NHS services in our area are coming under intense pressure as flu cases surge this week, while COVID, winter vomiting bugs and other respiratory illnesses like RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) are all adding to the strain. The Resident Doctor Strikes will also impact The Maples as we are a Training Practice hosting Resident Doctors and our capacity will be reduced during this period.
Please consider simple self help before contacting the practice. Rest, plenty of fluids and over the counter medications can help you recover from many respiratory virus’s. If there are more serous symptoms after a few days then an online consultation should be submitted.
You can also get quick and easy health advice from your pharmacist. High street chemists give patients access to prescription-only medicines for common conditions including sore throat, sinusitis and earache.
Our ICB has produced this information on keeping well this winter https://www.hertsandwestessex.ics.nhs.uk/news/pressure-on-local-nhs-services-increasing-how-to-get-the-care-you-need/