Covid-19

DH protocols during COVID-19 

The following protocols are in place to protect our patients and staff to ensure we can keep the clinic operational.

Good hand hygiene, face masks and limiting contact will need to be adhered to at all times not only for Covid-19 but also for all those other pesky seasonal viruses’ that are also extremely infectious.

• If you request an in-person appointment you will first be triaged by the nurse or Doctor on duty 
  • This service will be on a queue system – please call us on 03 313 4659 and you will be placed on a call back list 
  • The triage clinician will then assist you with your medical need if it is possible to do so on the phone safely, or they will book a face-to-face appointment if needed
• Nobody is allowed to enter the building with any cough/cold/flu symptoms. If you have any of these symptoms please call first and the reception staff will give you instructions on how to proceed
• Masks are required at all times
• Keep 1m distance from others
• Sanitize your hands at entry 
• We ask that once seated you remain so until called for your appointment
• Children MUST NOT run around the practice and must be under parental / caregiver supervision at all times. Please do not take offence if you are asked to keep your children seated with you, a lot of people are still feeling very anxious and nervous about increased contact.
• Children should only be present at Durham Health who have an appointment. The medical practice is NOT a good environment for healthy individuals, especially children. The toys will not be re-appearing as they are a great source of cross-infection and most parents agree with this decision.

COVID-19 Vaccinations

 We have limited availability for COVID vaccines

 Call to Book an Appointment  

If you are eligible, you can get your second booster 6 months after your first booster

 If you have had COVID-19 and are eligible for a booster, you can get it 3 months after you tested positive

How can I expect to feel with COVID-19?

Days 1-3 – you may have very mild symptoms or feel more unwell. You might feel a sore throat, cough, fever, or headache. Sometimes you may have diarrhoea. You may feel tired and lose your sense of smell and taste.

Days 4-6 – these are important days to be more aware of your symptoms. This is when lung (respiratory) symptoms may start to get worse, especially if you have other conditions like high blood pressure, obesity, or diabetes. You may start to feel worse and may have aches, chills, cough and find it hard to get comfortable. Some younger people may develop rashes, including itchy red patches, swelling, or blistering on their toes or fingers.

Days 7-8 – For people with mild illness, the worst is generally over after a week. Some people may get worse at this point or start to feel better briefly then take a turn for the worse. If you start to feel worse, contact the health team on 0800 687 647 (free to call, 24 hours a day).

Days 8-12 – Continue to monitor your symptoms and record them in your diary.

Days 13-14 – Most people will feel better by now. Some people feel more tired than usual. A slow return to activity is advised.