We have taken the step of adding a Covid-19 page to our practice website to help us all through the public health issues relating to the coronavirus infection.
We update this on a regular basis as advice changes (Latest Update Oct 20th 2021)
Our aim throughout the pandemic has been to try to ensure the health and well-being of you (our patients), and of all those who work in the practice to deliver that care.
This has meant some necessary temporary changes.
We hope that we can work with each other to look after each other.
Please scroll down this page for specific advice if you have personal concern about infection.
Vaccine Update
For our patients aged 80 and over, we are offering Covid booster vaccine along with the flu vaccine.
We are awaiting information from the HSE as to what the precise arrangements will be for Covid vaccines in other age groups such as the over 60s
Covid Vaccine and Pregnancy FAQs Click
RCPI-vaccine-decision-aid-for-pregnant-women/
HSE Advice on Covid and Pregnancy
Covid Vaccine in children over 12
Deciding-on-vaccination-for-12-to-15-year-olds
If you wish to read further facts about Covid-19 vaccination, please consult
https://www2.hse.ie/screening-and-vaccinations/covid-19-vaccine/
Covid vaccine certificates
The HSE and Dept of Health are sending out digital COVID certificates to Irish citizens, either by post or email. The practice has no role in this, and is unable to help you to obtain a certificate. Full information about the certificate (including if you haven’t received yours) is available at
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/3a698-eu-digital-covid-certificate/
The latest information on international travel can be found at
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/77952-government-advice-on-international-travel/
Practice Policy Changes
PLEASE DON’T VISIT THE PRACTICE WITHOUT CALLING AHEAD FIRST
Even though Ireland is gradually returning to normality, we are still operating a reduced capacity in our waiting room to reduce the risk of community infection.
Booking Appointments
We are currently offering a mix of face to face and telephone consultations.
When you ring for a consultation or medical query, our receptionist will take your details and a doctor or nurse will ring you back.
We will continue to triage all appointment requests for your safety, and the safety of other patients and staff
We have instructed staff to ask ALL patients requesting appointments about respiratory symptoms.
For the good of yourself, your family and community, please be co-operative with this,
and do not attend if you may be a risk for others.
Attending Appointments
- Please do not attend before your appointment time, and notify reception when you arrive.
- Patients attending by car may be asked to wait in the car until the doctor is available to see them.
- Wear a face mask please.
Sources of reliable information
- HSE advice/updates on Covid 19
- frequently asked questions (hpsc.ie)
- Self Isolation at home
- Updates from Irish Government
Specific Covid-19 queries
- Please check the reliable information links above this section.
- If you are concerned that you may be suffering from Covid-19 or that you need testing, phone (but do not attend) the surgery.
Please understand that our phone lines have been extremely busy – we are trying our best! - If you meet the current criteria for Covid-19 testing as outlined by Health Protection Surveillance Centre guidelines, we will submit an electronic referral to request Covid-19 testing to the National centre. You will receive a text to arrange this and give further information.
- While you are awaiting for us to contact you, please, please, please self-isolate at home to help slow the spread of the virus.
- If your symptoms worsen whilst you are awaiting testing, please telephone us so we can further evaluate your status.
Prescriptions
Wheaton Hall Medical Practice is pleased to offer its patients a secure online ordering system for repeat prescriptions. This service is intended for regular authorised repeat medications.
It should not be used for occasionally required medications. However if you have any queries about this, you should discuss with your doctor.
To order a repeat prescription online through our portal, you must first register as a portal user.
Visit our Patient Portal
During the pandemic, you have also been able to order repeat prescription by email to wheatonhall@gmail.com
stating your name, date of birth and medications required, and preferred pharmacy.
NB please note that this is standard rather then secure email. The practice tries to handle all communication securely, however the integrity and security of this email cannot be guaranteed over the Internet. We recommend avoiding email for sensitive information.
Therefore our aim is to phase out the use of email prescription requests, and encourage patients to use our Secure Portal
We will send all prescriptions to pharmacies by secure email, thereby reducing the time you need to spend in either the practice or the pharmacy. Please notify us of your preferred pharmacy for this service
Certificates
The practice is now using electronic certification for social welfare certificates. You do not always need to attend the practice but may require a telephone consultation.
Private medical certificates my be returned through our portal to registered patients or by email.
Thank you for your co-operation and understanding. These changes will help reduce the risk of spreading coronavirus infection, while allowing us to deliver medical services to you!
