Hospitals in Somerset are putting in new ways for loved ones to stay in touch with patients during their stay in hospital. Due to coronavirus, hospitals across the county are currently closed for most visitors.
Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, which includes Musgrove Park Hospital and community and mental health hospitals around Somerset, is also offering several ways to get in contact.
Karen Holden, associate director of patient centred care at Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, has told us:
We know that this is a very difficult time for our patients and their friends and relatives, particularly as we have had to restrict visiting to our hospitals and units.
To help with this we have set up a patient messaging service where you can send us a text message or voicemail, which our patient experience team will pass on to your loved one through the clinical team looking after them – just call or text 07525 968409, Monday to Sunday, between 10am and 3pm (or leave a voicemail outside these times).
We’d also encourage patients to bring in their own smartphone or tablet devices so they can video chat with their friends and relatives. A number of our wards are also equipped with a limited number of iPads to help if a patient does not have their own device.
To send a letter to a patient using the postal addresses below, please include the patient name and ward to help staff direct your letter to the right place.
Musgrove Park Hospital:
PALS, Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton, TA1 5DA.
