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Friday, 03 April 2020 10:56

Barnet Hospital staff get rousing round of applause

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Barnet householders and families were out in force to join the second nationwide Thursday evening clap for carers in support of NHS workers treating patients during the coronavirus pandemic. The turnout was especially strong in the streets around Barnet Hospital -- part of the Royal Free Hospital Foundation -- where residents clapped on the doorsteps, blew whistles, banged saucepans and even at one house played a trumpet.

As the lockdown continues ambulances turning into Wellhouse Lane are a regular sight, with their blue lights flashing.

Fewer warning sirens have been heard in recent days, no doubt reflecting the massive reduction in both pedestrians and traffic along Barnet High Street, Wood Street and the Barnet Road.

In-patients with Covid-19 (coronavirus) and patients awaiting test results for Covid-19 are being treated in isolation and not able to receive visitors.

All the latest information on the changes to out-patient appointments and planned surgery is available online on the Royal Free website -- see links below.

No visitors are allowed on wards but there are arrangements for in-patient visits in exceptional circumstances. Where visitors meet the criteria passes will be available for collection at 2pm each day at the Barnet Hospital main reception desk and at the Royal Free (lower ground floor).

Advice is available on a dedicated website -- see below -- for anyone wanting to work or volunteer at one of the trust's three hospitals, the Royal Free, Barnet and Chase Farm.

The trust says it is providing all staff with free food 24/7 and can no longer accept food at any of its sites.

An emergency fund to help support the 10,000 strong work force at the trust's three hospitals has been launched by the Royal Free Charity.

Any donations other than food should be directed to the charity's Royal Fee London Heroes website.

In a statement, the charity says that the workforce is "responding heroically" to the pandemic.

"The trust and the charity are asking the public to lend their support to staff as quickly as possible via the Royal Free Charity Covid-19 Emergency Fund.

"From the provision of care packages at the end of a very long shift, to psychological support and the creation of physical respite spaces, to responding to the suggestions staff have for things that would help, the charity aims to get a complete support service in place as soon as possible.

"Much of what they need will be funded by government, but not everything. This fund will support RFL staff as they support our patients."

Judy Dewinter, chair of the charity's trustees, said they wanted to reach out directly to the community.

"We are asking your local NHS staff what they need, and your response is going to make a real difference to their lives.

"Your donation will go directly to help them as they work under pressure and in the most challenging of circumstances.

"We have had children asking to donate their pocket money and offers of help from individuals and local businesses. I am incredibly proud to launch this campaign and ask for your help."

www.royalfree.nhs.uk/news-media/news

www.royalfree.nhs.uk/news-media/news/temporary-changes-to-out-patient-appointments-at-the-royal-free-london

www.royalfreenhs.uk/patients-visitors/visiting-a-patient-the-royal-free-hospital-london

www.royalfree.nhs.uk/news-media/news/supporting-the-royal-free-london-heroes

www.royalfree.nhs.uk/news-media/news/want-to-help-at-one-of-our-hospitals

 

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