COVID-19 patient testing

Some patients who are having planned surgery will be tested before they come to hospital, while patients admitted in an emergency will be tested once they are in the hospital. If you have to stay more than a week in hospital, you may be tested more than once.

If you need a test prior to coming to hospital you will be informed. Please only come to our testing sites if a test has been booked for you. The service is by appointment only.

If you are attending one of these appointments you will be asked a series of questions beforehand to find out if you need to be tested for COVID-19 before you come to hospital. Your temperature may be checked before you come into the hospital as well.

People who come to our emergency department who have COVID-19 are treated in a separate area of the department and are tested for COVID-19.

If you come to our emergency department and then need to be admitted as an inpatient for a different condition, you would be tested for COVID-19 even if you have no symptoms.

Our emergency department follows all infection prevention and control recommendations, including social distancing, to limit the risks of transmission of COVID-19 by patients who have no symptoms.

As people can have COVID-19 with no symptoms and still be infectious, it is important everyone who is admitted to our hospital is tested. Knowing if you have COVID-19 will mean together we can better plan your care and treatment.

People who do have COVID-19 and are admitted to hospital for treatment of COVID-19 or another condition, for example cancer, will be cared for in a separate area to patients who do not have COVID-19. We will carefully monitor your symptoms and make sure you get the care and treatment you need.

If you have any questions please get in touch with your clinical team. The telephone number will be on your appointment letter.