People urged only to attend hospital for appointments and urgent treatment

Wye Valley NHS Trust is asking that only patients who have pre-arranged appointments or pre-agreed visits, or those who need urgent A&E treatment, attend Hereford County Hospital.

The plea comes after people have turned up at the hospital hoping to have a COVID-19 test.

“We cannot facilitate COVID-19 testing for members of the public who have possible coronavirus symptoms. They should follow national guidance and stay at home and contact NHS 119 or visit www.nhs.uk/coronavirus,” said Claire Carlsen, the Trust’s associate chief operating officer in the clinical support division.

“To protect patients, visitors and staff during the pandemic, it’s essential that only those who need to be at the hospital are here.

“To ensure patients are here for the shortest amount of time, we’re asking that they attend no more than 15 minutes prior to their appointment unless they are specifically instructed to arrive earlier by the service they are accessing.”

All patients arriving at the hospital are screened and given a facemask to wear before they enter the building.

“Patients who arrive too early will be asked to stay in their car and return closer to their appointment time to help us maintain social distancing in our departments.

“It’s important that people realise we are not able to facilitate COVID-19 testing for members of the public who have possible coronavirus symptoms and urge them to stay home and contact NHS 111 to arrange to be tested.

“If you have symptoms and you attend the hospital you are putting others at risk,” added Claire.