Even though we are not treating COVID patients at our hospital, 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 there is still a risk of contracting COVID.
We always work hard to provide the safest care possible. We are still in the early stages of understanding this virus and its impact on surgical outcomes. Some reports indicate that if you have an operation while COVID positive or develop COVID 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.
You surgeon will talk to you about the risks when they seek your consent for surgery. Please ask as many questions as you like.
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.
Click here to find a contact number to discuss your options
More information can be found on the NHS England website here.
If you cannot wear a mask or face visor due to a disability or other reason, please contact your consultant’s secretary to confirm your face-to-face appointment can go ahead.
If you are not medically exempt and refuse to wear a mask or face visor, you will be asked to wait outside whilst we speak to your clinical team. If they agree to see you, you will be accompanied by a member of staff to your appointment location and accompanied out when it is finished.
If you or someone you care for cannot wear a mask or face visor, please contact your consultants secretary to confirm your face-to-face appointment can go ahead.
If you refuse to wear a mask or face visor, you will have to follow a different process:
We can refuse entry to anyone if we deem it necessary to protect the health of other visitors.
However we always make every effort to accommodate visitors. If you refuse to wear a mask or visor or cannot wear one, we can still offer you treatment.
You are reminded that any verbal or physical abuse directed at our team may result in the cancellation of your appointment and a phone call to the police.
We are here to support you.
We are happy to speak with you before you arrive to plan your visit. If you refuse or cannot wear a mask, please contact your consultants secretary as early as possible to discuss this with us: 0121 685 4000.
This will help us make preparations for you when you arrive.
The inherent risks of orthopaedic surgery are the same and this will be explained in detail during your consent process. You can ask your surgeon a question and they will be happy to answer.
The risk of contracting COVID exists (as it does everywhere), however, we are taking every precaution possible to run the safest service possible. Your safety is out highest priority.
The pandemic has caused waiting lists to grow across the country. If you choose not to proceed with surgery, you may have to wait longer than usual.
You should also consider that your condition may deteriorate while you wait.
Your surgeon can give you advice about your specific condition and the impact of delaying your surgery.
As an elective hospital, we are not treating anyone with COVID or COVID symptoms. Every patient will be tested before admission. This decreases the risk of patients having COVID.
However, if a patient becomes symptomatic, they will be immediately moved in to an isolated space. Those involved with their care will sanitise themselves and the area will be deep cleaned. Anyone who has been in contact with them will be screened to ensure they are not positive for COVID.Yes. Read out latest visitor advice here
Please raise any concerns with a health professional, a ward manager. We encourage an open, learning culture and your concern will be taken seriously.
You can also contact our Patient Experience Team team who can support you. 0121 685 4128 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.