22 patients seen already at new coronavirus assessment centre in Leighton Buzzard

The centre, which opened on Monday (April 20), will run as a local specialist base for people who have or are likely to have the coronavirus infection. No other service will be run from this site.

It is intended for patients registered at any of the Leighton Buzzard GP practices, with the LBO informed that 22 people have so far been seen (up to Thursday, April 23).

The facility is open from 2pm to 6pm every weekday though this may increase if there is additional need.

It has been developed as a town-wide initiative in cooperation with all three GP practices in town and is being staffed by nurses and doctors from all the practices.

However patients are not to arrive at the Assessment Centre unless they are directed to do so by their GP.

Leighton Buzzard Primary Care Network has stressed it is vital that patients follow the government guidelines and adhere to social distancing.

If a patient believes that they may have Covid symptoms, they should stay at home and call 111. This is the first line of advise for any Covid-related symptoms.

The 111 service can then book onto one of the respective GP practices’ appointment slots for a second triage.

The GP practice will then book the patient into the Assessment Centre if appropriate and if the clinician feels that the patient is at risk of Covid and needs a face-to-face assessment.

After assessment they are treated and sent home or admitted hospital if sufficiently unwell.

If patients are given an appointment at the Assessment Centre, they are not to use public transport but to use their own transport and also to be accompanied in case they are directed to hospital.

John Henderson, Clinical Director of Leighton Buzzard Primary Care Network, said: “Patients seen there will be booked in by a doctor from one of our practices after an initial telephone assessment.

“The timeframe for opening the service has been short but we hope it will help us assess our patients in a safer and more effective way. We feel it will offer an important additional locally-based service in our fight against coronavirus infection.”

Leighton Road Surgery posted on its Facebook page following the launch: “Our first day in the Leighton Buzzard PCN Assessment Centre was a real success. Our Clinical Team will be in full PPE for all patients’ consultations ensuring everyone remains safe during this crisis.”