Coronavirus (COVID-19)
NHS patients, staff and visitors are no longer routinely required to wear face coverings in healthcare settings
All healthcare settings are transitioning back to pre pandemic polies on visiting and masks wearing. Whilst the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) (formally Public Health England) does not require face coverings/masks to be worn in healthcare settings, please be aware that at times of increased incidence of any infection on our sites; we may ask that face coverings/masks be worn by patients, staff and visitors, unless you are exempt. Healthcare staff may also be asked to wear face masks as part of PPE requirements when caring for suspected/confirmed Covid-19 patients.
Inpatients with suspected or confirmed Covid-19 may also be asked to wear a face mask.
Visitors showing any symptoms of Covid-19 should not visit. This is essential for infection prevention and control. Anyone feeling unwell, should not visit.
If a face to face visit cannot be facilitated, a virtual visit may be arranged.
Each site may have additional measures in place and so we recommend you contact the ward directly, prior to your visit.
We also ask that hands are sanitised on entry and exit to our buildings.
Thank you for playing your part to keep everyone as safe as possible at this time.
Need help in a mental health crisis or emergency – COVID 19 response
We realise that for many of you this an unsettling time and we want to reassure you that we are still here to support you and provide the best care possible.
Please click here to find out how to contact our services if required.
During the pandemic we havie adapted the way we offer our services to make sure we can continue to support you in the best possible way during this time.
Don’t worry we are still here for you and you can still expect to receive your care in the following ways:
- By telephone
- Through a secure video conference system or
- Face- to-face
If you have any concerns, please contact the team responsible for your care and they will be able to answer your questions.
The NHS in Kent and Medway and UKHSA are well prepared for outbreaks of new infectious diseases. The NHS has put in place measures to ensure the safety of all patients and NHS staff while also ensuring services are available to the public as normal.
NHS 111 has an online coronavirus service that can tell you if you need medical help and advise you what to do.
Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.
Like the common cold, coronavirus infection usually occurs through close contact with a person with novel coronavirus via cough and sneezes or hand contact. A person can also catch the virus by touching contaminated surfaces if they do not wash their hands.
Patients can be reassured that their safety is a top priority, and are encouraged to attend all appointments as usual if they are not unwell with symptoms of Covid-19.
Everyone is being reminded to follow UKSHA advice to:
- Always carry tissues with you and use them to catch your cough or sneeze. Then bin the tissue, and wash your hands, or use a sanitiser gel.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after using public transport. Use a sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are unwell.
Full guidance can be found at www.gov.uk/coronavirus
A&E and hospital
Routine
Moving forward
Post viral fatigue
A new 24hour service for anyone in Kent or Medway in need of mental health crisis support is now available. This service (for all age groups) went live earlier this month (1st April 2020)
Support is now available simply by texting the word “Kent” or the word “Medway” to 85258.
You can also phone: 0800 1070160
It is free for the majority of phone networks – for full details see here https://www.kent.gov.uk/social-care-and-health/health/release-the-pressure/release-the-pressure-text-service The service is provided by the national charity Shout.
Click here to view the Government guidance for those who provide unpaid care to friends for family
The above link is for anyone who cares, unpaid, for a friend or family member who, due to a lifelong condition, illness, disability, serious injury, a mental health condition or an addiction, cannot cope without their support anyone who cares, unpaid, for a friend or family member who, due to a lifelong condition, illness, disability, serious injury, a mental health condition or an addiction, cannot cope without their support.
Carers agencies in Kent and Medway
Click here to download a PDF map of Carers agencies in Kent and Medway
Whoever you are, social isolation is not an excuse for domestic abuse.
This is a crime and it can affect anyone.
During this COVID-19 pandemic, limited contact with the outside world may make you or someone you know feel unsafe but our specialist teams are still here to help 24/7, in the same way we always do.
Kent Police will respond to your call and can arrest anyone committing offences against you.
In an emergency dial 999 or 101 for non-emergencies. You can also speak to someone online at www.kent.police.uk
There are other agencies working with Kent Police to support you:
- National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247
- Kent and Medway Domestic Abuse Helpline: www.domesticabuseservices.org.uk/
- Victim support: 08 08 16 89 111 www.victimsupport.org.uk
- Broken Rainbow: www.brokenrainbow.org.uk
- Childline: 0800 1111
Four physiotherapy guides are now available help patients and stay fit and healthy during COVID-19.
They cover a range of different exercises that are very easy to do, with step by step instructions provided. These exercises focus on stretches, strength work and cardio.
These guides can be downloaded here:
Further information for healthcare professionals can be found at - https://www.rcot.co.uk/practice-resources/occupational-therapy-topics/rehabilitation
