Ipswich Hospital asks us to test for covid-19 before visiting
The NHS here want us to make use of free lateral flow tests
We're being asked to take a quick coronavirus test before visiting Ipswich Hospital and other local health services.
Our NHS Trust is asking us to use the free lateral flow tests which can be ordered online before visiting a loved one or going for an appointment.
ESNEFT is the organisation which runs Ipswich and Colchester hospitals, as well as services at Aldeburgh, Clacton, Halstead, Harwich and Felixstowe hospitals, Bluebird Lodge in Ipswich and the Primary Care Centre in Colchester.
The UK Government has announced that anyone in England can now have regular lateral flow tests to check for Coronavirus (COVID-19).
And teams at ESNEFT are now asking visitors and outpatients to help keep everyone safe by taking a test the day before coming to its hospitals and staying at home if the result is positive.
ESNEFT Chief Executive Nick Hulme said:
“Everyone has a role to play in helping to stop the spread of this virus and we are very grateful for our community’s support in keeping our hospitals safe.
“Now lateral flow tests are more widely available, having a test before going to hospital is the responsible thing to do. However we recognise that it is a personal choice and it is not easy or possible for everyone.
“Remember, one in three people with Coronavirus do not have symptoms but can still infect others and getting tested is the only way to know if you have the virus.”
Visiting restrictions eased
Visiting restrictions at ESNEFT sites have slightly eased as numbers of Coronavirus (COVID-19) fall. However, there are still significant restrictions in place to keep everyone safe. All the details can be found on the Coronavirus information pages of the ESNEFT website
ESNEFT hospital teams are also asking all visitors to wear a surgical face mask, apron and gloves when with hospital patients.
The appeal for visitors to have a lateral flow test before coming into also applies to people coming to Colchester and Ipswich hospital vaccine hubs for their Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine.
ESNEFT staff and volunteers already have access to regular lateral flow testing. Patients admitted before planned surgery have a Coronavirus (COVID-19) test before coming in, and emergency patients are tested too.
Outpatients are asked to take their lateral flow test the day before coming into hospital for their booked appointment.
If it is a positive result, they should self isolate and call the number on their appointment letter to rearrange their appointment.
The UK Government has announced that anyone in England can now have regular lateral flow tests to check for Coronavirus (COVID-19).
They are available to do at local testing sites as well as being available in kits to do at home. Here, the NHS explains how you can get a lateral flow test
ESNEFT is asking everyone to help stop the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) by:
- Following the national rules
- Washing your hands regularly
- Wearing a surgical face mask
- Social distancing
- Getting a PCR test if you have Coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms. This is a different type of test to a lateral flow test.