Message for our Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities

GPs across Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes want to send messages to our Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) community about the outbreak of Covid19.

The videos are being produced in a range of languages and will be shared and posted across social media platforms and uploaded to the Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes websites over the next week.

Please watch out for these posts are share them with your friends, family, neighbours and via your networks.

The first video is in English and features Dr Sanjay Sharma.

We share up to date information on a daily basis via our Facebook and Twitter accounts and will be posting the videos as they become available.

Mental health crisis support for all ages is now available 24hrs every day across Bedfordshire and Luton by calling NHS 111. NHS 111 will act as a first point of contact for any adults, children or young people in urgent need of mental health help.

A senior doctor is reassuring people in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes (BLMK) that GP services are available if they are feeling unwell.

Dr Nicola Smith is Chair of the three clinical commission groups serving BLMK. She said: “Since the coronavirus outbreak some people have been unsure of how to access medical help whilst following government advice or have been reluctant to seek medical help for fear of catching the virus. I would like to reassure the public that although GP practices have had to adapt to prevent the spread of coronavirus and protect patients and staff, the GP surgeries are still providing their service and anyone concerned about their health can get the help they need.”

We continue to have high rates of Coronavirus infection in Bedfordshire, so are asking everyone to continue to help slow the spread and save lives. If you go out, try to avoid busy places, limit the number of people you come into contact with and remember to keep your distance from other people.

Regularly washing your hands with soap and water or using a hand sanitizer remains key to slowing the spread of the virus. Anyone with symptoms, including a new persistent cough, high temperature or a change or loss of taste or smell should immediately self-isolate and arrange a test via the NHS website, or by calling 111.