Important information about the coronavirus (COVID-19)

** We still have visiting restrictions in place, though we're able to slowly relax them from March 2022. Please see our pages here and thank you for your understanding.

Everyone coming to our hospital  and community centres should continue to wear a face covering. Read more here **

The latest health information about Coronavirus (COVID-19) can be found on the NHS website. 

Please try to stay at home if you have these coronavirus symptoms:

• a high temperature – you feel hot to touch on your chest or back
• a new, continuous cough – this means you've started coughing repeatedly
• a loss of, or change in, normal sense of taste or smell

Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. 

You do not need to contact 111 to tell them you're staying at home. 

What to do if you have symptoms or a confirmed case of COVID-19

NHS Advice about staying at home and treatment for you and anyone you live with is here.

Resources for the public

Our dedicated page has lots more patient information and guidance - see it here

Changes to appointments

Routine NHS services are under pressure as the coronavirus spreads. The NHS has well-established protocols to respond to situations such as this and we have been advised on what steps we can take.

Please call us before cancelling your appointment as we may be able to offer an alternative option. Please see your appointment letter for the contact details.

Telephone and video appointments

As part of our response to the coronavirus, some appointments are being carried out by telephone or video call. Patients affected by this can be reassured that cases have been reviewed by a doctor or a nurse who has concluded that it is safe for you to be offered a telephone or video appointment.  Patients who are offered these appointments do not need to come to hospital and a relevant doctor or nurse will telephone you, or you will be sent guidance on how to access your video appointment through a smart device instead.

See our page on video appointments 

Non-elective operations and procedures

We would like to thank patients who are waiting for a procedure for their continued patience and understanding. We acknowledge the impact of delaying medical care, but please be reassured that we are committed to doing everything we can to provide the best medical care possible during these most challenging of times. Read our full update here.

Changes to hospital visiting times

In line with national NHS guidance and to keep our patients safe, we have introduced restricted visiting. There are some exceptions to the restrictions and you can read about visiting hours here.

We thank you for your support at this time and apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Patients with cancer

For all the latest advice and contact information - please see our Trust page

General advice

Everyone is being reminded to follow Public Health England advice to:

• Always carry tissues with you and use them to catch your cough or sneeze. Then bin the tissue, and wash your hands, or use a sanitiser gel.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after using public transport. Use a sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are unwell.

More information can be found on the NHS website here