Hospital Trust launches ‘Stay Safe, Keep Apart’ campaign

Patients at three hospitals are being reassured that it is safe for them to attend their appointments.

Changes have been introduced to protect staff and patients at St Thomas’ Hospital, Guy’s Hospital and Evelina London Children’s Hospital, and at the hospital trust’s community sites.

The Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Trust has launched a ‘Stay Safe, Keep Apart’ campaign with signs to guide patients and staff around the sites, making sure that they keep their distance as much as possible, and can wait safely.

Paul Murton, from Bermondsey, visited Guy’s Hospital for a routine blood test for diabetes in June.

Paul, who works in corporate communications, said: “There was very clear and helpful guidance showing people where to go and to keep left. There were also hand sanitisers in place.

“It made me feel very safe to be there and not anxious at all. I wasn’t actually worried before coming in because I knew Guy’s and St Thomas’ would have it under control.

“The measures in place leave you with a complete sense of confidence and trust that the hospitals are doing everything they can to maintain social distancing and ensure hygiene practises are in place, which minimises the risk of infection.

“Around a month later I had an ultrasound at St Thomas’ and the same measures were in place there. Again, I felt reassured and safe.

“The trust has done a great job at applying these measures to make hospitals a safe place to visit.”

Once on site, patients must wear a face covering other than children under 11 and those exempt for medical reasons.

Staff are also wearing face coverings and personal protective equipment (PPE) when needed.

Everyone is also expected to clean their hands on entering the buildings.

Hand sanitiser is available around trust sites, seating in waiting areas has been rearranged to maintain social distancing and there are limits on the numbers of people allowed to use a lift at the same time.

Dr Nick Price, director of infection prevention and control at Guy’s and St Thomas’, said: “We understand that some patients may feel nervous about coming into hospital if they need face-to-face appointments.

“The measures that have been put in place throughout our hospitals and community sites will ensure that patients and staff are kept as safe as possible.

“While things will seem different, as always we strive to provide the best and safest care for patients.

“If you have any concerns we encourage you to contact your clinical team in advance. It is vital that people attend their appointments, and not doing so could be harmful for your health.”