Coronavirus update from Granta Medical Practices
Coronavirus (Covid-19) update
Unfortunately the number of people affected by the coronavirus causing Covid-19 is increasing rapidly and this new virus is taking a foothold within our community.
At Granta Medical Practices we have a dedicated Covid emergency team who are meeting daily to discuss how we can continue to provide the best possible care for our patients.
As a practice we are fortunate in having both multiple sites and a large team of people, including those with experience of managing this sort of situation. This gives us options for delivery of care that are not open to many practices during any epidemic.
Up to date information:
At a national level the Public Health England website
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/public-health-england and NHS UK website https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/ provide up to date information about the national situation and plans, and health advice.
At Granta we will be keeping our website www.grantamedicalpractices.co.uk updated regularly to reflect the local situation and our actions at Granta, along with our social media accounts. We may also use SMS messaging to mobile phones to communicate any urgent messages. Please let us know if you have changed your mobile number or have one that you haven't yet told us about.
Prioritisation:
The current evidence is that for the vast majority of the population the Covid-19 virus is a mild illness which can be safely managed at home with rest, paracetamol and fluids just like a normal flu-like illness. However, for those with significant other medical problems and for the elderly it can be more serious.
With this in mind we have postponed all face to face GP appointments and some routine nurse appointments. This is for both our patient's safety and the safety of our staff. Instead we are now offering an enhanced telephone service and also a non-urgent dedicated email address, capccg.covid19.gmp@nhs.net, 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday. We are working hard to make sure that those who are housebound will continue to receive their medications.
As a community we can help each other - both by following the advice given and by helping look after those who may need help within our communities. If you are able to volunteer to help out in your immediate area, please email your details to granta.socialnavigator@nhs.net
Practical advice:
First and foremost is the need to wash your hands on a regular basis - warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds. This alone will help slow down the spread of the virus and help protect you, your family and our community.
Dr James Morrow, Managing Partner
16th March 2020
The first review of the Barley Parish Plan, which was first produced in 2015, has been published by the Parish Council.
The Council asked for volunteers to form a committee for this process.
The Committee has reviewed what has happened over the last five years and how the previously identified village aspirations have been met.
In tandem with the first review, the Committee compiled a new questionnaire to canvas the current views of villagers over a range of key topics, to allow the plan to be updated and to remain relevant.
Visit the Barley Village Plan page to read the full review.
After months of knitting, crocheting and stiching, the beautiful Barley Flower Tower is complete and St Margaret of Antioch Church is adorned with a colourful display of flowers.
Barley resident Alison White, who runs the Barley Knitting Group, came up with the idea to keep everyone going through lockdown by busying themselves creating the beautiful blooms to decorate the church, and raise some much-needed funds.
She encouraged the community to help make flowers for display, originally aiming for 500 to be created. Inspired by her idea, contribrutions were made by community groups including the Barley Tennis Club and Barley Gardening Club, the beavers and cubs, Margaret House care home residents plus individuals living locally and as far away as USA and Australia.
In June, the 1452 flowers, which took four weeks to be stiched onto netting by a team of 12, were hoisted onto the 15m tall church tower and draped from the windows, with the help of Royston Fire Station.
It is hoped the display will inspire people to make a donation towards the running of the church - and also to help expand its use to the community. Ideally Alison would love to raise £10 per flower.
The church's Rector, Ruth Pyke, told BBC Look East: "The money will be used to maintain the building so it can continue to be a warm, welcoming place for weddings, funerals and Sunday Worship, but beyond that we want it to be a place for the community. We have a vision for disabled access and an area where we can welcome people in for coffee mornings, exhibitions and concerts."
To donate towards the incredible display please visit the Barley Flower Tower Justgiving page, or visit the donation boxes located in Barley Stores, Fox and Hounds pub, Chequers pub or Drayton's Garage.
Visit the Barley Flower Tower Facebook page for more photos, videos and information.
If you would like to add a club, society, news story, event or anything else to the website, please contact Clare Edwards on thebarleywebsite@gmail.com.