Routine GP appointments have been suspended by the Derby and Derbyshire Local Medical Committee.

And patients will see a move from face to face appointments to telephone and virtual appointments in what are described as 'rapid changes'

As well as that, practices will move to a system where every patient will need to speak to a medical professional to determine the need for an appointment.

The changes are likely to apply to surgeries in the Swadlincote area What Swad Needs To Know About Coronavirus

The committee released a statement on Friday saying that the COVID-19 Pandemic is having an unprecedented impact on the National Health Service across the country, stretching services which were already struggling.

It explained: "Derbyshire general practice is adapting to these pressures on a day-by-day basis; reacting and implementing the expert advice from NHS England and Public Health England.

"Therefore, it is imperative that patients understand that they will see rapid changes in the way Derbyshire General Practice functions.

"All changes will be designed to reduce the spread of the virus and minimise the impact of COVID-19 on our most vulnerable and frail patients.

"It is likely that: 1) Routine GP appointments will be suspended whilst surgeries concentrate on urgent care for the most unwell. 2) Patients will see a move from face-to-face appointments to telephone and virtual appointments. 3) practices will move to a system where ALL patients will need to speak to a medical professional to determine the need for an appointment.

"On behalf of all practices we ask Derbyshire residents to bear with GPs and their teams during this period of high demand and uncertainty and follow updates on practice websites and SMS messages.

"We would like to highlight the following from the Government's announcement on Thursday 12th of March 2020: - Patients can find regularly updated information via the NHS website - If you think you have COVID-19 symptoms please go to 111 online DO NOT ATTEND YOUR GP SURGERY - Please follow the new NHS advice to self-isolate at home for seven days if you have: o a fever AND / OR a new persistent cough - if your symptoms are manageable at home and you would not ordinarily require medical attention please do not call 111 unless your condition deteriorates. - At this point in time GPs CANNOT test for the coronavirus which causes COVID-19 Derby & Derbyshire Local Medical Committee would like to thank patients for their understanding and thank all our front-line NHS staff for continuing to do the very best for Derbyshire's patients under very difficult circumstances."