New dedicated patient helpline launched at Sherwood Forest Hospitals

Sherwood Forest Hospitals has launched a dedicated patient helpline for people with questions about their treatment and care after changes to appointments in the light of the Coronavirus pandemic.

The helpline number for patients and their families with questions about their appointments and operations is 01623 676069 and is operational from 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday.

Sherwood Forest Hospitals Chief Nurse, Julie Hogg said: “In line with social distancing guidance issued by the government, we are reducing all non-essential visits at this time. This means we are currently prioritising our cancer and clinically urgent patients.

“We are in the process of contacting patients. If you have a routine appointment booked and you have not heard from us, please assume we will telephone you on or around the time at which you were due to be seen in hospital and we will carry out this consultation by phone.

“We will rearrange appointments and operations as soon as possible and apologise to patients for any inconvenience or distress this causes.”
Helpline for cancer patients

In a bid to help our cancer patients who are concerned about Coronavirus, the Trust has also set up a dedicated helpline for our patients with cancer – 01623 622 515 ext: 6499 which will be open Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm.

 The dedicated line will help patients who have questions and concerns relating to Coronavirus and cancer treatment or appointments. It is important to note that our Welcome Treatment Centre has been moved from level 4 to Clinic 9, on the lower ground floor of the King’s Treatment Centre at King’s Mill Hospital.



Unless we have called you to advise otherwise, patients are still encouraged to come to their cancer appointments as planned unless they have had symptoms of Coronavirus (a new cough and/or a high temperature). We apologise, but in order to keep our cancer patients safe we are not allowing any visitors to accompany patients on to the clinic or to stay with them during their treatment.

Visitors

Currently no visitors are being allowed in any Sherwood Forest Hospitals sites, however;

• One parent may accompany children if the children are patients, one birthing partner may attend the Maternity Department, one carer is permitted in the Emergency Department, but must remain with the patient at all times. Exceptions can be discussed with ward staff if your relative is in end of life care. Anyone who is attending with patients must not have been unwell in the last 72 hours.
• To protect yourself from Coronavirus, please ensure you regularly wash your hands and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth and bin tissues if you cough or sneeze. Thorough hand washing will help to reduce the spread of Coronavirus. If you have to come into hospital, please use the hand gel provided.

Published 24 March 2020