Column: We all have a part to play - by Andrew Morgan, CEO of United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust

I have never been prouder to work for the NHS, but there is still a long way to go.

I would personally like to thank each and every one of you that has followed the advice around social distancing. It is making a real difference and is saving lives. I cannot stress enough how much this is a real team effort. By you all staying at home, it enables us to be able to manage the demand on our hospitals and amazing staff much better. Thank you and please keep it up!

As a Trust, we have made some really difficult decisions around the suspension of some services, the cancellation of many appointments, as well as stopping visits to most of our patients. But this is the right thing to do in these unprecedented circumstances.

Being in hospital at any time can be unsettling for patients. Recognising the added anxiety of being isolated, we have launched a new Family Liaison Team to act as the link between patients and their loved ones. They are able to:

Pass on non-urgent messages for patients and confirm if there is a response

Support patients to enjoy a Skype or FaceTime video call if they do not already have the technology to do so

Receive and deliver personal items patients may need (To minimise the risk of cross infection the team cannot pass on: clothing – other than those brought in for when someone is being discharged; food and drink as all nutrition and hydration needs will be catered for; flowers or plants; and anything made of fabric or materials that cannot be wiped clean).

For more information and to access the services offered by the Family Liaison Team please visit our website.