DOWN AT THE DOCTORS MAY 2020
Thank you to Andrew for filling in last month whilst I was stuck in Canada!
A big thank you also to everyone for their understanding and patience during these unprecedented times. Luckily, the weather has been mostly kind so hanging around in the car park waiting for medication hasn’t been too arduous.
The biggest thank you, though, goes to our amazing staff who have all been fantastic throughout. The nurses have continued to see patients who need regular dressings, doing routine baby immunisations etc; we just need to observe the “one in one out” policy as much as possible. The reception and dispensary staff have gone above and beyond, and will continue to do so. Traditionally, GP receptionists get a “bad press” and I sincerely hope that they all get the recognition they deserve after this crisis is over; their job is not easy and they all deserve our respect.
Interestingly, conducting almost all consultations by telephone, with some help from e-mail (patients have sent images of moles, rashes and swellings) and facetime, seems to have worked well and could be a positive learning experience going forward. May I therefore ask that you make sure we have your correct contact details (mobile phone and e-mail addresses) especially if there has been a recent change; just e-mail any changes/updates to much.hadham@ nhs.net
It has come to our attention that there are still some patients in the “at risk groups” (mostly the elderly) who are coming to the surgery to collect medication. Please make use of the volunteer services in your locality; details are elsewhere in this magazine, or just phone the health centre for contact numbers.
Finally, the 2nd May will be my 30th anniversary as a Much Hadham GP! It has been an honour to look after you all for half my lifetime and I hope to continue for a few more years; after all, I need to break Colin Brookbanks record of 32 years!!!
Keep well. Stay at home. Stay safe
Dr Paul Haimes