Changes to your appointments

Important message

Hospital appointments (4 January 2022)

We have been receiving calls from patients cancelling appointments for important consultations with our specialists, including for some diagnostic tests. We believe this may in part be due to concerns about increasing levels of COVID-19 and the Omicron variant.

Whilst we are very grateful for the public’s understanding of how busy our services are and we recognise people want to keep themselves safe and stay at home, we would urge all our patients to still attend for planned appointments, diagnostic scans and procedures.

For example, every month over 2000 patients are referred to Mid Yorkshire Hospitals for suspected cancer. Whilst most of these patients will be given the all clear, it is very important to be assessed and have the necessary investigations and scans in timely fashion. To delay could have serious consequences.

Despite how busy we are, our staff are doing everything possible to continue to deliver services, and we have procedures in place to do so in a safe and COVID secure way. It may also be possible for some appointments to be conducted virtually. Please get in contact with your clinical team if you have any questions.

Your appointment or procedure

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. Please also note that you must continue to attend your appointments, and our A&E departments or UTC alone. There are some exceptions in maternity and carers for patients who require assistance, e.g. supporting someone with a mental health condition, dementia, delirium, a learning disability or autism, where not being present would cause the patient to be distressed.

We are currently still running elective surgery but this is under constant review subject to operational pressures, and we are keeping our patients updated.

Information if you are coming for a procedure, surgery or treatment

Covid-19 symptoms

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.

Swabbing Hub Pinderfields: 01924 542613
Swabbing Hub Pontefract: 01977747113
Swabbing Hub Dewsbury: 01924 512347

Testing

We will arrange for you to have a Covid-19 test 2-3 days before the day of your procedure or surgery. You will be advised to self-isolate and stay at home from the day of the test until you come to the hospital.
You will only be able to have your procedure or surgery if you have had a COVID-19 negative test result within 2-3 days of your procedure or surgery AND display no COVID-19 symptoms.

Please see the following pdfs which include where you will need to go to be tested at our hospital sites:

Self-isolation/social distancing

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:

Swabbing Hub Pinderfields: 01924 542613
Swabbing Hub Pontefract: 01977747113
Swabbing Hub Dewsbury: 01924 512347

Patient information leaflets

Read Important-changes-to-your-treatment-during-the-COVID-19-pandemic_.pdf [pdf] 294KB 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.

Cancer and Covid-19

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.

Advice for patients with cancer

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:

a high temperature
a new, continuous cough
a loss of, or change to, your sense of smell or taste

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

Cancer helpline

For any other enquiries please call the CANCER HELPLINE on 01924 546 072 available Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 4.30pm.

MacMillan cancer support

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.

Pontefract hospital cancer centre

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

Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds, or if not immediately available use an alcohol-based hand rub. It is especially important to wash your hands before eating or drinking.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces (mobile phone, tables, light switches, door handles, sinks, toilets, any eating surfaces).

Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth as this can transfer the virus from surfaces.

If you take prescription or over-the-counter medication, make sure you have enough at home or in a place that you are able to access.

Avoid contact with those who are sick or unwell or have been exposed to the virus or may be at higher risk due to recent travel to a high-risk country.

Avoid crowds and crowded areas and avoid unnecessary physical contact, such as shaking hands, hugging or kissing. This is especially important if you are currently having chemotherapy.

Please see Guidance on social distancing and for vulnerable people

Latest guidance
The government is constantly reviewing the advice about coronavirus:

GOV.UK website

The NHS website has all the latest information about the coronavirus and how to protect you and your family: NHS website