The NHS is here for you as we go back into ‘lockdown’

November 6, 2020

The NHS has reassured the public that they are very much open for business as we head into a second Lockdown.  A press release today confirms that we should all still contact relevant services for long term conditions and when we need medical support. 

 

An excerpt from the release

Local health services are reminding patients that services will still be here for them during lockdown, and are sharing some helpful advice to ensure people continue to manage health conditions and seek assistance when needed.

Health services never stopped helping people during the previous lockdown, and they will continue to be here when patients need them this time too.

  • NHS services are here for you
  • If you have an appointment – please keep it
  • Services may look and feel different – please be patient with staff
  • Please wear a face covering, wash your hands regularly and follow social distancing guidelines in health premises
  • Please seek help early if you are worried
  • If you have the symptoms of coronavirus please don’t attend in person but contact NHS 111 for advice

Patients are also required to wear a face covering when entering buildings (unless they’re unable to due to a health condition), and staff will be wearing protective equipment such as face masks, aprons and gloves, where appropriate. In some cases, services have provisional COVID questions that they ask, to screen patients before they enter a healthcare building, and the staff may take patients’ temperatures before they enter a location.

In most places there will be one way systems in place, and hand sanitiser for patients to use upon entering buildings, along with clear signage for social distancing, and in some cases there are colour coded areas to reduce the risk of people mixing. Patients are being urged to ensure they attend any planned appointments – including maternity appointments.

If patients think they have coronavirus they are asked not to attend their GP Practice, pharmacy, hospital or health centre and should seek advice at: nhs.uk/coronavirus or 111.nhs.uk

 

Read the whole release here