COVID-19

Our highest priority is providing safe care. COVID-19 means we have to work differently and you have to prepare differently.

Is it safe?

Understanding the risks and benefits of surgery

Since the COVID-19 outbreak the risks of undergoing surgery have increased. In addition to the usual risks and benefits of an operation, it is important that you understand the specific risks associated with COVID-19 and that you also take certain precautions as recommended by your medical team.

Even though we are not treating COVID-19 patients in the Woodland’s Suite or at ROH, you could still come into contact with a person carrying the virus (as you could in the supermarket or any public indoor space). While we are taking every precaution possible, and instructing patients to self-isolate and be tested before admission, there is still a risk of contracting COVID-19.

The risks of surgery when COVID-19 positive

We are still in the early stages of understanding the virus and its impact on surgical outcomes. Some reports indicate that if you have an operation while COVID-19 positive or develop COVID-19 while recovering, there is a significant risk that you could end up being ill enough with the virus to need a ventilator on an intensive care unit. There is a risk of death if this happens. Some evidence suggests that the risk of death in certain patient groups who develop COVID-19 around the time of having surgery may increase to 35%. We will continue to gather evidence and improve our understanding of the risks.

The precautions we are taking

Although the risks of surgery with COVID-19 are increased, we are taking every precaution possible to reduce risks:

Every patient will self-isolate for two weeks before they are admitted
Every patient will be tested for COVID-19 twice; four days before their admission then two days before their admission
Staff will be tested and monitored and will comply with rigorous infection prevention measures
The environment in our hospital has been redesigned to support compliance with social distancing and infection prevention
We are running a 24/7 cleaning schedule with particular attention to high traffic areas

Your choice

Surgery is your choice and always has risks and benefits associated with it. You can decide whether to proceed with your surgery, or delay it and discuss alternative treatment options.

How we are working differently

We have made significant changes to how we work to ensure we offer the safest services we can.

Navigators and Entry points

When you arrive, you will be greeted by a navigator. This person will explain what you need to do and where you need to go. They will ensure that restrictions are maintained and you are supported.

Social distancing

The Woodlands Suite and the entire ROH site are marked for social distancing so it’s easy for you to maintain a 2 metre distance. We have also removed all non-essential equipment and furniture to improve easy movement around the site.

Hand washing stations

Hand washing is an essential part of reducing the risk of infection. We have made it easy to sanitise your hands with stations all over the Trust that are clearly marked.