Feel safe with Sussex Premier Health during COVID-19

Please read this information carefully especially if you are coming to our hospital for an appointment.

Expert care every step of the way

We’ve implemented a series of safety measures to help protect our patients and colleagues from the potential risk of COVID-19. We are keeping these measures in place once legal restrictions are lifted across the UK.

To help minimise the potential risk in our hospitals and help you feel safe, our safety measures include:

• Face masks – It is no longer a mandatory requirement for patients, staff or consultants to wear a mask within our hospital, however this is a personal choice and we will continue to provide hospital grade face masks in our reception areas for those who would like to wear a face mask.
   
• Screening – We no longer screen patients on arrival, however we do ask patients to contact us prior to any appointment or planned surgery if they have tested positive for Covid-19.
  
  
• Restricted visitors policy – We are operating a restricted visitors policy, this applies to visitors visiting a patient on our ward. Before coming to visit a friend or relative, please let the ward team know on 01424 757452.
  
  
• Tests prior to surgery – If you’re coming into hospital for surgery, your consultant or nurse will advise which pathway you will be managed on before your admission.
  
  
• COVID-19 tests – We’re only able to provide COVID-19 tests to patients undergoing surgery at our hospitals.
  
  
• COVID-19 vaccine – Your surgery can still go ahead if you have been given the vaccine. We would advise that you wait 5-7 days after the vaccine before any surgery where possible, to allow plenty of time for any potential side effects from the vaccine to settle. Your surgery may be postponed if you have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 7 weeks and a risk based assessment will be carried out by your consultant and clinical team.

Important information for visitors

• Visitors must not attend if they have any symptoms of COVID-19 or have received a positive test result.
• Visitors feeling unwell even if they have tested negative for COVID-19, are fully vaccinated, and have received their booster should not visit
• Visitors attending the inpatient ward must make the ward team aware and book a slot by calling 01424 757452.

Your visit

We’re confident that these pathways will help create a secure, protective environment so everyone feels more confident about coming into our hospital.

Preparing for your visit

Pre-op assessment

All of our surgical inpatients will have a pre-op assessment to prepare you for your operation.

Self-isolation

Prior to undergoing surgery you may be asked to complete a Lateral Flow Test, each patient is individually risk assessed and it will depend on what type of surgery you are having.

During your visit

It is no longer a mandatory requirement for patients, staff or consultants to wear a mask within our hospital, however this is a personal choice and we will continue to provide hospital grade face masks in our reception areas for those who would like to wear a face mask.

You’ll have easy access to handwashing and hand sanitisers throughout our hospital.

Your room

For the majority of treatments patients will have their own individual room with an en-suite bathroom.

After your visit

Aftercare

Patients will receive post-operative care information and any consultant follow-up required – delivered either face to face or virtually.

Helpline

A 24/7 helpline is available to provide post-operative advice, whenever you need it.