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

In line with national guidance on the easing of restrictions, we have made some changes to our visiting arrangements.

We still ask that you mainly use phone or video calls, emails, group chats or online games to stay in touch.

However we are also allowing limited visits in person, provided you follow measures to minimise the risk of Covid-19.

Please contact the ward or department in advance to arrange calls and visits.

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). 

For PHE leaflets in a range of languages and formats visit these links:

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