Service update following COVID-19 Coronavirus Outbreak

At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, we reviewed how we deliver all our services in line with the government and NHS England guidance and stopped delivering all but the most clinically essential face to face appointments for our service users.

In light of the recent changes we are working to begin delivery of our services again, many of which may be delivered in different ways to how they were before the outbreak so that we can keep our staff and service users are safe. Below is a summary of the current status of each of our services, this list will be updated regularly as developments progress.

Service Status 

Last updated 17 July 2020 

Face mask/coverings

Please be aware that all individuals (including staff, visitors and service users) entering one of our hospital or clinic venues will be required to wear a face mask or face covering, as per the government COVID-19 guidance.*  

Visitors and outpatients to hospital settings should put on a clean form of face-covering or face mask as you are entering the hospital building. Advice on how to wear and make a face covering can be found here. 

*Please note, face coverings should not be used by children under the age of 3 or those who may find it difficult to manage them correctly (including individuals with lung or respiratory conditions affected by the reduced airflow, or who may not be able to apply and remove the mask safely such as individuals with Alzheimer’s; our staff will support you with social distancing in these instances). It is important to use face coverings properly and wash your hands before putting them on and taking them off. For more information visit.

Visiting arrangements for Community Wards

Information for visitors

Public health England (PHE) guidance provides advice for facilitating visiting across healthcare inpatient settings, and maintains that the health, safety and wellbeing of patients, communities, individuals and teams remains the priority.

We have reviewed the guidance to understand how best to support visiting and as such, we will follow practical arrangements to facilitate visiting.

These arrangements include:

• Visits are arranged by an appointment system and must be booked in advance of visiting.
• Each patient can only have two named visitors during their admission. Each visit is subject to maximum one-hour time slot per day. Named visitors will therefore not be allowed to visit on the same day.
• Children will not be allowed to visit.
• There will be a maximum of six visitors on the ward at any one time.
• Ward Visiting times are 2pm–5pm and the time frame for a visit will be confirmed when you book.

We will continue to ensure the option of virtual visiting is available.

To arrange a visit:

• Please call the ward directly on the numbers below to book your visiting appointment. It is recommended that you book in advance to avoid disappointment. Appointments can be booked on the same day if there is availability.
  • If you or a member of your household has any COVID-19 symptoms, or you have been in contact with anyone who has had COVID-19 in the past 2 weeks, you will not be allowed to visit. You will be asked questions in relation to this when booking a visit, as well as on your arrival at the ward.
  • If you are considered to be in the extremely vulnerable group you should seek advice from your GP prior to arranging a visit.
  • All visitors will be asked to provide contact details so that we can comply with Test and Trace if required.

Please be advised that in order to maintain the safety of all our patients visiting would not be allowed in the event that there was a suspected case of COVID 19 on the ward.

Whilst on hospital premises, all visitors must:

• Be met by a member of staff in the main reception at Braintree Community Hospital and escorted to the ward
• Wear a face mask or covering at all times. *If you are not able to wear a mask for health reasons we would ask you not to visit. [ED1] 
• Follow instructions for hand hygiene.
• Wear apron and gloves at the bedside and be advised on Public Health England’s safe procedure for putting on and taking off gloves and aprons.
• Only sit with the patient they are visiting. (Visitors will be advised to maintain social distancing throughout the visit.)
• Leave the ward after a maximum visit time of one hour
• Remember to wear your mask until you leave the hospital.

Belongings and gifts:

Please only bring in essential belongings.  Any items that cannot be wiped down have to be isolated on the ward for 3 days before they can be used.

Essential items include:

• Clothes
• Toiletries
• Mobile phone/iPad
• Food items must be individually wrapped and in wipeable packaging.

Ward telephone numbers:

Courtauld ward:      01376 555911/555922

Crittall ward:            01376 555909

Key Links and Resources

The five CCG’s in Mid and South Essex have developed a resource page to help parents, young people and children navigate through information and resources concerning the Coronavirus. The resources cover a range of topics on the virus as well as the different regulations and guidance brought in to reduce the spread of the virus in our communities. You can view each CCG resources page: Thurrock CCG, Basildon and Brentwood CCG, Southend CCG, Rochford and Castlepoint CCG and Mid Essex CCG.

Essex Children Family Wellbeing Service - COVID-19 pandemic resource hub for families, children and young people

Essex Wellfare Service - Service to support the most vulnerable in the community during the Coronavirus outbreak