Changes to GP practices during the covid booster programme

In line with the Government’s announcement, the NHS is aiming to offer every adult the chance to book a COVID-19 booster vaccine by the end of the year.

This means our practices across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin are now prioritising the booster rollout to protect as many as possible from the worst effects of the Omicron variant sweeping across the country.

In Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, the programme is being trebled with a view to 160,000 doses being administered by New Year’s Eve. Pharmacies, hospital hubs and vaccination sites are playing a big part, but the success of the campaign will depend upon GPs and their clinical colleagues who will deliver more than a third of the jabs themselves.

This means that practices have to focus on protecting as many patients as possible which means some routine services are unavailable for a short period of time. Please be assured that we are still here for you if you need us for urgent care, but we ask for your patience as we support this key national priority over the coming weeks.

Our GPs have worked relentlessly over the past couple of years and are ready to rise to yet another challenge of this pandemic.

If you are eligible for your booster it is vital you get it ASAP – we need as many people as possible to get boosted as soon as possible. Please do not ring the practice regarding your COVID-19 vaccinations, instead book online via the National Booking Service or call 119 to book an appointment or to find a walk-in clinic near you.

We hope to be able to restore all of our services as soon as possible and will update this page as soon as we know more.

Don’t forget, other health services are available to you depending on your condition. These include:

• Self-care – This is the best choice to treat minor illnesses and injuries such as hangovers, coughs, colds, grazes, small cuts or sore throats. Many of these can be treated at home, simply with over-the-counter medicines and plenty of rest.
• Pharmacy – Pharmacists can give advice on and treat a range of symptoms. They can support you with things such as diarrhoea, earaches, painful coughs, sticky eyes, teething and rashes.
• NHS 111 – You can access 111 online or via the telephone. This is for any urgent but non-life threatening health concerns. They will be able to signpost you to the relevant service and provide advice where appropriate.
• Minor Injury Units (MIUs) and Urgent Treatment Centres (UTCs) – For more information visit the Shropshire Community Heath NHS Trust for MIUs and Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust for UTCs.
• A&E and 999 – You should only attend A&E or dial 999 in a life-threatening emergency such as severe bleeding, breathing difficulties and severe chest pain.

We ask for your patience and understanding at this time as GPs and clinical colleagues from across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin are being called upon to deliver on a challenging vaccine target. We remain here to support you as best we can over the coming weeks.