ED charges waived for virus patients
PEOPLE who go to the Emergency Department and present coronavirus symptoms which need treatment will no longer be charged.
There is now a ‘streaming nurse’ who will assess patients before they enter the ED and will direct them to the dedicated treatment areas, depending on whether they have Covid-19 symptoms.
Patients who claim to have Covid-19 symptoms as a route to receiving other care will be charged the relevant attendance and treatment fees.
Health & Social Care is asking people to be honest about their symptoms so that resources can be allocated efficiently and safety is maintained.
Committee president Deputy Heidi Soulsby said it was aware that the cost of seeking treatment at the ED can sometimes be a barrier for people to attend.
‘It would be wrong for people not to seek the necessary medical attention at a time when we are working hard to contain the spread of Covid-19 on the island.
‘So for those patients who specifically require Covid-19 assessment and treatment, there will be no charges levied at ED.’
Islanders are being reminded that the previous advice about using the hospital still stands.
If you are very unwell and need to attend the ED and are showing signs of Covid-19, you must call ahead so the team are ready and waiting to receive and deliver the right care.
