
All outpatient appointments and diagnostic tests are continuing to run. Please do turn up for your scheduled appointment as long as you do not have any Covid symptoms – remembering to socially distance and to wear a face mask.
We are currently still running elective surgery but this is under constant review subject to operational pressures, and we are keeping our patients updated.
If you or member of your household develop Covid-19 like symptoms at any time prior to your operation, treatment or diagnostic tests, please do NOT attend the hospital. Please contact the Swabbing Hub using the numbers below and also arrange for a COVID-19 Test.
Please see the following pdfs which include where you will need to go to be tested at our hospital sites:
If you are at greater risk of getting Covid-19 or having a poorer outcome if you get it, you may want to self-isolate for a period of time before your planned procedure. We advise that you speak to your clinician about this.
After surgery, you may have a greater risk of developing infections so your clinician may advise you to self-isolate for a period of up to 3 weeks once you have left the hospital.
If you have any concerns or questions about how to prepare for your procedure or surgery, please contact the Swabbing Hub on the numbers below:
Read Important-changes-to-your-treatment-during-the-COVID-19-pandemic_.pdf[pdf] 286KB patient information leaflet which tells you how you can prepare for your treatment.
Visit our website pages for information about video appointments and cancer support and treatments.
Covid-19 is at the forefront of many people’s minds. We understand that people with cancer and their families may feel especially worried about coronavirus. People with cancer are at a higher risk of complications – cancer treatment can weaken immune systems and lower your ability to fight infection.
You may be worried about how Covid-19 will affect you if you have cancer. Every person is different and cancer patients who finished treatment a few years ago or longer will most likely have immune systems that have recovered. It is important to note that whether or not you are currently being treated you should follow the advice of your healthcare team.
The www.gov.uk and the NHS website have the latest advice about coronavirus to help you reduce the risk of getting coronavirus. You should also follow the NHS advice if your relative or friend is having or has recently had cancer treatment or if a relative or friend has a lower ability to fight infection.
If you are experiencing symptoms
If you are currently experiencing symptoms of infection:
or are aware you have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for coronavirus and you are receiving chemotherapy, please call:
Oncology helpline: 01924 546272 8am - 6pm daily. Outside of these hours please contact 0113 2433144
If you have questions about your chemotherapy treatment or appointments please call one of the chemotherapy units:
Pontefract chemotherapy unit: 01977 747130
Dewsbury chemotherapy unit: 01924 542244
Pinderfields chemotherapy unit: Currently closed
For any other enquiries please call the CANCER HELPLINE on 01924 546 072 available Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 4.30pm.
The MacMillan Cancer information centre based at Pinderfields Hospital is now open for face-to-face appointments.
Open Monday - Friday 8am - 4pm
Tel: 01924 546072 for telephone advise or to book a time slot. You are welcome to drop in, but may have to wait slightly longer than usual due to the social distancing arrangements in place.
A cancer centre has been created at Pontefract Hospital to enable people to receive care in a safe environment without being exposed to the risk of infection from Covid-19. This is for people who have been referred for tests for suspected cancer, or whose condition could deteriorate if treatment was delayed.
To ensure the safety of all patients and staff, all corridors, waiting areas, clinic rooms, operating theatres and wards will only be accessible to patients who have tested negative for Covid-19. Access to and from other parts of the hospital have been closed off to anyone except patients attending for cancer tests or treatment, and the cancer centre has separate entry and exit routes.
If you are due to attend a hospital appointment but cannot attend please contact the relevant number above to cancel. If your appointment is cancelled, you will be notified in a timely manner.
Please note we are looking at how we deliver hospital appointments. If your appointment is changed to a non face-to-face appointment (e.g. telephone) you will be contacted prior to this with further information.
If you are undergoing cancer treatment
Please see Guidance on social distancing and for vulnerable people
Latest guidance
The government is constantly reviewing the advice about coronavirus:
The NHS website has all the latest information about the coronavirus and how to protect you and your family: NHS website