A doctor speaks of the pressures on GP surgeries, the new strain, and people not following guidelines during the coronavirus crisis.

Dr Rafik Taibjee is urging Londoners to follow government guidelines as the NHS battle the second wave of the pandemic. 

The GP Principal of Merton Medical Practice speaks of his experience of being a frontline key worker during Covid-19. 

"Everything we took for granted like getting a blood test or X-ray done can be more complicated, and it is the logistics that is tough," he said.

"It is of course harder working via the phone, but we obviously take no chances and will see anyone face to face where this would make a difference."

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He added: "The biggest problem is supporting patients who need surgery or to see specialists where clinics or operations have needed to be postponed. 

"Health anxiety and mental health problems relating to covid are forming a large part of my work, and it can be hard to know what to say to patients, for whom we can do little except share hope that things will get better as lockdowns ease, that their symptoms are ones we do not have an answer for."

Speaking about the effect the new strain has had on GP practices and frontline staff, he said: "We have certainly seen an increase in positive Covid-19 results, suggesting the strain is definitely more infectious.

"Our hospital colleagues are working extremely hard, under incredibly challenging conditions, and inevitably they have needed to rely on GPs to do work they would not normally do."

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The 40-year-old doctor contracted coronavirus back in March, and is still suffering long-term effects such as exhaustion. 

He said: "Please don't forget, Covid does not just kill people. it can ruin your life. 

"As a keen cyclist, I used to easily cycle 80 miles in a day - now I can only cycle 20 before being exhausted due to the damage covid has done to my body." 

He urged members of the public to take the vaccination when offered and to follow guidelines at all times. 

"If you get infected, within a day you could have easily spread the virus to 100 people.

"You personally could be responsible for the avoidable death of another. 

"Wearing face masks and avoiding unnecessary social contact has to be the most important thing we do. 

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"My personal bug bear is seeing people not wearing face masks on the buses, tubes or in the supermarket. 

"I think there is a belief that many people have exemption, but in reality my own practice has not supported one such person applying for this. 

"We would always see it as irresponsible to put that person and those around them at increased risk.

"The problem is, it can be hard to challenge those acting irresponsibly."

He added: "The casualties of the pandemic will be those who also have their health deteriorate for other reasons. 

"Please work with us to look after your chronic diseases like diabetes, asthma, heart disease. 

"As GPs we still feel this is important, and need your help as patients to work with us to look after yourself. 

"Finally, the effects of anxiety and low mood are far-reaching. Anything we can do to reflect on even the smallest positive things, will help us all get through this." 

Are you a key worker? Contact us to speak about your experience of working during the pandemic at monica.charsley@newsquest.co.uk