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Our world has changed, we have too

In the face of extraordinary challenge, healthcare has been transformed, but our dedication to safe, high-quality care has remained the same. When you visit us, you will notice we have put new measures in place to support this.

From extra infection prevention measures, to the layout of our hospitals with social distancing in mind, everything we do has been reviewed to make sure we are providing the safest places for your care. These measures are guided by both national and international best practice. 

We fully endorse the national roll-out of COVID-19 vaccinations, and to enhance our broader infection prevention measures, we have worked with NHS partners to offer all front line staff the vaccination. While vaccination protects the individual, research shows that vaccinated individuals can sometimes carry and transmit the virus to others, which is why our infection prevention measures such as wearing masks, regular staff testing, hand washing and social distancing remain our priority.  

As the situation with COVID-19 continues to change and develop, so too will the measures we have in place, so that we can continue to do what we have always set out to do: deliver exceptional care in the safest possible environment.

While there may be local differences in the government guidance and restrictions around COVID-19, seeking medical help remains an essential reason for travel.

Do not delay seeking help if you have a health concern


Patient safety video
icnplay

Watch our video on our enhanced safety measures

Virtual consultations

Remote consultations by phone or video are available for both primary (GP) and secondary (consultant) care on secure platforms. You can book the latter through each consultant’s medical secretary. 

 

Screening

We do not currently accept patients or visitors who have been in contact with someone with Covid-19 in the previous 10 days, even if they have received both vaccines. This is an additional precaution we are taking to ensure the ongoing safety of our patients. Please note that we screen all patients, visitors and staff for COVID-19 on arrival. The screening process involves you answering a set of verbal questions. We may also check your temperature.

Staff testing and vaccination

Appropriate COVID-19 testing has been made available to all of our clinical staff and support workers. The continuous testing our staff undergo allows us to better understand and manage any cases of COVID-19 in our hospitals and clinics. 

 

Self isolating

To minimise your risk of becoming infected with COVID-19, we will require you to follow strict isolation guidelines.

If you are visiting us for an invasive diagnostic test or being admitted for a procedure, you will be required to self-isolate prior to doing so. Depending on your health and the nature of your treatment, you may need to isolate for up to 14 days. Your You should talk to your consultant and medical team who will give you more information on this.
 
Up to three days before coming to hospital you will have a test for COVID-19. All patients will be required to follow our strict self-isolation guidance between the COVID-19 test being taken and attending hospital.

Social distancing

To minimise contact between patients, outpatient appointments will be staggered. Patients should not arrive more than 15 minutes before their appointment. Please stay safe by following on-site guidance and remaining two metres apart.  

 

Hospital environments

All disinfection measures have been enhanced, including increasing the number of hand sanitiser stations.

Visiting us

As a hospital group, we specialise in diagnosing and treating some of the most complex, rare and life-threatening conditions. This means that we’ve had to take extra measures to reduce risk to patients who are at high risk of COVID-19 because, even if you’re not considered high risk, it’s likely that you’ll be coming into contact with patients in our hospitals and clinics that are.  

 

For this reason, we’re asking for your support by attending your appointment or admission alone, except in the following circumstances: 


  • You require a carer or physical support to attend your appointment
  • You require an interpreter
  • You’re staying as an inpatient for two or more nights (visitors' passes for up to two visitors can be arranged through your nursing team during your stay) 
  • You’re an expectant mother at The Portland Hospital and would like to bring a birthing partner
  • You’re the parent(s) or carer(s) of a child under the age of 16

    • What to expect as a patient or visitor:


  • Before each visit, please take a lateral flow test or twice weekly for fully vaccinated regular visitors of patients who stay with us for extended periods of time
  • If you’re attending one of our urgent care centres, you’ll be asked to take a lateral flow test on arrival
  • When you arrive, you’ll be asked to declare any COVID-19 symptoms
  • You’ll be asked to wear a mask when walking around the hospital or clinic, and during appointments (unless you have a medical condition which prevents this)
  • We kindly ask that visitors are as careful as possible with masking and social distancing outside of visiting times

    • If you’re unable to attend your appointment because you have COVID-19 symptoms or a positive COVID-19 result, please contact your care team to rearrange your appointment.

     


    Masks

    We ask all patients, visitors and staff to wear a mask when in our hospitals and clinics.

    All patients will be provided with face masks and asked to wear these at all times when moving around the hospital as well as when anyone enters the room.

    Washing your hands

    Hand sanitisers can be found throughout our hospitals and clinics.  Please use these handwashing zones regularly. You should wash your hands, thoroughly, for at least 20 seconds.

    Staff vaccination

    In addition, to supplement all of our other safety measures, we have worked with NHS partners to offer all front line staff COVID-19 vaccination. While vaccination protects the individual, research shows that vaccinated individuals can sometimes carry and transmit the virus to others, which is why our infection prevention measures such as wearing masks, hand washing, regular staff testing, and social distancing remain our priority.  

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