Doctors in Trafford are taking up the fight to minimise the spread of coronavirus by offering services outdoors to protect patients – and themselves.

‘Outdoor clinics’ provide a safer space for doctors to carry out face-to-face consultations by invitation – typically in the practice car park – and help to increase protection for practice staff when patients have been ‘triaged’ by telephone.

NHS Trafford Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is supporting its 30 member practices to set up outdoors – where they have the space to do so – and many have answered the call already.

These include Washway Road Medical Centre in Sale, Lostock Medical Centre in Stretford as well as Barrington Medical Centre and St Johns Medical Centre in Altrincham.

Dr Mark Jarvis, Medical Director at NHS Trafford CCG and Partner at Washway Road, said: “Once ‘triaged’ by phone, it is much safer to consult patients this way rather than bring them into the building as it minimises the amount of cleaning required and the risk of cross-infection.

“This is for patients who can travel but for those who cannot, some practices will go to a patient’s home where necessary and carry out consultations in gardens and through windows and this is far better for patients and staff.”

The CCG worked closely with the NHS’ property services department and Trafford Council to help set up St Johns and Barrington’s clinic at Altrincham Health and Wellbeing Centre – where invited patients arriving by car can park up and see their GP or practice nurses easily.

Dr Marik Sangha, GP Partner at St Johns, said: “With thanks to the CCG, Council and NHS Property Services, we have set up our clinic outside to reduce footfall, with designated parking to help patients but also to protect our amazing team.”

Cllr Jane Slater, executive member for Health, Wellbeing and Equalities at Trafford Council, said: “This is a well thought-through initiative which we have been glad to support and I would like to thank our highways staff for their work in helping us to get this set up.

“We will always do whatever we can to protect the health of our residents, as well as the health of Trafford’s inspirational medical professionals.”