HEALTH chiefs in Warwickshire are assuring people all necessary measures have been taken to make hospitals safe.
The message comes from South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust, George Eliot NHS Hospital Trust and University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust.
It follows a major NHS drive to persuade people to seek the urgent and emergency care and treatment they need after warnings delays in getting treatment due to coronavirus posed a long term risk to people’s health.
Glen Burley, chief executive at South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust, and George Eliot NHS Hospital Trust said: “I recognise how scary these uncertain and challenging times are for everyone, but I would also like to instil confidence in how we are managing this crisis and the precautions we have put in place to make our sites safe.
“As part of that, I would urge the public that if needed please continue to access our urgent health services and get potentially lifesaving treatment for you and your families.
“There has always been a strong sense of community in Coventry and Warwickshire, but in these times more than ever, I am extremely grateful for the support we are receiving from the public. Thank you to everyone who is helping us, and a special thank you to our staff – I am so proud of the commitment, dedication and compassion you all show every day.”
As well as accessing urgent medical care, the trust want patients to feel comfortable attending important routine appointments and to continue receiving vital NHS care.
Professor Andy Hardy, chief executive of University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust said: It’s really important that our patients and public know that the NHS in Coventry and Warwickshire is still there for patients without coronavirus who need urgent and emergency care.
“We have worked hard to make changes to the way we offer our services, so that people can continue to safely access our care, for example, separate entrances in A&E and offering remote outpatients appointments where this is possible across our University Hospital and Rugby sites.
“The public can feel confident that we have taken the necessary precautions to make people safe. I urge people not ignore any health problems that you may have, this could potentially lead to greater problems if they don’t seek our care.”
First time mum-to-be Hayley Key, who recently visited Warwick Hospital for an antenatal scan reflected on how she felt safe and calm throughout.
“I was nervous beforehand about coming to the hospital, but was reassured by staff. They sent out a lot of information with my appointment details and followed up with a phone call the day before checking I was ok to still come in.
“During my visit, all staff were smiling and said hello as I went to the correct area. I had to attend two different parts of the hospital for my check up and everyone I came across was friendly and happy. From the moment I stepped into the hospital I felt safe.
“The staff I dealt with had full PPE and were genuinely happy in their work. I urge all those who are invited for appointments to the hospital to attend. The measures put in place are clear to see and it really is a safe place to go.”
