Health professionals at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals (DBTH) are asking visitors to specific areas at the Trust to sign-in using the Test and Trace QR code provided.
The NHS Covid-19 app is part of the NHS’ large-scale coronavirus testing and contact tracing programme. The app is used alongside traditional contact tracing to notify users if they come into contact with someone who later tests positive for coronavirus, and is available on smart phones now.
Like restaurants and public venues, certain clinical areas at Doncaster Royal Infirmary, Bassetlaw Hospital and Montagu Hospital now have posters featuring a Test and Trace QR code for visitors to scan when entering. This won’t be in every hospital setting, but only in busier environments, such as the Emergency Department reception and outpatient clinics, where more than six individuals tend to sit and wait for their health appointments. Inpatients and staff will not be required to use the codes.
David Purdue, Director of Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professionals at DBTH, said: “As a Trust, we are supporting the Government’s Test and Trace service, and as such have placed a number of posters featuring QR codes in the busier areas of our hospitals. It is important to note that these are by and large outpatient settings, not ward environments, and visitors will be prompted by staff upon entry if it is necessary to scan using your smart phone.
“Our colleagues and communities have expended great energy in keeping Covid-19 at bay locally, and we think this is just one further way to help protect our hospitals, and by extension our towns, particularly as the weather turns colder. We thank our visitors in advance for their understanding and support in this matter.”
The NHS Covid-19 app allows people to report symptoms, order a coronavirus test, check in to venues by scanning a QR code and it helps the NHS trace individuals that may have coronavirus. The app will help the NHS understand if the virus is spreading in a particular area, and so local authorities can respond quickly to stop it spreading further and save lives. The app does this while protecting a user’s anonymity.
More information about the app and links to the sites to download it are available at https://www.covid19.nhs.uk/