A CEREDIGION GP surgery is asking patients to wait in their cars, not the waiting room, and to wear masks when they see the doctor.

Llanilar Health Centre, in a statement released yesterday, Friday, on its website and social media pages said it was making some changes from Monday, to protect patients and staff.

The centre asked all patients with pre-booked appointments not to attend the practice, but to have a phone consultation instead.

It added: “Patients will be asked to wait in their cars when they arrive for their appointment and not in the practice waiting room.

"Patients will be asked to wear a mask when entering the building to see a clinician and the clinician will also be wearing a mask during your appointment.”

The statement reads: “Due to the ongoing situation with the Coronavirus, the practice is making changes to the way you will be seen. This is to protect our patients and our healthcare staff.

“Changes come in to effect on Monday, 16 March.

"The practice has taken the difficult decision to suspend all routine appointments and are asking all patients with pre-booked appointments not to attend the practice. These appointments will now take place over the telephone and you should have already received a telephone call from the practice to inform you of this. If you do have a booked appointment and have not received a telephone call please contact us on the telephone at your earliest convenience.

“The practice will still be offering clinical need appointments and telephone triage. Patients will be asked to wait in their cars when they arrive for their appointment and not in the practice waiting room. Patients will be asked to wear a mask when entering the building to see a clinician and the clinician will also be wearing a mask during your appointment.

“If you are not able to send an email or have not signed up for My Health Online, prescription requests will need to be left in the prescription box outside, this can found to right hand side of the building at the rear entrance door, do not enter the building. As a last resort prescription requests will be taken over the telephone. When collecting your prescription you will be asked to wait in the foyer and not enter the building, the receptionist will bring your prescription to you and he/she will be wearing a mask. Please follow government guidance and do not stockpile your medication.

“In implementing these measures, we can protect the staff and therefore ensure the practice will remain open without staff shortages.

“If you have recent onset of a new continuous cough, and/or a high temperature you need to self-isolate for 7 days. Do not leave your home and avoid contact with others. If your symptoms deteriorate during this time telephone 111 for further advice and guidance. Do not come to the practice.”