Kirklees health federation launch dedicated coronavirus sites

Over the past several weeks, the spread of coronavirus (Covid-19) has seen a rapid rise, which has put a significant impact on the NHS.

In response to this and following national guidance, it has been necessary for general practices to change the way they work in order to ensure the safety of patients by providing the majority of care for patients by telephone, video and online consultations.

A spokesman from Curo Health, said: "We reiterate - this service will be available to all North Kirklees registered patients.

"Appointments will be booked directly by your own General Practice, if a clinician knows or suspects you have coronavirus and determines that the severity of your symptoms are such that you need a face to face appointment.

"Consequently, the patient population and General Practice staff of North Kirklees can be assured that their practices will now remain as safe as is possible while working in this unprecedented situation."

Curo Health, the GP Federation supporting the 27 General Practices across North Kirklees have worked collaboratively with our four primary care networks (PCN) and their practices to design a Covid-19 service that will support practices to continue day-to-day services, while keeping patients and staff safe in the coming days, weeks and months.

On April 1, Curo Health have launched 'hot site’ or ‘red site’ will be operational for patients who have been diagnosed or have suspected coronavirus.

This service will ensure people who contact their practice and need to be seen face to face, can be seen in an environment that is as safe as possible, significantly reducing the risk of further spread of the virus both to patients and staff.

The service will enable practices in North Kirklees to focus on patients in the community as well as reduce the pressure on our Hospitals resulting in more care being provided and potential lives to being saved.

Curo Health have worked tirelessly to implement the ‘hot site’ urgently, sourcing premises, IT systems, staff, clinical protocols, and a high-standard personal protective equipment, all of which are vital to make this service safe for everybody.

"We would like to take this opportunity to thank our partners in enabling us to develop this service for our patients in such as short space of time, specifically Mid-Yorkshire NHS Hospital Trust and our colleagues in Social Care.

"We also thank Mark Eastwood MP (Dewsbury) and Tracy Brabin MP (Batley and Spen) for their continued support."

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