Suzanne Rankin, Chief Executive at Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
It is always im-portant to look after ourselves during the colder months, but it is even more im-portant that we take extra care this year as we face our first win-ter period with COVID-19.
We can already see that COVID is changing the way people are accessing NHS services, with more appointments taking place virtually. However, in some cases, face to face appoint-ments are necessary and it is imperative that you do attend in person if required.
I understand that many people have concerns about visiting a hospital or GP practice at the moment. But I’d like to take this opportunity to reassure you that at Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (ASPH), keeping patients and our team as safe as pos-sible remains an absolute priority. We have robust Infection Prevention Control measures in place to keep you safe when visiting our hospital sites, and more information about these can be found on our website -https://www.ashfordstpeters.nhs.uk/.
Our outpatient, diagnostic and elective ser-vices will continue to run during this time, so if you have any concerns about a symptom that could be a sign of cancer I urge you to speak to your GP, or if you’re pregnant, it is important that you continue to attend check-ups and seek advice if you have any concerns about your baby.
If you do feel unwell this winter and require urgent (but not emergency) care from a healthcare professional, please use the NHS 111 online service or phone 111. NHS 111 will be able to direct you to the right service, for the right treatment, from the most appro-priate healthcare professional – whether this be your local pharmacy or GP.
We must all work together to protect one an-other from COVID and other serious winter illnesses, such as flu. One of the ways we can do this is by following the national guidance, “Hands, Space, Face” to help reduce the transmission of these viruses. Those who are eligible should receive their free flu vaccine-please do speak to your GP or local pharmacy for further information around this.
I’d like to thank each member of our local community for their ongoing support during this challenging time and remind you that the NHS and Team ASPH are here for you, should you need us this winter.