Latest coronavirus health advice about seeing doctors and dentists

Healthwatch Brighton & Hove has released updated guidance about seeing doctors and dentists at this current time.

KEY POINTS – GPs

• Patients can still make appointments with a doctor, nurse, healthcare assistant or social prescriber.
• GPs are still able to make referrals and you should not delay contacting your GP if you have health concerns. Cancer referrals are still being made.
• Many GPs are limiting their face-to-face contact with patients and are conducting appointments via telephone or video consultation.
• GPs are making alternative arrangements for certain groups of patients, such as the deaf community, people with learning disabilities, people whose first language is not English and people who do not have access to the telephone.
• GP-led ‘hot sites’ are being set up around Sussex exclusively for any patient with Covid-19 symptoms.

 

KEY POINTS – Dentists

• Patients can still contact a dentist if they require medical help. This does not have to be the dental practice you are registered with, and you can contact any practice which is near to your home.
• Face to face dental appointments have mostly stopped, but dental practices have replaced these with telephone consultations.
• Dentists can still prescribe medications such as pain relief and antibiotics for a suspected infection.
• If a dentist thinks you need to be seen for urgent treatment, they will make a referral to one of the new Urgent Dental Care Hubs. Please note that you cannot self-refer to one of these Hubs.
• You can still be referred to a Hub for urgent dental treatment if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or are vulnerable or shielding, although you will be seen at dedicated sites only.
• Some Hubs are based outside of Brighton, but support is available to help you travel to these sites.

Should you have any questions or require further information please contact: office@healthwatchbrightonandhove.co.uk