I hope this finds you well.

Protect your family before visiting us

While Government restrictions were eased last week, we must continue to do all we can to protect our vulnerable patients, staff and visitors.

Keeping them as safe as possible is our priority, which is why visitors to both Queen’s and King George hospitals are being strongly encouraged to take a Covid-19 rapid lateral flow test before visiting loved ones. The test should be taken no earlier than 24 hours before a visit.

We know that the Delta variant accounts for nearly all Covid-19 cases in our communities and is 60 per cent more infectious than the previous strain. This means the risk of spreading Covid-19 to patients from visitors is significantly increased, especially as it is still possible to have the virus with no or very mild symptoms.

Rapid lateral flow tests can be ordered via the government website, collected from pharmacies and community centres or by calling 119 between 7am and 11pm.

We’re also continuing to follow all necessary infection prevention and control regulations and face masks must still be worn by patients, visitors and staff in our hospitals.

Rapid Diagnostic Centre launched

Alongside our ongoing planning for a third wave, we are continuing to focus on our recovery from the pandemic.

To help us diagnose patients faster, we have launched a Rapid Diagnostic Centre (RDC) for patients with vague symptoms or signs of cancer.

The RDC will ensure issues are investigated at an early stage, and if needed, the patient can be treated quickly and effectively.

This new service operates across both of our hospitals and is an NHS England initiative, funded by the North East London Cancer Alliance. The RDC provides GPs with a tailored cancer pathway for patients with vague symptoms who do not fit into a specific cancer pathway.

Well done to all involved in launching this fantastic centre, which will benefit the communities across all three of our boroughs.

Bones R Us week delivers 51 replacements in five days

Covid-19 has impacted waiting lists across the country and we’ve told you previously about our focused effort on launching a number of initiatives to reduce the backlog of appointments.

This is continuing and last week we held our third ‘Bones R us’ clinic, completing 51 hip and knee replacements on just five days, from Monday 19 to Friday 23 July.

66-year-old Mark Wells-Bolger had his second knee replacement and I was delighted to hear him praise our workforce when he said “the staff are brilliant, so attentive and willing to help. It was top notch.”

Well done to all involved.

Thank you and goodbye, Hannah Coffey

I would like to thank Hannah Coffey, our Director of Strategy and Partnerships, who will be leaving us in October to become the Deputy Chief Executive at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust.

In the short time she’s been with us, Hannah has led on our work to strengthen and deepen our relationships with key stakeholders, refresh our clinical strategy and develop our collaboration with Barts Health.

Hannah has been a fantastic colleague and member of the Executive team. I wish her all the very best in her new role.

I hope you enjoy the rest of your week.

Best wishes,

Tony Chambers
Chief Executive