Covid-19 assessment prior to admission
Elective admissions
As you are aware, Covid-19 has changed the way hospitals throughout the UK are working. To keep patients, staff and visitors safe from exposure to the infection, Cromwell Hospital has introduced a number of UK Government guidelines to ensure the safe admission of patients into hospital.
You will need to let your consultant know the following:
- Have you been vaccinated in the last seven days. We need to know this because surgery is not recommended during this period.
- If you have had the virus in the last seven weeks then your procedure may be postponed. We need to know this because the risk of post operative complications associated with blood clotting could be higher.
- If you have had the COVID-19 virus within the last 90 days. We need to know this because we will do a Lateral Flow Test rather than a PCR COVID-19 test prior to surgery.
This will begin at the start of your journey when you visit your consultant, who will advise that you need to come into hospital for a procedure. Your consultant will discuss with you, as part of your consent, the new admission process into the hospital.
You and members of your household will need to isolate for a period of time prior to your appointment. Our Reservations team will confirm the date you should start isolating when they contact you to arrange your admission date.
They will also ask if you or any members of your household have any symptoms of Covid-19 or if you have been in contact with anyone who has been identified with the infection.
Why do I need to self-isolate or shield?
By self-isolating, you will significantly reduce the risk of contracting Covid-19 prior to your hospital admission.
It is very important you do not have Covid-19 at the time of your operation or procedure.
Self-isolating, working from home and accessing food and medication
- While you are self-isolating you must not go to work, school or use public areas. You should also avoid public transport or taxis.
- Do not have visitors in your home including friends and family.
- You should stay away from work but working from home is perfectly fine.
- Speak to your employer to find out what arrangement they can make to help you work from home during this isolation period.
- Think and plan how you will get food and medicine. Can your friends or family help by dropping them off outside your home? Can you order food online?
If you have been vaccinated against Covid-19
You could potentially contract the virus, even if you have been vaccinated, however the likelihood of severe illness is reduced in most people. We do not currently know to what extent the vaccine stops Covid-19 from spreading. You should continue to follow the Government’s recommended guidance to protect your family, friends and community.
Your Pre-assessment Appointment
If you HAVE NOT had the COVID-19 virus
Prior to admission, our Reservations team will enquire about your well-being, whether you have had the COVID-19 virus within the last 90 days and confirm that you have spent the appropriate time in isolation. If there are no concerns, an appointment will be made for you to come to the hospital for your pre-assessment and a Covid-19 PCR test 72 hours prior to your admission.
Following the Covid-19 test you will be advised to go straight home and continue with strict isolation. You are advised to continue avoiding using public transport.
If your Covid-19 test is negative your admission will go ahead. We will contact you immediately if your Covid-19 test is positive.
If you HAVE had COVID-19 within 90 days of your admission
If you have had COVID-19 within the 90 days and it has been agreed with your consultant that your surgery can go ahead then you will be advised at your pre-assessment appointment to take a Lateral Flow Test 24 hours before your admission.
If your test is positive you must ring the Pre-assessment clinic or Reservations with your result.
On admission to the ward a member of staff will do another LFT. If the result is negative then the procedure will go ahead. If the result is positive your consultant will be informed before proceeding with the procedure.
Following your pre-assessment you will be advised to go straight home and continue with strict isolation. You are advised to continue avoiding using public transport.
When you arrive at the hospital you will have your temperature checked and you will be asked if you have any symptoms of Covid-19 or if you have been in contact with anyone who has. If there are no concerns, we will proceed with your admission.
We advise you wear a face mask until you arrive at the hospital. Please do not come to the hospital if you or any of your household have any symptoms on the day.
Symptoms of Covid-19
Any of the following symptoms even if they are mild:
- Continuous cough
- High temperature
- A loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell
If you do have any of these symptoms or your Covid-19 screen comes back positive, then your operation or procedure will have to be cancelled.
For further advice
For further advice please contact our Reservations team on +44(0)20 7460 5701 or email reservations@cromwellhospital.com