KGH outpatient appointments could be held over the phone during coronavirus crisis

Some outpatient appointments at Kettering General Hospital could soon be held over the phone rather than face-to-face.

The changes are being looked at amid the coronavirus pandemic, with the country on lockdown after the number of deaths of people who had tested positive for the virus reached 335.

This morning (Tuesday) a hospital spokesman said: "In view of the evolving coronavirus pandemic and for the health and safety of yourself, our staff and other patients, we are looking at adapting our current working practices.

"It may be that we will hold telephone appointments, rather than seeing you face-to-face."

The hospital urged anyone who receives an appointment for a face-to-face consultation to consider a series of instructions.

Anyone who lives alone and shows symptoms of a high temperature and a new continuous cough should phone the team they have an appointment with which will be on their appointment letter. The appointment will be postponed until they have self-isolated for seven days.

Anyone who lives in a house where any person who has a persistent cough or fever should phone the hospital as everyone in the house would need to self-isolate for 14 days. The appointment will be postponed until after the 14-day isolation period is up.

Anyone attending an appointment will only be allowed to bring one person with them and the hospital discouraged children from attending the clinic if possible.

The spokesman added: "You should only use the NHS where absolutely necessary and if you have other serious health conditions you should not attend clinic for around 12 weeks.

"Please contact us if this is the case for re-allocation of your appointment."