Home consultations an option as people stay away from hospitals
Medical consultations could increasingly be provided remotely to people who are staying away from hospitals due to fears over Covid-19.
The boss of Sandwell's NHS trust said it would have to "explore what distal home options were available" amid increasing concern about people, potentially with serious conditions, not attending hospitals.
A&E attendances at Midlands hospitals have plummeted by as much as 60 per cent as people stay away from hospitals either through fear of catching Covid-19 or because they view themselves as a burden on the NHS during the current crisis.
Some consultations have already been provided remotely through video conferencing services such as Zoom and health bosses may now seek to reach those with serious conditions who are unwilling to go to hospital.
Health chiefs have sought to reassure people that their hospitals are safe to come to and have the capacity to treat them.
The Express & Star revealed last week the Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust would be provided with details of those who had refused hospital treatment by the West Midlands Ambulance Service.
Trust chief executive Toby Lewis said in his latest report to board members: "Much lower ED (emergency department) attendance volumes are unlikely to apply through June and July.
"That fall includes both minor ailments not attended and major ill health avoiding care. The trust launched pilot work with West Midlands Ambulance Service on April 29 to seek to address that latter issue, albeit it will clearly take a broader societal heuristic change before those with latent ill health again look to travel for care.
Impact
"Bearing this in mind, we do need to explore what distal home options could be offered, as well as ensuring we publicise with great clarity in relevant local languages both the safety of acute stream services and the impact of delay or non-attendance."
Nigel Sturrock, medical director at NHS England and NHS Improvement in the Midlands, also insisted people should not be put off attending A&E if they believe they need to.
“Waiting to get help could have serious consequences for patients and harm their full recovery. Across primary care, community services and the hospitals, the NHS has put in processes to protect patients from catching Covid-19, so patients should feel confident to come," said Mr Sturrock.
"It is vitally important that if people have serious conditions or concerns, they seek help.
“While NHS staff have pulled out all the stops to deal with coronavirus, they have also worked hard to ensure that patients who don’t have Covid-19 can safely access essential services.
"So, whether you or loved one have the symptoms or a heart attack or stroke, are a parent worried about their child or have concerns about conditions such as cancer you should seek help in the way you always would. Ignoring problems can have serious consequences - now or in the future.”
