We understand that you might be worried about coronavirus – also known as COVID-19. The information below sets out our advice and the action we are taking to respond to the coronavirus outbreak.

The situation is changing constantly so we will update this information as needed – you can always check the GOV.UK website and NHS.UK for up to the minute advice.

Frequently asked questions

Q: What is the coronavirus (COVID-19)?

A: This is a virus that affects the lungs and therefore people’s breathing

Q: What are the symptoms?

A: The symptoms are:

• A cough
• High temperature (37.8^oC) or above

You can find more information here: NHS.UK. If you’re concerned, please use the online NHS 111 service which can tell you if you need medical help, and advise you what to do.

Q: What precautions should I take?

A: The advice from the NHS is as follows:

Do

• Wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
• Always wash your hands when you get home or into work or school
• Use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
• Put used tissues in the bin straight away and wash your hands afterwards
• Try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell
• Try to limit contact with people if it isn’t necessary. Click here for more guidance

Don’t

•  Please DO NOT come to a healthcare setting if you think you have symptoms of coronavirus. NHS 111 will give you the best advice and will arrange for you to be tested if appropriate

Staying Connected

During this time we have restricted visiting times for all patients.  So that you can get a message to someone who may be in our hospital, we have set up Staying Connected, where you can submit a message and we will get it to them as soon as we possibly can.

Tell Us About Your Care

To respond to the coronavirus / COVID-19 pandemic we have had to change the way we deliver many of our services. We would like to know how you have found our services when you or a family member has accessed them recently.

Please take a few seconds to complete our short confidential survey, selecting the area you have used. Your response will really help us to understand how we can provide the best care possible in these new circumstances.

Are you newly pregnant?

Newly pregnant women of Blackpool and the Fylde coast can now self-refer. Click here to complete a quick and easy form which will come directly to the Maternity department to commence your antenatal care.

Stay at home guidance

• If you live alone and you have symptoms of coronavirus illness (COVID-19), however mild, stay at home and follow the Government guidelines
• If you live with others and you or one of them have symptoms of coronavirus, then all household members must follow the latest guidelines

If you’re concerned:

• Please use the online NHS 111 service, which can tell you if you need medical help, and advise you what to do

Help us prevent the spread of coronavirus

There are simple steps that you can take to stop the spread of this and other viruses:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after using public transport. Use a sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
• 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
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
• Avoid close contact with people who are unwell

Privacy Notice – update COVID 19

Blackpool Teaching Hospitals is committed to protecting your personal information. In the fight against this global pandemic we are currently working with all of our partners in health and social care to ensure information is shared with the right people at the right time to ensure you receive the best possible care. Click here to read more.