Outpatients asked to attend Bucks hospital appointments alone
The Healthcare Trust say outpatients can only bring someone with them in certain circumstances
Buckinghamshire Healthcare Trust is calling on outpatients to check the rules before the attend appointments.
Buckinghamshire Healthcare Trust has told outpatients that they are not allowed to bring someone to their appointments following a rise in coronavirus cases.
The trust say this is to ensure social distancing can take place and reduce the amount of people in waiting rooms.
There are exceptions though, for those:
- who are under 16
- who have a learning disability, cognitive impairment or autism
- who have communication challenges including hearing or visual impairment
- for whom English is not their first language
- who are experiencing mental health problems
Here, one family member or carer can accompany patients.
Other exceptions may be agreed in advance. Specific guidelines are in place for individuals attending maternity appointments.
Dan Gibbs, Chief Operating Officer, said:
"We understand that patients will often want to bring friends or relatives with them to hospital appointments.
"However, we have to do everything we can to keep everyone safe, which includes patients not being accompanied to appointments unless there are exceptional circumstances.
Patients should also wear a face covering and wash their hands with soap and water before and after their visit to the hospital."