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 a mandatory requirement for patients to wear a mask within our hospital, unless you are medically exempt. We provide hospital grade face masks in our reception areas.
   
• Screening – All patients and colleagues will self-screen for any symptoms of COVID-19 on arrival. Only patients that are undergoing surgery will be provided with a COVID-19 test. Our colleagues are regularly tested for COVID-19 and wear appropriate PPE. 
  If you are a contact of a positive COVID-19 case, are not legally required to self-isolate and are attending an outpatient appointment please bring evidence of a negative lateral flow test with you. If you are attending for surgery and are a contact of a positive COVID-19 case or you are legally required to isolate please contact your hospital
  
  
• Restricted visitors policy – To support social distancing and help protect our staff, patients and consultants, we are operating a restricted visitors policy, so please come alone to your appointment. In situations where it is essential that a visitor attends with you, approval must be sought from our hospital team prior to your appointment. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause
  
  
• 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 testing or antibody tests are not available as a standalone service. 
  
  
• 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
• All visitors must wear a face covering, adhere to social distancing and infection control measures while in the hospital 
• Visitors attending the inpatient ward must take a lateral flow test on the day of their visit and provide proof of a negative result on arrival at the hospital

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 will undergo a COVID-19 swab test and may be instructed to self isolate from time of test.

During your visit

Staff PPE and testing

To keep everyone safe in our hospitals, all Sussex Premier Health staff will receive regular COVID-19 testing and wear PPE.

Patient PPE and testing

On arrival there are face masks available, you’ll be required to wear a face mask whilst in the hospital.

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

Social distancing

Our hospital has been specially adapted to ensure appropriate distancing. This includes clear signage and a one-way system throughout.

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.