Connecting people through the coronavirus outbreak has become vital and a new service has just been launched to help send messages to loved ones.

While visiting has been suspended on inpatient wards across North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust sites - apart from a few exceptions - because of coronavirus.

Loved ones will now be able to send messages to the inpatients.

Taking the time to help people stay connected, Elaine Crooks, patient experience and involvement lead said: “We understand how difficult it must be to have a loved one or friend in hospital and not be able to visit them because of coronavirus.”

“Although many of our patients are able to keep connected via smartphones this is not always possible this is another way that people can reach out to their relatives and can be a source of comfort when they are unwell.”

The patient experience and involvement team along with PALS can help relatives to send a message, they will be printed and laminated and then sent to the relevant ward for loved ones to read.

Relatives need to email or phone their message in and include:

· Your loved one’s name and date of birth

· A message with a photograph included as an email attachment if you wish.

To send a message to a patient in hospital you’re able to call: 0800 633 5547 for free or 01228 814008 or email PALS@ncic.nhs.uk

The service is available Monday to Friday from 8am to 8pm.