Attending hospital for planned operations or procedures

If you are coming to one of our hospitals for a planned operation or procedure, we have put a range of measures in place to keep you safe during your stay with us.

You will notice some changes when you visit – for example, all our staff are wearing face masks, and patients and visitors are required to wear face coverings as well.

Signage is in place to ensure people observe social distancing – and everyone is being encouraged to wash their hands more regularly than usual.

Despite this, many aspects of the care our teams provide hasn’t changed – and our focus remains on providing outstanding care, every time for people using our services.

We have produced a dedicated patient information leaflet for patients undergoing planned operations or procedures at this time.

Key information (also set out in the patient information leaflet above)

Self-isolation

Before coming to hospital for your operation or procedure, you will need to self-isolate for 14 days, or for a shorter period following a Covid-19 swab test.

Our staff will be in touch with all patients prior to your surgery, and will advise you how long you need to self-isolate for.

Masks and face coverings

For your own protection, and to protect other patients and staff, we are now asking adult patients (who are able to) to wear face masks in hospital after they have been admitted.

A surgical face mask will be provided and patients can obviously remove the face mask for eating – and at any other times if they choose.

Patients can decline to wear a mask if they wish, and we recognise there will be occasions where it is not appropriate for patients to wear a mask, for example, those on oxygen therapy. Our clinical teams will use their judgement when offering a face mask to patients.

Please note: the request for patients to wear a surgical mask during their stay only applies to adults. Children will not be asked to wear a mask, although we appreciate some older children will choose to.

Patients and visitors will also need to wear a face covering or mask when visiting our hospitals. Please click here to find out more about this, as well as the exemptions that apply.

Leaving hospital after your surgery

A friend, carer or family member can collect you from the entrance of the hospital when you are leaving hospital. If you need help to get to the entrance to meet them, one of our porters or nursing staff will help you.

If you need hospital transport to get home, your clinical team will help you arrange this.

Watch this short video to find out what local GP practices and hospitals in south west London – including St George’s – are doing to keep you safe.