Coronavirus: New 24-hour assessment centre at Fife hospital

Health bosses in Fife are creating a coronavirus assessment centre to deal with patients – and it will operate 24-hours of the day.

They have also cancelled all routine appointments and operations, and split the Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy into two separate zones.

The red zone will be for patients confirmed as carrying the COVID-19 virus

The measures were outlined in the latest update from NHS Fife as the region’s total of positive cases stood at nine.

Carol Potter, chief executive, said: “It’s crucial that we put the necessary measures in place to prepare our services for the significantly increased demand over the coming weeks and months.

“In any other set of circumstances these actions would seem drastic however, with the challenges facing us, we believe this is an appropriate and measured response which enables us to continue to provide a good standard of care.”

The board anticipates an increase in demand on services as the virus reaches its peak, and said its action plan would ensure that health care in Fife remained as resilient as it could be as the pressure intensifies in the coming weeks.

The plan also includes steps to minimise the risk of coronavirus transmission in hospitals.

From Monday, March 30, all non-urgent, routine out-patient and diagnostic appointments will be cancelled.

All planned operations and routine procedures planned at the Vic will also be postponed. Emergency surgery, cancer surgery and planned caesarean sections remain unaffected and continue as normal.

The diabetes service at the hospital has ceased to make room for the new coronavirus assessment centre. Patients affected can access a limited service at Queen Margaret Hospital in Dunfermline

Patients calling NHS 24 (111) will be triaged and either offered advice on self-care at home, or redirected to the Primary Care Virtual Hub.

It will be operated by a skilled team of clinicians, who will conduct a more thorough assessment by phone or video call.

If it is deemed that a face-to face assessment is required, patients will instead be seen at assessment centre which will operate 24/7.

It is expected to handle the majority of patients, while those well enough to return home will be provided with self-care and public health advice.

Anyone who needs immediate intervention taken directly to the Vic for inpatient treatment.

The hospital has also been divided into two distinct zones to optimise capacity and reduce the risk of COVID-19 spreading.

This comes ahead of an anticipated increase in the numbers of critically ill patients requiring hospital care.

The red zone applies to the emergency department, critical care, infectious diseases and one medical ward at present, with scope to expand this further– this will accommodate those patients confirmed as carrying COVID-19.

The remaining areas make up the green zone – this definition also currently extends to Queen Margaret Hospital.

NHS Fife re-assured Fifers there are currently no medicines shortages as a result of coronavirus, and said there was is no need to stockpile medicines or request additional prescriptions.

If anyone is experiencing symptoms and needs to stay at home, family members or neighbours should be asked to collect prescriptions on their behalf.

For those whose prescription medicines are usually delivered and are symptomatic, this will not change, however, doorstep procedures may be implemented.

The board stressed that additional service changes are very likely to be required in the coming weeks as the response to coronavirus develops.

The CEO said: NHS Fife Chief Executive, Carol Potter, said: “I want to thank the public we serve for the understanding shown over recent weeks as we sought to put these contingency measures in place. I want to urge them to take the very best care of themselves, and their more vulnerable friends and family members.”

With the hospital switchboard handling significant volumes of calls from patients and relatives, she added: “We absolutely understand the natural anxiety of patients regarding their clinic appointments and procedures – understandably people want to know one way or another whether their appointment is going ahead.

“The message from us is clear – we will contact you if your appointment is postponed, either by phone of by letter, to give you the clarity you need. Patients should rest assured also that any procedure cancelled with be rescheduled as soon as is practically possible.”

“It’s crucial that we put the necessary measures in place to prepare our services for the significantly increased demand over the coming weeks and months.

“In any other set of circumstances these actions would seem drastic however, with the challenges facing us, we believe this is an appropriate and measured response which enables us to continue to provide a good standard of care.”
She also paid tribute to staff stating: “In the face of great adversity, NHS Fife’s staff have again risen to the challenge and continue to be a credit to this organisation. They have our unwavering support, and our confidence that the people of Fife are in the best possible hands.