Massive thanks to the Hartlepool Health Heroes continuing to be there for patients

North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust highlighted the great efforts of staff from its chemotherapy unit, rehabilitation unit for elderly people, and the Homeward team who support joint replacement patients.

Today, the Mail is celebrating and thanking our NHS workers as they lead and contribute to the fight against coronavirus through our #HealthHeroes campaign.

At the University Hospital of Hartlepool, in Holdforth Road, the team from the Chemotherapy Unit are still treating patients within the unit when appropriate but are taking measures to ensure people’s safety.

These include only allowing patients to come in for an appointment, staggered appointment times and practising strict social distancing.

Telephone clinics, led by the oncology consultants, are also being held.

Matron Michelle Holmes said: “We have taken every measure to make sure patients will still be cared for in the safest environment.

“Our message to patients is – we want you all to stay at home so that you can stay safe.”

The Holdforth rehabilitation, which helps prepare mainly elderly patients, are currently visiting people who would normally attend hospital in their own homes.

Staff are providing patients with a range of treatments including delivery of asthma medication to high risk patients, catheter removals and changes and intravenous therapy.

The team are still caring for patients in the unit when appropriate.

Jaime Wheatley, deputy matron, said: “Many of our patients can get the treatment they need from their own living rooms – something which is a huge benefit at this time of self-isolation.

“The team has thought innovatively to create new pathways to help this happen.

“Patients who are not high risk can still visit the unit when this appropriate, in a safe environment where they can still maintain social distancing.”

The hospitals Homeward team who see joint replacement patients before and after admission and ensure any home adaptations are in place, are holding more telephone clinics to ensure patient safety.

Face-to-face reviews are also taking place when necessary for issues such as wounds, swellings or for patients who require a scan.

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