New national restrictions were introduced on 5 November in response to the rapidly rising cases of Covid-19 across the UK, and NHS England is now on its highest alert level. The message once again from the government is to stay at home, to protect the NHS and save lives.

However, there are specific reasons when you can leave your home and they include, “…for any medical concerns, reasons, appointments and emergencies.” Visit GOV.UK for the full guidance. 

So the message from us for patients across North West London is, follow the Government’s guidance but do seek the help of the NHS if you need it. Talk before you walk. If you think you need to see a GP or hospital doctor, it is best if you call ahead – either phone your GP surgery or 111– please use 111 online in the first instance as this will be quicker. In a medical emergency, call 999.

The NHS is very much open for business, and over the last four months we have quadrupled the number of patients who have received operations each week from 400 to 1600 across all our hospitals.

We have learnt a lot form the first wave and we are in the best possible position to continue to treat patients safely and effectively through the weeks and months ahead.

Rigorous infection prevention control measures are in place across our services to keep both patients and staff safe, including separating people who may have Covid-19 from those who do not.

If you have been called for an appointment, it is because you need it. Please make sure you attend if you are asked to do so – it is much safer to attend hospital when required than not to come in due to misplaced fears.

In this issue we have updated flu guidance, the latest information on testing and a list of things you can do to stop the spread of Coronavirus.

Read the full newsletter here

For all of the latest Coronavirus information, visit our website.