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.

Virtual consultations

To help reduce the number of patients in the building at any one time, we are offering our patients the opportunity to have their appointment by video or telephone where appropriate.

Find out more

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

Patient Story: Molly Williams

“I felt fully prepared for my surgery and didn’t feel in any way rushed. Going into a hospital during the Covid pandemic could have been daunting but the whole process felt very safe and highly organised."

Read Patient Story

Excellent medical care

"I had an Oxford Unicompartmental Knee replacement performed by the same excellent surgeon who fixed my right knee four years ago and the outcome so far after five weeks has been even better.

My stay at the Crowborough hospital was absolutely fantastic. Every single member of staff from the Porter to the Consultant were cheerful, positive and relaxed and I felt in safe hands. The hospital was spotless and the food fantastic. Even the clerical staff were very efficient.

Nothing was too much trouble for anyone. I didn't want to go home as it was such a positive experience. I would definitely use their services again and recommend them to family, friends and colleagues.

Thank you to all the wonderful staff at the Horder Centre for giving me my quality of life back and allowing me to do all the things I enjoy again."

Visited The Horder Centre in March 2020

Wholly professional and caring team

"Just had 2nd knee replacement at the Horder Centre & as before I received exceptional care from all staff members.

Nothing was too much trouble & everything was clearly explained in detail, any questions or worries were laid to rest in a calm & reassuring way. I felt at ease throughout, even during these difficult times.

So a HUGE BIG THANK YOU to you all. In my book you are the BEST in your field."

Visited The Horder Centre in August 2020

Outstanding

"My experience of The Horder Centre for a hip replacement op was outstanding. Staff across the board were caring, informative and professional. Lovely room, good food, never felt silly for asking questions or seeking assistance.

Great post-op support, and helpful in assuring me that the difficulties I was experiencing were common. I ended up staying an extra night because of these and was concerned that this might be a problem, but at all points I was assured that decisions were always around what was best for me.

I felt at all times in very capable hands, thank you so much!"

Visited The Horder Centre in September 2020

Wonderful team!

"I had knee replacement surgery on 11th November 2020 and my operation and stay at the Horder Centre were brilliant.

From the time of my arrival I was kept informed about what was/would be happening. All the staff were friendly and very professional. I felt cared for throughout my stay.

After my operation I was taken up to the ward and given a sandwich and a cup of tea. As I didn't get to the room until 6pm, a lot of the night was spent with the staff doing all the necessary observations.

The following day I felt quite rough, almost passing out twice, but was well cared for by the nursing staff. On Friday I had physio, managing to go up and down 3 stairs with walking sticks, and was shown how to do the required exercises.

Since being home, I am already able to walk around the house with just one walking stick. I only have discomfort from the bruising around the wound, no real pain(I am taking pain relief as required) and I can bend and straighten my leg without pain which I haven't been able to do for some years. I am doing all my exercises and resting a lot as I am understandably still quite tired.

I would like to thank everyone involved in my care, including the catering staff who provided and served delicious food and plenty of cups of tea with a smile.

I will definitely be recommending The Horder Centre to others."

Visited The Horder Centre in November 2020

Wonderful treatment

"As a NHS patient, I was asked for my choice of hospital. Having received so much positive feedback it was an easy decision to make.

From my very first x-ray I never looked back. I was being dealt with by professionals, caring, supportive and able to answer all my queries in a way I could understand. A pleasant welcome at the door, courteous at all times and always done with common sense and humour. Whether it was a surgeon, doctor, nurse, auxiliary, physio, member of catering staff or cleaner I was treated as being important.

I knew exactly what the operation would involve, how to prepare for it and how I could contribute to my recovery afterwards. The facilities are excellent, the food very reasonable and the free generous parking reduced the stress.

Any downsides? Because of covid I could not associate with other patients or have visitors. This did not detract from my visit.

I would thoroughly recommend the Horder Centre to anyone requiring the treatments they provide. As a retired teacher I marked them ten out of ten in every section. Thank you!"

Visited The Horder Centre in December 2020

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.

Is the staff being tested regularly for COVID-19?

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.

How is social distancing being managed within the hospital?

We have reviewed our appointment times to allow us to stagger patients in a way that avoids crowding in any space, and have also removed every other chair in the waiting rooms, to allow patients to keep at a safe distance from others. If the waiting areas are reaching capacity patients are then asked to wait for their appointment in their car if possible. In addition, the hospital now has clear separate pathways for different types of patients, visitors and staff to minimise interaction.

Are you accepting cash payments?

We are currently not accepting cash payments, we are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.

Are you offering private services at the moment?

We are now delighted to be able to offer private services including surgery and physiotherapy. For private enquiries please call 01892 620934.

Do I need to bring my own mask and hand sanitiser?

If you feel more comfortable bringing your own mask and sanitiser please do so, we will have these items available free of charge to all visitors at the hospital.

Am I allowed to bring someone with me to my appointment?

Unfortunately at this current time, visitors are not allowed. This is to ensure we keep the number of people in the hospital at a minimum. We are only allowing visitors to attend with patients in exceptional circumstances, such as necessary permitted carers. If a visitor is required please contact us in advance so the appropriate clinical team can make the necessary arrangements required to maintain safety levels.

What do I need to bring with me for my appointments?

There is nothing specific that you need to bring with you, but if you prefer to bring your own face covering and hand gel please do so. Don’t worry if you forget, this will all be provided for you at the hospital.

What happens if I feel unwell before my appointment?

If you feel unwell or have the following COVID-19 symptoms on the day of your appointment, please do not attend.

Symptoms include:

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

Please call the hospital as soon as you are able to and we will be able to support you with rebooking at an appropriate time.

Can I have visitors after my procedure?

Unfortunately, we are unable to allow any visitors at this time unless in exceptional circumstances. Please contact us in advance so the appropriate clinical team can make the necessary arrangements required to maintain safety levels.

Is the coffee shop still open at The Horder Centre?

At this current time, the coffee shop is not open to patients. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

When will the exercise classes start again at The Horder Centre?

We are currently offering online classes to our existing customers, and hope to extend this out to new customers in the New Year. We are continually reviewing the situation regarding group classes returning to the Centre and will look to do this as soon as we are able.

Find out more about The Horder Centre

We provide outstanding patient experiences

The Horder Centre is an award winning centre of excellence that offers patients a unique therapeutic environment. Specifically designed for orthopaedic surgery, our facilities include a physiotherapy inpatient gym and courtyard gardens designed by clinical experts to enhance recovery. Finance options available.

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