Rearrange or cancel appointment - Saint Mary's Hospital

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Planning your visit to MFT

At Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) we have been working hard to reduce the risk of spreading Coronavirus (COVID-19) by introducing new processes and protocols to ensure the safety of our patients, visitors and staff at all of our hospitals and community locations.

Please be assured that our hospitals are safe and there are a number of strict infection prevention measures in place to protect you and our staff.

Attending a planned inpatient procedure

If you are attending MFT for a planned inpatient procedure, it is no longer a routine requirement to self-isolate for 14 days. This is in line with national guidance for all, including those extremely vulnerable to COVID-19.

Ahead of your appointment, you will have been in contact with your consultant, doctor or GP who will have talked you through the following recommended guidance for planned procedures:

Follow comprehensive social distancing and hand hygiene measures for 14 days before your planned procedure (click here for government advice on social distancing).
Three days before your planned procedure, you will have a COVID-19 test to ensure you are not positive for the virus.
You will need to self-isolate from the day you have your COVID-19 test until your admission into hospital.

However, we do understand that each patient’s circumstances are different and in some cases you may be advised to self-isolate for 14 days prior to your procedure. You can also opt-in to do this yourself based on your individual circumstances if you wish to do so.

Those who do self-isolate for 14 days will still be required to have a COVID-19 test three days before their planned procedure at MFT.

Attending an outpatient appointment

If you are attending MFT for an outpatient appointment, such as for an x-ray or diagnostic test, there is no requirement for you to self-isolate ahead of your appointment. However, please follow comprehensive social distancing and hand hygiene measures for 14 days prior to your appointment.

Please do not visit the hospital if you have a high temperature, a new continuous cough or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste.

Please do not visit if you feel unwell or have had contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case.

Please be reminded to follow good hand hygiene measures, adhere to social distancing guidance and wear a face mask to reduce the spread of the virus.

Thank you for helping us to reduce the spread of Coronavirus.

Your appointment letter will give you the time, date and location of your appointment. It is very important that you attend the appointment. If, for any reason, you need to cancel or rearrange an appointment or an operation, please see the details below to find out how to contact the right team.

Gynaecology (Oxford Road Campus)

Benign Gynaecology

(0161) 701 0754 (8.30 am – 4.30 pm)

Reproductive Medicine (New Saint Mary’s)

(0161) 276 6000 (8.30 am – 4.30 pm)

Warrell Unit (Uro-gynaecology)

(0161) 276 6332 (8.30 am – 4.30 pm)

Colposcopy

(0161) 276 6365 (8.30 am – 4.30 pm)

Oncology

(0161) 701 7552 (8.30 am – 4.30 pm)

Maternity (Obstetrics) – Oxford Road Campus

Antenatal

(0161) 276 6409 / (0161) 276 6377 (8.30 am – 5.00 pm)

Your operation

If you are not able to attend for surgery or you wish to change it to a more convenient time, please tell us as soon as possible so we can give your appointment to another patient.

You can change or cancel your operation date by calling the service where you are being treated – you will find contact details either on your appointment letter.
To help us deal with your request as quickly as possible, please ensure that you provide the following information:

• Your full name
• Your NHS number or date of birth
• A contact telephone number or email address
• The date your surgery is booked for

If you cannot attend and do not notify us in advance, you might not be automatically issued with a new appointment and could have to return to your GP to make a new appointment with us. Please see our patient access, booking and choice policy for more information.

Information regarding your appointment

Reclaiming travel costs

If you are claiming benefits or are on a low income, you may be entitled to reclaim all or part of your travel costs. Please take your receipts with proof of your entitlement to benefits to the Cashiers’ Office. This is open Monday – Friday, 9.00 am – 1.00 pm and 1.30 – 4.00 pm. Please note that taxi fares are not reimbursed. For further information contact the Hospital Travel Cost Scheme Helpline on 0845 850 1166, website: www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk.

Please leave plenty of time to find a parking space as the car parks are busy.

Ambulance transport

If you have medical needs that require ambulance transport, you must contact your GP to arrange this for your first visit.

Prescriptions

If you are given a hospital prescription by the doctor this can only be dispensed by the Hospital Pharmacy, which is located on the ground floor of the Manchester Royal Eye Hospital and is open from 9.00 am until 5.00 pm, Monday – Friday. Delays are possible so please be aware of this when planning your journey.

Alcohol/recreational drugs

Alcohol and recreational drugs are not permitted on hospital premises. Patients or visitors who are considered to be intoxicated or in possession of alcohol or recreational drugs will be asked to leave the hospital.

Infection control

Hand washing is the most effective way of stopping the spread of germs and bacteria. Always wash your own hands and insist that others wash theirs to protect you. You should always wash your hands:

After visiting a toilet.
After changing nappies.

You should also use alcohol gel dispensers where available.

Teaching and training

We are involved in teaching medical, nursing and other students and because of this there may be students in the clinic.

Staff will ask you beforehand if you would mind students being present. Although we would appreciate your agreement, we do realise that you may wish to talk with the doctor/nurse privately. We will always respect your wishes and whatever you decide will not affect your treatment in any way.

What will I need to bring?

You will need to bring all medicines, inhalers, creams or other medications that you use in their original packaging (if possible) or any records you may have about your condition.

What facilities are available?

A restaurant and coffee shop are available on the ground floor of the hospital and there is also a shop opposite the out-patient department. Breastfeeding/baby changing facilities are available; please ask staff. A multi-faith prayer room is available on the ground floor and first floor of the hospital site. If you wish to speak to a faith leader, please ask a member of staff.

What will happen when I arrive?

You will need to book in at the reception desk. The receptionist will check that your details are correct. You will be advised where to wait.

We would ask you to be patient as appointments vary. Patients are seen in the order of their appointment time. Sometimes it appears patients are seen ‘out of turn’ but this is normally because they are seeing a different clinician. A member of staff will call your name. You may have your weight, height and blood pressure checked and may need to provide a urine or blood sample. It may be necessary to carry out further tests on the day of the appointment so please allow time for this when planning your visit.

At the end of your visit an appointment sheet will be given to you to hand in at the reception desk. It is important that you do not forget to arrange your next appointment before you leave. If you require an ambulance please let the receptionist know.

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COVID-19 Update