Coronavirus assessment centre in Grangemouth

While doctors stress that most people who get the illness will experience only mild symptoms and will not need treatment, those who do need medical help should contact NHS 24 by dialling 111, day or night.Local clinical staff will carry out a telephone assessment andeither provide advice or arrange for the patient to be seen.The first of the new community assessment centres covering the Falkirk area is in Grangemouth but more are expected to open soon.NHS Forth Valley says these new arrangements provide a simpler, direct route for people with coronavirus symptoms who require additional help or advice.Cruicially, they will also help free up local GP practices to treat and care for people with non-COVID-19 related health conditions.Dr Stuart Cumming, NHS Forth Valley’s Associate Medical Director for Primary Care, said: “I would like to thank everyone involved in setting up these new community triage and assessment centres in such a short space of time.“I would also like to thank GP practices across Forth Valley who have been hugely supportive in helping to develop and deliver this service. These will support local people with symptoms of COVID-19 who may require additional clinical advice.“I’d also like to remind people that the fastest way to get the latest health information and advice on coronavirus is by visiting the NHS Inform website and people without symptoms looking for general information can also call the free coronavirus national helpline on 0800 028 2816 which is open from 8 am to 10 pm every day.“People should only phone NHS 24 if their symptoms worsen and the new local community assessment centres are strictly appointment only and do not provide testing facilities.”Patients with health concerns, who do not have any coronavirus symptoms should continue to telephone their GP practice when open and only call NHS 24 when their GP practice is closed.If you need a sick note due to coronavirus, don’t contact your GP or NHS 24. You can download an isolation note directly from NHS Inform.