Novel-Coronavirus (2019 n-COV)
Date sent: Tuesday 11 February 2020
Dear Colleagues
All practices should have received and be familiar with and using the guidance from Public health England relating to the world-wide Coronavirus outbreak. The situation is rapidly evolving, and colleagues are encouraged to make themselves familiar with the on-line information at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/wn-cov-guidance-for-primary-care/wn-cov-interim-guidance-for-primary-care which is being constantly updated.
The LMC participates in the regular Pandemic Incident Response Team (PIRT) calls that bring together all providers from across the county, as well as the CCG, NHS England, Social Care and Public Health England. There are developments during the past few days that colleagues should be aware of:
1. Note that relevant travel history now includes travel within 14 days of the onset of symptoms to China, Hong Kong, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, or Thailand.
2. Symptomatic patients shouldn’t be attending the practice, but if in any doubt, clinicians should ascertain at the beginning of the consultation if there has been recent travel to the areas listed above or contact with a known case.
3. If during the consultation, n-Cov infection is considered a possibility, the clinician should leave the room, close the door and wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water and contact the local Health Protection Team on 0300 3038162 (option 1).
4. The NHS Pathways guidance that NHS 111 is mandated to use was updated at the weekend. It states that in patients who are symptomatic and but not unwell enough for a 999 or ED disposition, patients may be referred back to speak to their GP practice. The LMC has pointed out that that this is at odds with the guidance to Primary care from Public Health England. In a call with Devon Doctors (who run 111) on Monday afternoon, it was agreed that until this has been resolved, symptomatic patients will be advised to attend ED (or the pod at the Trust) for testing.
Please continue to monitor the website above for updated information. We will continue to take part in the regular system calls and update practices as appropriate.
With best wishes,
Dr Nick Bray
Chair, Somerset LMC
