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Coronavirus questions for patients

Posted By Cornishman

"Coronavirus questions for patients"

About: Royal Cornwall Hospital (Treliske) / Oncology

(as a relative),

My wife is receiving excellent care during her chemotherapy sessions at the Headland Unit. It did strike me however that there didn't seem to be any safeguards in place to prevent people accompanying patients entering the ward who may be unwell or cariers of the coronavirus.   The receptionist asked if patients had been to any of the infected areas but no one was asked if they were suffering any symptoms related to the coronavirus. Considering how vulnerable the patients are with compromised immune systems, I think it would be helpful to have tighter controls on who is allowed to enter the ward if they appear unwell.  

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Responses

Response from Jess Saunders, Outpatient Transformation Support Officer, Outpatient Transformation Team, Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust 5 years ago
We have made a change
Jess Saunders
Outpatient Transformation Support Officer, Outpatient Transformation Team,
Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust

Submitted on 17/03/2020 at 10:22
Published on Care Opinion at 11:22

picture of Jess Saunders

Dear Cornishman,

Thank you for taking the time to share your story with us, I was pleased to read that your wife has received excellent care whilst visiting the Headland Unit. I completely understand any worries you may have in light of the current Coronavirus outbreak. To this end, I have spoken to the Reception Services manager here at the Royal Cornwall Hospital who has advised me that the questions we ask our patients when checking in to the department have now changed following new NHS guidance received on Friday 13th March at 15:30.

When patients present at their appointments they are now asked if they have a new, continuous cough or a high temperature or if they have had contact with anyone who has experienced these symptoms. Patients who attend our Headland Unit, Sunrise Centre and Haematology department with compromised immune systems are receiving appointment letters requesting that where possible, patients are dropped off at the departments and do not bring friends or family members with them. If a patient needs to be accompanied, we ask that only one person attends the appointment as well.

I hope this helps allay any fears that you may have during this time of uncertainty.

Thank you again for sharing your story with us.

Best wishes,

Jess

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