Temporary suspension of NHS walk-in services
Temporary suspension of Calderdale NHS walk-in centres
During this period of unprecedented demand on the NHS, there will be times when we have to re-deploy our staff and resources to other places to bolster our resilience and support key front line services in the fight against the coronavirus.
As a result, we are writing to inform you that Calderdale Clinical Commissioning Group has taken the decision to temporarily suspend NHS walk-in services at Horne Street Health Centre in Halifax and Todmorden Health Centre in Todmorden until further notice.
This decision has been taken not only with the resilience of the NHS in mind, but also to support national efforts to encourage people to stay at home and maintain social distancing measures to slow the spread of the coronavirus and reduce its impact on health services.
We are letting members of the public know how best to use primary care services in Calderdale through our website, social media channels and general practices:
For help and information about coronavirus
Those with symptoms should use the 111 Coronavirus online service. People should only call 111 if you’re unable to get help online.
Those advised to self-isolate can get a note to send to their employer online at https://111.nhs.uk/isolation-note/
Using GP practices
If you need to contact a GP, do not go into the surgery in person.
If you need an appointment with a clinician, or advice, call your GP practice by phone in the first instance. You can use the NHS Find your GP service to get their contact details.
Your GP surgery will then give you advice about what to do.
A phone or video call with a GP, nurse or other healthcare professional may be booked for you.
You’ll only be asked to visit the surgery if absolutely necessary.
Your GP surgery may be very busy at the moment. So you may have to wait longer than usual to speak to someone if it’s not urgent.
General health advice
The best place to get accurate health information is the NHS website.
The NHS website has information and advice on:
Repeat prescriptions
If you have a repeat prescription that you normally request at your GP surgery or pharmacy, you can do normally this online, using an app or by calling your surgery or pharmacy.
Please be patient when calling as they may be very busy at the moment. You may have to wait longer than usual to speak to someone.
Urgent medical help
If you need urgent medical help, use the NHS 111 online service.
The 111 online service asks questions about your symptoms to help you get the help you need.
Only call 111 if you’re unable to get help online.
During the coronavirus outbreak, the 111 phone line will be very busy so it will be quicker and easier to get help online.
Emergency medical help
For life-threatening emergencies, call 999 for an ambulance.
Try to avoid going to A&E, as there’s a risk you could catch coronavirus or spread it to people who are seriously ill.