Riots guidance for GPs issued by Londonwide LMCs

By Abi Rimmer, 09 August 2011

Guidance has urged practices to increase defences in light of ongoing riots in London (Photograph: Rexfeatures)

Dr Michelle Drage, chief executive of Londonwide LMCs, said that there had already been reports of GP practices in Lewisham, south London, being affected by the violence.

Dr Drage said that it was likely that a number of London practices would be in the midst of the unrest.

Although some practices may be forced to close, Dr Drage said that closure was not the preferred option.

'We don?t want that,? she said.

Dr Drage said that the most important focus for practices was to increase their defences.

?They need to protect themselves so that they can deliver care to patients who really need it,? Dr Drage said.

Londonwide LMCs has issued clear guidance to GPs on how to ?reduce risks to themselves and patients during the disturbances?, Dr Drage said.

The guidance advises practices on how to best keep staff and colleagues safe and keep patients informed.

Practices are advised to ensure that all medical records are secure and to lock FP10 pads and computer prescription forms out of sight.

Practices may also want to consider prominently displaying notices which state that ?no powerful drugs are kept on the premises? and ?no cash or valuables are kept on the premises?, the guidance says.

Dr Drage said that the most important advice for GPs was to ?look after your staff, your building and your patients and their needs to the best of your ability during these disturbing times?.

GPs and practice staff have explained how they have been affected by the violence in the London riots.

• Have you been caught up in the riots? If you have a story to tell, email abi.rimmer@haymarket.com or neil.durham@haymarket.com.

Source: http://www.gponline.com/channel/news/article/1084008/riots-guidance-gps-issued-londonwide-lmcs/

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