Special ‘pod’ at hospital for treating coronavirus patients
A “111 pod” for treating suspected coronavirus cases has been set up at Charing Cross Hospital’s accident and emergency unit in Fulham.
Almost 12,000 people have been tested so far in the UK and 39 have been diagnosed with the virus.
The past week has brought news of severe outbreaks in Iran and northern Italy.
NHS England has ordered that all hospitals with A&Es should install the pods.
A spokesperson said: “Following national guidance all hospitals are putting in place NHS 111 pods at their emergency departments, so that anyone attending hospital with symptoms of the virus can be kept isolated from other patients and avoid causing unnecessary pressure in A&E.
“Over the coming weeks many more of us may need to self-isolate at home for a period to reduce this virus’s spread.
“Everyone can continue to play their part by taking simple steps, such as washing hands to prevent the spread of infection, and calling NHS 111 first before going to the doctors or A&E if they have any concerns about, or show symptoms of, coronavirus.”
Imperial College NHS Foundation Trust, which manages Charing Cross Hospital, has this week updated its website offering advice to anyone who has recently returned to the UK from the following list of countries and regions:
■ Cambodia
■ China
■ Hong Kong
■ Northern Italy
■ Japan
■ Laos
■ Macau
■ Malaysia
■ Myanmar
■ Republic of Korea
■ Singapore
■ Taiwan
■ Thailand
■ Vietnam
The Trust’s website says anyone who develops symptoms of a cough or fever or shortness of breath should “stay indoors and avoid contact with other people” and “call NHS 111 to inform them of your recent travel to the country”.
There is no current vaccination for the coronavirus and the World Health Organisation has said that it could be 18 months before one is created.
■ A clinician at the Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, in Northwood, who was previously confirmed to have had coronavirus, has now tested negative.
East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust confirmed this week the staff member at the Hillingdon hospital does not have the virus.
The NHS shared in a statement that the risk to patients at the hospital was “very low”.