As a result of problems experienced by NHS supplier Roche, there is a temporary shortage in some of the chemicals used in tests carried out by GP practices. This is affecting routine tests, however, GP practices continue to have access to urgent tests. The NHS is working with its partners to resolve this and reinstate routine tests as fast as possible. All routine bloods tests will be cancelled until we receive further information and we will contact you when we can re-book them.
Flu vaccines are starting to arrive at the surgery but due to the volume of patients to vaccinate these will only be given out to specific categories at allocated slots only.
You will receive a text or e-mail notification to inform you about your allocated slot, **if you cannot attend your allocated slot please contact us ONLY after the 23rd October for over 65’s or after 20th November for all other eligible patients**. Over 65s clinics will be throughout October and Under 65s in November due to delivery dates. This is because the vaccines for the over 65’s are different to the vaccine that is given to patients under 65 years of age.
If other members of your household do not get notification at the same time, this will mean they will be vaccinated in another category so please only attend in the allocated slots you are given.
Things you need to know about the clinics:
– You will need to attend alone to flu clinics unless you need a carer present to assist you
– Face coverings will be required
-Please wear loose fitting clothing to allow access to vaccination area and be ready by the time you reach your vaccinator.
– Clinics allocations will be staggered to reduce numbers being seen at one time therefore it is essential that you DO NOT arrive before your appointment slot and utilise the hour available. We will be doing more clinics this year to aid this too.
– Please be patient while you are waiting and remember to socially distance from other patients. With current restrictions you will be required to wait outside for some of the time please ensure you are suitably attired
We will not be able to help you with any enquiries during the clinics and will only be giving out the flu vaccination, those entitled to shingles or pneumococcal will be contacted at a separate time.
Unless you are already in the eligible under 65s at risk group the additional 50-64 year olds that have been advertised to be given the flu vaccination this year will be vaccinated at a later date we provide an update when we have more details.
Some clinics will be held at the War Memorial Hall and some at the Surgery this year.
PLEASE READ
Please help protect others and yourself by wearing a mask or a facial covering within the surgery. Only attend the surgery when requested to do so.
ALL REQUESTS for dispensary or reception must come via AskmyGP or if no internet access please phone. Please do not enter the surgery to make these requests.
WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR YOUR CO-OPERATION IN THIS DIFFICULT SITUATION.
Monday to Friday 8.00am-6.30pm.
We are closed on the first Wednesday of every month for training from 1pm.
Dispensary – Monday to Friday 9.00am – 5.00pm (Closed 12noon-1pm)
We can only reply to AskmyGP requests during opening hours. If you require further assistance/advice outside of our opening times or before a response has been received please ring 111 or 999 in an emergency.
At Merton Lodge Surgery, the doctors and nurses take pride in offering the highest standard of patient-centred healthcare.
We run many clinics for chronic disease care and offer a wide variety of other medical services such as antenatal and postnatal care, minor surgery, childhood vaccinations and well-person check-ups.
23rd September, 2019
1st February, 2019
2nd June, 2018
33 West Street
Alford
Lincolnshire
LN13 9HT
Call: 01507 463262
Fax: 01507 466447
