Image

Changes to keep you safe at medical centres

The NHS Foundation Trust have released information regarding new measures to keep patients safe at hospitals and medical centres.

As lockdown rules being to ease and people are once again able to visit medical centres, hospitals and surgeries – a range of new health and safety measures have been rolled out across medical centres and hospitals in Oxfordshire.

These include:

  • Perspex screens in main hospital reception areas
  • Face masks for all staff
  • Face coverings or masks for patients and visitors
  • Controlled visiting times for inpatients at OUH hospitals as well as Oxford Health’s six community hospitals
  • All of the hospitals have digital solutions in place for those who cannot visit their loved ones, like video calls
  • Social distancing measures including ‘Keep a safe distance’ signs and floor markings to improve movement through hospitals (two metres is still the safe distance in hospital settings)
  • Hand sanitising stations
  • Advising people with symptoms of COVID-19 not to attend our sites

People who would like a GP appointment have been asked to call their surgery first or book online. The large majority of initial appointments will be carried out via telephone or video link, although if a face to face consultation is needed – these will be provided.

Dr Kiren Collison, GP and Clinical Chair at Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group, said:

“Please be reassured that if you need medical care for any health concern your GP is there for you. We do ask that you always telephone your surgery first, as you won’t be seen without an initial phone or online appointment.  If it is decided that you do need to come in for an appointment, we ask that you wear a face covering. There will also be social distancing measures in place in the practice so it is safe for you to visit. Staff will also be wearing masks and gloves, and there will be hand sanitiser available.”

When visiting those in hospital, people are asked to call ahead as many wards will only be accepting visitors by appointment.  If you are receiving treatment, you should also receive updated guidance on your arrival by the hospital staff.

Sara Randall, Chief Operating Officer at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said:

“Things may still look a little different to what you experienced previously, but patient and staff safety is paramount at our Trust and we want to keep everyone safe as more services resume. Please do follow the guidance that your hospital department gives you – and please don’t hesitate to contact them if you have any questions.

Photo by Zach Vessels on Unsplash

Contact Gi Oxford
Email us: news@gi-media.co.uk
Follows us on Facebook for all the latest local stories, breaking news and to join the conversation

editor