To help keep everyone safe, we are offering more appointments by video and telephone.

Check your appointment letter or register for Beth to confirm how your appointment will take place.   

If your appointment is by telephone and/or video call, and you need any support call the number on your appointment letter.  

Some things to consider: 

• Having a quiet and private space to talk  
• Your phone or device is charged or near charging point 
• If it’s a video call your device wifi is on 
• If it’s a video call, if possible, have a phone handy as a backup  

 
If your appointment is in person, at one of our community or hospital sites: 

• Don't arrive more than 10 minutes early for your appointment 
• Clean your hands with sanitiser when you arrive 
• Wear a face covering. We will provide one if needed.  
• If you are exempt from wearing a mask, please call the number on your appointment letter so we can arrange other safety measures.
  
• If you are deaf or hearing impaired, we might use clear masks and visual aids such as writing things down, speech to text apps and sign language.
• Respect social distancing guidance during your visit, including while you are with your clinician. 
• Help us limit the number of people on our sites by attending your appointment alone, unless you have assistance or communication needs. 

Please do not attend your appointment if you have COVID-19 symptoms (a high temperature, a new continuous cough, a loss of sense of taste or smell) or if you or your family are self-isolating. 

This might mean you receive a larger supply of tablets, or a depot injection every 4 weeks instead of every 2 weeks so you don't have to leave home so often.  

• Who to contact if you are unwell, such as family, friends or professionals
• Details of any ongoing treatment for the person you care for
• Details of their medication and when it should be taken

We have taken the difficult decision to suspend visits for hospital patients to protect patients, visitors and staff.

In exceptional circumstances we might be able to allow a visit, but only if this is safe to do so.

Please use other ways to stay in touch such as phone or video calls, emails, group chats or online games.

Contact the ward or department in advance to arrange calls.

As a carer, you should be given the contact details of the team that is providing a service to your family member or friend, and the name of the person responsible for their care.

If you don't know who to talk to, check our service directory or contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS). 

The vaccine is being offered in some hospitals and in many community locations to:

• some people aged 80 and over
• people who work and live in care homes
• health care workers at high risk

The vaccine will be offered more widely, and at other locations, as soon as possible.

You need to be registered with a GP surgery in England to get the vaccine. You can register with a GP if you do not have one.

Recent guidance is that unpaid carers are eligible for the vaccine at the same time as the person they care for. You need to be registered as a carer. Please do this on your GP website if possible. 

Please wait to be contacted about the vaccine. The NHS will let you know when it is your turn.  It is important not to contact the NHS for a vaccination before then. 

To find out more visit the NHS coronavirus vaccine page or download the leaflets below:

Covid-19 vaccine leaflets in a range of languages and formats

• Covid-19 vaccine guides for older adults
• Easy-read leaflets (English only)
• Guides for women who are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding
• What to expect after your first Covid-19 vaccination
• Why you are being asked to wait for your Covid-19 vaccination