SUZANNE RANKIN, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF ASHFORD AND ST PETER’S HOSPITALS NHS FOUNDATION TRUST
In October, we held our Annual Members’ Meeting (AMM), where we reflected on the previous year, the challenges of the first Covid-19 peak, remembered those we lost, and highlighted the achievements of Team ASPH during this unprecedented time.
The ongoing pandemic meant that like many, we had to do this in a different way to previous years. We held our first-ever virtual AMM so that we could ensure that we were following the national guidance whilst giving our members’, staff and the local community the opportunity to ‘attend’.
During the meeting, my colleague Andrea Lewis, Chief Nurse, reiterated the additional Infection Prevention and Control measures that we have introduced so that we can continue to care for all patients in a safe and controlled way. Details about these measures can be seen in the graphic below and are also available on our website.
In recent weeks, areas across Surrey have seen an increase in the number of people testing positive with Covid-19, and with this, we are seeing a rise in people being admitted to hospital with the virus. It is really important that we all continue to adhere to the national guidance- Hands, Space, Face and ensure that we are following local guidance for the area in terms of socialising and mixing with others.
Winter is typically a busy time for Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals (ASPH), but this year we are aware that we are facing a possible second peak as well as the usual winter pressures, such as flu.
To help ease the pressure this winter, we asking that you please use NHS 111 online or phone 111 as a first point of call if you require urgent (but not emergency) care from a healthcare professional. You will be asked a series of questions about your symptoms to make sure that you are directed to the best service for treatment, whether this be your local pharmacy, GP or another healthcare professional.
I’d like to finish by extending a big thank you to our local community for your ongoing support. We’ve been shown such kindness and generosity during these extremely challenging times which has been greatly appreciated by the whole of Team ASPH.