I am aware of some postings on social media (Facebook) over the last couple of days asking why some members of Seaford Medical Practice staff are not wearing facemasks. It is not our policy to respond to / on social media, but I would like to provide an outline of the situation at Seaford Medical Practice.
Seaford Medical Practice is one of two organisations based within the Seaford Health Centre; the other main organisation based there is Community Services teams from East Sussex Healthcare Trust (ESHT). As such, staff within the Health Centre may either be members of staff of SMP or members of staff of ESHT. SMP and ESHT are separate organisations and may adopt different approaches to PPE.
As regards the approach taken by SMP, all patients entering the Health Centre will have their temperature checked and asked to use hand sanitizer. The SMP Receptionists greeting patients at the front door will be wearing PPE. GPs and nursing team staff seeing patients will be wearing PPE.
Under Public Health England guidelines issued in mid-June, administrative staff working in reception / communal areas of general practices generally adhering to the 2 metre social distancing requirements do not need to wear facemasks. SMP adheres to the guidance issued by Public Health England. SMP has the added protection of the glass shields on the front desks and has also placed protective screens in our reception areas to provide as much protection as possible for our staff.
SMP will continue to monitor guidance issued by Public Health England and ensure they adhere to the requirements.
Phil Abbott, Business Partner, 17th July 2020.
