Isolation pods installed at Fenland hospitals in wake of coronavirus outbreak

Fenland's two hospitals now have specialist pods in response to the coronavirus.

NHS England has ordered all hospitals with A&E departments and minor injury units to instal the external pods to keep suspected coronavirus patients away from others.

The pods have been built in the grounds of both the North Cambs Hospital at Wisbech and also at Doddington. A further pod has been installed at the Princess of Wales Hospital in Ely.

The advice from NHS England is for anyone who suspects they may have the virus to first call 111 for advice. If necessary the 111 service will arrange for an appointment at one of the pods, where patients will be swabbed and tested for the illness.

Fenland District Council has put in extra precautions at the areas inland ports in response to growing concerns over the coronavirus.

Fenland council operates Wisbech Port and yacht harbour, as well as Port Sutton Bridge.

Current actions include displaying health information and ensuring rest areas are risk assessed to make sure anyone showing symptoms of the virus get the correct advice and access to services.

Shipping agents must provide a health/medical declaration from any vessel master prior to entry into either of the Nene ports.

In response to the current coronavirus outbreak, the local resilience forum, which is made up of representatives from a range of public services including health, is holding weekly teleconferences where information is shared and local issues or concerns can be raised.

The meetings are chaired by Liz Robin, director of public health.