New video call service connects patients with their loved ones

A NEW service has been introduced at The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) to offer relatives and friends a precious video call with their loved ones who are staying in hospital.

Visiting has currently been suspended at PAHT as the hospital manages the demands of coronavirus (COVID-19). There are a few exceptional circumstances when visiting is permitted, including visiting a patient who is receiving end of life care, accompanying a woman in labour or if you are a parent or carer visiting your child.

Family and friends of inpatients can email [email protected] to arrange their 10 minute video call and find out how to join their call that will be hosted on secure video conferencing software.

This service is currently only available for patients who are staying on John Snow Ward, Lister Ward, Locke Ward, Harold Ward or Kingsmoor Ward and is offered between 2–4pm, seven days a week.

Shahid Sardar, associate director of patient engagement said: “We understand that this is difficult time for family members and friends who are not able to visit their loved one in hospital.

“It means so much to people to stay in contact with their loved one during these unprecedented times and will help to keep their spirits up.

“We are working hard to ensure that all of our patients can stay in touch with their relatives and friends and have plans in place to introduce this service for those patients who are not staying on COVID-19 allocated wards in the near future.”