In response to the coronavirus pandemic we have introduced a number of changes to the way we run our services. Here is information about what we are doing that will keep you safe.
Some of these changes are already in place and others may take a little while longer but please be reassured that we are working hard to make sure the environment is safe for our patients and staff.
If you are coming into hospital for an outpatient appointment, procedure or scan, please read the following information.
Are you or any member of your household currently isolating for suspected symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19)?
If you or a member of your household has any symptoms, please rearrange your appointment. Symptoms include:
- a high temperature – this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)
- a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual)
- loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – this means you’ve noticed you cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal
How to stop infection spreading
Please follow all our infection control measures if you do come to hospital and wash or gel your hands as soon as you enter a ward or unit.
Have you or any member of your household had symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the 7 days before your appointment?
If you or your household member have had any symptoms, please rearrange your appointment.
Preparing for your hospital appointment
- We ask all patients that they arrive to hospital wearing a face covering from home
- Please arrive for your appointment at the allocated time. Please do not be late or early.
- Staff may be wearing personal protective equipment (PPE). This is in line with public health guidance. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask our staff.
- Please attend the appointment alone if it safe to do so. If you need to be accompanied this must be with only one other person. Children should be accompanied by one adult only.
- Please access hand washing/hand gel available on arrival.
- Please observe social distancing whilst waiting and during your appointment. We will endeavour to signpost you to your appointment safely.
- When your appointment is finished, please leave the hospital promptly.
Social distancing
The safety of our patients is our primary concern. To minimise the chances of getting coronavirus, it is very important that you maintain and follow social distancing measures at home for two weeks before your procedure.
This means avoiding contact with others as much as possible, both inside and outside of your home.
This may include not attending school or work during this period. Please discuss any specific concerns you may have about this with us by calling our contact numbers.
![Association of General Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria [AGPMPN] – Rivers State Chapter](https://sophikemedicalcentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/agpmpn.jpg)
