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‘Bear with us’ plea to patients made by Dingwall Medical Group; thanks for Highlanders' patience made by one of Ross-shire's biggest medical practices as world adjusts to Covid-19 coronavirus crisis impact


By Hector MacKenzie

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DR Miles Mack of the Dingwall Medical Group.
DR Miles Mack of the Dingwall Medical Group.

PATIENTS at one of Ross-shire's largest medical practices have been thanked for their patience during the turmoil caused by the coronavirus crisis.

People registered with Dingwall Medical Group are also being advised of a new set up devised to ensure they get the health care they need as the pandemic plays out.

Dr Miles Mack said: "Thank you for bearing with us as our services have completely changed during the Covid-19 pandemic. The level of the virus in the community is now very low but we are still on high alert and if you do have symptoms of the virus, please consult the NHS Inform website or call 111 and speak to NHS 24.

"We are working at full capacity as we are trying to catch up with the backlog of problems that has built up over the last three months and we are now changing the way we work to deliver more routine care. We are not able to work in the way that we used to because it is essential to keep numbers in the waiting room down and we can see fewer people because of the need to clean between patients and the time it takes to change PPE."

Face-to-face appointments are still being offered alongside phone and video consultations.

He advises that in certain cases, urgent issues will be passed on to a physiotherapist, nurse practitioner, pharmacist or paramedic rather than being seen by a GP first.

And while people will have the option of seeing the doctor of their choice, they may well have to wait before an appointment can be offered.

Patients are asked NOT to go to the health centre without an appointment and to give as much detail as possible when phoning to help staff find the right person to see.

Those with appointments are being asked to bring a face covering and arrive as close to the appointment as possible to minimise the number of people in the waiting room.

He has also flagged the Pharmacy First system for minor ailments and flagged the availability of podiatrists, chiropodists, opticians and dentists for specific concerns.

He said: "Rethinking our service has been a real challenge. We hope that we can give you access to health care you need when you need it from a team that you know and trust.

"Thank you for your patience as the system beds in and bear with us if it's not perfect first time. "Look after yourself and, if you can, look after someone else."

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