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 continue with key measures in place to support this.

From extra infection prevention measures, restrictions to our usual visiting protocols and 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.

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.

Face masks

Our first priority is to ensure the ongoing safety of our patients, visitors and staff. We continue to keep you and others safe by asking all patients, visitors and staff to wear a mask when in our hospitals and clinics.


If you do not have a mask on arrival, we will provide you with one on entry. All patients will be asked to wear these at all times when moving around the hospital, as well as when anyone enters the room.

Screening on arrival

Please note that we screen all patients, visitors and staff for COVID-19 on arrival at our hospitals and clinics. The screening process involves you answering a set of verbal questions. We may also check your temperature.

Please be advised that if you have any of the below, you will not be able to enter our hospitals or clinics: 


  • a temperature
  • a new continuous cough
  • a loss of, or change in taste or smell 
  • been told you have confirmed COVID-19 in the last 10 days

    • 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.

    Please do not arrive more than 10 minutes before your appointment time, so we can reduce the number of people on site at any one time.

     
     

    Visitors


    Inpatient Visitors

     

    It’s likely that you’ll be coming into contact with patients who are at a high risk of COVID-19 when you visit our hospitals and clinics. For this reason, we’re asking for your support by attending your admission alone, except in the following circumstances:  

     

  • Your admission is for three nights or more
  • You require a carer or physical support to attend your appointment
  • You require an interpreter
  • You're an expectant mother at The Portland Hospital and would like to bring a birthing partner
  • You're a parent or carer of a child

    • Visitors must be approved in advance and will be issued with a visitors passport.

     

    Approved visitors should follow the guidance below:


  • Before each visit, please take a lateral flow test
  • 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

    •  

    Outpatient Visitors

     

    For outpatients, we ask that you attend your appointment alone, wherever possible, to help reduce the risk of transmission. We do understand, however, that some of our patients may wish to bring someone with them and we do allow up to one visitor per patient.

    Any outpatient visitors will also be required to answer some screening questions on arrival and wear a face mask at all times.


    Admissions for treatment

    For your surgery or procedure to go ahead as planned, we must receive a negative COVID-19 result from you no more than four days prior to your admission. 

    Please be advised that if your test returns positive, you will most likely need to continue isolation until you are no longer carrying the virus before we are able to safely carry out your surgery or procedure.

     

    Isolation guidance

    To minimise your risk of becoming infected with COVID-19, we may require you to self-isolate before your procedure or admission. 

    Most patients will be required to self-isolate for three days, but depending on your health and the nature of your treatment, you may need to isolate for up to 14 days. You should talk to your consultant and medical team who will give you more information on this. 

    Up to four days before coming to hospital, you will need to have a test for COVID-19. 
     

    Pre-operative assessment

    You are required to have a negative COVID-19 test before your procedure. Your pre-assessment nurse will advise you on how you will receive your swab test.  


    Staff testing

    We have implemented a comprehensive asymptomatic screening programme for everyone working within our hospitals and clinics, including our non-clinical, temporary and bank staff. Despite government guidelines, our staff continue to isolate following any positive test result.

     

     

    back to top