-lung-condition-do-now/face-coverings