October 5, 2020 2.37 pm This story is over 41 months old

GP cancels appointments as most nurses are self-isolating

It has branches in Sleaford and Heckington

A Lincolnshire GP surgery with branches in Heckington and Sleaford has been forced to cancel or defer several appointments due to 70% of its nursing team having to self-isolate.

Millview Medical Centre confirmed that a member of its nursing team recently tested positive for COVID-19 and is now self-isolating.

Three other staff, who had been in contact with that person, are also self-isolating as a precaution.

This means there will be a significant impact on appointments for two weeks as a lot are being cancelled from Monday, October 5.

This is in addition to one doctor and a nurse practitioner shielding, that the practice describes as “an ongoing situation with no imminent resolution”.

A spokesperson for Millview Medical Centre said: “We don’t believe any of our patients have been put at risk since our staff were wearing appropriate PPE during clinics, however, there will be a significant impact on appointments for the next two weeks.

“We will be prioritising all urgent appointments, such as those for Zoladex, Prostap, cervical smear, immunisations, chemotherapy bloods and dressings.

“We are contacting patients to rearrange appointments as required, but if you haven’t heard from us, please attend your appointment as planned.

“The flu clinics planned for Helpringham on Thursday and our Saturday in-house clinic are unaffected.

“We thank patients for their support and we are sorry for any inconvenience caused, please be assured we are taking all the possible steps to manage the situation appropriately.”