Worksop residents urged to keep attending hospital appointments during lockdown

Residents are being asked to keep their appointments unless contacted otherwise.

Since March, staff at Bassetlaw Hospital have had to fundamentally change the way they work, leaning ever more on digital technology to continue to deliver care and treatment for patients.

This has meant that some routine appointments are now delivered virtually, using a programme similar to Skype or Facetime, while many scheduled clinics continue to run and are delivered in-person.

Doctors, nurses and other health professionals are urging local people to continue to keep these appointments, and to let the hospital know in good time if they are unable to attend.

David Purdue, chief nurse and deputy chief executive, said: “Over the course of the pandemic, we have had to fundamentally change the way we work, as well as how we move around our hospital sites, in order to accommodate the challenges posed by Covid-19.

"Despite this, we continue to see both inpatient and outpatients, and we ask local people to keep any appointments they have with us.

“Since March 2020, we have undertaken almost 300,000 outpatient appointments. My colleagues have risen admirably to the issues we have faced as a result of Covid-19, however, patient care and treatment remains our first and utmost priority, and this will continue as we head further into winter.

"If you have a date to keep with one of our clinics, please do so, and contact us ahead of time if you need to reschedule.”

For whatever reason if there is a change in your hospital appointment, you will be contacted via the details the hospital has on file.

Steve Lyons, local resident and patient, said: “In mid-2020, I had a three week hospital stay, so I witnessed first-hand how seriously infection control was, and is, being taken.

"One of the things that gives me confidence is the complete separation between areas to minimise any risk of infection.

"The team know exactly what they are doing, putting you at ease. If you have any scheduled appointments, try not to worry, you’re in good hands.”