Author: JHP_Admin

Last month we held a week-long bake sale at the practice to raise funds for Jesmond Dementia Action Alliance (JDAA)

JDAA was started in 2014 by a group of local people who wanted to make Jesmond a dementia-friendly community.

After a final count, together we raised £176.50!

Annette and Felicity from JDAA visited us at No 17 Osborne Road last week to receive a cheque from Nursing Team Lead Susan Mensforth, Dr Sarah Nicholson and Dr Fiona Smith.

“Thank you so very, very much for raising this money for Jesmond Dementia Action Alliance.

“We run keep fit activities in three sheltered housing schemes in Jesmond: Haldane House, Pilgrim’s Court and Sandyford Park.  In order to make these sessions Covid-safe, we want to purchase a resistance band for each participant and clinical wipes.

“The money raised by Jesmond Health Partnership has come at just the right time and will be so useful in helping us restart this work.”

– Annette, Jesmond Dementia Action Alliance

This month there will be a further relaxing of the lockdown guidance that has been in place in England since mid-March.

Following on from the re-opening of schools and non-essential shops in June, many pubs, cafes and restaurants opened their doors on Saturday 4^th July.

Here’s what else is changing:

• The 2-metre social distancing rule will be reduced to ‘1 metre plus’. This means you should keep a minimum distance of 1 metre from others, and further if possible.
• 2 households will be able to meet indoors as long as they maintain social distancing (if they are not part of a support bubble).
• Groups of up to 6 people can meet outdoors, providing social distancing is followed.
• There is no restriction on outdoor activity or exercise, although swimming pools and gyms will remain closed.

While measures like contactless payments and screens between tables will be in place, we all must do what we can to keep ourselves and others safe.

Social distancing and good hand hygiene remain the strongest tools we have to reduce the rate of infection. We should all be following the 1 metre plus and regularly washing our hands for 20 seconds.

Since mid-June masks or facial coverings have been recommended in public places, and are compulsory on both public transport and in NHS settings, including GP surgeries. You can read out guide on facial coverings here.

Shielding

Changes to shielding – the extra level of protection for people at higher risk from coronavirus– will come into effect today, 6th July.

• You no longer need to stay 2 metres away from people you live with.
• If you live alone or are a single parent, you can form a support bubble with another household without the need for social distancing
• You can meet people from other households in groups of no more than 6, but you need to maintain the 2 metres distance.

After 1^st August, those at high risk of coronavirus will no longer need to shield.

Life has been very different for everyone over the last in the past 3 or 4 months, and while these changes are a step toward normality, we all must take personal responsibility to keep ourselves and others safe.

The stretch of Osborne Road between our two sites is well known for its vibrancy and nightlife, and over the last 3 or 4 months, it has never been so quiet.

So the reopening of pubs, cafes and restaurants this weekend is welcome, and we hope everyone will themselves enjoy responsibly.

Businesses will have measures in place such as contactless payments and screens to divide tables, but it’s also important we all maintain social distancing, limited contact beyond our household and good hand hygiene to protect ourselves, others and the NHS.

The NHS across the North East is expecting an increase in demand, and the message is clear: Enjoy yourselves but make sure you’re not adding extra stress to the NHS.

You’ll have no doubt heard discussions recently about the use of face masks and other items covering your nose and mouth. 

We thought it would be useful to set out what the guidance is generally, and specifically here at JHP. It’s important to note here we are talking about fabric coverings, not Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) being used by healthcare workers. 

Do masks work? 

The purpose of a facial covering is to act as a barrier to stop potentially infectious droplets spreading to other people. Their main purpose is to stop the wear spreading infection to others.  

While wearing masks is not a complete solution, combined with maintaining social distancing – staying 2 metres away from other people when outside your home – and regular and thorough handwashing, the spread of the illness can be reduced. 

 The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that Government encourage the use of non-medical masks in public places. 

At JHP 

We require all patients who come to the practice to wear something covering their nose, mouth and chin. This can be a mask, scarf, handkerchief or any sort of fabric. 

If you have a scheduled appointment with us, please make sure you are wearing a mask or other facial covering. This is both for your safety and ours.  

As previously, our clinical staff will be wearing PPE, and any non-clinical staff will also be wearing face coverings if they are in areas where there are also patients. 

Once you have checked into your appointment, if you prefer you can wait in your car. We will ring you when the clinician is ready for you.

And a reminder that any samples buy need to give us must be dropped off at No 17 – please do not go to No 200.

Where else should masks be worn? 

From 15th June, masks or other facial coverings must be worn on all public transport in England. You may be refused access to public transport and risk a £100 fine if you do not wear one. 

With more shops reopening, it’s also recommended that masks are worn in other public places where the 2 metre distance may not always be possible. 

The WHO has useful information here about the use and care of fabric masks. 

If you develop coronavirus symptoms – fever, new continuous cough or changed sense of smell or taste – you can order a test through the NHS.

You should also self-isolate for 7 days straight away. Anyone you live with should also stay at home for 14 days.

The sooner you are tested, the sooner you will know if you and your household need to continue to self-isolate.

Ordering a test:

Testing can be done through kits in post, at mobile and drive-through facilities, or in hospitals and care homes for staff and patients there.

Click here to request a test.

If you’re an essential worker with coronavirus symptoms, you should apply for a test here.

Getting your results

You’ll normally hear back within 48 hours – although it can take longer. If your result is negative and your symptoms have gone, you no longer need to self-isolate.

A positive result means you have had coronavirus and should continue to self-isolate along with your household. Test and Trace service will ask about other people you’ve been in close contact with. You can read how that process works here.