The Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak means that life is changing for all of us for a while and this can affect us in many ways, including increasing anxieties and worries.
It’s important to remember it is okay to feel this way and that everyone reacts differently. Remember, this situation is temporary, but it is important you receive the support you need during this difficult time.
We recognise that there may be added challenges for people with existing mental health problems during this pandemic. Our commitment to and support for people with mental health needs, learning disabilities, autism or illnesses such as dementia and autism remains as important as ever and our services remain open to support you.
Review of your care / Home visits
During this time most community teams continue to provide appointments in order to ensure you feel supported. However, we are mindful of ensuring we adhere to the Government guidelines in relation to social distancing and not increasing risks to either yourself to your family. Your appointment may be carried out via video or telephone call, but we understand this is not for all and if you feel a home visit our outpatient is required this can go ahead.
If a home visit needs to be carried out a member of staff will arrange to call you prior to the visit to establish the health of yourself and enquire if anyone in the household has symptoms e.g. persistent cough and/or a raised temperature or self-isolating. If you do live with someone else who has symptoms, staff will ask to visit you in another room.
Protecting you and your family during visits
It is important that we protect you and your family as well as staff, therefore staff will wear personal protective equipment when entering your home, this will include
- Plastic apron
- Fluid repellent surgical face mask (FRSM)
- Disposable gloves
If you are displaying symptoms of Coronavirus, such as coughing or a raised temperature; or the staff are undertaking a clinical procedure (administrating a depot, taking bloods) and are unable to maintain a two metre distance during their visit they will also wear eye protection.
When a member of Trust staff arrives at your home they will ask to wash their hands and then apply their personal protective equipment. Once they have completed their visit they will then remove gloves and apron which they will place into a general waste bag, and again request to wash their hands. Once outside of your home they will remove their mask which they will place in a general waste bag.
If you are happy for us to do so we will ask if we can place these bagged items in your household waste bin.
Outpatient clinics
If you need to attend a clinic for your appointment staff are again ensuring they protect you and your family and will wear personal protective equipment, which includes:
- Plastic apron
- Fluid repellent surgical face mask
- Disposable gloves
If you are displaying symptoms of Coronavirus such as coughing, raised temperature, or the staff are undertaking a clinical procedure (administrating a depot, taking bloods) and are unable to maintain a two metre distance during your appointment they will also wear eye protection.
Here to support you
We understand that many people may feel that NHS services are only able to focus on Coronavirus at present. However we want to stress that our services are open and we are here to support you so please make sure that you contact us if you require advice or support.
L1100, V1, 15/05/2020 (Archive: 15/05/2023)
