he transport secretary has backed workplaces that want to force staff to get vaccinated but said Covid passports will not need to be shown by customers in shops and pubs.
Grant Shapps said that it was a “good idea” that employers demand their workers show certification before going back into the office.
Boris Johnson announced last week that people would need to prove their vaccination status to get into nightclubs from September. Nadhim Zahawi, the vaccines minister, then said that certification would be required in a much wider
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NHS Patients, staff and visitors must continue to wear face coverings in healthcare settings
England’s Chief Nurse has today reminded the public that everyone accessing or visiting healthcare settings must continue to wear a face covering and follow social distancing rules.
Covid restrictions will end in many settings in England from Monday.
However, Public Health England’s infection prevention control guidelines and hospital visiting guidance are set to remain in place for all staff and visitors.
That means NHS visitor guidance will stay in place across all health services including hospitals, GP practices, dental practices, optometrists and pharmacies to ensure patients and staff are protected.
Staff, patients and visitors will also be expected to continue to follow social distancing rules when visiting any care setting as well as using face coverings, mask and other personal protection equipment.
The NHS will continue to support staff in ensuring that the guidance is followed in all healthcare settings.
Chief Nursing Officer for England, Ruth May said: “Face coverings and social distancing measures will remain in place across healthcare settings so that the most vulnerable people can continue to safely attend hospital, their GP surgery, pharmacy or any other healthcare settings for advice, care and treatment.
“And it is important for the public to continue to play their part when visiting NHS and care settings to help protect our staff and patients, particularly those who may be more vulnerable to infections.
“As restrictions are lifted in many places on Monday everyone has a part to play in helping to control Covid by getting vaccinated and acting responsibly.
“It is vital that in healthcare settings, we do all we can to reduce the risk of infection for those working in our services and those who need our care.”
Health Minister Jo Churchill said: “Face coverings have played an important role in healthcare settings, helping protect vulnerable patients, staff and visitors by limiting the spread of this deadly disease and this guidance remains in place.
“We expect patients, visitors and NHS staff to continue using face coverings and maintain social distancing in all healthcare settings as we cautiously lift restrictions on Monday.
“I urge everyone to play their part and think of those more vulnerable than you when visiting your local hospital or GP surgery.”
Chief Nursing Officer for England, Ruth May said: “Face coverings and social distancing measures will remain in place across healthcare settings so that the most vulnerable people can continue to safely attend hospital, their GP surgery, pharmacy or any other healthcare settings for advice, care and treatment.
“And it is important for the public to continue to play their part when visiting NHS and care settings to help protect our staff and patients, particularly those who may be more vulnerable to infections.
“As restrictions are lifted in many places on Monday everyone has a part to play in helping to control Covid by getting vaccinated and acting responsibly.
“It is vital that in healthcare settings, we do all we can to reduce the risk of infection for those working in our services and those who need our care.”
Health Minister Jo Churchill said: “Face coverings have played an important role in healthcare settings, helping protect vulnerable patients, staff and visitors by limiting the spread of this deadly disease and this guidance remains in place.
“We expect patients, visitors and NHS staff to continue using face coverings and maintain social distancing in all healthcare settings as we cautiously lift restrictions on Monday.
“I urge everyone to play their part and think of those more vulnerable than you when visiting your local hospital or GP surgery.”
Professor Helen Stokes-Lampard, Chair of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges said: “It is absolutely right that basic infection prevention and control measures stay in place in healthcare settings. Simple steps such as wearing a face mask and keeping a safe distance away from others are a minor inconvenience but could have a profound positive impact when it comes to protecting the most vulnerable and I strongly support the chief nurse with this clear reminder.”
Jude Diggins, Interim RCN Director of Nursing, Policy and Public Affairs said: “The recent increase in the number of COVID-19 cases shows that we have some way to go before being free from the pandemic. The public understand the importance of face masks, social distancing and vigilant handwashing in all health and care settings. These must continue in order to protect patients and nursing staff thus helping to ensure the NHS has the capacity to treat everyone who needs it if pressures keep increasing.”
Eddie Crouch, Chair of the British Dental Association said: “These guidelines are in place to protect patients and staff. When visiting a dentist face coverings, social distancing and hand washing remain fundamentals not optional extras. Wider changes that take place on Monday will have no impact on how the public should approach accessing our services.”
Thorrun Govind, Chair of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society in England said: “Pharmacists and their teams are working really hard to support patient care and the public can do its bit to help keep people safe. While some pharmacies are in retail environments, they’re still a healthcare setting and have been relied upon to support and protect the public throughout the pandemic. I’d urge everyone entering a pharmacy or any healthcare setting to wear and mask and maintain social distancing to reduce the risk from COVID-19 to both patients and staff.”
UNISON head of health Sara Gorton said: “Although restrictions are easing, NHS staff are under pressure trying to clear the long wait lists that have built up during the pandemic. At the same time, Coronavirus cases are rising rapidly and many people remain vulnerable. It’s vital that staff know they will be kept safe and the public are clear that measures like social distancing and mask wearing will still be needed to stop the spread in healthcare settings.”
Matthew Taylor, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, said: “This is exactly what health leaders across the country needed to hear as we head towards the final coronavirus restrictions lifting in England as it will validate their intention to continue following the existing infection control guidelines. It is not too much to ask of those visiting or using NHS services to continue wearing a mask and respecting social distancing measures if it can keep themselves and those around them safe from this horrible disease.”
Topics
Starting university is a big step so ensuring that your physical and mental health is being cared for is essential. As a student, there are a range of healthcare services available through the NHS, so you can receive the advice and treatment you need while living away from home.
Here are four healthcare services you may need as a student.
There’s no doubt that your university journey can be challenging. From living independently to ongoing stress and more, it’s okay to feel overwhelmed. Seeking wellbeing services such as counselling is a great way of managing your mental health safely. Your GP can provide practical advice as well as refer you to appropriate services.
University is a time for growth and part of that often includes exploring sexuality and relationships. According to the 2018 Let’s Talk about Sex’ survey conducted by the University of Bristol, 36% of students had never had sex when they started university. Whether you need advice about contraception, pregnancy, getting tested or more, you can access free support via the NHS.
Do you need to book a doctors appointment but have been avoiding it? Focusing on your studies and university life often means that your health gets put on the backfoot. However, online GP services include online consultations and bookings, so you can speak to a clinician quickly and easily.
If you’re going away to university, it may be good to think about vaccinations as you will be mixing with many new people on campus. The MenACWY vaccine protects against 4 different causes of meningitis and septicaemia – your GP can provide this before your academic year. Most universities also recommended having the MMR vaccine as well as the flu jab particularly if you have asthma or long-term health conditions.
The NHS GP student health service is here to help you. Register today and gain access to our online services as well as our four clinics in Wembley, Alperton, Willesden and Queen’s Park. Don’t keep your health concerns to yourself, our medical professionals are available for both physical and mental services as well as general advice for students. Sign up today.
The world of medical care has drastically changed in the past year and you can now see your GP online for many health issues. To avoid going into your next appointment unprepared, it’s a good idea to plan ahead and have everything you need on hand.
The doctor will need to know your vital signs, which means you should know your:
Pulse rate. Take this by placing two fingers (not your thumb) on your neck or wrist to feel your pulse. Count how many beats you can feel in 30 seconds, then double this to get your heart rate.
Breathing rate. This is similar to your pulse. Just pay attention to how many breaths you take for 30 seconds and then double for your rate.
You certainly don’t need much in the way of equipment, but it can be helpful to have a couple of items on hand.
A flashlight or moveable lamp is useful for illuminating shadowed areas, such as your throat. This will help your GP see the issue better. You may need to illuminate a rash or spot, as well, so keep something ready to make it easier for them to see.
Thermometers are another essential item for every home and this will let your GP know what your temperature is. You can also take your temperature over time so you can report the progression of a fever.
If you are diabetic, you should also have a glucometer to check your blood sugar and if you deal with pulmonary disease, you may want to keep a peak flow metre at home. These are both ideal for giving the GP a better idea of how your health is doing.
Finally, this is not essential, but it can be quite helpful to have a pulse oximeter on hand if you have respiratory issues. It will measure the amount of oxygen in your blood.
Ideally, you’ll be in a quiet, tranquil space that has minimal distractions. You should aim to sit in front of a window so there’s natural light on you, but if that isn’t possible, go ahead and choose a well-illuminated space in your home.
You’ll need a bit of room to move around, particularly if you are dealing with pain in other parts of the body than the head and shoulders. Your doctor may need to see you move around in order to evaluate the problem.
If you take any medications, make sure you have the list in front of you. Anything you can log, such as how many times you have had diarrhoea or how often you have vomited, will be useful to the doctor, as well.
When you go into the online GP appointment prepared, you’ll end up getting more benefits than if you aren’t ready. This also ensures your appointment will be quick and efficient.
Ready to talk to a GP about your health? Schedule an appointment with NHS GP today.
The world of medical care has drastically changed in the past year and you can now see your GP online for many health issues. To avoid going into your next appointment unprepared, it’s a good idea to plan ahead and have everything you need on hand.
The doctor will need to know your vital signs, which means you should know your:
Pulse rate. Take this by placing two fingers (not your thumb) on your neck or wrist to feel your pulse. Count how many beats you can feel in 30 seconds, then double this to get your heart rate.
Breathing rate. This is similar to your pulse. Just pay attention to how many breaths you take for 30 seconds and then double for your rate.
You certainly don’t need much in the way of equipment, but it can be helpful to have a couple of items on hand.
A flashlight or moveable lamp is useful for illuminating shadowed areas, such as your throat. This will help your GP see the issue better. You may need to illuminate a rash or spot, as well, so keep something ready to make it easier for them to see.
Thermometers are another essential item for every home and this will let your GP know what your temperature is. You can also take your temperature over time so you can report the progression of a fever.
If you are diabetic, you should also have a glucometer to check your blood sugar and if you deal with pulmonary disease, you may want to keep a peak flow metre at home. These are both ideal for giving the GP a better idea of how your health is doing.
Finally, this is not essential, but it can be quite helpful to have a pulse oximeter on hand if you have respiratory issues. It will measure the amount of oxygen in your blood.
Ideally, you’ll be in a quiet, tranquil space that has minimal distractions. You should aim to sit in front of a window so there’s natural light on you, but if that isn’t possible, go ahead and choose a well-illuminated space in your home.
You’ll need a bit of room to move around, particularly if you are dealing with pain in other parts of the body than the head and shoulders. Your doctor may need to see you move around in order to evaluate the problem.
If you take any medications, make sure you have the list in front of you. Anything you can log, such as how many times you have had diarrhoea or how often you have vomited, will be useful to the doctor, as well.
When you go into the online GP appointment prepared, you’ll end up getting more benefits than if you aren’t ready. This also ensures your appointment will be quick and efficient.
Ready to talk to a GP about your health? Schedule an appointment with NHS GP today.
Find the best local doctors to you based on independent customer reviews and feedback from the people with load of experience.
Click here to show you closest clinic.
If you’re looking for a family doctor or GP, you can check what services they offer and the quality of care you can expect.
When the CQC inspect GP practices, they give them a rating to help you choose care. As well as GPs, they inspect out-of-hours or mobile doctor services, walk-in centres, minor injury units and urgent care centres.
You can use CQC inspection reports and ratings to help you understand the quality of care.
This easiest way to find your local GP branch is to use the search function on the website: Find GP
You do not need proof of address or immigration status, ID or an NHS number.
You might be able to register with a GP surgery that’s not in the area you live. Find out about registering with a GP surgery out of your area
Find a GP that suits what you need. You can look up GP surgeries to see what they offer and how they compare.
Because of coronavirus, try to avoid going into a GP surgery to register.
You can:
If you need help to fill in forms or you are not able to register online, call the GP surgery and let them know.
A GP surgery can refuse to register you because:
