Staying safe during your visit

We work hard to prevent the spread of infectious conditions. This includes the spread of seasonal viral infections such as the flu, norovirus, Covid-19 and RSV, a common respiratory virus.

The elderly, immuno-compromised patients and those with chronic illnesses are particularly susceptible to infections.

To main strict standards, we follow national guidance for infection prevention to keep you safe.

When you visit or stay in our hospitals, please follow the guidance below to reduce the spread of infection, to keep you and our staff safe.

Mask wearing

Mandatory mask wearing for patients in hospital settings is now optional. Patients and staff have the choice to wear a mask if they choose to do so.

We might ask patients to wear masks in certain clinical areas, such as renal, haematology or oncology wards.

Masks are mandatory in areas with patients diagnosed with Covid-19, flu, or other respiratory infections

Healthcare professionals wear personal protective equipment like masks, gloves and aprons when caring for patients in line with our infection prevention and control precaution measures.

Covid-19

Most patients are not required to test for Covid-19 before entering hospital. Testing may be necessary in specific cases, and you’ll be informed in advance. If you haven’t been notified, no test is required.

To keep our patients safe, staff caring for haematology, oncology solid organ or stem cell or bone marrow transplant patients are asked to test if they have Covid-19 symptoms.

Visitors

Please do not visit a friend or relative if you have been or are unwell, particularly with diarrhoea or vomiting. You should refrain from entering the hospital until you have been symptom free for 48 hours.

We also ask that you wash your hands, or use antibacterial gel, upon entering and leaving the hospital ward you are visiting.

Vaccines

If you are eligible for flu and Covid-19 vaccines, we strongly recommend you are vaccinated to have the best protection against these infections.

Our infection prevention and control guidance undergoes constant review, and updates align with national recommendations or respond to infection rates in our local communities.