Minicab travelling Coronavirus carrier ‘self-presented’ themselves at London hospital

The first diagnosed case of coronavirus in the capital has been confirmed after the patient ‘self-presented’ themselves at Lewisham Hospital A&E.

According to The Guardian sources, the carrier of the virus arrived at the south east London Emergency Department of University Hospital Lewisham on Sunday 9 February in an Uber private hire vehicle.

The test result was confirmed as positive yesterday and since then the hospital has been in touch with all staff who came into contact with the patient. The patient went to St Thomas’ Hospital yesterday evening, and two members of staff are undergoing active surveillance at home for a 14 day period as a precautionary measure.

Ben Travis, Chief Executive of Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust, said: “Colleagues in our Emergency Departments are following the latest advice and protocols from Public Health England. In this case, the patient self-presented at our A&E. As soon as the patient did this, the patient was given a mask and then escorted to be tested in the dedicated area we have assigned for coronavirus testing outside the A&E building – while awaiting the installation of a purpose-built “pod”.

“As further assessment was required, the patient was then taken to a dedicated isolation room in the Emergency Department. In line with our protocols, throughout their care, the patient was escorted and did not come into contact with other patients. The patient was later discharged and taken home by London Ambulance Service.

“All staff who had direct contact with the patient have been contacted, including two members of staff who are undergoing active surveillance at home for a 14 day period as a precautionary measure – following the advice of Public Health England.

“I’d like to pass on my thanks to all the staff in our emergency departments for their continued professionalism and dedication to patient care.”