SEVERAL medical practices and health centres across the county have introduced new measures in light of the coronavirus outbreak in order to keep staff and patients as safe as possible.

North Berwick Health Centre has announced that none of its registered patients have tested positive for coronavirus and asked that people phone the Edington Hospital in advance before paying it a visit.

Those who think they have been in contact with someone with the virus are asked to not visit the surgery and phone 111 for advice.

From Monday (March 16), all GP and advanced nurse practitioner (ANP) appointment requests will be triaged (deciding the order of treatment) by phone call.

Lammermuir Medical Practice in Haddington has also taken this approach.

People who call either practice will be asked for a summary of their symptoms, information about recent travel and if they have been in direct contact with a person that has been tested positive for coronavirus.

The individual’s GP will then return the call and if deemed safe and necessary, they will then be given an appointment for that afternoon.

Those with pre-booked appointments with a GP will be contacted by the health centre to discuss arrangements.

North Berwick Health Centre has removed its self check in service - people now have to check in with a receptionist.

It has also launched a new online prescription ordering service, those not registered can visit northberwickhealthcentre.scot.nhs.uk/news,54983.htm, download a form, fill it in and hand it in.

Lammermuir Medical Practice has also disabled its online appointment service.

Tranent Medical Practice has made its surgery pod, a self-service device that allows patients to get their weight and blood pressure checked, unavailable for use.

Those with routine appointments at Harbours Medical Practice in Cockenzie are asked to phone the practice, pressing option two, as it is making changes to its routine appointment system.

It has also asked that people with symptoms, those who have had contact with an infected person or those who have been in an affected place to not enter any of its buildings.

Prestonpans Group Practice has also given this advice and asked that even if people have mild symptoms they should not visit the surgery.

Meanwhile, Orchard Medical Practice in Haddington is asking all patients not to attend the practice but instead to phone to request an appointment. Anyone then deemed to required a face-to-face appointment will be asked screening questions.

All pre-existing appointments are being reviewed and some may be cancelled and re-scheduled.

Prescriptions will also not be able to be picked up from the surgery and instead arrangements will be made for them to be picked up at a pharmacy.

Full details of these measures are on Orchard Medical Practice's website.

Riverside Medical Practice in Musselburgh said: "Riverside Medical Practice is taking action in response to the coronavirus outbreak. We are following current national guidance.

"We are suspending all routine face-to-face appointments. If you have an appointment booked please contact the reception team and we will re-arrange your booking to a telephone appointment. Our staff will also be trying to get in touch with these patients shortly by phone.

"Riverside will continue to give advice and see patients where medically necessary. All appointments are now made by phone assessment according to medical prioritisation and need. Thank you for your understanding."

For more information on coronavirus, visit nhsinform.scot/coronavirus

For the latest information on the situation at your GP practice, check the practice website.