GPs across the Black Country are still here for you, but working differently due to COVID-19.

Across the area GP practices have been open throughout the pandemic, offering essential services to patients should they need them. However, like all areas of our lives right now, things have had to change to ensure that people are kept safe from COVID-19.

Patients should first call their surgery to discuss their needs rather than just turning up and, whilst the number of patient contacts is back to pre COVID-19 levels, just under half of these appointments are delivered via telephone or video consultation, with face to face happening only where necessary. Dr Mohit Mandiratta, a local GP in the Black Country, said:

“It’s critical that the NHS is able to continue to offer non-covid services. Since the start of the pandemic we have been working hard to both respond to the pandemic, deliver vaccinations and ensure that those needing health advice get it in a timely way. In order to make our premises safe we are following the social distancing and infection control measures.

“We’ve learnt a lot and have adapted our services to make them as safe as possible, for example offering more virtual services where we can, which many people are also finding much more convenient.

“I want to remind and assure people - the NHS is still here for you. Our services are open and are running safely. So if you think you need medical care, if you are worried about something, for example if you find a lump or have other worrying symptoms, please seek help”.

Patients with COVID-19 symptoms should remain at home, please DO NOT visit your GP, pharmacy or local hospital. Visit NHS 111 online as the first port of call or call NHS 111 if you do not have access to the internet.

If you have a life-threatening condition, such as chest pains, stroke symptoms, large blood loss or you have breathing difficulties, contact 999 immediately.

You can check local GP opening hours online, or by speaking to your GP practice. For local pharmacy opening hours this bank holiday and to find the nearest pharmacy to you visit nhs.uk.