As the immediate pressures from the initial phase of the Coronavirus pandemic begin to subside, we have now restarted the services that were put on hold, such as non-urgent surgery and diagnostics.
This means patients who had their care postponed are now having appointments rescheduled and that new patients are able to access the treatment they need. We know that many people have been worried about when their appointments would be rebooked, and we want to assure you that, although it will take us a little time as we work through everyone who needs our care, you will be contacted and rebooked as soon as we can. The NHS across Kent and Medway would like to thank our local community for their patience, and for all of the support they have shown us over the recent months of disruption.
There are now very few patients in our hospitals either confirmed as having Coronavirus (on 20th August there were just 22 confirmed as Covid-19 positive patients out of 2,864 beds across all Kent and Medway acute hospitals). Patients with Coronavirus are treated in areas away from other patients and by different staff.
But we know Coronavirus remains a threat and a concern, particularly to those who are already unwell. We are working to create a ‘new normal’, where all NHS services have additional infection control measures built in to keep people safe. This includes extending the use of patient phone and video consultations with GPs and hospital staff to allow people to have routine appointments that only need a conversation without leaving home, and using other technology to support patient care.
For patients who do need to come into hospital or other clinical areas all NHS services are organising how people are seen to minimise the possibility of the virus being spread. This means there is more extensive cleaning between procedures and more social distancing in waiting rooms and areas. Everyone will be asked to wear a face covering and people may be asked to come in alone and have limited visitors.
Hospitals are also working together across Kent and Medway to clear waiting lists as quickly as possible, and we’re working with private hospitals to offer some tests and treatments. This may mean you are given an appointment at a different location than you might have been used to. But you can be confident you will receive the care you need.
Top tips for online appointments
Although some face-to-face appointments will still be necessary during this unprecedented time, many GP surgeries and healthcare services are offering virtual and online appointments. You can use your smartphone, tablet or computer to have an online consultation. Updated guidance has been published on how to get the most out of online appointments, including what to expect and what to do if you are prescribed medication.
Please see the following websites:
www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/nhs-services/gps/gp-online-and-video-consultations
www.healthwatch.co.uk/blog/2020-07-27/doctor-will-zoom-you-now
Register for Covid-19 vaccine trials
The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) is expecting COVID 19 vaccine trials to begin in Kent and the South East soon. All NHS trusts in the region are expected to be involved in some way.
More information on the vaccine trials and how to sign up can be found here
Read the full bulletin at: https://bit.ly/2Qrqj2I
NHS Kent and Medway Clinical Commissioning Group
NHS Kent and Medway Clinical Commissioning Group
