DOCTORS in Darlington will be triaging patients on the phone and are urging people to make use of online appointments where possible to try and protect vulnerable people at risk because of the coronavirus.

Darlington Primary Care Network has issued a statement in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

It has assured patients that they will be seen if necessary but will be dealing with cases online and over the phone, where possible.

Clinical director Dr Amanda Riley said: "This situation is likely to last several weeks. As a network we are working with system partners to develop a plan for vulnerable people self-isolating.

"This will involve the entire community pulling together.

"Our staff, along with others in public services will be working under immense strain, with large numbers of our workforce self-isolating and phenomenal unprecedented demand. Already significant changes to practices have been made in a matter of days to keep the services running.

"Dedicated and experience staff are prepared for the coming weeks to help care for our community.

"They will be trying their very best to get you what you need, please have patience and support your surgeries while we get through this testing time.

"We have had much support already from our patients who have shown understanding to the change to the service delivery."

Currently all GP and practice nurse face-to-face appointments are being telephone triaged.

All GP surgeries in Darlington offer online consultations (E-Consult) via their websites. Patients do not need log in details and will receive a response by the following working day. The service can be accessed from practice websites.

Anyone with an urgent problem is asked to call their surgery to arrange a telephone call.

Those with pre-existing conditions, elderly people and pregnant women are being advised to follow stringent social distancing measures.

Anybody who has a new persistent cough or a temperature over 37.8 degrees celcius should self-isolate for 14 days, along with their whole household.

Those who live alone need to self-isolate for seven days.

Most people with coronavirus will have a mild illness and will not need to contact healthcare professionals. The most common symptoms are a new persistent cough and a fever above 37.8 degrees.

The network's statement adds: "If you are not self-isolating the Government is advising social distancing. This means avoiding going out and mixing with people unless it is really necessary. Where possible people should be working from home and avoid going out to pubs, clubs or cinemas etc.

"If people do not follow these guidelines legislation will be brought in to enforce it. These measures are key to slowing down the spread to allow health services to manage the demand on key areas, such as intensive care."