Patient information regarding coronavirus (COVID-19)
Visitor guidance
Following the recent announcements relating to COVID measures across the UK we will continue to enforce the measures we have in place to maintain COVID-secure environments for our patients.
We appreciate that it’s important for our patients to be supported by friends and family, but we are doing everything possible to protect their wellbeing while in hospital. We are not allowing inpatients to have visitors, except in extraordinary circumstances and with prior approval.
We continue to ask that outpatients attend appointments alone. This does not apply to children and young people, or adults who need to be accompanied but ask that you arrange this before your visit.
We are grateful for your support in maintaining these controls and know you will appreciate that we are continuing to adopt this approach to keep patients and those that care for them safe.
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.
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.
Are there any circumstances under which I shouldn't attend a hospital appointment?
Please do not attend one of our hospitals if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, have tested positive and are isolating, or someone with whom you live has been advised to self-isolate.
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 who will be happy to help.
Children and young people attending a face-to-face consultation can be accompanied by one parent or carer.
COVID screening for staff and visitors
All of our staff carry out a Lateral Flow Test twice a week.
We continue to carry out temperature checks upon entry to our hospitals and ask patients if they have any symptoms of COVID-19 or have been in contact with someone who has COVID. We will also continue to restrict access to visitors as this is important in ensuring we keep patients being treated in our hospitals safe.
We are grateful for your support in maintaining these controls and know you will appreciate that we must adhere to the guidance for healthcare environments.
Patients being admitted for an operation or procedure are required to self-isolate for an appropriate period and undergo a COVID-19 PCR test prior to their admission.
This applies to all patients, even if they have had the COVID-19 vaccination.
Latest information about the COVID-19 vaccine
The vaccination programme is run by the NHS. For more information visit: www.nhs.uk
Will I be tested for COVID as partof my inpatient procedure?
You might be tested for COVID-19 at one our of hospitals. This depends on the treatment you receive.
If I have received the COVID vaccine how will this impact me?
It is important that you share with your Consultant the date of your vaccination, especially if surgery is recommended.
Until rules change you will need to continue to follow the guidance regarding social distancing, wearing a face mask and hand hygiene.
You will still be required to self-isolate and have a COVID-19 swab prior to surgery even if you have had both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Latest guidance and support
For the very latest guidance and advice, please visit:
www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
www.gov.uk/guidance/covid-19-coronavirus-restrictions-what-you-can-and-cannot-do
www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/coronavirus/10-tips-covid-19-anxiety/