Feel safe with Spire during COVID-19
Expert care every step of the way
Alongside our continued support for the NHS, we’re once again offering selected treatments to our private patients.
The COVID-19 pandemic means life has changed for us all and we’re aware that you may have some concerns about coming into hospital. It’s okay to feel this way and, with this in mind, we’re pleased to say that we are implementing a series of safety measures to help protect our patients and colleagues from the potential risk of COVID-19. We’ve created ‘patient pathway journeys’ for your visit, with clear signage throughout our hospitals to help guide you on your allocated journey.
A few key things we’re doing to help minimise the potential risk in our hospitals and help you feel safe include:
- Staff COVID-19 vaccinations - All our frontline colleagues have been offered a COVID vaccine and nearly 10,000 of all our colleagues have received their first vaccine
- Screening – All patients and colleagues will be screened for any symptoms of COVID-19 on arrival. Only patients that are undergoing surgery will be provided with a COVID-19 test. Our colleagues are regularly tested for COVID-19 and wear appropriate PPE
- Visitor policy – To support social distancing and help protect our staff, patients and consultants, we are currently operating a no visitors policy. Therefore, please come alone to your outpatient appointment. We are currently restricting access in our hospitals
- Self isolation prior to surgery – Prior to undergoing surgery you may be instructed to isolate for a period of time and will undergo a COVID-19 swab test. For more details on how you can best prepare for your operation please read the relevant guide: 3 day isolation guide or 14 day isolation guide
- COVID-19 tests – We’re only able to provide COVID-19 tests to patients undergoing surgery at our hospitals. COVID-19 testing or antibody tests are not available as a standalone service. You can visit the NHS website for more information on testing and tracing for coronavirus
- COVID-19 vaccine – Your surgery can still go ahead if you have been given the vaccine. We would 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. For more information please read our vaccine Q&A further down the page
Your patient pathway
When you come into a Spire hospital we want you to feel as relaxed as possible – every step of the way. To support this, we are introducing a process called ‘patient pathways’; this means you’ll be allocated a clear journey to guide you through your hospital visit based on what you’ve done ahead of the appointment, and depending on your reason to visit. We’ve developed three patient pathways – Red, Amber and Green:
The Red pathway is for patients in outpatients including imaging or Bupa health clinics, who will not need to isolate, won’t have a COVID-19 swab taken but will be asymptomatic on arrival.
The Amber pathway is for patients who are clinically vulnerable – for example those who are undergoing treatment for cancer, coming in for pre-operative assessment.
The Green pathway is for patients undergoing surgery – inpatients and day case – who have isolated before their procedure and tested negative for COVID-19.
Your visit
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.
1. Your appointment
Search our consultants online
You can use our consultant search tool to find a consultant that best matches your needs.
See a specialist without leaving your home
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.
2. Preparing for your visit
Pre-op assessment
All of our surgical inpatients will have a pre-op assessment to prepare you for your operation. For advice on ways you can improve your health before your procedure, take a look at our remaining well guide.
Self-isolation
Prior to undergoing surgery you may be instructed to isolate for a period of time and will undergo a COVID-19 swab test. For more details on how you can best prepare for your operation please read the relevant guide:
3. During your visit
Staff PPE and testing
To keep everyone safe in our hospitals, all Spire staff will receive regular COVID-19 testing and wear PPE.
Patient PPE and testing
On arrival you’ll be met by a member of the Spire team who will give you your own mask to wear in the hospital.
You'll have easy access to handwashing and hand sanitisers throughout our hospitals and clinics.
Social distancing
Our hospitals have been specially adapted to ensure appropriate distancing. This includes clear signage and a one-way system throughout.
Your room
For the majority of treatments patients will have their own individual room with an en-suite bathroom.
4. After your visit
Aftercare
Patients will receive post-operative care information and any consultant follow-up required – delivered either face to face or virtually.
Helpline
A 24/7 helpline is available to provide post-operative advice, whenever you need it.
Frequently asked questions
How is the coronavirus affecting the hospital?
We are:
- As part of our long-standing partnership we will be dedicating much of our resources to the NHS. As a result we are reviewing all planned procedures and consultations. If required, one of our team will be in contact to reschedule your appointment
- Suspending all non-urgent procedures for ‘vulnerable’ patients (defined as those aged over 70, those who are pregnant, or those who have an underlying health condition as defined by Public Health England)
- Asking anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 not to attend our hospital
- Screening all patients upon arrival
- Restricting visitor access to our hospitals
We have suspended all non-urgent procedures for vulnerable patients and we will complete a full risk assessment to ensure that it is safe to continue with your planned appointment.
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 screening all patients upon arrival as we work hard to maintain everyone’s safety.
We are asking everyone who attends our site to abide by our policy on social distancing. Please ensure that you stand or sit a minimum of two metres apart.
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?
Prior to undergoing surgery you will be instructed to isolate with your household members for a period of time and will undergo a COVID-19 swab test.
COVID-19 vaccine Q&A
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 require a COVID swab prior to any surgery/intervention at a Spire Hospital?
You will still require a COVID 19 swab prior to any surgery or some interventions at Spire Healthcare. Your consultant will discuss this with you.
If I have had the COVID 19 vaccine do I still need to wear a mask/face covering?
Yes, you will.
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 have had the vaccine.
This means it's important to:
- Continue to follow social distancing and other guidance: remember hands, face, space
- When attending a Spire hospital you will be required to wear a face mask, which will be supplied to you
If I have had the COVID 19 vaccine, can I go ahead with my surgery?
Yes, however, we would 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 have had surgery how long, do I need to wait before having my COVID 19 vaccine?
Where possible, we would 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 would 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 will be offered the vaccine as part of the roll out. You will 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 new NHS COVID-19 app, now available to download for free in England and Wales, is 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.