How GP surgeries have transformed since the coronavirus outbreak

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GP surgeries across the South East have transformed since the coronavirus outbreak.

In the morning when they would normally be full with patients, they are almost empty.

At one so-called 'green zone' surgery in Poole, patients now call ahead and wait outside, before being given a face mask on arrival.

Sarah-Lynne, 3, attended the surgery with her mother for her pre-school immunisation, which is one of the few examples where a patient must attend the practice.

Meanwhile, Lucy, who is 16 weeks pregnant, and has underlying health issues, had to have her vital blood pressure check in the car park.

Patient Lucy has her blood pressure checked in the car park. Credit: ITV News Meridian

Both patients were first assessed on the phone, which is a new way of working for most GPs.

Dr Lisa Naylor, who is a GP, previously did a lot of consultations over the phone.

She says if she wasn't sure about a patient, she would ask them to attend the surgery, but now all of that has changed.

She said: "My boundaries of what I'm not sure about have changed because of the risk that coming to surgery puts the patient at and also puts the staff at."

Dr Lisa Naylor, who is a GP, carries out consultations over the phone.

Staff are most at risk in the 'red zone'.

Fernside Surgery in Poole has been transformed into an infection control unit, where anyone displaying coronavirus symptoms can be treated safely.

Senior Nurse, Rhiannon Scutt explains the changes at one GP surgery. Credit: NHS staff

Rhiannon Scutt, who is a Senior Nurse, explains how it works: "When the patients arrive, if they are to be examined, we take them to a safe and dedicated area where the clinicians can examine them. Again this area is kept optimally clean to provide protection to patients and staff."

A new 'drive-in' centre has been opened in Dover. Credit: ITV News Meridian

In Kent, GPs are referring patients to new 'drive-in' centres.

The first to open is in Dover, where patients will be assessed, and the most seriously ill transferred straight to hospital.

While in Berkshire, some GP surgeries are sending their suspected coronavirus patients to two central hubs, including one at Newbury racecourse.

There are concerns that some sick patients are avoiding their doctor.

But the message remains that if you need help, call your GP surgery.