Stay at Home - Getting Medical Advice
While everyone is being told to stay at home, it can be hard to know what to do if you’re unwell.
It’s still important to get medical help if you need it.
There are ways to get medical help online or over the phone.
NHS guidance can be accessed here.
If you are advised to go to hospital it is important to go. Keep going to any appointments you usually have, unless you are told not to go.
Axminster Medical Practice
Axminster Medical Practice has the following advice on appointments:
“To reduce the spread of COVID-19 please DO NOT attend the surgery unless you have been advised to by a healthcare professional.
Due to the escalating COVID-19 situation we have moved to a complete triage system for GP appointments using an on-line tool called eConsult. eConsult is simple to use and gathers most of the information the GP requires to facilitate your care. As a result of the answers you give, the GP will either send a message back to you, call you on the phone, or advise that you need to be seen. eConsult can be accessed directly from our website. We would be grateful if you would work with us in a positive manner to enable us to keep everyone safe at this difficult time. If you have any questions regarding the service please send them to the Practice Manager via the Admin section of the eConsult portal.
If you need to contact a GP, please complete an eConsult. If you contact us before 5.30pm we will get back to you the same day, or at other times the next working day.
All routine appointments, non-essential blood tests or procedures have been cancelled. We are monitoring all the appointments and will contact you if we need to cancel your appointment. If you have not heard anything please attend your appointment as we are still carrying out essential blood tests and procedures.
If you are attending an appointment, where possible, please attend alone. For children’s appointments we request just one accompanying parent.”
What if someone doesn't have access to the internet?
We are aware that many Hawkchurch residents have no access to the internet or poor connections. The GP surgery will answer the phone and you should explain that you or the person you are concerned about is unable to complete the e-consult questionnaire.

Prescriptions
There is a collection and delivery service for residents who need prescriptions collecting from Axminster. Tell us in good time if you need help.