The health team behind special ‘pods’ – set up to test people with suspected Covid – have been praised after the facility’s last day in operation.
The pods at our Trust have been in use since the pandemic started in March 2020.
They have helped carry out thousands of tests for staff, patients and workers from other healthcare organisations.
The pods have been located at both the University Hospital of Hartlepool and the University Hospital of North Tees.
From this week, testing will be carried out from within both hospital’s day case units.
Tracy Broadbent is the nurse matron in the unit. She said: “Over the last two and a half years, the team have been absolutely fantastic.
“Their commitment and dedication in helping set up the pods, at short notice, was outstanding – as was their continued resolve over the whole pandemic. They have played a critical role in helping prevent the further spread of the virus.
“I want to personally thank them for everything they have done for our workforce, our patients and our community.”
The drive-through pods were first located outside of both hospital’s urgent care centres. They were then re-located to the side of both hospital sites
The Trust had a special Covid telephone line where appointments were made to have a test from the isolation pod.
