The Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak means that life is changing for all of us for a while, however our commitment to and support for people with mental health needs, learning disabilities, autism or illnesses such as dementia remains as important as ever.
Download easy read version with pictures Download non-visual easy read versionWhat is Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a type of virus that causes illness. It affects the lungs and airways. People who have Coronavirus may cough a lot more than usual and/or have a high temperature. They may also have a change or loss of their smell and taste.
It spreads very quickly from person to person so it is important we do everything we can to stop it from spreading.
How can we stop it spreading?
In order to stay safe and reduce the risk of catching or spreading the virus, we must:
- wash our hands more often, for 20 seconds
- wear a face mask (if possible) and avoid touching our face
- use a tissue when we cough or sneeze
- it’s important we make space for others and keep our distance from other people.
Admission to hospital
Coming into hospital can be a difficult experience at any time, but in these unprecedented times it is important we support you and your family, by giving you as much information and support as we can.
We also need your help to stop Coronavirus from spreading in hospital. As well as regularly washing your hands and using a tissue to cough and / or sneeze into we ask you to isolate on admission and have regular COVID-19 testing as a way of managing the spread and protecting you.
What does testing and isolation mean?
Even if you have no symptoms of COVID-19 when you are first admitted to the ward you will be asked to remain in your en-suite room until you have had three negative COVID-19 test results. You will have regular contact with ward staff and be able to talk to them whenever you need to.
Your first test is done on the day you are admitted, then on day three followed by another one on day 5. Regular testing then continues from day 12 and then every seven days after that.
How is the test completed?
You will be offered a PCR test. PCR stands for Polymerase Chain Reaction. This uses a swab to wipe the back of your throat and then your nostrils. This swab will be sent to a laboratory to be tested. You won’t get the results straight away but the ward staff will tell you your result.
Why do I have to have regular COVID-19 tests in hospital?
It is important you are tested because you can have coronavirus and not feel ill.
Having regular COVID-19 tests whilst in hospital can help keep you and others around you safe by stopping the virus from spreading.
What happens if one of my test results is positive?
If you test positive you will need to isolate for 14 days whilst in hospital. You may need to move wards but staff will talk you through this if it is required. Staff can advise further if you are well enough to be discharged home through your isolation period. It is important to understand that you will be supported throughout the whole process.
Can I refuse to have the COVID tests?
Yes, but to keep everyone safe if it is your admission swabs, you will need to isolate for 14 days. Ward staff will continue to offer you a COVID-19 test throughout these 14 days. If it is a weekly swab, ward staff will continue to regularly offer you a COVID-19 test. Please discuss with staff if you need more information to understand why it is important to agree to being swabbed.
What if I am struggling to isolate?
Please talk to a member of staff if you are struggling to isolate.
We would encourage you to wear a face mask if you can in communal areas, as well as keeping your distance from other patients. For some people, wearing a face covering may be difficult due to physical or mental health conditions. In these instances, other measures will be considered on a case by case basis, for example timed appointments and being seen immediately on arrival. If you are a deaf or hearing impaired, our staff have a range of communication options to ensure that they can communicate effectively with you. This might include the use of clear masks where possible, as well as visual aids such as writing things down, speech to text apps and sign language.
If your results are negative no further action will be needed, although we do ask you to respect the social distance boundaries within the ward environment.
If you test positive we will need to ensure we not only protect you but also others around you and you may potentially need to move wards.
On the ward
While you are on the ward it is important that we protect you and your family as well as staff, therefore staff will wear personal protective equipment depending on what is happening with Coronavirus in the community, this may include any of the following:
- plastic apron
- fluid repellent surgical face mask (FRSM)
- disposable gloves
- face visor.
Visiting and maintaining contact with your family or carers
In normal circumstances we welcome visiting as much as possible as we appreciate the positive effect this can have for you and your family and friends and in line with new guidance we will supports visits. Wherever possible we will arrange for visits to be undertaken in the reception areas of the hospital (socially distancing measures will be in place). Prior to coming to the hospital we would request the visitor contact the individual ward and arrange a mutually convenient time for the visit to be undertaken, at this point staff will ascertain from the potential visitor whether they have symptoms of COVID-19 (cough, and/or high temperature, and/or loss of, or change in, your normal sense of smell or taste – anosmia), and if yes they should be advised to must isolate at home, and if no a visit will be arranged. All visits will need to be booked to ensure social distancing measures can be maintained. When the visit is arranged staff will remind visitors that they will need to have a face covering, covering nose and mouth in place prior to entering the hospital. On arrival to the hospital visitors will report to reception who will contact the ward for the patient to come, or be brought, to reception area. The reception area will have staff present continually when there are patients and visitors present.
All visitors will be expected to comply with existing social distancing and hand hygiene measures in addition to the face coverings while in the hospital setting.
If I have regular day / overnight leave from the ward, what else can I do to help stop the spread of Coronavirus?
Regular ward leave is part of your recovery and is very important. We need to stop the spread of Coronavirus so we kindly ask you to consider the following:
- if you are meeting a friend or a relative – meet them outside or if inside try and avoid crowded places
- remember to socially distance, wear a face mask and regularly clean your hands
- when you return to the ward you must wash your hands
- staff will also ask about your outing; this is to find out if you have been somewhere that may have put you at risk of being infected with Coronavirus. You may need to isolate and be tested for Coronavirus if staff think you have been at risk. The ward staff will talk through this with you.
Access to essential items
We realise that lots of people rely on their family or carers for their shopping, including essential items. Please ask your family member to contact the ward to arrange a suitable time to drop off any essential items and please only do so if absolutely necessary. They will be asked to wash their hands on arrival and if they do not have a face covering they will be provided with a mask and to maintain social distancing. They will then need to leave the parcel at reception where a member of staff will collect and check it prior to it being brought to you.
What happens if someone on the ward tests positive for COVID-19?
Within all our wards staff will ensure strict infection control procedures are adhered to at all times and as an organisation we will regularly review that the measures we have put in place to protect you remain effective.
There may be times when other people admitted to a ward may test positive for COVID-19. Obviously they will be nursed away from you and others but we understand that this may increase anxiety.
If someone on the ward does test positive you and your family will be informed but due to confidentiality there will be limited details we will be able to provide. Staff will discuss with you any concerns you may have and observe everyone on the ward for any potential symptoms. If necessary you can be offered another test.
We understand that this is a difficult time for everyone and we will endeavour to support you and your family throughout. Please do not hesitate to speak to staff if you have any other queries.
L1099, V3, 16/04/2021 (Archive: 16/04/2024)
