Peebles health centre closes as staff member tests positive for coronavirus

Hay Lodge Health Centre in Peebles has cancelled all appointments after a staff member contracted coronavirus (COVID-19).
Hay Lodge in Peebles.Hay Lodge in Peebles.
Hay Lodge in Peebles.

All other members of staff at the facility are currently self-isolating, and patients have been told not to attend, but to telephone the practice instead.

There is a white box in the foyer to pass on prescription requests.

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NHS Borders is holding an emergency meeting this morning on the issue.

The Hay Lodge social media page was updated this morning, giving the following advice to patients.

“The following information relates to patients of The Tweed Practice and The Neidpath Practice only. It does not apply to patients attending for NHS Borders clinics etc.

“Unfortunately, we have had to take a decision over the weekend, in the interest of prioritising our resources to the vulnerable and sick, to institute a number of significant changes. This is the result of a member of staff testing positive for coronavirus and others self-isolating.

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“As of this morning, (Monday), please do not come into the surgery in person.

“If you have a booked appointment, with either a GP or practice nurse, do not attend. We will attemot to contact you by phone to discuss your requirements.

“Please limit any contact with the health centre to urgent queries only. If you require urgent medical assessment, please contact us by telephone, in order that we can assess you.

“Please make any prescription requests in writing and by posting into the white box marked ‘Prescriptions’ in the front entrance foyer.

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“We very much regret the requirement to undertake these measures, and recognise the inconvenience this will cause. We are grateful to our patients for their understanding and assistance at a challenging time.

“The positive test result does nothave any implications for patients who have been in contact with the surgery over the last week.

“Current guidance and advice applies, which is simply that any person with symptoms of fever >37.8, new persistent cough, should self-isolate, and contact us only if your symptoms progress or cause additional concern.”