For everyone
GPs are still available to you during the Covid-19 pandemic
Doctors in Bromley are asking patients not to put off contacting their GP surgery if they need to consult a doctor or nurse.
Fewer patients have been consulting their doctor or nurse for their usual health issues or new physical or mental health problems during this pandemic and this is concerning doctors as there may be people out there who need medical advice and whose conditions may worsen if they don’t get it.
Contact your your surgery if you feel unwell – please do not ignore your symptoms particularly if you have a long term condition or your mental health gets worse. It is also really important that parents of babies and young children get in touch with their practice to arrange for their routine immunisations and that women who are pregnant or new mothers contact their surgery if they are worried about their own or their baby or child’s health.
Although the Covid-19 pandemic means that patients are asked to contact their surgery online or by phone rather than go in person, doctors are still able to see patients via video conferencing or telephone consultation. Doctors and nurses can also still see and examine patients in person if this is necessary. This may or may not be at your regular practice because, working together, surgeries in Bromley have made arrangements to try and ensure that they assess people with symptoms of COVID-19 separately from other patients.
It is important to follow any guidance your practice has in place to keep you safe and continue to follow the government’s guidance to prevent the virus spreading. The NHS has also published information about how to access health advice at home.
Stay safe and get the help you need when you need it.
Scams advice during coronavirus outbreak
Please be aware that not everyone out there is trustworthy and some people will take advantage of this unusual situation our society is facing. Bromley Trading Standards have written to Bromley residents with regard to the coronavirus and how to access support and safeguard against scams. To read this letter click here.
See the advice from National Trading Standards and the Alzheimer’s Society:Coronavirus and scams
Healthwatch Bromley
Healthwatch Bromley have extended their information and signposting service, establishing a WhatsApp service available Monday-Thursday, 10am-5pm and a Zoom Conference service on Wednesdays, 10am to12pm. To find out how to join click here. Read more about the support and guidance available during the Covid-19 pandemic on their website: healthwatchbromley.co.uk/about-us/covid-19-support-guidance-page
For parents and carers
During this time you may want some additional ideas to support your child and below are some websites that may be of use. The most important thing is you keep yourself and your child safe at this time and we would suggest that you find activities that you and your child enjoy doing. Always follow the advice from NHS and the Government in relation to coronavirus and how to stay safe.
Easy read document explaining COVID-19
Coronavirus fact sheet for children
Information for families about how to stay well during social distancing: rcot.co.uk/staying-well-when-social-distancing
Short film to support parents of neuro-diverse children during COVID-19 pandemic: youtube.com/watch?v=dXPtqmHKNoE
National Autistic Society – guidance and helpline for parents, young people and staff: autism.org.uk/services/nas-schools/vanguard/news/2020/march/coronavirus-(covid-19)-advice
Place2Be – Guide to helping parents answer questions from their children and to support family wellbeing place2be.org.uk/about-us/news-and-blogs/2020/march/coronavirus-information-for-children/
For parents and carers of children and young people who have special educational needs and disability (SEND), facing uncertainties around how COVID-19 is impacting on your family: bit.ly/SENDMatters-COVID019
Young Minds – Talking to your child about Coronavirus and 10 tips from their Parents Helpline to support family wellbeing: youngminds.org.uk/blog/talking-to-your-child-about-coronavirus
Carers UK – Guidance for carers: carersuk.org/help-and-advice/health/looking-after-your-health/coronavirus-covid-19
Covibook – an interactive resource designed to support and reassure children aged 7 and under, designed to help children explain and draw the emotions that they might be experiencing during the pandemic: mindheart.co/descargables
Amaze – information pack for parents: amazesussex.org.uk/faqs-about-the-coronavirus-for-parent-carers-of-children-with-send-brighton-hove
Information for parents of children with life limiting conditions: togetherforshortlives.org.uk/get-support/supporting-you/family-resources/coronavirus-qa
NHS – a special COVID message: when to seek medical help for your child
If you are still unsure about your child symptoms the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health have produced a detailed guide: Advice for parents during coronavirus
For children and young people
Coronavirus: a book for children illustrated by Gruffalo illustrator Axel Scheffler
Kooth – free, safe and anonymous online support for young people: kooth.com
Young Minds – advice on looking after your mental health: youngminds.org.uk/blog/looking-after-your-mental-health-while-self-isolating
Young Minds – advice on anxiety: youngminds.org.uk/blog/what-to-do-if-you-re-anxious-about-coronavirus
For families
Cruse – dealing with bereavement and grief: cruse.org.uk/get-help/coronavirus-dealing-bereavement-and-grief
Childhood Bereavement Network – supporting bereaved children during the outbreak: childhoodbereavementnetwork.org.uk/help-around-a-death/covid-19
Public Health England guidance for the public on the mental health and wellbeing aspects of coronavirus (Covid-19): gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-the-public-on-mental-health-and-wellbeing
Mind information and support to maintain your wellbeing during the coronavirus pandemic: mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus-and-your-wellbeing
Rethink – advice for carers of those with severe mental illness: rethink.org/news-and-stories/blogs/2020/03/coronavirus-advice-for-carers-of-those-with-severe-mental-illness
Rethink – tips on managing your mental health during Covid-19: rethink.org/news-and-stories/blogs/2020/03/top-tips-on-managing-your-mental-health-during-covid-19
Gingerbread – coronavirus information for single parents: gingerbread.org.uk/coronavirus/#mentalhealth
For professionals
Bexley Domestic Abuse Services, Solace and London Borough of Bexley: Guidance for professionals: Domestic Abuse and the COVID-19
The Human Trafficking Foundation – Covid-19 resources page (Please also note Bexley’s Modern Slavery strategy and toolkit for how to make a referral into the National Referral Mechanism in Bexley)
Anna Freud Centre – Supporting young people’s mental health during periods of disruption
Research in Practice – Adapting to working from home
Social Care Institute for Excellence – COVID-19: using digital technology in relationship-based practice to bridge the gap in social distancing