Staying safe in our hospitals

19 June 2020 - Read about the measures we have put in place for patients attending appointments

In light of the Government easing some of lockdown restrictions, we have begun to operate some face-to-face outpatient clinics where necessary and practicable. Virtual (online) or telephone consultations will continue to take place for the remaining services to avoid unnecessary visits to our hospitals. If you have an appointment coming up, you will be contacted with information on whether it is taking place at the hospital or virtually.

Protective measures

For patients coming into our hospitals, new measures have been put in place to mitigate against the onward transmission of COVID-19. For example, screens will be erected to protect reception staff and patients; patients entering the hospital will be required to wash or sanitise their hands on arrival and departure; and patients will be required to use their own face covering while in our buildings.

Arrival time

Patients with an appointment should arrive no earlier than 10 minutes before their allotted appointment time to keep the number of people in our waiting rooms to an absolute minimum. Those who arrive any earlier will be asked to wait outside the hospital grounds.

Limited waiting areas

Our coffee shops and food retail outlets will only permit a limited number of people, and seating will be reduced to ensure we comply with the Government’s social distancing rules.

Keeping the numbers to a minimum

To reduce the number of people in the hospital, patients will be required to attend unaccompanied with the exception of:

Patients (and any chaperones) attending outpatient clinics or the labour ward should only come into the hospital if they are free from the symptoms of COVID-19. Anyone who has symptoms must not come to the hospital and should follow Government guidance on self-isolation.

Visiting

Visiting restrictions are in place. The restrictions remain the same now London has entered tier 2 of the Government’s COVID-19 alert levels. They may change as and when the Government announces further restriction plans.

Emergency care

Our Emergency Departments remain open for life-threatening conditions as well as Covid-related emergencies.

Protecting you