Anyone booked in for an operation must self-isolate for 14 days prior to their procedure, as the NHS in Leeds continues efforts to re-open services safely.
The NHS in Leeds is working with Leeds City Council to share this message among employers in the city so that they can work with their employees to consider how they can offer support for those needing to self-isolate. People who are self-employed are being asked to consider how the 14 day self-isolation impact could impact on their work and income.
People booked in for an operation may also get tested for COVID-19 a few days before they’re due to attend. There could also be a requirement to self-isolate after an operation, patients will be issued with any additional instructions by the health team looking after them. The 14 day self-isolation will also apply to anyone living in the same household as the person booked in for an operation.
Dr Phil Wood, Chief Medical Officer for Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “The NHS in Leeds and Leeds City Council are working together to treat patients and reset health services to a ‘new normal’, and get the city moving again. This includes ensuring the NHS can provide high-quality care in a safe environment.”
Dr Sarah Forbes, Associate Medical Director for NHS Leeds Clinical Commissioning Group, added: “Employers and employees should work together to reduce the financial burden on both parties. While we understand that there are economic pressures facing many businesses and individuals, failing to self-isolate for 14 days puts you, other patients and our staff at risk.
“For people who are self-employed we know that self-isolating for 14 days will impact on your income and customers. Please do factor this in should you be on a waiting list for an operation. We will make every effort to give you as much notice as possible. If you have any concerns please speak to your GP or contact the hospital team using the telephone number on your appointment letter.”
In an effort to keep people safe and reduce the spread of infection, all NHS services in Leeds are asking people to wear a face covering when attending face-to-face appointments except for under 3 year olds or those with a medical condition that makes wearing a face covering difficult. NHS services in Leeds are maintaining 2 metre social distancing in healthcare settings, with signage and instructions on display.
People are encouraged to seek medical help should they fall ill or get injured. For conditions that need to be seen quickly but don’t need emergency care people should call NHS 111 or go online www.111.nhs.uk. Anyone concerned about cancer symptoms or an ongoing health condition should ring their GP practice. 999 and A&E should only be used for serious life or limb-threatening emergencies.
Help is available for anyone that needs to self-isolate through the NHS Volunteer Responders by calling the helpline on 0808 196 3646 between 8am and 8pm.
ENDS
Notes to editor
For media enquiries please contact:
Issued by the communications team at NHS Leeds CCG. You can contact the team on 0113 84 35528 or 0113 84 35470. Alternatively, please email us: [email protected]
To help keep yourself and our staff safe we would like you to follow this advice closely.
- You must self-isolate for 14 days before your operation.
- Anyone living in the same household is also expected to self-isolate for 14 days, you will be advised of this in your letter or telephone call confirming your appointment.
- If you need any help during this period you can call the NHS Volunteer Responders. You can call the NHS Volunteer Responders helpline on 0808 196 3646 between 8am and 8pm.
- We know that this can be difficult if you’re working. We would welcome the support of employers who should consider the best options for employees (such as working from home) so that people can self-isolate for 14 days.
- Employers and employees should work together to reduce the financial burden on both parties. While we understand that there are economic pressures facing many businesses and individuals, failing to self-isolate for 14 days puts you, other patients and our staff at risk.
- Where possible, we’re asking employers to show flexibility including any support with sickness pay and leave.
- For people who are self-employed we know that self-isolating for 14 days will impact on your income and customers. Please do factor this in should you be on a waiting list for an operation. We will make every effort to give you as much notice as possible.
- All NHS services in Leeds are asking people to wear a face covering when attending face-to-face appointments except for under 3 year olds or those with a medical condition that makes wearing a face covering difficult. We are maintaining 2 metre social distancing in healthcare settings in Leeds, please follow signage and instructions.
Due to current demand your NHS may have to change the date of your appointment at short notice, we’ll try to avoid this as much as possible