Our CEO Katie Fisher provides an update on how we are managing COVID-19

As the Covid-19 pandemic continues, we are doing everything we can to minimise the impact of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) within our hospitals. I want to provide you with an update on how we’ve adapted our procedures to ensure they’re aligned with the Government’s latest advice.

We are exceptionally aware that the virus hasn’t gone away. As such our pandemic and infection control plans are still very much in place, with an ongoing focus on hand-hygiene measures and adherence to PPE and social distancing guidelines.

I continue to be impressed with the ongoing efforts of our staff around our hospitals, who are working exceptionally hard to keep our patients safe from the virus during this difficult time. At the time of writing, we are in the process of rolling out lateral flow testing kits for our frontline staff members. These tests will help our staff to keep each other, and our patients, safe.

Visitors to our hospitals

Due to the national lockdown, visits are only permitted in exceptional circumstances. For advice, please contact the ward your friend or family member is on.

All visitors who do visit our hospitals are required to wear a face covering (over your nose and mouth) at all times while inside our buildings. If you have any questions regarding this please speak to a member of our team as soon as you arrive, or prior to your visit. Please note the 1 metre social distancing rule does not apply to hospitals, therefore our 2 metre distancing rule remains.

We have provided hand sanitiser throughout our buildings, please take the opportunity to use these when you enter and leave the building, and wash your hands when using any facilities.

We are continuing to do all we can to ensure patients can keep in touch with friends, family and advocates via Skype or on the telephone. Every ward has an iPad available for patients to do this.

Our carers support line, for carers to keep in touch for updates and support, is also still available Monday - Friday between 10am-4pm by phone 01604 616125, or via email: carerscentre@standrew.co.uk

Patient wellbeing

On the wards, community meetings are being regularly held to explain the latest situation with regards to the virus and the Government’s latest actions to patients, and the changes in restrictions that are currently in place.

Our clinical and nursing teams are ensuring patients feel reassured, reminding people of the importance of hand washing and good hygiene, and explaining that they may see different members of staff on their wards during this time.

Please be assured that we will continue to monitor the situation very closely, both nationally and within the charity and will provide updates.

Best wishes,

Katie

Download our FAQs and materials on COVID-19

View our FAQs and materials on COVID-19, including visiting information and easy-read resources.

Our Speech and Language Therapy Team have created some easy-read COVID-19 resources for our patients with learning disabilities. These resources have significantly enhanced understanding, and are reducing anxiety and risk behaviours. If you think these guides may be useful for people that you care for please download below.