Most of our outpatient appointments are now being undertaken in a different way. When it is necessary to attend the hospital, the patient should attend alone to reduce the spread of infection. When patients are unable to attend alone, for example require carer's support, including patients with a cognitive impairment / learning disability / autism / visual / auditory impairment / language barriers, one person from the patients bubble may accompany the patient to the appointment. If patients are concerned that the outpatient appointment could potentially involve the delivery of upsetting / distressing news, for example test results or diagnosis, this can be discussed with the nursing team in the department prior to the appointment, and arrangements made for one person from the patients bubble to accompany them.
Accompanying family members / relatives / loved ones must NOT attend the hospital if they meet any of the visitor exclusion criteria including; Covid-19 symptoms, are Covid positive or are required to self-isolate. All visitors will be asked to adhere to the Infection Control guidance displayed in the hospital. This includes observing strict 2 metre social distancing principles, the use of face masks and adhering to strict hand hygiene on entering and leaving the hospital and clinical areas. If visitors are unable to wear masks due to medical reasons, please consider if visiting the hospital is absolutely necessary and if so please inform the staff.
We ask our staff to promote good infection prevention practice and as such visitors not wearing a mask will be asked to wear one. Please do not be offended if you are asked on more than one occasion, the staff are aiming to prevent the spread of infection.
When you attend for your outpatient appointment, please be prepared to answer the questions our reception team will be asking you as part of our Infection Control screening processes.
Thank you for your continued support and understanding at this challenging time.
We will review these arrangements on a regular basis and in the context of the environment we are providing care in.
Appointments
All hospital appointments are arranged following a referral from your GP.
If you need to change your outpatient appointment please ring our Outpatient Call Centre (01772) 524555.
If you need to change your inpatient appointment please ring the ward telephone number detailed in your appointment letter. If you don’t have your letter please ring Chorley and South Ribble Hospital (01257) 261222, or Royal Preston Hospital on (01772) 716565 and switchboard staff will connect you to the appropriate department.
