Hospital launches drive-thru medical check-up service

A new drive-thru medical check-up service has been launched at a hospital that treats patients across Surrey, Horsham, Crawley and Mid Sussex.
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And the hospital - the Royal Surrey in Guildford - says that the drive-thru service is now set to become the ‘new normal.’

Patients undergo check-ups, including blood tests and implanted cardiac device check-ups, from the safety of their car.

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Staff set up the innovative drive-thru clinics as a way to reduce the risk of infection to vulnerable patients and to allow them to receive safe and socially distanced care.

Drive thru medical check ups are being held at the Royal Surrey Hospital SUS-200306-161619001Drive thru medical check ups are being held at the Royal Surrey Hospital SUS-200306-161619001
Drive thru medical check ups are being held at the Royal Surrey Hospital SUS-200306-161619001

Many cardiac, maternity and phlebotomy appointments are now done solely by the drive-thru teams.

Patients requiring prescriptions are also able to take advantage of a drive-thru pharmacy.

Nicola Montalbano, head of cardiac physiology at the hospital, who helped set up the scheme, said: “The service has been very well received by both staff and patients.

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“Many patients have commented on how straightforward the process is, the safe feeling of staying in their car and the ability for them to continue to have their implanted device checked, providing reassurance.

“Since the launch of the service 247 patients have had their implanted cardiac device checked and 234 patients have received ambulatory heart monitors.”

Expectant mum Rebecca Lascelles, 25, recently used the maternity drive-thru clinic to pick up her prescription and to have her blood taken.

She said: “The staff were lovely and went through my notes to explain to me any concerns I had.

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“Because I am pregnant, I am classed as vulnerable, so the fact that I could receive my care from the safety of my car was brilliant and put my mind at ease.

“Being able to have my check-up but stay out of the hospital was a bonus.”

Although initially set up to combat the spread of Covid-19, staff say the drive-thru appointments have many additional benefits including faster and more efficient appointments, less congestion in the hospital car park and the ability to free up clinical time for more complex cases.

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