There is now the capacity within the NHS to be able to start reopening services starting with the most urgent like cancer care.
When dealing with COVID-19 the NHS had to make drastic changes in order to find capacity for the predicted influx of patients. All non-urgent surgeries at that time were postponed from 15 April and cancer therapies had also been delayed for some patients.
Moving forward, the exact pace of the restoration will be determined by local circumstances on the ground, in accordance with local need and according to the number of COVID-19 cases hospitals may have had to deal with.
Hospitals will need time to rearrange services now that the peak has passed - but ensuring that patients have the investigations and cancer treatments they need is paramount.
Things will feel very different now. Appointments will be held remotely via video link and visits will be kept to a minimum. Hospitals have worked hard to maximise safety for patients, staff and the community.
Changes have been put in place such as:
- One-way systems for entering and exiting the hospital at the main entrance.
- Green and red areas clearly designated within hospital buildings to ensure ‘clean COVID-19 free areas’ are maintained
- Floor markings positioned as a reminder to keep 2 metres apart from each other
- Notices/signs in public and clinical areas to remind people of social distancing
- Patients, visitors and staff to wear a mask at all times unless told otherwise – this will be communicated to you
If you have concerns about your health and wellbeing, or about arranging an appointment or attending hospital, please do contact your GP or treatment team, they will be able to advise you on how things will be organised for you in your local hospital.