"Sadly getting much worse"

I am very sorry that you had a bad experience at the Thorndike surgery and unfortunately I cannot investigate your complaint as you have disguised yourself. We take all complaints very seriously and I hope the comments below assist you in the future.

It is a legal requirement to wear a face covering at NHS sites, including GP surgeries; staff are expected to routinely remind patients to wear a face covering at all times. We do not advise any person to attend the surgery without a face covering, unless by prior agreement.

If a patient needs to attend without a face covering this should be planned for in advance. A risk assessment will be undertaken on a case by case basis to determine if the visit is truly essential or whether care can be provided in another way. This is to protect staff and patients alike. Face coverings are intended to protect others from coronavirus (COVID-19) rather than the wearer; we care for 13,000 patients and have 43 staff so we have a duty to everyone else that may be affected by a non-mask-wearing patient.

If a face to face visit is planned and you feel it is impossible to wear a mask please alert a member of staff immediately to allow time to assess your case and ensure the appropriate care can be provided in a planned manner. Failure to do so may result in you being denied entry to the premises.

Please note only those with appointments should attend and patients are not expected to bring any additional people into the building unless absolutely essential; if an assistant is unavoidable please alert a member of staff when the appointment is booked so this can be agreed. Anybody other than the patient attending the practice may be denied entry if the above rules are not complied with.

Blood tests are undertaken not only here at Thorndike but also provided by MCH at various locations in Medway.

The following statement has been given by the government:

“Coronavirus (COVID-19) usually spreads by droplets from coughs, sneezes and speaking. These droplets can also be picked up from surfaces, if you touch a surface and then your face without washing your hands first. This is why social distancing, regular hand hygiene, and covering coughs and sneezes is so important in controlling the spread of the virus.

The best available scientific evidence is that, when used correctly, wearing a face covering may reduce the spread of coronavirus droplets in certain circumstances, helping to protect others.

Because face coverings are mainly intended to protect others from coronavirus (COVID-19) rather than the wearer, they are not a replacement for social distancing and regular hand washing. It is important to follow all the other government advice on coronavirus (COVID-19), including staying safe outside your home.” The full details can be found at; https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own