As the situation around COVID-19 continues to evolve, we are doing everything we can to protect the health and wellbeing of our patients, members of the public and employees. Patient and staff safety has always been our top priority, now it is more important than ever.

We understand that leaving your home can make you feel anxious, especially when coming into a healthcare environment to receive treatment.

We would like to take this opportunity to reassure you that Horder Healthcare is doing everything we can to ensure that our hospitals are COVID-19 secure. Our unique holistic approach means that we will continue to support you every step of the way from your diagnosis through to your treatment and recovery journey to better health.

New safety measures

This pandemic has inevitably resulted in us implementing new measures to ensure maximum safety and reduce risk to our patients, staff and the wider community, whilst continuing to deliver outstanding care. These measures were guided by the UK Government, Public Health England (PHE), and our infection prevention team.

Here is a brief summary of the changes you can expect to when you attend an appointment at our CQC outstanding hospital.

Screening

When you arrive at reception, we are asking you to let us know whether:
• You have any symptoms of COVID-19 such as a new, continuous cough, a high temperature, or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste;
• You have been in contact with anyone who has symptoms of, or confirmed COVID-19;
• You have travelled abroad in the last 14 days.

Throughout your consultation and pre-admission journey, we will continuously assess your personal COVID-19 risks. This will help us to assist you in the planning of your appointments and in maintaining a secure environment for all.

Safe movement around the hospital

The hospital now has clear separate pathways for different types of patients, visitors and staff to minimise interaction. Appointment times have been reviewed to allow us to stagger patients in a way that avoids crowding in any space.

Glass shields have been installed at our receptions as an added protection, and all staff will be wearing Personal Protective Equipment appropriate to their role and the situation, as per PHE guidance.

We have also placed social distancing signs and floor markers around the Centre as a public reminder, and have removed every other chair in the waiting rooms to allow you to keep at a safe distance from others if you need to wait there.

Increased hand sanitising stations and enhanced cleaning

Everyone at the Centre has easy access to handwashing facilities and hand sanitiser and we have provided even more hand sanitiser stations throughout which we actively encourage staff, patients and visitors to use.

Whilst strictly following the required measures set by the government, we have introduced a more extensive cleaning programme across all areas. We are cleaning and disinfecting regularly, in line with PHE. This involves disinfection with 1000ppm chlorine and regular sanitising of high-touch surfaces such as door handles and light switches. All of our staff have had cleaning and infection prevention training appropriate to their roles.

Staff testing

Whilst staff screening for COVID-19 is not mandatory, we have introduced a voluntary screening programme that means that all staff who work in patient areas are invited to participate in weekly screenings. All clinical staff will wear personal protective equipment when delivering patient care, which includes facemasks, goggles or visors, plastic aprons and gloves. All other staff will wear facemasks at all times in public areas. If any staff member tests positive for the virus we will manage them according to national guidance.

Keeping yourself and others safe

We all have a part to play in staying safe, so it is important to understand the rules we would like you to follow when you visit us. Please do not hesitate to ask us any questions you may have about your visit if you’re unsure.

Go to your appointment alone 

We are kindly asking patients to attend pre-assessment and outpatient appointments on their own, unless they require a carer or have exceptional circumstances where they need someone to accompany them. Please let someone know in advance if this is the case so we can make the necessary safety precautions.

Arrive as close to your appointment time as possible

Please avoid arriving too early for your appointment, as we have limited the waiting area space to comply with social distance rules. You will be seated in the waiting area, once you have checked in at reception, although you may be required to wait in your car to avoid too many people coming into the Centre at any one time.

Wear a face covering and sanitise or wash your hands regularly

You will be asked to sanitize your hands on arrival and throughout the duration of your visit. A single-use mask will be issued on arrival, if you do not have one.

If you feel you cannot safely wear a face covering when you come to hospital, please call us to discuss on 01892 665577.

Inpatient testing & visitors

If you are coming to us as an inpatient, you will need to have a swab test to determine if you have COVID-19. If your test result comes back positive, we will not be able to admit you for your procedure. We will however reassess you for a future booking.

Currently, visitors are only allowed to accompany a patient to an outpatient consultation or visit a patient in exceptional circumstances. If a permitted carer or visitor is required, please contact us in advance so the appropriate clinical team can approve this and make the necessary arrangements required to maintain patient and staff safety.

Patient Feedback

Why choose The Horder Centre for your treatment

We provide specialist, award-winning care

Rated as ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission, The Horder Centre is a unique hospital that specialises in orthopaedic surgery and treatment. Our completely tailored approach, which is underpinned with over 60 years of experience, provides excellent results for our patients. We are privileged to offer some of the very best Orthopaedic Consultants within the country and a team of supporting specialist staff that excel in providing the very best care for our patients. Situated within the Ashdown Forest, the Centre provides a therapeutic environment to offer our various services which includes joint replacement surgery, specialist physiotherapy and exercise classes.

We are ready for the future

Whatever direction the Coronavirus pandemic takes, Horder Healthcare is actively planning for the future to ensure we are always prepared and ready to provide outstanding, safe care. We are monitoring the situation closely and continually reviewing our measures so all of our patients, staff and visitors can be reassured that whilst in our facilities everything has been done to make their time with us as safe as possible.

Private services are now available

Our current formal agreement to support the NHS continues but immediate capacity pressures from the pandemic are easing, and the agreement now permits us to see self pay patients and those with Private Medical Insurance.

If you have been waiting for treatment this year and are considering private options, please contact us on 01892 620934 to find out more about our specialist services.

We look forward to welcoming you soon!

Get in touch

Frequently asked questions

We've answered some of the most asked questions below, but if you have any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact us.