Patient information regarding coronavirus (COVID-19)
Latest advice for patients
Our hospitals are open and treating patients. You can book to see a specialist as we offer a wide range of doctors who are seeing patients for initial consultations by video and phone, or face-to-face where advised by a clinician. Please assume existing appointments are going ahead unless you hear from us otherwise.
We're here to help, so please get in touch if you have any questions or concerns.
Supporting the NHS
We are proud to be supporting the NHS in the fight against COVID-19 by making our hospital beds, staff and equipment available to support the national effort. Find out more about how we’re helping the NHS here.
Should I be travelling to attend the hospital under the government guidelines?
The government guidance remains that you can travel for the purposes of healthcare. We continue to offer both face-to-face and virtual appointments if you would prefer to not travel or are unable to travel. Please do not attend one of our hospitals if you’re experiencing COVID symptoms, have tested positive and are isolating or you or a family member have been advised to self-isolate.
Attending appointments
If you have an appointment in the hospital, or have been booked for surgery during this time, it is important that you follow the latest guidance:
If you have a new, continuous cough, a fever, or loss or change in your normal sense of taste or smell, you should stay at home for 10 days from when your symptoms started and ask us to rearrange your appointment. Similarly, if you live with someone who has symptoms, you'll need to stay at home for 10 days from the day the first person in the home started having symptoms, and ask us to rearrange your appointment. Please always check the very latest advice online here before leaving home for your appointment.
Visit our coronavirus (COVID-19) information page or find out more about additional safety measures we've implemented and what to expect when visiting hospital.
Arrival at the hospital
Before entering the hospital, you will be asked some screening questions regarding your current health and any potential contact you may have had with anyone with coronavirus symptoms. You will also have your temperature checked. We hope you understand the importance of these measures to help keep you, other patients and our staff safe. Thank you for your support and understanding. Find out more about additional safety measures we're taking here.
Can I bring someone with me to my face-to-face consultation?
We are currently not allowing visitors or companions to accompany patients. We are aligned with the NHS approach and only in exceptional circumstances will one visitor be allowed. If you need to be accompanied by a companion or visitor, please speak to a member of our team.
All children or young person consultations can be accompanied by one parent or carer.
Latest information about the COVID-19 vaccine
COVID-19 vaccinations are only available through the NHS and not via independent healthcare providers at this time.
If I have received the COVID vaccine how will this impact me?
If you have recently received the COVID vaccine your surgery can still go ahead as planned. You will need to continue to follow the rules regarding social distancing, wearing a face mask and hand hygiene. You will still be required to self-isolate and have a COVID swab prior to surgery even if you have had the COVID vaccine.
Latest guidance and support
For the very latest guidance and advice, please visit www.gov.uk/coronavirus