With the easing of Covid-19 restrictions with effect from Monday 19th July 2021, we can confirm that all staff at Thaxted Surgery will continue to wear masks and PPE beyond the 19th July. 

We kindly ask that all patients attending the Surgery also continue to wear a face mask or covering (unless clinically exempt) until further notice. We will also continue to operate within social distancing guidelines inside the building.

We have made this decision in line with PHE and Government advice on maintaining the use of masks and face coverings in health settings.  We hope that this will ensure the ongoing protection of clinically vulnerable patients and staff, and will also mean that we can maintain open access to our services while reducing the risk of transmission to our staff and the impact this would have on our ability to operate.

We understand that we cannot enforce this request, however we hope that we can continue to rely on your cooperation and support.

How to access your COVID-19 vaccination status

From the Government's website www.gov.uk:

"Through the NHS App"

"You can access your COVID-19 vaccination status through the free NHS App from 17 May. You can access the app through mobile devices such as a smartphone or tablet. Proof of your COVID-19 vaccination status will be shown within the NHS App. We recommend that you register with the app before booking international travel.

"By calling 119"

"If you do not have access to a smartphone and know that the country you are travelling to requires COVID-19 vaccination status, you can call the NHS helpline on 119 (from 17 May) and ask for a letter to be posted to you. This must be at least 5 working days after you’ve completed your course of the vaccine. We expect the letter to take up to 5 working days to reach you.

"The letter will be sent automatically to the address registered with your GP. The 119 call handler you speak to will not be able to see your address to check this with you. If you’ve recently moved house, make sure you’ve given your new address to your GP practice before calling 119.

Do not contact your GP surgery about your COVID-19 vaccination as we cannot provide letters showing vaccination status.

Vaccine Clinics

Please note that Thaxted Surgery is no longer able to book you for a first vaccination. All first bookings are now being handled through the National Booking Service. Lord Butler Vaccination Centre is an option on this system - you simply select the next free slot and book yourself in. However, appointments do go quickly so if you particularly want to be vaccinated locally, we recommend you keep trying, as more appointments are added all the time.

Alternatively, bookings can be made by calling 119 free of charge, anytime between 7am and 11pm seven days a week.

Guidance on shielding and protecting extremely vulnerable people

How to get support for extremely critical vulnerable person

Advice for people at higher risk – those who are 70 or older, are pregnant or have a condition that increases the risks from coronavirus.

Pregnancy advice

COVID-19 means we are all experiencing an unprecedented situation. Everyone reacts differently, and we will have periods where we find it more difficult to deal with. It’s okay not to feel okay. Talking to someone can often help.

Visit NHS Every Mind Matters for advice, practice advice and support groups.

If you cannot wait to see a doctor and feel unable to cope or keep yourself safe, it’s important to get support.

Macmillan – Cancer & Covid-19

Asthma UK – What to do if you have asthma

Blood Cancer UK – Information for people affected by blood cancer

Diabetes UK – Coronavirus & Diabetes

Kidney Care UK – Guidance for patients with chronic kidney disease