Hertfordshire doctors urge people to keep their appointments during lockdown

Family doctors across Hertfordshire are urging people to continue to attend hospital and clinic appointments with a simple message: “The NHS is here to see you safely, even during the lockdown.”

Although restrictions are in place, GPs, pharmacies, hospitals, clinics and other NHS services remain open.

Screening services, appointments for long-term conditions, and checks and treatments for the most serious illnesses such as cancer, stroke or heart disease will continue to go ahead during the lockdown.

Dr Nicolas Small, a Hertfordshire GP who chairs the Herts Valleys Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “Our top concern is the health and safety of our patients and staff. We want to assure people that it is safe for them to come for any existing or new appointments. Things may look a little different, but we’ve made it safe for you and we want you to come to your appointment.

“Symptoms like unexpected weight loss, pain or a lump might be the early signs of something more serious. We want people to get these little things checked out, whether it’s a mental health concern or a physical symptom. Most of the time it’s nothing to worry about, but it’s still worth giving us a call.”

Many GPs and other services will offer an initial appointment by phone or a video call, or may ask people to send a photo of the problem area. GPs will still refer people for treatment or more tests if needed, all of which will be done in a Covid-19 safe setting.

In order to ensure patient safety, people are asked not to arrive at their GP practice without an appointment.