COVID-19 is a respiratory infection that is spread through droplets to people we are in close contact with when we speak, cough or sneeze.
Some people only experience mild symptoms however others can become very unwell.
During the pandemic the hospital was extremely busy treating patients with COVID-19 and it was a scary time for the staff as well as the patients. The Intensive Care unit had to create many more beds in order to treat patients who were critically unwell. Everyone worked together as a team, and we are now very proud that we managed to work through such a challenging time.
The Royal Berkshire Hospital took part in a number of research studies during the pandemic, including medication trials in order to find the most effective and safest treatment for COVID-19. We also took part in was a survey measuring the impact of COVID-19 on health workers.
We are now learning to live with COVID-19, but patients who come into hospital with symptoms of the virus will be tested. If their test is positive, they will be looked after in a side room until they are no longer infectious (7 days after a positive result). After this time, they will be moved into communal areas. If being discharged to another hospital/care facility, the patient will also be tested for COVID-19 before they leave. This is to keep the other patients, visitors and staff safe.
For more information on COVID-19 go to How to avoid catching and spreading COVID-19 – NHS (www.nhs.uk) or How to avoid catching and spreading COVID-19 – NHS (www.nhs.uk)