Desborough GP surgery takes drastic measure to stop unexpected patients entering during coronavirus crisis

A GP surgery in Desborough has resorted to drastic measures to stop patients entering without an appointment during the coronavirus outbreak.

The Desborough Surgery in High Street has plastered hazardous striped crosses on its windows to make sure that people don’t cross the threshold without prior arrangement.

The surgery’s operations manager Sarah Yarrow said the measures were taken to ensure patients read the notice before entering. Currently only those who have an appointment are allowed to go in. The surgery is following government guidelines which is advising people who suspect they may have coronavirus to visit the NHS website and call 111 if their health deteriorates.

The operations manager said: “The tape is because people were not reading the notice and so it is an alert to make sure that they do.”

Currently the surgery is doing phone call appointments and if a doctor thinks the patient needs to come into the surgery an appointment will be booked.

Routine appointments will continue as normal.

Sarah Yarrow said calls to the surgery had been above normal levels on Monday and Tuesday but things had appeared to quieten down today.

She asked patients to visit their website and listen to government guidance.

So far there have been 15 coronavirus cases in the county and two deaths. The Government announced yesterday that schools will close on Friday until further notice. It has also recommended social distancing in a bid to reduce human contact and slow down the spread of the virus, which appears to have taken hold in the capital.

The coronavirus bill, which will give emergency powers to the Government and public sector as well as relaxing certain laws around adult social care is due to be debated today and is expected to come into effect shortly.