Buckinghamshire Healthcare Trust encourage people to attend appointments and operations during lockdown

Neil Macdonald, Trust Chief Executive said today: “Many of you will have seen the news over the weekend about the implementation of the second lockdown to come into place from this Thursday. My message today is, if you have a booked appointment with us either for an outpatient visit, a scan, a test or planned surgery, then please, please, please do keep that appointment.”

“We’ve learned much over the last eight months about how to safely run face to face healthcare appointments in a world with Coronavirus. We have appropriate social distancing, appropriate PPE and appropriate infection control measures in place. It is safe for you to come in and see us and if we have asked to see you there will be a good reason for that. We’re trying extremely hard to keep as much running as normal as possible and we’re here to keep you safe.”

“The health and wellbeing of our local communities and that of our staff is our number one priority."

The Trust has worked hard to make sure it is fully prepared and can keep services running during current and any future disruptions that may be caused by the virus. Staff have been able to apply the knowledge and experience gained from the first lockdown in spring to ensure all patients and families in the local area can continue to access the care they need safely.

The Trust has been restoring its services so that they are safe for all who need to access them and has been increasing the number of planned operations it is able to do. Doctors and consultants have reviewed every patient who has been referred for specialist diagnosis or treatment and are seeing patients in order of clinical priority.

It is VERY important that anyone who has received an appointment to attend hospital does so. Some patients, when this is appropriate and safe, will not need to come into hospital, but will be advised to have ‘virtual’ consultations over the phone or via the internet. Appointment letters will provide advice on what to expect. Please also check the Trust’s website for up to date information on attending or visiting hospital.

If your condition should worsen while you are awaiting treatment please call your GP or the appropriate hospital team for advice as soon as possible. Should you require urgent medical care please access 111.nhs.uk or call 111 immediately. People with potentially life-threatening illnesses or injuries are still being advised to contact 999.

If you have COVID-19 symptoms or have been in contact with someone who has symptoms, please DO NOT come into hospital. Instead, people with symptoms should self-isolate and book a test at a local designated testing centre, or order a home testing kit by calling 119 or by visiting the NHS COVID-19 testing website.