King’s responds to coronavirus

13 March 2020 - Details on patient services, visiting restrictions and infection control procedures

In response to the increasing numbers of people being tested and treated for coronavirus, we are taking steps to redirect our resources at King’s.

Therefore, with the exception of surgery for cancer and other life-threatening conditions, we have stopped all elective inpatient activity until further notice at King’s College Hospital and the Princess Royal University Hospital (PRUH).

Day surgery

Day cases will continue but are being reviewed on a daily basis.

Outpatient appointments

Outpatient appointments will be conducted by virtual clinics or telephone consultations as long as it is clinically safe to do so. If you have an appointment in the coming days or weeks, you will be contacted in due course.

Emergency care

The Emergency Departments at King’s College Hospital and the PRUH remain open for those requiring emergency care.

Maternity services

Currently, 12-week, 20-week and 36-week pregnancy scans are continuing at King’s. One companion or partner is welcome to attend pregnancy scans. Arrangements for other maternity appointments will be communicated to women in due course.

If you are pregnant and begin to experience any symptoms of COVID-19, please self-isolate and phone your named midwife or the maternity helpline for advice. For the latest information on our maternity services follow @KingsMaternity on Twitter.

Visiting

In light of the Prime Minister’s announcement on social distancing, we have taken the decision to limit all but essential visiting at our hospitals. Currently, no visitors are permitted with the exception of:

This decision has not been taken lightly but the policy is in place to protect the health of our patients, staff and the public.

Closure of pathway between the PRUH and Sainsbury’s car park