All patients and visitors to NHS services must wear a face covering at all times.  This includes hospitals, community clinics and GP services.  Evidence has confirmed that face coverings can help reduce the risk of transmission if you are suffering from coronavirus, but not showing symptoms.  

The government has set out advice for people on how to make their own face coverings easily at home, using scarves or other textile items. These face coverings should cover the mouth and nose, whilst allowing the wearer to breathe comfortably and can be as simple as a scarf or bandanna that ties behind the head to give a snug fit.   

Please wash your hands or use hand sanitiser before putting on a face covering and after taking it off.  Please avoid touching your face covering whilst wearing it to avoid transmission of the virus.  

If anyone attends an appointment without a face covering, they will be provided with a face mask in an emergency.  ​

Routine Face-to-face appointments have been suspended on the advice from NHS England but please do not delay getting health care. If you need urgent medical help and it is not an emergency, contact your GP or NHS111 online or telephone NHS111 first. During the COVID19 pandemic it’s important that A&E is only used by those with serious or life threatening problems. There are many ways to get the right care at the right time via www.nhs.uk, your pharmacist and your GP. St Marks Medical Centre offers online, telephone and video consultations. If you are invited in for a face to face appointment, infection control measures are in place to keep patients and staff safe.