Our world has changed, we have too
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
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
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.
Visit us alone
We request that you attend your appointment, or admission, alone. We recognise that for some patients this may be very difficult and at the discretion of the local care team, we can accommodate one additional family member or friend if there are extenuating circumstances. If you are accompanied, we encourage both of you to have taken a lateral flow test prior to your appointment.
For maternity and paediatrics, only one visitor can attend - these include a parent or guardian visiting children or a birthing partner. If you require more than one visitor or an interpreter or carer to accompany you, please contact us before your visit to discuss potential options.
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.