Update from the Medical Practice
Covid-19 testing On Tiree
We now have self-test kits for Covid-19 testing on Tiree. Although self-tests are available by post on the mainland, they cannot be completed by post from Tiree, due of the time taken for posting. The tests are therefore being given out and sent on for processing by the Medical Practice. For some people, self-testing may not be practical and the Medical Practice will perform a test for you if this applies to you.
Everyone with symptoms of possible Covid-19 and their household contacts MUST self isolate, as explained in the Government Advice. https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19
We are only able to carry out tests or give self-test kits to people with symptoms of new continuous cough, fever or change in sense of taste or smell. If you have any of these symptoms, you need to contact the surgery on 01879 220323. You will have details taken by reception and will be called back.
Depending on how unwell you are, you may need to be seen by the doctor. If so, this will be in the Covid-19 assessment room, which is in a grey portacabin beside the Dental Surgery, opposite the Medical Practice. If we ask you to attend, please park outside the Covid assessment room, ring the surgery on 01879 220323 and wait in your car.
Please do not come to the surgery building if you have any of the symptoms of Covid-19.
If you need to self-test, we will leave a kit for you to pick up in a plastic box marked ‘new self-test kits’, which is situated outside the Covid assessment room. You will find a guidance sheet with the kit on how to complete the test. You should be able to do this in your car. Once completed, the test kit should be returned to the second plastic box, marked ‘completed tests’. Once you have done this, you will need to ring the surgery on 01879 220323 and we will arrange to have your test sent to the lab. You should be informed of the result of the test by text, after a wait of between one and two days. You must continue to isolate whilst awaiting your result and continue to do so as outlined in the guidance at https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19
We cannot provide testing for people with no symptoms, who would like to be tested for travel or family reasons, or because their employer wants them to be tested.
Telephone Consultation and Telephone Traige.
Thank you all once again for adapting to the changes we have made to the medical service, in response to the Covid-19 crisis. We will be continuing with the process of calling all patients back to decide if we can deal with the problem by phone, by using the ‘Near Me’ video call service, or whether we need to see you face to face.
It is really helpful if people can call in as early as possible, in order that we can organise the day. We understand that it can be hard to get through as the lines are so busy and we are grateful for your patience. If you can let us know you need an appointment before 10:30 in the morning, it is a big help. Some appointments requested after 10:30 may need to be dealt with the following day, but we will always see urgent problems on the day.
In order that we can prioritise the most urgent problems, reception will ask you for a brief explanation of your problem. This information is dealt with in the strictest confidence and we are grateful for your understanding.
Our new Medical Student.
Our new Medical Student Alistair McDonald has now joined us. He is a graduate student from the Scot GEM medical school and he will be with us for a year. Thank you for those who have already helped with Alistair’s education by having him participate in your care. Once he is settled in Alistair will be involved in all aspects of the medical service under the supervision of the doctor on duty. We think he will be a great addition to the team and we know you will make him welcome.
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