Guidance on the phased easing of COVID-19 restrictions continues to be issued by government, in line with the Coronavirus roadmap out of lockdown, with services following and adapting accordingly.
As such, ahead of government rules on social distancing changing from 17 May, we would like to draw your attention to the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) which will be published shortly, and which will update and replace previous guidance. We know you have been asking for this guidance to provide further clarity.
This guidance outlines:
GP practices must all ensure they are offering face to face appointments
Patients and clinicians should have a choice of consultation mode. Patients’ input into this choice should be sought and practices should respect preferences for face to face care unless there are good clinical reasons to the contrary, for example the presence of COVID symptoms
All practice receptions should be open to patients, adhering to social distancing and IPC guidance.
Patients should be treated consistently regardless of mode of access.
This letter contains further detail and support