PEOPLE with non-coronavirus related health issues are being asked to contact their doctor’s surgery by telephone.

NHS Northumberland Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is urging people requiring treatment to contact their surgeries online or via telephone where possible to adhere to social distancing guidelines issued from the government.

The CCG is working alongside the local authority, voluntary sector and community services to support people deemed to be in the high risk category and care home residents, ensuring their needs are met whilst they are asked to remain at home.

Dr Graham Syers, clinical chairman at the CCG said: “Whilst people can still access the care services they need, we ask patients to be understanding as we may need to change opening times and close at short notice, possibly for weeks, which means patients may need to be seen at neighbouring practices.”