Please read this information carefully especially if you are coming in for an appointment.
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:
Important information for visitors
We’re confident that these pathways will help create a secure, protective environment so everyone feels more confident about coming into and working in our hospitals.
You can use our consultant search tool to find a consultant that best matches your needs.
Where possible our experts will conduct initial consultations virtually so you don’t have to attend a hospital, but when it’s absolutely necessary face to face consultations can also be made available.
All of our surgical inpatients will have a pre-op assessment to prepare you for your operation.
Prior to undergoing surgery you will undergo a COVID-19 swab test and may be instructed to self isolate from time of test. For more details on how you can best prepare for your operation please read the isolation guide
To keep everyone safe in our hospitals, all Spire staff will receive regular COVID-19 testing and wear PPE.
On arrival you’ll be met by a member of the Spire team. You’ll have easy access to handwashing and hand sanitisers throughout our hospitals and clinics.
For the majority of treatments patients will have their own individual room with an en-suite bathroom.
Patients will receive post-operative care information and any consultant follow-up required – delivered either face to face or virtually.
A 24/7 helpline is available to provide post-operative advice, whenever you need it.
How is the coronavirus affecting the hospital?
We are:
I’m nervous about coming into hospital / is it safe to come into hospital?
We’re actively working with, and following guidance from all national healthcare bodies to ensure you are kept safe.
We’re asking anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 not to attend our hospitals; we’re restricting access for visitors, and patients are self screening upon arrival as we work hard to maintain everyone’s safety.
If you have any concerns, please contact your local hospital and they’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Are you testing patients for coronavirus?
Before undergoing surgery, your consultant or nurse will provide you with instructions as to which pathway you will follow and you will undergo a COVID-19 swab test.
As a patient, can I receive a COVID-19 vaccine at Spire Healthcare?
No – the COVID-19 vaccination programme is being led by the NHS. You will be contacted by your GP or local NHS hub when eligible for the vaccine.
If I have had the COVID vaccines do I still need a COVID swab before any surgery/intervention at a Spire Hospital?
You'll still need a COVID-19 swab before any surgery or some interventions at Spire Healthcare. Your consultant will discuss this with you.
If I've had the COVID-19 vaccine do I still need to wear a mask/face covering?
Yes, you will - in our hospitals in Scotland. In our hospitals in England and Wales, guidance for inpatients, outpatients and visitors is outlined at the top of this page.
After having both doses of the vaccine most people will be protected against coronavirus. It takes a few weeks after getting the second dose for it to work. There is a small chance you might still get coronavirus even if you've had the vaccine.
If I've had the COVID-19 vaccine, can I go ahead with my surgery?
Yes, however, we'd 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.
If I've had surgery how long, do I need to wait before having my COVID-19 vaccine?
Where possible, we'd suggest waiting for 5-7 days after surgery to have the vaccine. However, if this is not possible you should have the vaccine when offered it.
I am due to have surgery between the first and second COVID vaccines – will my surgery go ahead?
Yes, however we'd advise that you wait 5-7 days after the vaccine before any surgery to allow for any potential side effects.
Can I have my steroid joint injection if I have had a COVID-19 vaccine?
There is currently no guidance around steroid injection’s and COVID-19 vaccine. Interactions are unlikely, but please discuss with your consultant.
I am undergoing chemotherapy/radiotherapy treatment will I be able to have the COVID-19 vaccine?
Yes, you'll be offered the vaccine as part of the roll out. You'll be contacted by your GP or local NHS hub when eligible for the vaccine. Please discuss dates for vaccine and chemotherapy treatment with your Oncologist.
For more details on the COVID-19 vaccine please visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/coronavirus-vaccine/
The NHS COVID-19 app is available to download for free in England and Wales. It's the fastest way to see if you're at risk from coronavirus. The faster you know, the quicker you can alert and protect your loved ones and community.