Coronavirus (COVID) Information
Genuine SMS texts from the surgery:
We have started to send invites via SMS (Text Message) if you have registered a mobile phone number with us. This will include a link to book up your appointment directly.
The image below is a screenshot of a genuine SMS text COVID vaccine invitation sent by us via the Accubook booking system (which is a feature of the Accurx integrated communications system). We have used a test patient for the example (your name will appear in place on your actual invite).
If we do not have your mobile phone details you will be contacted by telephone by one of our team at Bideford Medical Centre.
Invites to the mass vaccinations centres at Exeter, Taunton and Wadebridge as well as Westward Ho are also being sent out by a central National team.
Somewhat frustratingly for Practices and confusing for you, we don't know which patients these are being sent to so you may receive a letter as well as a call/text from Bideford Medical Centre. It is your choice as to whether you accept an appointment at a mass vaccination centre or from your Practice. And yes we have raised our concerns with the powers that be about the confusion this is creating for you and us!
Please be patient and don't contact your Practice about when you will receive an invite. We are working as hard as we can to vaccinate as many of our patients as quickly as we can.
Please check back here for regular updates.
