During this last year the Westgate Practice, in accordance with NHS guidelines has taken the decision to deliver all of our services via a triage model, meaning all patients receive a telephone call prior to a face to face appointment. Any face to face appointments that are required have been based at our main site at Greenhill Health Centre, Lichfield. Consequently during this period, as a matter of safety, our branch site at Shenstone has been closed to patients.
This way of working has been constantly reviewed as part of our operating procedures over the course of the last 12 months, as COVID measures have been amended or changed. The safety of our patients and staff has remained our top priority.
We are aware that over the last few weeks the pattern of illness related to the pandemic has changed for the better. Whilst there are still Covid cases, the severity of infection seems less so. With this in mind the Westgate Practice has reviewed the operational strategy and we now feel that with continuing safety measures in place we can re-open the Shenstone Branch site from Monday 4th April 2022 to patients.
As you may be aware whilst the Government has relaxed rules surrounding isolation and social distancing across many general public areas, health care settings still require infection control measures to be in place. Our staff and patients are still required to wear face masks/coverings and to be mindful of other patient vulnerabilities when visiting or waiting in the surgery.
As part of our initial re opening of the Shenstone branch of the Westgate Practice, we would like you to note changes to our opening times and operating services:
- The Shenstone branch will be open each day Monday – Friday from 8.00 am – 1.00pm.
- All appointments will still need to be booked either online or by telephoning the practice on 01543 416633. There will be no facility to physically call in and book appointments at the Shenstone branch. This is the same as our Greenhill Site.
- The Shenstone branch will be unable to take requests for prescriptions. These can be done on line or via the local Pharmacy.
- A range of services will be rolled out over the next few months, including appointments with GPs, Advanced Nurse Practitioners and Practice Nurses.
These clinics will vary from week to week, depending on the availability of our staff. Please be aware that our staff are still required to isolate in accordance with the NHS Covid rules if testing positive, and our staff are still required to socially distance. This is to protect our vulnerable patients.
The Westgate Practice would like to thank all of our patients for their understanding and support during the pandemic. As a reminder the majority of our services can be accessed remotely online; by telephone or via our website www.westgatepractice.co.uk