CORONAVIRUS 'pods' have been installed at two hospitals in the region as the government confirms a ninth person in the UK has been diagnosed with the disease.
At the University Hospital of North Tees in Stockton and the University Hospital of Hartlepool, portable office cabins have been installed in car parks near to Urgent Care Centres.
However, the North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, which operates the two hospitals on Teesside, have offered reassurances that there are 'no reasons for concern.'
The pods are now a government requirement at all hospitals but are not regarded as ‘drop in’ centres for those who may suspect they are demonstrating signs of the virus.
Instead, suspected coronavirus cases will be assessed within the pods, while the trust will be given notice of all patients who require an assessment.
Last night, Julie Lane, Chief Nurse and Director of Patient Safety and Quality of North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The pods are simply a required precaution to ensure we have an isolated area where anyone referred to us with suspected coronavirus can be assessed in safety.
“I would like to stress that the pods are not a drop in centres, nor should they be taken as confirmation of any local cases.
“At present, we have no cases of coronavirus in our Trust.”
A spokesperson for the trust said: "The advice from the Trust remains the same - anyone concerned about coronavirus should call NHS 111 for expert advice and stay at home."
On Wednesday evening, the Chief Medical Officer for England, Professor Chris Whitty confirmed a ninth person in the UK had been diagnosed with coronavirus.
He said the patient had been taken to a specialist NHS centre at Guy's and St Thomas' in London, the first instance of coronavirus in the capital.
The official advice on preventing the spread of germs
- Always carry tissues with you and use them to catch your cough or sneeze. Then bin the tissue and wash your hands, or use a sanitiser gel.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after using public transport. Use a sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are unwell.
- If you have arrived back from China or specified areas in the last 14 days, follow the government advice for returning travellers.
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