Does anyone know if we can take our loved ones to the hospital in the car if an ambulance isn’t available?

[justanotherneighinparadise]

Me and DP discussed this and neither of us knew. I assume A&E isn’t available for potentially covid-19 cases but is there signage directing you elsewhere or is the hospital basically off limits unless you arrive by ambulance?

The hospitals I have been to recently do have “if you have any symptoms stop here and...” signs around.

If your that worried about a loved one though your best to contact 111/999 and take the advice from them

If you are told to go to hospital of course you can go by car.

You may find your local initial covid assessment centre isnt even at the hospital (ours isnt). You would be best contacting 111 / 999 and if they require you to go somewhere by all means travel in the car with someone from your household. They will not be allowed in at the destination though so bear that in mind. Hope that helps.

I don’t know the wait times currently if you ring 999 and wait for an ambulance. I’m 15 mins from my local hospital so I always felt reassured that if I was worried about one of my kids and it wasn’t quite bad enough for an ambulance I could take them straight to A&E. Obviously times have changed and I’ve no idea the protocol now.

You dial 111 (or 999 if an emergency) they will give you instructions