Important Information: Use of hospital face masks when coming to our hospitals
Hospital face masks had previously been required in all areas of Nottingham University Hospitals’ three sites since the start of the pandemic in March 2020 to protect staff, patients and visitors from COVID-19.
Under the new guidance that came into effect in June 2022, face masks will only be needed in clinical areas. They include all wards, outpatient areas and our Emergency Department, as well as the trust’s intensive care unit, neonatal intensive care unit, theatres and other areas where its most vulnerable patients are treated.
Michelle Rhodes, Chief Nurse for Nottingham University Hospitals, said: “Face masks have played a huge part in our efforts to protect many of our most vulnerable staff, patients and visitors from COVID-19 – and it’s important that continues in clinical areas of our hospitals.
“While we are now in a position to be able to cautiously step-down the need to wear face masks in corridors, retail outlets and restaurants, COVID-19 is still with us and we are continuing to treat dozens of patients with COVID-19 in our hospitals each and every day.
“We will make clear which areas of our hospitals you need to wear a hospital face mask in when you visit our hospitals and our message is clear: if you’re asked, please wear a mask.”
New signage will be placed across the trust’s sites to make clear where staff, patients and visitors still need to wear a mask in clinical areas.
Are you exempt from wearing a facemask?
If you need more information on wearing a facemask you can download and read our leaflet here:
Appointments
Timely treatment
Under the NHS Constitution, patients have the right to receive timely treatment. This means that you have been referred for consultant-led treatment, you should start your treatment within a maximum of 18 weeks, or if your GP has made an urgent referral where cancer is suspected, you should be seen by a specialist within two weeks.
If this is not possible, or you are concerned that you are waiting for longer, you should contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS).
We use smart phones and tablets as part of your care to record important information about your health, your treatment and for when you leave hospital. Ask a member of the team providing your care if you would like more information.
To find out more about what we do with your data, you can download our full privacy policy here:
What you need to do when you come for an appointment
To keep you and our staff safe, please follow this guidance:
- DO NOT ATTEND if you, anyone in your household or the person bringing you shows any signs of Coronavirus, that is a fever (temperature) and/or a new and persistent cough, loss or change to senses of smell or taste. Contact us on the telephone number in your clinic appointment letter and we will tell you what you need to do.
- Use the hand gel provided on arrival into the department and wash your hands regularly throughout your visit including before eating/drinking or after using the toilet.
- If you are in the shielding group and we ask you to come to the hospital, it is important that you come. If you think we do not know that you are shielding or you feel concerned about attending, please contact us using the telephone number in your appointment letter.
We have produced a patient information leaflet on making the most of your face to face appointment. This can be downloaded here: Making the most of your appointment (face to face).docx [docx] 256KB
Contact us about your appointment
To change or cancel your appointment at QMC, City Hospital or Ropewalk
- Phone the clinic number on your appointment card or letter between 8.30am-4.30pm (some services may not be available at weekends). Please have your appointment letter or card to hand as you will be asked for your hospital number
- If you are changing or cancelling with less than two working days' notice, please contact the clinic directly using the details on your appointment letter
If you do not have the clinic number or you are not able to get in touch with the clinic please contact the Switchboard.
Tel: 0115 924 9924
If you need any additional help or advice please contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS).
If you want to change or canel your appointment at the Treatment Centre.
Patients can contact 0115 919 4477 (Monday-Friday, 8am-6pm) with any questions, concerns or to change or cancel an appointment at the Treatment Centre.
Getting to your appointment
Visit our 'getting here' sections of our website.
If you receive certain benefits or qualify through the Low Income Scheme, you may be entitled to a refund of public transport costs to get to hospital if you are the patient. Click here for more information.
Online video consultations
Video consultations are an easy way for you to have your appointment with the care team, without the need for you to travel to the hospital. This can save you time, money, and the difficulty of getting to the hospital.
You will be informed if your appointment is a video consultation. You will be provided with the video information and video links in order to join the video consultation.
Wheelchairs
NUH does have a limited amount of Wheelchairs which are available to patients and visitors, However NUH cannot guarantee their will be a wheelchair available at all times and it is recommend visitors to our hospital factor this into their journey.
If you need assistance to reach your appointment, please ask at the main reception who can contact a hospital porter. However, please be aware there can be significant delay in being collected in times of high demand for the portering service.
Services for the deaf and hard of hearing
British Sign Language Interpreting Service
When you receive your appointment please let us know if you wish us to book an interpreter for you, or you can contact the interpreting service direct on 0115 978 6984. Please see www.disabledgo.com for further details.