Buckinghamshire Healthcare Trust ask patients not to bring people to appointments

To help reduce the risk of infection, people attending appointments in Trust healthcare facilities are asked to come alone to reduce the number of people in waiting rooms and allow social distancing measures to be maintained.

Exceptions to restrictions detailed above are in place for those:

who are under 16

who have a learning disability, cognitive impairment or autism

who have communication challenges including hearing or visual impairment

for whom English is not their first language

who are experiencing mental health problems

when one family member or carer can accompany patients. Other exceptions may be agreed in advance. Specific guidelines are in place for individuals attending maternity appointments. Please see the Trust website for details.

Dan Gibbs, Chief Operating Officer, said: "We understand that patients will often want to bring friends or relatives with them to hospital appointments.

"However, we have to do everything we can to keep everyone safe, which includes patients not being accompanied to appointments unless there are exceptional circumstances.

"Patients should also wear a face covering and wash their hands with soap and water before and after their visit to the hospital."

Virtual and telephone appointments

The Trust offers virtual and telephone appointments for many of its outpatient clinics, meaning patients can receive support and care from their own homes.

Some services have reported that patients have still been coming to hospital when their appointment is actually a virtual or telephone one.

People are reminded to check their appointment letter to see if they need to attend the hospital in person or whether the appointment is by phone or video.

If you have any questions about visiting the hospital, please contact the department you are attending for your appointment.

Please also follow up to date advice on the Trust website: www.buckshealthcare.nhs.uk