This page is your “Go To” for all matters Covid!
We update this on a regular basis as advice changes (Latest Update Sept 2022)
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. However we hope that we can work with each other to look after each other.
Please scroll down this page for the best sources of advice on testing, vaccines and general advice.
Like everyone else, we very much welcome the easing of restrictions.
However for now, as Covid cases remain in the population, we would request all patients to continue to wear facemasks when visiting the surgery
If you need to book a PCR test click Here for link to HSE Booking Information
Practice Policy Changes
PLEASE DON’T VISIT THE PRACTICE WITHOUT CALLING AHEAD FIRST
As you know, circulating levels of Covid are improving. We are still operating a reduced capacity in our waiting room to reduce infection risk.
Please do not attend the surgery without prior arrangement if you have respiratory symptoms
Booking Appointments
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.
- If the waiting room is busy, consider waiting in the car until the doctor is available.
- Wear a face mask please.
Specific Covid-19 queries
- 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! - Most people now only need to do Antigen tests, however eligible patients may now book Covid PCR tests for yourself.
Alternatively we can send an electronic Covid-19 test request for you. You will receive an appointment by text. - While you are awaiting for us to contact you, please self-isolate at home to help slow the spread of the virus.
- If your symptoms worsen while you’re awaiting testing, please telephone us so we can further evaluate your status.
Prescriptions
We now offer a secure online ordering system for repeat prescriptions. This service is for our patients’ regular authorised repeat medications.
Ideally it should not be used for occasionally required medications. If you have any queries about this, please 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 can also order repeat prescriptions 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. This reduces 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!
Covid Vaccines
The latest guidance on Covid vaccine boosters can be found at
HSE Covid vaccine information
The practice will be offering Covid booster vaccines to eligible adults from October.
Booking arrangements when available will be found in our New section
Covid Vaccine and Pregnancy FAQs
RCPI-vaccine-decision-aid-for-pregnant-or-breastfeeding-women
HSE Advice on Covid and Pregnancy
Covid Vaccine in children
Covid-19-vaccination-for-children
or download
General information poster
covid-19-vaccine-comic-guide-for-children
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
Covid digital certificates are issued by the Government and the practice has no role in this.
Full information about the certificate is available at
https://www.covidcertificateportal.gov.ie/en-US/
